High-definition video docking station device, integrated system and communication method

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-definition video docking station device, an integrated system and a communication method. The device comprises a main control module, a protocol conversion module, a power management module, a video processing module, a dynamic bandwidth allocation unit, a plurality of video output interfaces and a peripheral expansion unit. The main control module receives an input video signal and performs shunting, compression and protocol analysis; the protocol conversion module manages interface protocol switching, equipment detection and power supply negotiation; the power management module converts input voltage into multi-stage system voltage and provides a reverse charging function; the video processing module is used for splitting an input video signal into multiple paths of independent video streams and reducing the bandwidth; the dynamic bandwidth allocation unit is used for dynamically adjusting the resolution or refresh rate of the video stream; and the peripheral expansion unit is connected with the low-speed peripheral through the independent data channel. The device supports three paths of 4K and 60Hz synchronous output, has high energy efficiency, intelligent bandwidth management and good compatibility, and is suitable for multi-screen cooperation, industrial control and high-resolution display application scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology in the field of electronic devices, and in particular to a high-definition video docking station device, an integrated system and a communication method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the docking station products on the market have obvious deficiencies in multi-screen high-definition video output. Traditional multi-screen solutions mainly rely on the Thunderbolt protocol, which not only has high costs but also poor compatibility, restricting device selection and popularization. At the same time, the signal processing and protocol management modules of existing docking station technologies adopt a discrete design, resulting in high system complexity and large power consumption, affecting the portability and energy efficiency of the device.

[0003] Although the Type-C interface has a high bandwidth, it is still insufficient when outputting multiple 4K videos. Existing docking stations mostly only support 1-2 4K monitors and rely on an external GPU or Thunderbolt interface, which further increases costs and complexity and restricts application scenarios. In addition, the power management of existing docking stations is complex and vulnerable to signal interference, affecting the stability and quality of video transmission.

[0004] Therefore, existing docking station technologies have deficiencies in aspects such as multi-screen high-definition display support, cost control, compatibility, power consumption management, signal integrity, and power management, and it is difficult to meet the growing needs of users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, in view of the deficiencies of the existing technology, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a high-definition video docking station device, an integrated system and a communication method. By co-designing and optimizing multiple key modules such as the main control module, protocol conversion module, power management module, and video processing module, efficient and stable multi-screen expansion output of high-definition video is achieved.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A high-definition video docking station device, which includes:

[0008] A main control module, configured to receive an input video signal and control signal splitting, compression, and protocol parsing;

[0009] A protocol conversion module, connected to multiple video output interfaces, configured to manage interface protocol switching, device detection, and power supply negotiation;

[0010] A power management module, configured to convert the input voltage into a multi-level system voltage and provide reverse charging for external devices;

[0011] A video processing module, which is used to split an input video signal into multiple independent video streams and reduce the bandwidth of a single path through compression technology;

[0012] A dynamic bandwidth allocation unit, which is used to dynamically adjust the resolution or refresh rate of a video stream according to the bandwidth requirements of each video output interface;

[0013] Multiple video output interfaces, which are connected to the main control module through a protocol conversion module and support high-resolution video transmission;

[0014] A peripheral expansion unit, which is connected to low-speed peripherals through an independent data channel and is physically isolated from the video transmission channel;

[0015] The main control module is connected to the protocol conversion module through a high-speed data transmission channel to transmit the processed video signal; the protocol conversion module feeds back to the main control module according to the detected device type and dynamically adjusts the interface protocol and power supply strategy; the power management module provides hierarchical voltages for each module and cooperates with the protocol conversion module to manage reverse charging; the video processing module receives instructions from the main control module to complete signal splitting and bandwidth compression; the dynamic bandwidth allocation unit reads the EDID information of the display and feeds it back to the main control module; the peripheral expansion unit interacts with the main control module through control signals to independently manage the connection of low-speed peripherals.

[0016] As a preferred solution: the main control module includes an LT8713 chip; the protocol conversion module includes an LT8711 chip; the high-speed data transmission channel is a DHTXx_DxP / N differential pair.

[0017] As a preferred solution: the LT8713 chip controls the 2Lane / 4Lane switching of the signal channel through the GPIO12 pin, and realizes the plug-and-play detection logic through the GPIO27 pin. The DSC compression parameters are configured through the I2C bus (CSDA / CSCL).

[0018] As a preferred solution: the LT8711 chip detects the device type through the CC1 / CC2 pins, manages the voltage output of reverse charging through the VBUS pin, and supports a maximum power supply of 20V / 5A.

[0019] As a preferred solution: the power management module includes an SY6818PLC chip and an SY8105IADC chip, which are respectively used to generate 5V_SYS and 3.3V voltages. The impedance of the VBUS power path is designed to be lower than 50mΩ, and it is wired in layers with the signal lines.

[0020] As a preferred solution: The peripheral expansion unit is a USB 2.0 HUB, which is connected to the peripherals through the USB_D_DP / USB_D_DN differential pair, and the HUB reset signal is driven by the control signal pin of the main control module.

[0021] As a preferred solution: The LT8713 chip is connected to the LT8711 chip through the DHTX0_D0P / N to DHTX2_D3P / N differential pairs for transmitting the compressed video stream; the GPIO12 / GPIO27 pins of the LT8713 chip are connected to the POL / HPD pins of the LT8711 chip to control the signal channel switching and the detection of correct / incorrect insertion; the VBUS_CTRL pin of the LT8711 chip is connected to the SY6818PLC chip of the power management module to realize the coordinated management of power supply and video transmission.

