TW201805829A - Bridge device - Google Patents

Abstract

A bridge device including a first connection port, a first transmitter, a second connection port, a second transmitter, a voltage processor, a controller is provided. The first connection port is configured to couple to a host and includes a first pin. The first transmitter is coupled between the first pin and a node and includes a first current limiter. The second connection port is configured to couple to a peripheral device and includes a second pin. The second transmitter is coupled between the node and the second pin and includes a second current limiter. The voltage processor processes the voltage of the node to generate an operation voltage. The controller receives the operation voltage and decides whether to turn on at least one of the first and second transmitter.

Description

Bridge

The present invention relates to a bridge, and more particularly to a bridge coupled between a host and a peripheral device.

With the advancement of technology, the volume of electronic products is getting smaller and smaller, and the thickness is getting thinner and thinner. The number of connections to electronic products is also decreasing. Take the current smart phone as an example, the phone only has a single USB port. When the charger is coupled to the phone through the USB port, the phone can be charged. When the peripheral device is coupled to the mobile phone through the USB port, the mobile phone can transmit data with the peripheral device. However, the mobile phone cannot couple the charger and peripheral devices at the same time. Therefore, when the mobile phone is charging, the mobile phone cannot transmit data with the peripheral device.

The present invention provides a bridge and includes a first port, a first transmitter, a second port, a second transmitter, a voltage processor, and a controller. The first port is coupled to a host and has a first pin. The first transmitter is coupled between the first pin and a node and has a first current limiting component. The second port is configured to couple to a peripheral device and has a second pin. The second transmitter is coupled between the node and the second pin and has a second current limiting component. The voltage processor processes the voltage of the node to generate an operating voltage. The controller receives an operating voltage for determining whether to turn on the first and second transmitters At least one of them.

100A, 100B‧‧‧ operating system

110, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601‧‧‧ host

120A, 120B, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600‧‧‧ bridges

130‧‧‧ peripheral modules

131~133, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603‧‧‧ peripheral devices

111, 121~124, 134~136, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404, 502, 504, 602, 604‧‧‧ ports

141~144‧‧‧Connecting line

125, 422, 522, 624‧‧‧ power jack

150, 424, 524, 626‧‧‧ power adapters

206, 208, 306, 308, 320, 406, 408, 420, 506, 508, 520, 526, 606, 608, 622 ‧ ‧ transmitter

218, 222‧‧‧ current limiting components

220, 224‧‧ ‧ switch

210, 310, 410, 510, 610‧‧‧ voltage processors

212, 214‧‧‧ processing circuit

216, 316, 416, 516, 616‧‧ ‧ controller

318, 418, 518, 618, 620‧‧ ‧ voltage regulator

VO‧‧‧ output voltage

VA, VA1, VA2‧‧‧ adjustment voltage

VOP‧‧‧ operating voltage

VDC‧‧‧ external power supply

P1~P4‧‧‧ pin

VHT‧‧‧ host power supply

VCH‧‧‧Charging power supply

ND‧‧‧ node

SC, SC1, SC2‧‧‧ control signals

P51, P52, P61, P62‧‧‧ transistors

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the operating system of the present invention.

Figure 1B is another embodiment of the operating system of the present invention.

2A, 3A, 4A, 5, 6A are diagrams of possible embodiments of the bridge of the present invention.

2B, 3B, 4B, and 6B are schematic diagrams showing the operation modes of the bridges shown in Figs. 2A, 3A, 4A, and 6A.

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the operating system of the present invention. As shown, the operating system 100A includes a host 110, a bridge 120A, and a peripheral module 130. The invention does not limit the type of host 110. In a possible embodiment, the host 110 is a computer or a smart phone. The host 110 has a port 111 for transmitting data and/or power. In a possible embodiment, the port 111 is a USB Type-C port. The host 110 receives or outputs power using a USB Type-C port's power pin (such as VBUS) and utilizes a data pin using a USB Type-C port (eg, Tx1+, TX1-, Rx1+, RX1-, Tx2+, TX2). -, Rx2+, RX2-, D+, D-) receive or output data signals.

The bridge 120A is coupled between the host 110 and the peripheral module 130 for data and power transmission between the host 110 and the peripheral module 130. As shown, the bridge 120A has a port 121. In a possible embodiment, the port 121 is inserted directly into the port 111. In this example, the connection line 141 can be omitted. In another possible embodiment, the port 121 is coupled to the port 111 via a connecting wire 141. In other embodiments, port 121 is a USB Type-C port.

