USB Type-C Voltage Management via Delay Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C devices face issues where the supply voltage can drop below a threshold, leading to device malfunction or data loss, and existing solutions require additional complex components or increased power consumption to prevent this.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed where a delay element is introduced in the power supply controller to delay the delivery of a new setpoint signal to the power converter, ensuring the supply voltage remains above the threshold during voltage reduction, using an AC-to-DC power converter and capacitive network discharge, allowing the power converter to remain active and avoid standby mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the supply voltage is reduced in response to a receiver device request, then power delivery is optimized for the receiver's needs, but the voltage may drop below the threshold causing device malfunction or data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is placed in standby mode in advance before the voltage reduction is completed, so that it is ready to immediately take over power delivery when the voltage drops below the threshold, preventing device malfunction without requiring additional monitoring components
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is extracted from the main power control circuit and integrated into the power supply controller's existing standby mode logic, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a monitoring device is added to control power converter activity and prevent voltage drops below threshold, then device reliability is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the power converter's standby mode, manages capacitor discharge timing, and maintains voltage threshold compliance, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is merged with the existing power supply control logic, combining voltage regulation and threshold monitoring into a single integrated control mechanism that reduces component count and simplifies the system architecture
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the power converter switches to standby mode during voltage reduction, then power consumption is reduced, but the voltage may drop below threshold during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is placed in standby mode in advance before the voltage reduction completes, ensuring it can immediately resume active power delivery if the voltage drops below the threshold, thus maintaining reliability while allowing energy savings during the transition
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
This approach effectively maintains the supply voltage above the threshold without adding complexity or increasing power consumption, ensuring stable operation of USB Type-C devices by timing the discharging of capacitors and setpoint changes to match the power converter's start-up time.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive network coupled to the power converter is discharged
Implementation Method 2
The discharge circuits DECH1 and DECH2 are linked between the power supply line ALIM and ground GND, in parallel to the capacitor C1
Data Source
AI summary
A device can be used for managing for managing the supply voltage on an output power supply pin of a USB Type-C source device that includes an AC-to-DC power converter for delivering the supply voltage. The source device is capable of supplying power to a receiver device. A power supply controller includes a first circuit configured to deliver a signal for discharging a capacitive network coupled to the power converter and also includes a second circuit configured to deliver, at the same time as the discharge signal, a new setpoint signal, corresponding to the new voltage delivered, to a control input of the power converter. A delay element is coupled between an output of the second circuit and the control input.