[0022] As a preferred solution: The video processing module includes an MST Hub unit and a DSC compression unit, where:

[0023] The MST Hub unit receives the input signal through the RX_D0P / N differential pair of the LT8713 chip and splits it into at least three independent video streams; the DSC compression unit configures the compression parameters through the SPI interface of the LT8713 chip and compresses the bandwidth of each video stream; the compressed video stream is transmitted to the LT8711 chip through the DHTXx_DxP / N differential pair and output through the Type-C output interface.

[0024] An integrated system includes the docking station device described above, and is characterized in that it further includes a temperature monitoring module, which dynamically adjusts the switching frequency of the power management module through a temperature sensor.

[0025] A communication method applied to the high-definition video docking station device includes the following steps:

[0026] S1. Receive the input video signal and split and compress it through the main control module;

[0027] S2. Adapt the interface protocol through the protocol conversion module and output it to multiple video output interfaces;

[0028] S3. Dynamically monitor the bandwidth occupancy rate, and reduce the color depth or resolution of the video stream when it approaches the threshold;

[0029] S4. Independently manage the connection of low-speed peripherals through the peripheral expansion unit.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has obvious advantages and beneficial effects. Specifically, as can be seen from the above technical solutions,

[0031] First, it supports three-way 4K@60Hz synchronous output: By combining MST Hub technology and DSC compression technology, the total bandwidth is controlled within 24Gbps (after compression), which is lower than the 25.92Gbps upper limit of USB-C DP 1.4, meeting users' demands for multi-screen high-definition displays. This enables users to simultaneously play high-definition videos, perform graphics processing, or run office applications on three 4K-resolution monitors, greatly enhancing work efficiency and user experience.

[0032] Second, the full-load power consumption is only 10.5W, which has an obvious advantage compared to the average power consumption of 15W of competing products. At the same time, the reverse charging efficiency is as high as 92%. When charging and video transmission occur simultaneously, the voltage fluctuation is controlled within 5%, improving the energy utilization efficiency. This advantage not only reduces the user's usage cost but also helps to reduce energy consumption, conforming to the current environmental protection trend.

[0033] Third, the signal-to-noise ratio is increased by 20dB, and the eye diagram jitter is less than 0.1UI, ensuring high-quality transmission of video signals. In addition, through hierarchical wiring design and power management strategies, signal crosstalk and power consumption are effectively reduced, enhancing the stability and reliability of the system. In a multi-screen display environment, stable signal transmission can avoid problems such as video stuttering and color deviation, ensuring that users obtain a smooth and clear visual experience.

[0034] Fourth, the dynamic bandwidth allocation unit can dynamically adjust video stream parameters according to the real-time monitored EDID information, avoiding signal quality problems caused by bandwidth overrun. The temperature monitoring module can automatically adjust the power consumption under high-load conditions to ensure the long-term stable operation of the device. These intelligent management functions enhance the adaptability and reliability of the device, enabling it to work stably in various complex environments and extending the service life of the device.

[0035] Fifth, the present invention does not rely on the Thunderbolt protocol, reducing costs while improving compatibility. Through the Type-C interface and DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol, it can be connected to a variety of devices, including but not limited to laptops, tablets, smartphones, and various monitors and projectors, meeting users' diverse needs in different scenarios.

[0036] Sixth, the positive and negative plug detection and hot plugging functions make it more convenient for users to connect devices, without worrying about plugging the interface in the wrong direction or device damage caused by hot plugging. In addition, the device's automatic recognition and configuration functions for different devices further simplify the user's operation process and improve the usability.

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the structural features and effects of the present invention, the following will be described in detail in combination with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 A first - perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the docking station device of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 A second - perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the docking station device of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 A third - perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the docking station device of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the docking station system of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the Type - C data input interface circuit of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the circuit connection of the main control module of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the first Type - C output interface circuit of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the second Type - C output interface circuit of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the third Type - C output interface circuit of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the power input and protection circuit of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the 5V output power management circuit of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the high - current 5V output power circuit of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the multi - path power output circuit of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the circuit connection of one of the protocol conversion modules of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the circuit connection of another protocol conversion module of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the USB 2.0 HUB of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 17Schematic diagram of the communication method steps of the present invention.

[0055] Explanation of the attached drawing reference numerals:

[0056] 10. USB2.0 output interface; 20. TYPE-C output interface; 30. TYPE-C data input interface; 40. Type-C power input interface. Detailed implementation manner

[0057] As shown in the present invention Figures 1 to 17 shown, a high-definition video docking station device, integrated system and communication method, including a main control module, a protocol conversion module, a power management module, a video processing module, a dynamic bandwidth allocation unit, a plurality of video output interfaces and a peripheral expansion unit, wherein:

[0058] The main control module is used to receive the input video signal, control the signal splitting, compression and protocol parsing; it uses an LT8713 chip. The input signal is received via the RX_D0P / N differential pair, split into at least three independent video streams through MST Hub technology, and each signal is further processed by the DSC compression unit, applying a compression ratio of 3:1 to reduce the single-channel bandwidth from 12.54 Gbps to 8 Gbps, so as to meet the bandwidth limit requirements of the USB-C DP 1.4 protocol. The compressed signal is output to the LT8711 chip through the DHTXx_DxP / N channel. The LT8713 chip also controls the 2Lane / 4Lane switching of the signal channel through the GPIO12 pin to adapt to the transmission requirements of different resolutions; the GPIO27 pin is used to detect the correct / incorrect insertion state of the Type-C interface and configure the DSC compression parameters in real time through the SPI interface (SPI_MOSI / CK) to ensure signal quality.