The bridge 120A further has a connection port 122-124 for coupling to the peripheral module 130. In the present embodiment, the peripheral module 130 has peripheral devices 131-133, but is not intended to limit the present invention. In other embodiments, the perimeter module 130 has more or fewer peripheral devices. The present invention also does not limit the types of peripheral devices 131-133. In one possible embodiment, any of the peripheral devices 131-133 can be a storage device, a display device, or a charger.

The bridge 120A determines the operation mode of the host 110 based on the connection state of the ports 121 to 124 and the characteristics of the host 110 and the peripheral devices 131 to 133. For example, if the peripheral device 131 is not a charger, the bridge 120A outputs a host power provided by the host 110 to the peripheral device 131. At this time, the host 110 supplies power to the bridge 120A. If the peripheral device 131 is a charger, the bridge 120A outputs a charging power provided by the peripheral device 131 to the host 110. At this time, the peripheral device 131 supplies power to the bridge 120A.

In this embodiment, when the peripheral devices 131-133 are all coupled to the bridge 120A, the host 110 may receive a charging power provided by one of the peripheral devices 131-133, and simultaneously output a data signal to the peripheral devices 131-133. The other one. For example, it is assumed that the peripheral device 131 is a charger, and the peripheral device 132 is a display device. In this example, the host 110 receives a charging power source provided by the peripheral device 131 and simultaneously outputs an image signal to the peripheral device 132 through the bridge 120A. Thus, while the host 110 is being charged, the peripheral device 132 can present a corresponding image. In another possible embodiment, the bridge 120A may transmit a charging power source provided by the peripheral device 131 to the peripheral device 132 for supplying power to the peripheral device 132.

As shown in the figure, the ports ~122~124 are respectively connected through the connecting line. 142~144 are coupled to the connection ports 134~136 of the peripheral devices 131-133. The invention does not limit the types of ports 122-124. In one possible embodiment, at least one of the ports 122-124 is a USB port, an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port, a VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, or a power jack. In other embodiments, at least one of the peripheral devices 131-133 is inserted into a corresponding port. In this case, the corresponding connecting line can be omitted.

Figure 1B is another embodiment of the operating system of the present invention. Figure 1B is similar to Figure 1A except that the bridge 120B of Figure 1B has a power jack 125. In this embodiment, when a power adapter 150 is inserted into the power jack 125, the bridge 120B transmits an external power source VDC provided by the power adapter 150 to the host 110 for charging the host 110. . While the host 110 is charging, the host 110 can continue to perform data transmission with at least one of the peripheral devices 131-133. In addition, the bridge 120B may also provide the external power source VDC to at least one of the peripheral devices 131-133.

In a possible embodiment, when the peripheral devices 131-133 are not chargers, the external power source VDC is regarded as a main power source for supplying power to the host 110 and the bridge 120B. In another possible embodiment, the bridge 120B can also provide an external power source VDC to at least one of the peripheral devices 131-133. In other embodiments, when one of the peripheral devices 131-133 is a charger, the bridge 120B determines whether to use the external power source VDC according to the characteristics of the charger. It is assumed that the peripheral device 131 is a charger. In this example, when the charging energy provided by the peripheral device 131 is lower than the energy required by the host 110, the bridge 120B may not use the charging power of the peripheral device 131, but only use the external power source VDC, or simultaneously use the week. The charging power of the side device 131 and the external power source VDC. Details will be explained later through Figures 4A, 5 and 6A.

Figure 2A is a diagram of a possible embodiment of the bridge of the present invention. As shown, the bridge 200 includes ports 202, 204, transmitters 206, 208, a voltage processor 210, and a controller 216. The port 202 is coupled to a host 201. The port 204 is coupled to a peripheral device 203. In other embodiments, the bridge 200 has more ports for coupling a plurality of peripheral devices.

The port 202 has at least pins P1 and P2. The pin P1 serves as a power pin for receiving a host power source VHT from the host 201 or providing a charging power source VCH to the host 201. Pin P2 acts as a communication pin. The controller 216 can communicate with the host 201 via the pin P2. In a possible embodiment, when the port 202 is a USB Type-C port, the power pin VBUS of the USB Type-C port can be used as the pin P1, and the configuration channel of the USB Type-C port is connected. The foot (Configuration Channel pin; CC pin) can be used as the pin P2.

The transmitter 206 is coupled between the port 202 and a node ND and has a current limiting component 218 and a switch 220. When the host 201 provides the host power supply VHT to the pin P1, the current limiting component 218 processes the host power supply VHT for generating a first output voltage to the node ND. In this embodiment, the current limiting element 218 is a diode. Current limiting component 218 attenuates host power supply VHT for generating a first output voltage to node ND.

