SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PORT MANAGEMENT

• US 20190065422A1
• Filed: 08/25/2017
• Published: 02/28/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Sporck, Christian Gregory, Paparrizos, Georgios Konstantinos
• Granted Patent: US 10,489,324 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/266 Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/385 for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4282 on a serial bus, e.g. I2C bus, SPI bus on daisy chain buses G06F13/4247
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/62 Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

Abstract

Systems and methods for port management are disclosed. In one aspect, the system may consolidate port management functions as well as power conversion, protection features, and signal conditioning circuitry into a single integrated circuit (IC) for a device without a battery. Further exemplary aspects allow for arbitration between ports to handle power supply versus power sink functions. Still further exemplary aspects provide an indication when a weak power source is coupled to the computing device to alert a user that the weak power source may not provide sufficient power for full operation. Such consolidated functionality allows a single form factor to be used for all ports whether the ports are used as a power port or an output port. Further, such consolidated functionality helps mitigate possible damage caused by improper activity.

Claims

1. A method of controlling power for a device, comprising:

detecting insertion of a connector into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C receptacle;

determining if power is available through the USB Type-C receptacle or if power is being drawn through the USB Type-C receptacle;

negotiating power levels if power is available;

determining if other modes are supported through the USB Type-C receptacle; and

controlling such other modes if available.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting insertion of a second connector into a second USB Type-C receptacle.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising determining if power is available through the second USB Type-C receptacle.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising when power is available through the USB Type-C receptacle and the second USB Type-C receptacle, combining power from both of the USB Type-C receptacles.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising, when power is available from only one of the USB Type-C receptacle and the second USB Type-C receptacle, routing at least some power between the USB Type-C receptacles.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising illuminating a light emitting diode (LED) on insertion detection.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising illuminating a light emitting diode (LED) when there is a fault.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising illuminating a light emitting diode (LED) when there is insufficient power.

9. A device comprising:

at least one Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C receptacle; and

a USB port control integrated circuit (IC), comprising circuitry configured to;

detect insertion of a connector into a USB Type-C receptacle;

determine if power is available through the USB Type-C receptacle or if power is being drawn through the USB Type-C receptacle;

negotiate power levels if power is available;

determine if other modes are supported through the USB Type-C receptacle; and

control such other modes if available.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one USB Type-C receptacle comprises at least a second USB Type-C receptacle.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the circuitry is configured to determine if power is available through the second USB Type-C receptacle.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the circuitry is configured to, when power is available through the USB Type-C receptacle and the second USB Type-C receptacle, combine power from both receptacles.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the circuitry is configured to, when power is available from only one of the USB Type-C receptacle and the second USB Type-C receptacle, route at least some power between the USB Type-C receptacles.

14. The device of claim 9, further comprising a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate on insertion detection.

15. The device of claim 9, further comprising a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate on detection of a fault.

16. The device of claim 9, further comprising a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate on detection of insufficient power supply.

17. The device of claim 9 selected from the group consisting of:

a set top box;

an entertainment unit;

a navigation device;

a communications device;

a fixed location data unit;

a mobile location data unit;

a global positioning system (GPS) device;

a mobile phone;

a cellular phone;

a smart phone;

a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone;

a tablet;

a phablet;

a server;

a computer;

a portable computer;

a mobile computing device;

a wearable computing device;

a desktop computer;

a personal digital assistant (PDA);

a monitor;

a computer monitor;

a television;

a tuner;

a radio;

a satellite radio;

a music player;

a digital music player;

a portable music player;

a digital video player;

a video player;

a digital video disc (DVD) player;

a portable digital video player;

an automobile;

a vehicle component;

avionics systems;

a drone; and

a multicopter.