[0059] The LT8713 chip, as the main control core, undertakes the key task of video signal processing. The video signal is input from the RX_D0P / N differential pair, and after being processed by MST Hub technology, it is accurately split into three independent video streams. These three video streams then enter the DSC compression unit and are efficiently compressed according to the preset compression ratio of 3:1, reducing the single-channel bandwidth from the original 12.54 Gbps to 8 Gbps, so as to meet the strict requirements of the USB-C DP1.4 protocol for bandwidth. The compressed video signal is orderly output to the LT8711 chip through the DHTXx_DxP / N channel to ensure that the signal can be accurately transmitted to the next processing link.

[0060] In terms of control logic, the GPIO12 pin of the LT8713 chip is responsible for controlling the 2Lane / 4Lane switching of the signal channel. This function enables the device to flexibly adapt to display devices with different resolution and bandwidth requirements. When higher-resolution video needs to be transmitted, it can be switched to the 4Lane mode to provide a greater data transfer rate. At the same time, the GPIO27 pin continuously monitors the correct or incorrect insertion state of the Type-C interface and automatically adjusts the data polarity through the POL signal, ensuring that the signal can be transmitted normally regardless of how the user inserts the Type-C interface, greatly enhancing the user experience.

[0061] In addition, the SPI interface (SPI_MOSI / CK) of the LT8713 chip plays an important role in the system and is responsible for configuring the parameters of the DSC compression unit in real time. According to different video content and display requirements, the SPI interface can dynamically adjust the compression parameters to achieve the best balance between compression effect and video quality, ensuring that users can enjoy a clear and smooth video experience in various scenarios.

[0062] The protocol conversion module is connected to multiple video output interfaces and is used to manage interface protocol switching, device detection, and power supply negotiation. The protocol conversion module consists of at least one LT8711 chip and is connected to the Type-C input / output interface, responsible for managing multiple functions such as DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol switching, correct / incorrect insertion detection, and hot plug detect (HPD) signal processing. The LT8711 chip detects the type of the connected device through the CC1 / CC2 pins, determines whether it is a display or a charging device, etc., and manages the voltage output of reverse charging through the VBUS pin, supporting up to 20V / 5A power supply at most. The HPD signal feeds back the change in the connection state through the TXx_HPD pin, enabling the system to respond promptly to the plugging and unplugging operations of the device. During the reverse charging process, the LT8711 chip can prioritize ensuring the power supply stability of the video transmission channel to ensure the normal output of the video signal.

[0063] The protocol conversion module composed of LT8711 chips is the key to realizing the versatility of the Type-C interface. The chip accurately detects the type of the connected device through the CC1 / CC2 pins. Whether it is a display, a charging device, or other compatible devices, it can quickly identify and make corresponding configuration adjustments. The HPD signal (Hot Plug Detect) feeds back the change in the connection state in real time through the TXx_HPD pin. When a device is detected to be inserted or removed, the LT8711 chip can immediately notify the main control module so that the system can respond in a timely manner and reallocate resources to ensure the continuity and stability of video output and power supply management.

[0064] In terms of power supply management, the VBUS_CTRL pin (TXx_VBUS_CTRL) of the LT8711 chip dynamically adjusts the output voltage according to the device requirements, supports multiple voltage outputs such as 5V, 9V, and 20V, and meets the power supply requirements of different devices. Especially during reverse charging, the LT8711 chip can intelligently prioritize ensuring the power supply stability of the video transmission channel. For example, when a high-load display is connected and charging simultaneously, the chip will automatically limit the charging current to ensure sufficient power supply to the video transmission module, avoiding video signal interruption or quality degradation due to insufficient power, thus ensuring the normal usage experience of users under multitasking operations.

[0065] The power management module is used to convert the input voltage into multi-level system voltages and provide reverse charging for external devices; it uses the SY6818PLC chip and the SY8105IADC chip to work together to convert the input 20V voltage into 5V_SYS, 3.3V, and 1.15V system voltages, providing stable power support for each module. Among them, the SY6818PLC chip (circuit diagram U1 / U4) is responsible for converting the 20V input into 5V_SYS voltage and can support a maximum output current of 5A; the SY8105IADC chip (circuit diagram U2) is used to generate 3.3V voltage to supply power to low-voltage components such as digital circuits. In the power path design, the impedance of the VBUS power path is carefully designed to be less than 50mΩ and is routed separately from the signal lines to reduce electromagnetic interference. In addition, a 2.2μH power inductor is set to filter out switching noise, further improving the power quality.

[0066] The SY6818PLC chip (circuit diagram U1 / U4) receives the input 20V voltage and efficiently converts it into 5V_SYS voltage, which can support a maximum output current of 5A, providing power guarantee for modules and peripherals with relatively large power. The SY8105IADC chip (circuit diagram U2) is responsible for generating 3.3V voltage, mainly supplying power to low-voltage components such as digital circuits to ensure the normal operation of each module.