When the switch 220 is turned on, since the impedance of the switch 220 is smaller than the current limiting element 218, the host power source VHT is transmitted to the node ND via the switch 220. In another possible embodiment, when the switch 220 is turned on, the switch 220 transmits the voltage of the node ND to the pin P1. In a possible embodiment, the transmitter 206 is a P A type transistor in which a body diode of the P-type transistor can function as the current limiting element 218. In another possible embodiment, the transmitter 206 is an N-type transistor.

The port 204 has pins P3 and P4. The pin P3 serves as a power pin for transmitting the host power source VHT or the charging power source VCH. Pin P4 acts as a communication pin. In the present embodiment, the controller 216 communicates with the peripheral device 203 via the pin P4. In a possible embodiment, when the port 204 is a USB Type-C port, the power pin (VBUS) of the USB Type-C port can be used as the pin P3, and the configuration of the USB Type-C port is configured. The channel pin (CC) can be used as pin P4.

The transmitter 208 is coupled between the node ND and the connection port 204 and has a current limiting component 222 and a switch 224. When the peripheral device 203 provides a charging power source VCH to the pin P3, the current limiting component 222 attenuates the charging power source VCH to generate a second output voltage to the node ND. When the switch 224 is turned on, since the impedance of the switch 224 is smaller than the current limiting element 222, the charging power source VCH is transmitted to the node ND via the switch 224. In another possible embodiment, when switch 224 is turned "on", the voltage on node ND can be transferred to pin P3 via switch 224. In other embodiments, the transmitter 208 is a P-type or N-type transistor.

The voltage processor 210 processes the voltage of the node ND to generate an operating voltage VOP. Voltage processor 210 includes processing circuits 212 and 214. In one possible embodiment, processing circuit 212 is a boost circuit and processing circuit 214 is a buck circuit. In this example, processing circuit 212 boosts the level of node ND to generate an output voltage VO. Processing circuit 214 then reduces output voltage VO to generate operating voltage VOP. In another possible embodiment, the processing circuit 212 is a step-down circuit for reducing the level of the node ND and generating an output voltage. VO. In this example, the processing circuit 214 is a booster circuit that boosts the output voltage VO to generate an operating voltage VOP.

When the controller 216 receives the operating voltage VOP, the controller 216 begins to act. In the present embodiment, the controller 216 determines the connection state of the ports 202 and 204 and the characteristics of the host 201 and the peripheral device 203 for turning on at least one of the transmitters 206 and 208. This will be explained in detail later through Figure 2B.

In another possible embodiment, when the bridge 200 has a plurality of ports for coupling a plurality of peripheral devices, the controller 216 is also responsible for data and/or power transfer between the host 201 and other peripheral devices. In the present embodiment, by the configuration of the current limiting elements 218 and 222, the node ND has a voltage even if the switches 220 and 224 are not yet turned on. Therefore, the voltage processor 210 can generate an operating voltage VOP for triggering the controller 216. After the controller 216 is triggered, the controller 216 turns on at least one of the switches 220 and 224 according to the connection state of the ports 202 and 204 and the characteristics of the host 201 and the peripheral device 203. After at least one of the switches 220 and 224 is turned on, the voltage processor 210 can generate an operating voltage having a larger energy to the controller 216, enabling the controller 216 to serve as a bridge between the other peripheral devices and the host 201.

Fig. 2B is a schematic view showing the operation mode of the bridge 200 shown in Fig. 2A. When the host 201 provides the host power supply VHT to the pin P1, the current limiting component 218 attenuates the host power supply VHT for generating the first output voltage to the node ND. The voltage processor 210 processes the voltage of the node ND to generate an operating voltage VOP and provides an operating voltage VOP to the controller 216 for triggering the controller 216. When the controller 216 is triggered, the controller 216 determines the connection status of the ports 202 and 204. Since only the host 201 is coupled to the bridge 200, the bridge 200 operates in the mode. Formula M21. In this mode, controller 216 turns on transmitter 206 and does not turn on transmitter 208. Therefore, the transmitter 206 provides the host power source VHT to the node ND. At this time, the host 201 supplies power to the bridge 200.

