Voltage Control Circuit for USB Overvoltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices are vulnerable to damage from malicious devices like the USB killer, which can cause overvoltage leading to inoperability, overheating, and sparks due to abnormal power supply through USB ports.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a power regulator and control circuit that identifies the type of external device connected, outputs a predetermined voltage, and detects signal terminal voltages to determine whether to supply power, temporarily stopping or maintaining power supply based on voltage ranges to prevent overvoltage damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is continuously supplied to external devices through USB port, then power transmission function is improved, but device becomes vulnerable to overvoltage damage from malicious devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary voltage detection on signal terminals before enabling power supply through the power regulator. This preliminary action identifies malicious devices in advance, preventing overvoltage damage before it occurs while maintaining power transmission capability for legitimate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the power regulator and external devices. It monitors signal terminal voltages and controls the power regulator's output based on detected voltage levels, mediating between the power source and potential threats to ensure safe operation
2Reliability
If voltage detection is performed on signal terminals, then protection against malicious devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs multiple functions using the same hardware components: it detects device types through signal terminals, determines power supply eligibility, monitors voltage levels during operation, and controls the power regulator. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive protection without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses the existing signal terminals and power regulator structure to perform self-protection. The same terminals used for device identification also serve for voltage detection, and the power regulator is self-controlled based on detection results, eliminating the need for separate dedicated protection hardware
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for controlling voltage and a method therefor are provided. The electronic device includes a power regulator, a connector including one or more signal terminals and one or more power terminals electrically connected to the power regulator, and a control circuit electrically connected to the one or more signal terminals. The control circuit is configured to identify a type of an external electronic device connected through the connector, identify detected values for at least some of the one or more signal terminals based at least on the identified type corresponding to a predetermined type, and output, through the power regulator, a predetermined voltage to the external electronic device through the one or more power terminals based at least on the detected value being within a first predetermined range.