[0067] In the power path design, the impedance of the VBUS power path is carefully optimized to be less than 50mΩ to reduce voltage drop and energy loss and improve power supply efficiency. At the same time, the power supply lines and signal lines are routed separately to avoid the influence of electromagnetic interference on signal transmission. In addition, a 2.2μH power inductor is set in the module to filter out high-frequency switching noise, further improving the power quality and providing a solid power foundation for the stable operation of the device.

[0068] The video processing module is used to split the input video signal into multiple independent video streams and reduce the bandwidth of a single channel through compression technology; the video processing module includes an MST Hub unit and a DSC compression unit. The MST Hub unit is responsible for splitting the input video signal into at least three independent video streams to achieve the function of multi-screen output. The DSC compression unit uses DSC technology to compress each video signal to reduce the bandwidth requirement of a single channel. In the present invention, the DSC compression unit supports dynamic compression rate adjustment with a compression range of 2:1 to 3:1. The compression parameters can be configured in real time through the SPI interface of the LT8713 chip to adapt to different video content and display requirements, ensuring the best video quality within a limited bandwidth.

[0069] The dynamic bandwidth allocation unit is used to dynamically adjust the resolution or refresh rate of the video stream according to the bandwidth requirements of each video output interface; in order to ensure that the total bandwidth of the three-way 4K@60Hz signal does not exceed the 25.92Gbps upper limit of the USB-C DP1.4 protocol, the present invention integrates a dynamic bandwidth allocation unit. The unit obtains the resolution, refresh rate and other parameters of the display in real time by monitoring the EDID information of each output interface, and dynamically adjusts the resolution or refresh rate of the video stream according to the current bandwidth occupancy. When the bandwidth is detected to be exceeded, the LT8713 chip sends a control signal through the GPIO14 / GPIO15 pin to switch the resolution of at least one video stream from 4K@60Hz to 2K@120Hz, or reduce the color depth (such as from 10bit to 8bit), thereby optimizing bandwidth allocation and ensuring the smoothness of video output.

[0070] The dynamic bandwidth allocation unit reads the EDID information of the display in real time through the I2C bus (CSDA / CSCL) to obtain key parameters such as resolution, refresh rate and color depth. The main control module (LT8713 chip) calculates the bandwidth requirements of a single video stream based on these parameters, and accumulates the total bandwidth occupancy of all channels to monitor in real time whether it is close to the upper limit of the USB-C DP1.4 protocol (25.92Gbps). When the total bandwidth exceeds the preset threshold (such as 24Gbps), the dynamic adjustment mechanism is triggered.

[0071] The adjustment priorities are color depth compression (such as 10bit→8bit) and resolution / refresh rate switching (such as 4K@60Hz→2K@120Hz). The control signal is output through the GPIO14 / GPIO15 pins, and the protocol conversion module (LT8711 chip) is linked to realize parameter switching. At the same time, the compression rate of the DSC compression unit is dynamically configured through the SPI interface (such as 3:1→2.5:1) to optimize bandwidth utilization. The hardware circuit design ensures low latency (<1ms) and high reliability, such as I2C bus impedance matching (90Ω±10%) and push-pull GPIO drive structure.

[0072] Recalculate the bandwidth occupancy rate after adjustment. If it still exceeds the limit, start secondary optimization (such as switching to another video stream). The system monitors the signal quality through the TXx_VDET pin, and switches to the redundant channel or triggers an alarm when abnormal. In addition, the power management module synchronously adjusts the power supply strategy (such as reducing the power consumption of the corresponding channel after reducing the resolution), and dynamically adjusts the switching frequency in combination with temperature monitoring to achieve a coordinated improvement in energy efficiency and stability. Finally, this solution solves the bandwidth bottleneck and signal quality problems in multi-screen expansion with hardware-based real-time response and seamless user switching.

[0073] The multiple video output interfaces are connected to the main control module through a protocol conversion module, supporting high-resolution video transmission; the device is equipped with at least three Type-C output interfaces, each interface is connected to the main control module through an LT8711 chip, supporting the transmission of compressed video signals in accordance with the DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol, and can simultaneously support three-way 4K@60Hz resolution output. In addition, a USB 2.0 HUB unit is provided, which is connected to peripherals such as USB mice and keyboards through an independent low-speed data channel (USB_Z_HUB_N / P). This low-speed data channel is physically isolated from the high-speed video data channel, avoiding interference from peripheral data transmission to video signals and ensuring the stability and integrity of video transmission.

[0074] The peripheral expansion unit is connected to low-speed peripherals through an independent data channel and is physically isolated from the video transmission channel.

[0075] The main control module and the protocol conversion module are connected through a high-speed data transmission channel to transmit the processed video signals; the protocol conversion module feeds back to the main control module according to the detected device type, and dynamically adjusts the interface protocol and power supply strategy; the power management module provides hierarchical voltages for each module and collaborates with the protocol conversion module to manage reverse charging; the video processing module receives instructions from the main control module to complete signal splitting and bandwidth compression; the peripheral expansion unit interacts with the main control module through control signals to independently manage the connection of low-speed peripherals.