When the peripheral device 203 provides the charging power source VCH to the pin P3, the current limiting element 222 attenuates the charging power source VCH to generate a second output voltage to the node ND. The voltage processor 210 processes the voltage of the node ND to generate an operating voltage VOP to the controller 216. The controller 216 determines the connection state of the ports 202 and 204. Since only the peripheral device 203 is coupled to the bridge 200, the bridge 200 operates in mode M22. In this mode, controller 216 turns on transmitter 208 and does not turn on transmitter 206. At this time, the transmitter 208 provides the charging power source VCH to the node ND. Therefore, the power source of the bridge 200 comes from the peripheral device 203.

When the host 201 and the peripheral device 203 are respectively coupled to the ports 202 and 204, the controller 216 determines the characteristics of the host 201 and the peripheral device 203. If the peripheral device 203 is a charger, the bridge 200 operates in mode M23. In this mode, the controller 216 first turns on the transmitter 208 and communicates with the peripheral device 203 via the pin P4 to know the characteristics of the peripheral device 203, such as which charging energy can be provided. The controller 216 notifies the host 201 of the communication result via the pin P2. The host 201 then responds to the charging power required by itself. The controller 216 instructs the peripheral device 203 to output a suitable charging power source based on the reply result of the host 201. After the peripheral device 203 outputs a suitable charging power source, the controller 216 turns on the transmitter 206 to charge the host 201. In this example, both transmitters 206 and 208 are turned on, and the source of power for bridge 200 is from peripheral device 203. In some embodiments, a charging energy provided by the peripheral device 203 is sufficient to supply power to the host 201, and is further powered by the bridge 200 to other peripheral devices. In other words, the peripheral device 203 can also It can provide more charging energy than the host 201 requires.

However, when both the host 201 and the peripheral device 203 are coupled to the bridge 200, and the peripheral device 203 is not a charger, the bridge 200 operates in mode M24. In this mode, controller 216 turns on transmitters 206 and 208 for transmitting host power VHT to peripheral device 203. At this time, the host 201 supplies power to the bridge 200 and the peripheral device 203. In other embodiments, bridge 200 does not conduct transmitter 208 if peripheral device 203 does not require charging.

The present invention does not limit the internal circuit architecture of controller 216. Any circuit that can communicate with the host 201 and the peripheral device 203 can be used as the controller 216. In a possible embodiment, the controller 216 includes at least a micro control unit (MCU), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a power delivery controller (Power Delivery Controller), and a general purpose input/output (General Purpose Input Output). ; GPIO) controller, an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) controller, and an image processor.

Figure 3A is another possible embodiment of the bridge of the present invention. FIG. 3A is similar to FIG. 2A except that the bridge 300 of FIG. 3A further includes a voltage regulator 318 and a transmitter 320. Since the characteristics of the ports 302, 304, the transmitters 306, 308, and the voltage processor 310 in FIG. 3A are the same as those of the ports 202, 204, the transmitters 206, 208, and the voltage processor 210 in FIG. 2A, Therefore, it will not be repeated.

The voltage regulator 318 converts the level of the pin P3 according to a control signal SC to generate a regulated voltage VA. In the present embodiment, the control signal SC is generated by the controller 316. In a possible embodiment, the controller 316 generates a control signal according to an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) protocol. SC, but is not intended to limit the invention. In other embodiments, controller 316 enables and controls voltage regulator 318 using other transmission protocols.

The transmitter 320 is coupled between the pin P1 and the voltage regulator 318. In a possible embodiment, the transmitter 320 is a switching element for transmitting the regulated voltage VA to the pin P1. In the present embodiment, the transmitter 320 is controlled by the controller 316. In other embodiments, the transmitter 320 is a P-type or N-type transistor.

Fig. 3B is a schematic view showing the operation mode of the bridge 300 of Fig. 3A. In the present embodiment, the bridge 300 may operate in modes M31 to M35. Since the modes M31 to M34 are the same as the modes M21 to M24, they will not be described again. Additionally, when bridge 300 is operating in modes M31-M34, controller 316 disables voltage regulator 318 from turning on transmitter 320.

When the host 301 and the peripheral device 303 are coupled to the bridge 300, the controller 316 determines the charging energy that the peripheral device 303 can provide and the charging energy required by the host 301. When the charging energy that the peripheral device 303 can provide is greater than the charging energy required by the host 301, the bridge 300 operates in mode M35. In this mode, the controller 316 generates a control signal SC, and the voltage regulator 318 is configured to convert the charging energy that the peripheral device 303 can provide into the charging energy required by the host 301, and then turn on the transmitter 320 for Power is supplied to the host 301. At this time, the controller 316 does not turn on the transmitter 306 to prevent an excessive power source from entering the host 301. In mode M35, controller 316 turns on transmitter 308 for powering bridge 300. In a possible embodiment, the peripheral device 303 is a charger, and the bridge 300 is further coupled to another peripheral device (not shown), such as a hard disk. In this example, the charging energy provided by the peripheral device 303 must be sufficient to provide the host 110 for charging, and the remaining energy can be supplied to the bridge 300 for transmission to the hard disk for operation. Change sentence In other words, the charging energy that the peripheral device 303 can provide is greater than the charging energy required by the host 301.

