USB Type-C Connector Short-Circuit Protection via Voltage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed power supply in USB Type-C connectors can lead to short-circuiting between adjacent terminals during abnormal connections, potentially causing damage to connected components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection circuit connected to the power terminals, which uses resistors to determine voltage values and transmit control signals to manage power supply based on identified conditions, preventing short-circuiting and protecting connected components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-speed power supply is implemented in USB Type-C connectors, then power transmission speed is improved, but risk of short-circuiting between adjacent terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit performs preliminary detection of abnormal connections (such as foreign objects or short-circuits) between adjacent terminals before high-speed power supply is activated. By detecting voltage values on data terminals and comparing them against threshold values, the system identifies potential short-circuit conditions in advance, preventing harmful current flow before it can cause damage to the connector or connected devices.
2Reliability
If detection circuit is added to detect short-circuiting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects foreign objects, identifies short-circuit conditions, and controls power supply activation. By integrating these functions into a single circuit module that shares detection terminals and processing logic, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities. The same detection mechanism serves both foreign object detection and short-circuit prevention purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects and prevents short-circuiting in USB Type-C connectors, ensuring safe and reliable power transmission by controlling power supply based on voltage readings, thus protecting the components from damage.
Implementation Method 1
identify a value corresponding to a voltage of the at least one data terminal by using the at least one detection terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a connector comprising at least one power terminal for receiving power supplied from an external electronic device, and at least one data terminal for transmitting/receiving data to/from the external electronic device; and a processor comprising at least one sensing terminal connected to the at least one data terminal through at least one resistor, wherein the processor is configured to: when the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector, check a value corresponding to the voltage at the at least one data terminal, by using the at least one sensing terminal; and transmit, to the external electronic device, a control signal for controlling power supply from the external electronic device, on the basis of the value checked by means of the at least one sensing terminal. The various embodiments of the present invention may also include other embodiments.