[0076] An integrated system includes the docking station device described above. In addition, the system also includes a temperature monitoring module that real-time monitors the operating temperature of the LT8713 chip through a temperature sensor (circuit diagram U26). When the temperature exceeds the preset threshold, the system will dynamically adjust the switching frequency of the SY6818PLC chip according to the temperature change to reduce power consumption, thereby effectively controlling the chip temperature and ensuring that the device can operate stably under high-load conditions and extending the service life of the device.

[0077] The connections between the modules and the working principle of the system are as follows:

[0078] Main control module and protocol conversion module: The main control module (LT8713 chip) is connected to the protocol conversion module (LT8711 chip) through a high-speed data channel. After splitting and compressing the input video signal, the LT8713 chip transmits the compressed video stream to the LT8711 chip through the DHTXx_DxP / N channel. The LT8711 chip is responsible for sending the received compressed video signal to an external display through the Type-C output interface. At the same time, the LT8713 chip exchanges control signals with the LT8711 chip through GPIO pins. For example, it controls the 2Lane / 4Lane switching of the signal channel through the GPIO12 pin, and realizes the plug-and-play detection logic through the GPIO27 pin.

[0079] Main control module and power management module: The power management module provides power support for the entire system. The 5V_SYS, 3.3V, and 1.15V system voltages generated by the SY6818PLC chip and the SY8105IADC chip provide stable power for the main control module (LT8713 chip), the protocol conversion module (LT8711 chip), and other components. The normal operation of the main control module depends on the stable voltage provided by the power management module. At the same time, the main control module affects the working state of the power management module through control signals. For example, during reverse charging, the LT8713 chip and the LT8711 chip cooperate to control the VBUS voltage output to ensure the power supply stability for video transmission.

[0080] Protocol conversion module and power management module: There is a close connection between the protocol conversion module (LT8711 chip) and the power management module. The LT8711 chip manages the voltage output of reverse charging through the VBUS pin, while the power management module is responsible for converting the input 20V voltage into the required system voltages. During reverse charging, the LT8711 chip dynamically adjusts the output voltage according to the device requirements and, through cooperation with the power management module, ensures the power supply priority of the video transmission channel to avoid video signal interruption or quality degradation due to insufficient power supply.

[0081] Connection between the video processing module and each module: The video processing module (MST Hub unit and DSC compression unit) is closely connected to the main control module. The MST Hub unit receives the video signal transmitted by the main control module and splits it into three independent video streams; the DSC compression unit compresses the split video streams. The compressed video signal is transmitted to the protocol conversion module through the main control module and then output to an external display through the Type-C interface. The parameter configuration of the video processing module (such as DSC compression parameters) is controlled by the main control module to ensure the quality and bandwidth optimization of the video signal.

[0082] USB 2.0 HUB Unit and Main Control Module: The USB 2.0 HUB unit is connected to the main control module through an independent low-speed data channel (USB_Z_HUB_N / P). The main control module is responsible for managing data transmission between the USB 2.0 HUB unit and peripheral devices. The independent low-speed data channel avoids interference from peripheral data transmission to the high-speed video data channel. At the same time, the main control module drives the HUB reset signal (Hub_Reset) through the GPIO23 pin to control and manage the USB 2.0 HUB unit.

[0083] The working process of the system architecture diagram can be divided into two parts: data signal processing and power management. First, the Type-C data input receives the original signals from the terminal device (such as video or USB data). The signals are expanded and distributed through the USB2.0 HUB, converting a single input channel into a USB2.0 output interface 10 to achieve parallel connection of external devices (such as keyboards and storage devices). At the same time, part of the data is directly transmitted to the external display through the Type-C output interface 20 to support high-definition video output and achieve a lossless screen mirroring effect of the video expansion module.

[0084] Secondly, the power management module uses the 3.3V DC / DC and SY_DC / DC units to achieve voltage conversion and stable power supply through the Type-C power input interface 40. The LT8713 and LT8711 chips work together to be responsible for the distribution and protection of different power rails (such as PD protocol power supply or peripheral device drive). This design ensures that the system maintains a stable power supply when expanding multiple devices, and at the same time supports the power transmission function of the Type-C interface, meeting the dynamic power adaptation requirements (such as parameter adjustment of cross-brand devices). The overall architecture combines signal expansion and efficient power management to achieve a multi-device expansion function with high compatibility and low latency.

[0085] System Working Principle: When the video signal enters the docking station through the Type-C data input interface 30, it is first protocol-analyzed and preliminarily processed by the protocol conversion module (LT8711 chip). The LT8711 chip detects the device type through the CC1 / CC2 pins and feeds back the connection status through the HPD signal. Subsequently, the video signal is transmitted to the main control module (LT8713 chip). In the LT8713 chip, the video signal is split into three independent video streams by the MST Hub unit, and each video stream is then compressed by the DSC compression unit to reduce the bandwidth requirement. The compressed video signal is transmitted back to the protocol conversion module (LT8711 chip) through the high-speed data channel and finally sent to the external display through the Type-C output interface 20 to achieve synchronous output of three 4K@60Hz video signals.

[0086] During signal transmission, the power management module (SY6818PLC chip and SY8105IADC chip) provides stable power support for each module. The low-impedance design and hierarchical wiring method of the VBUS power path effectively reduce electromagnetic interference and ensure the stability of signal transmission. At the same time, the dynamic bandwidth allocation unit monitors the EDID information and bandwidth occupancy of each output interface in real time. When it detects that the bandwidth is approaching the upper limit, it adjusts the resolution or color depth of the video stream through the control pin of the LT8713 chip to optimize bandwidth allocation.