Figure 4A is another possible embodiment of the bridge of the present invention. Figure 4 is similar to Figure 2A, except that the bridge 400 of Figure 4A has a voltage regulator 418, a transmitter 420, and a power jack 422. Since the characteristics of the ports 402, 404, the voltage processor 410, and the transmitters 406, 408 of FIG. 4A are the same as those of the ports 202, 204, the voltage processor 210, and the transmitters 206, 208 of FIG. 2A, Let me repeat.

The power socket 422 is coupled to a power adapter 424. Power adapter 424 provides an external power source VDC. The voltage regulator 418 converts the external power source VDC according to a control signal SC to generate a regulated voltage VA. The transmitter 420 is coupled between the node ND and the voltage regulator 418 and is controlled by the controller 416. When the controller 416 turns on the transmitter 420, the transmitter 420 transmits the regulated voltage VA to the node ND. In a possible embodiment, the transmitter 420 has a current limiting element for attenuating the regulated voltage VA when the transmitter 420 is not conducting, and providing the attenuation voltage to the node ND.

When the controller 416 knows that the power adapter 424 is plugged into the power jack 422, the controller 416 enables or disables the voltage regulator 418 according to the connection state of the ports 402 and 404 and the characteristics of the host 401 and the peripheral device 403 and At least one of the transmitters 406, 408, and 420 is turned on or off. For example, controller 416 may enable voltage regulator 418 and provide regulated voltage VA to at least one of host 401 and peripheral device 403 via transmitters 406, 408, and 420.

Fig. 4B is a schematic view showing the operation mode of the bridge 400 of Fig. 4A. As shown, the bridge 400 may operate in modes M41~M49. Due to mode The patterns M41 to M44 are similar to the patterns M21 to M24 of Fig. 2B, and therefore will not be described again. Additionally, when bridge 400 operates in modes M41-M44, controller 416 disables voltage regulator 418 from turning on transmitter 420.

When the host 401 is coupled to the power adapter 424 to the bridge 400, the bridge 400 operates in mode M45. In this mode, controller 416 enables voltage regulator 418 and turns on transmitters 406 and 420. The voltage regulator 418 converts the external power supply VDC provided by the power adapter 424 and provides a regulated voltage VA to the host 401 and the node ND through the transmitters 420 and 406. In mode M45, power adapter 424 supplies power to bridge 400 and host 401. At this time, since the peripheral device 403 is not coupled to the port 404, the controller 416 does not turn on the transmitter 408.

When the host 401, the peripheral device 403 and the power adapter 424 are coupled to the bridge 400, the bridge 400 operates in one of the modes M46 to M49 according to the characteristics of the host 401, the peripheral device 403, and the power adapter 424. For example, when the energy required by the host 401 is greater than the energy that the peripheral device 403 can provide, the bridge 400 operates in mode M46. In this mode, controller 416 enables voltage regulator 418 and turns on transmitters 406, 408, and 420. At this time, the peripheral device 403 supplies power to the host 401 and the bridge 400 together with the power adapter 424. That is, the controller 416 passes through the conduction transmitters 406, 408, and 420 for supplying the charging power source VCH provided by the peripheral device 403 and the adjustment voltage VA supplied from the power adapter 424 to the host 401 and the node ND.

Additionally, bridge 400 may operate in mode M47 or M48 when peripheral device 403 is not a charger. In mode M47, controller 416 enables voltage regulator 418 and turns on transmitters 408 and 420. Therefore, the power adapter 424 supplies power to the bridge 400 and the peripheral device 403. That is, the controller 416 generates a control The signal SC is made and the transmitters 408 and 420 are turned on to transmit the adjustment voltage VA to the node ND and the peripheral device 403. In another possible embodiment, in mode M48, controller 416 enables voltage regulator 418 and turns on transmitters 406, 408, and 420. Therefore, the power adapter 424 supplies power to the host 401, the bridge 400, and the peripheral device 403. That is, the controller 416 transmits the regulated voltage VA to the host 401, the peripheral device 403, and the node ND through the conductive transmitters 406, 408, and 420. In other embodiments, bridge 400 operates in mode M49 when peripheral device 403 requires greater power to supply power. In this mode, controller 416 enables voltage regulator 418 and turns on transmitters 406, 408, and 420. At this time, the host 401 and the power adapter 424 supply power to the bridge 400 and the peripheral device 403. That is, the controller 416 transmits the regulated voltage VA and the host power supply VHT provided by the host 401 to the node ND and the peripheral device 403 by turning on the transmitters 406, 408, and 420.

