USB Type-C Power Delivery Source Status Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems where electronic devices supporting Dual Role Power (DRP) of USB Type-C Power Delivery are connected, there is a challenge in effectively managing power delivery and reception between battery-driven devices, as battery power is often unnecessarily increased or decreased, leading to inefficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system where one device acts as a Source and another as a Sink, using a USB Type-C connector to transmit status information about its power source state through an I2C bus, allowing the Embedded Controller to control charging based on the received information, enabling adaptive power control via Unstructured VDM communication to determine if the connected device is AC-driven or battery-driven.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If battery-driven devices are connected to each other through USB Type-C connector, then data transfer is enabled, but unnecessary power delivery/reception occurs leading to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the power source state (AC or battery) of the connected device before initiating power delivery. The Embedded Controller detects the power source type through VDM communication and I2C bus status information, and determines the appropriate power management mode in advance, preventing unnecessary power delivery before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the Source device continuously monitors the Sink device's power source state through status information transmitted via I2C bus and VDM communication. Based on this feedback, the power delivery is dynamically adjusted or stopped to avoid energy waste when both devices are battery-driven.
2Adaptability or versatility
If status information transmission is implemented through I2C bus, then adaptive power control is enabled, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The I2C bus, which is already present for other communication purposes in USB Type-C connectivity, is utilized additionally for transmitting power source status information. This multi-functional use of the existing communication bus enables adaptive power control without adding separate dedicated communication hardware or protocols.
3Loss of energy
If power delivery control is implemented based on power source state, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Embedded Controller automatically detects the power source state of the connected device and autonomously determines the appropriate power management action without requiring manual user input or complex external control systems. The system serves itself by making intelligent power delivery decisions based on detected status information.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a system includes a first device and a second device. The first device serves as an electric power supplying side. The second device serves as an electric power receiving side. The first device includes a transmitter that transmits status information to the second device. The status information indicates a state of an electric power source of the first device. The second device includes a receiver and a controller. The receiver receives the status information from the first device. The controller controls charging of a battery included in the second device using an electric power supplied from the first device, based on the state of the electric power source of the first device indicated by the status information.