[0087] In addition, the temperature monitoring module monitors the operating temperature of the LT8713 chip in real time through a temperature sensor. When the temperature is too high, the system automatically adjusts the switching frequency of the power management module to reduce power consumption and ensure the stable operation of the device.

[0088] The present invention has carried out a fine hierarchical design of the circuit to ensure the quality and stability of signal transmission. The high-speed video data channel uses DP / USB3.0 differential pairs, and the impedance is strictly controlled within the range of 100Ω±5%. This precise impedance matching effectively reduces signal reflection and attenuation, ensuring that the high-speed video signal can still maintain good integrity after long-distance transmission. These high-speed lines are arranged in an independent PCB layer and kept at a sufficient distance from the power supply lines and other interference sources, thereby reducing the risk of crosstalk.

[0089] The low-speed USB channel uses USB2.0 differential pairs, and the impedance is controlled within 90Ω±10% to meet the transmission requirements of the USB2.0 protocol. Through the Hub_Reset signal (GPIO23), the LT8713 chip can independently control the connection status of peripheral devices and achieve efficient management of peripheral devices. The low-speed USB channel is physically isolated from the high-speed video channel, avoiding potential interference of low-speed data transmission on the high-speed video signal and ensuring the stability and quality of video output.

[0090] The dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm is the core of the intelligent video bandwidth management of the present invention. The algorithm first reads the EDID information of the display through the I2C bus (CSDA / CSCL) to accurately obtain key parameters such as the resolution and refresh rate of each display. During the operation of the system, it monitors the bandwidth occupancy of each output channel in real time and calculates the total bandwidth occupancy rate. When it detects that the total bandwidth is approaching the 25.92Gbps upper limit of the USB-C DP1.4 protocol, the algorithm will automatically trigger the bandwidth optimization adjustment mechanism.

[0091] Specifically, the system will first consider reducing the color depth of a certain video stream, for example, compressing it from 10 bit to 8 bit. This adjustment can effectively reduce the data transmission volume and release some bandwidth with almost no noticeable impact on the user. If the color depth adjustment is still insufficient to solve the problem, the system will further switch the resolution of the video stream, for example, switching a video stream from 4K@60Hz to 2K@120Hz. This dynamic adjustment strategy not only ensures the smoothness of video output but also can flexibly allocate bandwidth resources according to actual needs, optimize the overall system performance, and ensure that users obtain the best visual experience in multi-screen display scenarios.

[0092] To improve the reliability and stability of the system, the present invention designs a perfect exception handling mechanism. During the signal transmission process, the system monitors the signal quality in real time through the TXx_VDET pin. Once a signal loss or abnormality is detected, such as a signal interruption caused by loose connection, interface damage, or electromagnetic interference, the system will immediately activate the redundant backup mechanism and automatically switch to the backup transmission channel. This process is fast and seamless, ensuring that users can continuously obtain video output and avoiding work interruption or data loss caused by signal loss.

[0093] Meanwhile, the temperature monitoring module monitors the operating temperature of the LT8713 chip in real time through the temperature sensor (U26). When the chip temperature exceeds the preset safety threshold, for example, reaches 85°C, the system will automatically reduce the switching frequency of the DC / DC converter, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing the chip from overheating and being damaged. This temperature protection mechanism effectively improves the reliability of the device in high-load or high-temperature environments, extends the service life of the device, and ensures that users can stably use the high-definition video docking device of the present invention in various complex environments.

[0094] A communication method applied to the high-definition video docking device includes the following steps:

[0095] S1. Receive the input video signal and split and compress it through the main control module;

[0096] S2. Adapt the interface protocol through the protocol conversion module and output it to multiple video output interfaces;

[0097] S3. Dynamically monitor the bandwidth occupancy rate, and reduce the color depth or resolution of the video stream when it approaches the threshold;

[0098] S4. Independently manage the connection of low-speed peripherals through the peripheral expansion unit.

[0099] First, the main control module (LT8713 chip) receives video signals from external devices (such as laptops, tablets, etc.) through its input interface. This input interface can be an interface that supports video transmission, such as a Type-C interface. Then, the main control module splits and compresses the input video signals. Using MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology, one input video signal is split into multiple independent video streams (in this invention, three streams to meet the requirement of three-way 4K@60Hz synchronous output). At the same time, DSC (Display Stream Compression) technology is used to compress each video stream, reducing the bandwidth requirement of the video signals so that they can be transmitted with high quality within the limited transmission bandwidth.

[0100] The processed video signals are transmitted to the protocol conversion module (LT8711 chip) through the high-speed data transmission channel (such as DHTXx_DxP / N differential pair) between the main control module and the protocol conversion module. The protocol conversion module is responsible for performing necessary protocol conversion and adaptation on the received video signals to meet the requirements of different video output interfaces. Then, the protocol conversion module outputs the processed video signals to external display devices (such as monitors, projectors, etc.) through multiple video output interfaces (such as Type-C output interfaces), realizing the multi-screen display function.