Figure 5 is another possible embodiment of the bridge of the present invention. Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4A, except that the bridge 500 of Figure 5 further includes a transmitter 526. Because of the characteristics of the transmitters 506, 508, 520, the voltage processor 510, the ports 502, 504, the voltage regulator 518, the power jack 522, the power adapter 524 of FIG. 5 and the transmitter 406 of FIG. 4A, The characteristics of 408, 420, voltage processor 410, ports 402, 404, voltage regulator 418, power jack 422, and power adapter 424 are the same, and therefore will not be described again.

The transmitter 526 is coupled between the controller 516 and the pin P3. When the energy provided by the peripheral device 503 is just equal to the energy required by the controller 516, the controller 516 turns on the transmitter 526 to directly receive the charging energy provided by the peripheral device 503 (ie, the voltage of the transmitting pin P3 is controlled). 516). However, the week When the energy provided by the edge device 503 is too large, the controller 516 does not conduct the transmitter 526 to avoid too much voltage from entering the controller 516.

In a possible embodiment, the transmitter 526 has P-type transistors P51 and P52, but is not intended to limit the invention. In other embodiments, the transmitter 526 may have more or fewer transistors. Additionally, transmitter 526 may have at least one N-type transistor. In the present embodiment, the P-type transistors P51 and P52 are connected in series between the controller 516 and the pin P3, and the gates of the P-type transistors P51 and P52 are coupled to the controller 516.

Figure 6A is another possible embodiment of the bridge of the present invention. Figure 6A is similar to Figure 2A, except that the bridge 600 of Figure 6A has more voltage regulators 618, 620, a transmitter 622, and a power jack 624. Since the characteristics of the ports 602, 604, the transmitters 606, 608, and the voltage processor 610 of FIG. 6A are similar to those of the ports 202, 204, the transmitters 206, 208, and the voltage processor 210 of FIG. 2A, Let me repeat.

The power jack 624 is coupled to a voltage adapter 626. Voltage adapter 626 provides an external power source VDC to power jack 624. The transmitter 622 is coupled between the power jack 624 and the node ND for transmitting the external power source VDC to the node ND. In the present embodiment, the transmitter 622 has P-type transistors P61 and P62. The P-type transistors P61 and P62 are connected in series between the power jack 624 and the node ND. When the controller 616 turns on the P-type transistors P61 and P62, the P-type transistors P61 and P62 transmit the external power source VDC to the node ND. In other embodiments, the transmitter 622 has more or fewer transistors or has at least one N-type transistor.

The voltage regulator 620 is coupled between the pin P3 and the node ND, and converts the external power source VDC according to a control signal SC1 for generating a regulated voltage. VA1 is pre-pin P3. The voltage regulator 618 is coupled between the pin P1 and the node ND, and converts the external power source VDC according to a control signal SC2 for generating a regulated voltage VA2 to the pin P1.

In this embodiment, the controller 616 controls the voltage regulators 618 and 620 according to the connection state of the ports 602, 604 and the power jack 624 and the characteristics of the host 601, the peripheral device 603, and the power adapter 626, and conducts the transmission. At least one of 606, 608, and 622.

Fig. 6B is a schematic view showing the operation mode of the bridge 600 of Fig. 6A. As shown, bridge 600 may operate in modes M61-M71. Since modes M61 to M64 are similar to modes M21 to M24 of FIG. 2B, they will not be described again. Additionally, when bridge 600 is operating in modes M61-M64, controller 616 disables voltage regulators 618 and 620 and does not conduct transmitter 622.

When the host 601 and the power adapter 626 are coupled to the bridge 600, the bridge 600 operates in mode M65 or M66 depending on the characteristics of the host 601 and the power adapter 626. When the power provided by the power adapter 626 is exactly equal to the energy required by the host 601, the controller 616 turns on the transmitters 606 and 622 to directly provide the external power source VDC to the host 601. In mode M65, power adapter 626 is powered to bridge 600. However, when the energy provided by the power adapter 626 is greater or less than the energy required by the host 601, the controller 616 operates in mode M66. In this mode, controller 616 turns on transmitter 622 and enables voltage regulator 618. Therefore, the voltage regulator 618 converts the external power source VDC into the regulated voltage VA2 and provides the regulated voltage VA2 to the host 601. In this example, the regulated voltage VA2 is the voltage required by the host 601. At this time, the power adapter 626 supplies power to the bridge 600. Additionally, in mode M66, controller 616 does not turn on transmitters 606 and 608 and disables Voltage regulator 620.