[0101] The peripheral expansion unit (USB 2.0 HUB) is connected to low-speed peripherals (such as USB mice, keyboards, etc.) through an independent data channel. This independent data channel is physically isolated from the high-speed video data channel, avoiding interference from peripheral data transmission to the video signals. The main control module interacts with the peripheral expansion unit through control signals to manage and control the peripherals, enabling the peripherals to work properly and perform effective input operations on external devices.

[0102] During the video transmission process, the dynamic bandwidth allocation unit real-time monitors the bandwidth occupancy of each video output interface. By reading the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information of the monitor, parameters such as the resolution and refresh rate of the monitor are obtained, so as to accurately calculate the current bandwidth usage. When it is detected that the bandwidth is approaching the upper limit (25.92 Gbps) of the USB-C DP 1.4 protocol, the system will automatically adjust the parameters of the video stream, such as reducing the color depth (for example, compressing from 10 bit to 8 bit) or switching the resolution (for example, switching one video stream from 4K@60Hz to 2K@120Hz), to optimize the bandwidth allocation and ensure the smoothness and stability of the video output.

[0103] The implementation of this communication method enables the docking station to support multi-screen display and peripheral connection while ensuring high-quality video signal transmission, meeting the usage requirements of users in different scenarios, and improving the practicality and user experience of the docking station.

[0104] Experimental data and effect verification: In terms of performance testing, the present invention achieves three-way 4K@60Hz synchronous output, and the total bandwidth is precisely controlled at 24Gbps (after compression), far lower than the upper limit of 25.92Gbps of the USB-C DP 1.4 protocol. After continuous operation testing for 72 hours without interruption, there is no frame loss in video output, and the color accuracy reaches the high standard of Delta E < 2, ensuring the accurate restoration of video content and the high-quality presentation of visual effects. In the reverse charging efficiency test, when the input is 20V / 3A, the output efficiency of 5V / 3A is as high as 92.3%. Even under the complex working conditions of simultaneous charging and video transmission, the voltage fluctuation can still be strictly controlled within 5%, demonstrating the excellent performance of the present invention in energy management.

[0105] The anti-interference test results show that the jitter standard deviation of the eye diagram test is less than 0.05UI, far better than the 0.15UI required by the DP 1.4 standard, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is increased by 20dB. These indicators fully prove the excellent performance of the present invention in ensuring signal integrity. In the environmental adaptability test, the device can maintain stable signal output within the wide temperature range of -40°C to 85°C without significant performance degradation, demonstrating its reliability and stability in various harsh environments.

[0106] The energy efficiency comparison test shows that the full-load power consumption of the present invention is only 10.5W. Compared with the average power consumption of 15W of competing products, the energy-saving effect is significant. This not only reduces the user's usage cost but also helps to reduce energy consumption, meeting the current environmental protection trend. At the same time, thanks to the exposed copper heat dissipation design on the back of the LT8713 chip, the chip temperature is reduced by 15°C, effectively improving the heat dissipation performance of the device and further enhancing the stability and service life of the system.

[0107] The design focus of the present invention lies in

[0108] First, three-way 4K@60Hz synchronous output: To achieve the synchronous output of three-way 4K@60Hz video signals, the present invention adopts MST Hub technology and DSC compression technology. The MST Hub technology can accurately split the input video signal into three independent video streams, ensuring that each signal can be independently transmitted to different displays. The DSC compression technology efficiently compresses each video stream, reducing the single-channel bandwidth from the original 12.54Gbps to 8Gbps, so that the total bandwidth of the three video streams is 24Gbps, which is lower than the upper limit of 25.92Gbps of the USB-C DP 1.4 protocol. Through this combination of technologies, the present invention realizes the synchronous output of three-way 4K@60Hz within a limited bandwidth, meets the user's demand for multi-screen high-definition display, and provides strong support for application scenarios such as multi-screen collaboration, professional graphics processing, and high-definition video editing.

[0109] Second, signal integrity guarantee: In the process of high-speed video signal transmission, signal integrity is crucial. The present invention ensures the quality of signal transmission through hierarchical wiring design and precise impedance control. The high-speed video data channel uses DP / USB3.0 differential pairs, and the impedance is strictly controlled within the range of 100Ω±5%, effectively reducing signal reflection and attenuation. At the same time, the power supply line and the signal line are hierarchically wired, and the impedance is designed to be less than 50mΩ, avoiding the influence of electromagnetic interference on signal transmission. In addition, the setting of a 2.2μH power inductor further filters out high-frequency switching noise, improves the power quality, and provides a guarantee for the stable transmission of signals. These design measures enable the present invention to still maintain high-quality video signal output under long-distance transmission and complex electromagnetic environments, avoiding signal quality problems such as video stuttering and mosaic.

[0110] Third, dynamic bandwidth allocation and optimization: In view of the characteristics of dynamic changes in bandwidth requirements in a multi-screen display environment, the present invention designs a dynamic bandwidth allocation unit. This unit dynamically adjusts the resolution or refresh rate of the video stream by real-time monitoring of the EDID information of each output interface to obtain parameters such as the resolution and refresh rate of the display and according to the current bandwidth occupancy. When it is detected that the bandwidth is approaching the upper limit, the system will automatically reduce the color depth of a certain video stream (such as from 10bit to 8bit) or switch the resolution (such as from 4K@60Hz to 2K@120Hz) to optimize the bandwidth allocation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism ensures that within a limited bandwidth, the three video streams can all obtain stable transmission, avoiding signal loss or quality degradation caused by bandwidth overrun, and providing users with a smooth multi-screen display experience.