When the host 601, the peripheral device 603, and the power adapter 626 are both coupled to the bridge 600, the controller 616 operates in one of the modes M67-M71 according to the characteristics of the host 601, the peripheral device 603, and the power adapter 626. In a possible embodiment, when the charging energy required by the host 601 is large and the peripheral device 603 is a charger, the bridge 600 operates in the mode M67. In this mode, controller 616 turns on transmitters 606, 608, and 622 and disables voltage regulators 618 and 620. At this time, the peripheral device 603 and the power adapter 626 collectively supply power to the host 601 and the bridge 600. If the peripheral device 603 is not a charger, the bridge 600 operates in mode M68. In this mode, controller 616 turns on transmitters 606, 608, and 622 and disables voltage regulators 618 and 620. At this time, the power adapter 626 supplies power to the host 601, the peripheral device 603, and the bridge 600.

When the host 601, the peripheral device 603 and the power adapter 626 are both coupled to the bridge 600, if the energy provided by the power adapter 626 does not meet the energy required by the host 601 and the peripheral device 603, the bridge 600 operates at Mode M69. In this mode, controller 616 turns on transmitter 622 and enables voltage regulators 618 and 620. The voltage regulator 618 converts the external power supply VDC provided by the power adapter 626 into the regulated voltage VA2, and supplies the generated regulated voltage VA2 to the host 601, wherein the regulated voltage VA2 is the power required by the host 601. Similarly, the voltage regulator 620 converts the external power supply VDC supplied from the power adapter 626 into the regulated voltage VA1, and supplies the generated regulated voltage VA1 to the peripheral device 603. In this example, the regulation voltage VA1 is the power required by the peripheral device 603. In mode M69, controller 616 does not conduct transmitters 606 and 608 and accepts external power supply VDC from power adapter 626.

When peripheral device 603 is not a charger, bridge 600 operates in mode M70 if the energy required by peripheral device 603 is not equal to the energy provided by power adapter 626. In this mode, controller 616 turns on transmitter 622 and enables voltage regulator 620. The voltage regulator 620 converts the energy supplied by the power adapter 626 and supplies the converted adjustment voltage VA1 to the peripheral device 603 through the pin P3. At this time, the power adapter 626 supplies power to the bridge 600.

When the energy provided by the power adapter 626 meets the energy required by the host 601, but does not meet the energy required by the peripheral device 603, the bridge 600 operates in mode M71. In this mode, controller 616 turns on transmitters 606 and 622 and enables voltage regulator 620. At this time, the transmitter 606 provides the energy provided by the power adapter 626 to the host 601. The voltage regulator 620 converts the energy supplied by the power adapter 626 and supplies the converted adjustment voltage VA1 to the peripheral device 603 through the pin P3. At this time, the power adapter 626 supplies power to the bridge 600.

The present invention does not limit the bridge 600 to operate only in any of the modes M61 to M71. In other embodiments, the bridge 600 properly turns on the transmitters 606, 608, and 622 according to the connection state of the ports 602, 604 and the power jack 624 and the characteristics of the host 601, the peripheral device 603, and the power adapter 626. At least one. Bridge 600 can also suitably enable at least one of voltage regulators 618 and 620 to convert the energy provided by power adapter 626.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are used in the ordinary meaning Moreover, unless expressly stated, the definition of a vocabulary in a general dictionary should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning of an article in its related art, and should not be interpreted as an ideal state or an overly formal voice.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention, and any one of ordinary skill in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. . For example, the system, apparatus or method of the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a physical embodiment of a combination of hardware, software or hardware and software. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

200‧‧‧ Bridge

201‧‧‧Host

202, 204‧‧‧ Connections

203‧‧‧ peripheral devices

206, 208‧‧‧ transmitter

218, 222‧‧‧ current limiting components

220, 224‧‧ ‧ switch

210‧‧‧Voltage processor

212, 214‧‧‧ processing circuit

216‧‧‧ controller

P1~P4‧‧‧ pin

ND‧‧‧ node

VO‧‧‧ output voltage

VOP‧‧‧ operating voltage

VHT‧‧‧ host power supply

VCH‧‧‧Charging power supply

Claims (24)

A bridge includes: a first port coupled to a host and having a first pin; a first transmitter coupled between the first pin and a node and having a a first current limiting device; a second connecting port for coupling a peripheral device and having a second pin; a second transmitter coupled between the node and the second pin and having a a second current limiting component; a voltage processor that processes the voltage of the node to generate an operating voltage; and a controller that receives the operating voltage to determine whether to turn on at least one of the first and second transmitters By. The bridge of claim 1, wherein the controller turns on the first and second transmitters when the host is coupled to the first port and the peripheral device is coupled to the second port. The bridge of claim 1, wherein when the host provides a host power to the first pin, the first current limiting component processes the host power to generate a first output voltage to the a node, and the controller turns on the first transmitter to transmit the host power to the node. The bridge of claim 1, wherein when the peripheral device provides a charging power to the second pin, the second current limiting device processes the charging power source to generate a second output voltage. The node, and the controller turns on the second transmitter to transmit the charging power to the node. The bridge as described in claim 4 of the patent scope further includes: a voltage regulator that converts the level of the second pin according to a control signal to generate a regulated voltage; and a third transmitter coupled between the first pin and the voltage regulator, wherein The controller generates the control signal for enabling the voltage regulator and turning on the third transmitter to provide the regulated voltage to the first pin. The bridge of claim 5, wherein the controller does not conduct the first transmitter and turns on the second transmitter to transmit the charging power to the node. The bridge of claim 5, wherein the controller generates the control signal according to an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) protocol. The bridge of claim 1, further comprising: a power jack for receiving an external power source; a voltage regulator that converts the external power source according to a control signal to generate a regulated voltage; A third transmitter is coupled between the node and the voltage regulator for transmitting the regulated voltage to the first pin and the node. The bridge of claim 8, wherein the controller turns on the second transmitter to provide a charging power source provided by the peripheral device to the first pin and the node. The bridge of claim 8, wherein the controller enables the voltage regulator and turns on the second and third transmitters to provide the adjustment voltage to the second pin and the node . The bridge of claim 8, wherein the controller enables the voltage regulator and turns on the first, second, and third transmitters to provide the adjustment voltage to the first pin. The second pin and the node. The bridge of claim 8, wherein the controller enables the voltage regulator and turns on the first, second, and third transmitters for adjusting the voltage and a host provided by the host The host power is supplied to the second pin and the node. The bridge of claim 8, further comprising: a fourth transmitter coupled between the controller and the second pin, wherein the controller does not conduct the second transmitter and is turned on The fourth transmitter is configured to transmit a voltage of the second pin to the controller. The bridge of claim 1, further comprising: a power jack for receiving an external power source; a third transmitter coupled between the power jack and the node; The voltage regulator is coupled between the second pin and the node, and converts the external power source according to a first control signal to generate a first regulated voltage to the second pin; and a second voltage The regulator is coupled between the first pin and the node, and converts the external power source according to a second control signal to generate a second adjustment voltage to the first pin. The bridge of claim 14, wherein the controller turns on the first and third transmitters for transmitting the external power to the first pin and the node. A bridge as claimed in claim 14, wherein the controller is turned on The third transmitter enables the second voltage regulator to provide the second regulated voltage to the first pin. The bridge of claim 14, wherein when the peripheral device provides a charging power source, the controller turns on the first, second, and third transmitters for transmitting the external power source and the charging power source. The first pin is connected to the node. The bridge of claim 14, wherein the controller turns on the first, second, and third transmitters for transmitting the external power to the first and second pins and the node. The bridge of claim 14, wherein the controller turns on the third transmitter and enables the first and second voltage regulators to transmit the first regulated voltage to the second pin And transmitting the second adjustment voltage to the first pin. The bridge of claim 14, wherein the controller turns on the third transmitter and enables the first voltage regulator to transmit the first regulated voltage to the second pin. The bridge of claim 14, wherein the controller turns on the first and third transmitters and enables the first voltage regulator to transmit the external power to the first pin and transmit The first regulated voltage is applied to the second pin. The bridge of claim 1, wherein the voltage processor comprises: a booster circuit that boosts a level of the node to generate an output voltage; A step-down circuit that reduces the output voltage to generate the operating voltage. The bridge of claim 1, further comprising: a third port for coupling to a display device, wherein the controller provides an image signal provided by the host through the third port The display device is provided. The bridge of claim 1, wherein the first and second ports are USB Type-C ports.