[0111] Fourth, efficient power supply and thermal management; The power management module of the present invention uses the SY6818PLC chip and the SY8105IADC chip to work together to convert the input 20V voltage into the voltages required at all levels of the system, providing stable power support for each module. During the reverse charging process, the system can intelligently prioritize ensuring the power supply stability of the video transmission channel, avoiding video signal interruption or quality degradation caused by insufficient power supply. At the same time, the temperature monitoring module uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor the operating temperature of the LT8713 chip, and dynamically adjusts the switching frequency of the power management module according to temperature changes, reducing power consumption and preventing chip overheating and damage. These power supply and thermal management measures not only improve the stability and reliability of the device, but also extend the service life of the equipment, ensuring that users can use the high-definition video docking device of the present invention stably for a long time in various environments.

[0112] Fifth, compatibility and ease of use design; The present invention fully considers the requirements of compatibility and ease of use. By adopting the Type-C interface and the DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol, the device can be connected to a variety of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and various monitors and projectors, etc., without the need for additional adapter devices or complex settings. The positive and negative plug detection and hot plug function further simplify the user operation process, enabling users to connect and switch devices more conveniently during actual use. At the same time, the device's automatic recognition and configuration function for different devices ensures that a stable and reliable connection can be quickly established in a multi-device environment, providing users with a seamless usage experience.

[0113] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not impose any limitations on the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes, and decorations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-definition video docking station device, characterized in that, Including: The main control module is used to receive the input video signal and control the signal shunt, compression, and protocol parsing; The protocol conversion module is connected to multiple video output interfaces and is used to manage interface protocol switching, device detection, and power supply negotiation; The power management module is used to convert the input voltage into multi-level system voltages and provide reverse charging for external devices; The video processing module is used to split the input video signal into multiple independent video streams and reduce the single-channel bandwidth through compression technology; The dynamic bandwidth allocation unit is used to dynamically adjust the resolution or refresh rate of the video stream according to the bandwidth requirements of each video output interface; Multiple video output interfaces are connected to the main control module through the protocol conversion module and support high-resolution video transmission; The peripheral expansion unit is connected to low-speed peripherals through an independent data channel and is physically isolated from the video transmission channel; The main control module is connected to the protocol conversion module through a high-speed data transmission channel to transmit the processed video signal; the protocol conversion module feeds back to the main control module according to the detected device type to dynamically adjust the interface protocol and power supply strategy; the power management module provides hierarchical voltages for each module and collaborates with the protocol conversion module to manage reverse charging; the video processing module receives the instructions of the main control module to complete signal splitting and bandwidth compression; the dynamic bandwidth allocation unit reads the EDID information of the display and feeds it back to the main control module; the peripheral expansion unit interacts with the main control module through control signals to independently manage the connection of low-speed peripherals.

2. The high-definition video docking station device according to claim 1, wherein: The main control module includes an LT8713 chip; the protocol conversion module includes an LT8711 chip; the high-speed data transmission channel is a DHTXx_DxP / N differential pair.

3. The high-definition video docking station device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The LT8713 chip controls the 2Lane / 4Lane switching of the signal channel through the GPIO12 pin, realizes the positive and reverse plug detection logic through the GPIO27 pin, and the DSC compression parameters are configured through the I2C bus.

4. The high-definition video docking station device according to claim 2, wherein: The LT8711 chip detects the device type through the CC1 / CC2 pins and manages the voltage output of reverse charging through the VBUS pin, supporting a maximum power supply of 20V / 5A.

5. The high-definition video docking station device according to claim 1, wherein: The power management module includes an SY6818PLC chip and an SY8105IADC chip, which are respectively used to generate 5V_SYS and 3.3V voltages. The impedance of the VBUS power path is designed to be lower than 50mΩ and is routed in layers with the signal lines.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral expansion unit is a USB 2.0 HUB, which is connected to the peripherals through the USB_D_DP / USB_D_DN differential pair, and the HUB reset signal is driven by the control signal pin of the main control module.

7. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The LT8713 chip is connected to the LT8711 chip through the DHTX0_D0P / N to DHTX2_D3P / N differential pairs for transmitting the compressed video stream; the GPIO12 / GPIO27 pins of the LT8713 chip are connected to the POL / HPD pins of the LT8711 chip to control the signal channel switching and the detection of correct / incorrect plugging; the VBUS_CTRL pin of the LT8711 chip is connected to the SY6818PLC chip of the power management module to realize the collaborative management of power supply and video transmission.

8. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The video processing module includes an MST Hub unit and a DSC compression unit, where: The MST Hub unit receives the input signal through the RX_D0P / N differential pairs of the LT8713 chip and splits it into at least three independent video streams; the DSC compression unit configures the compression parameters through the SPI interface of the LT8713 chip to compress the bandwidth of each video stream; the compressed video stream is transmitted to the LT8711 chip through the DHTXx_DxP / N differential pairs and output by the Type-C output interface.

9. An integrated system, comprising the docking device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature monitoring module that dynamically adjusts the switching frequency of the power management module through a temperature sensor.

10. A communication method applied to the high-definition video docking device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: S1. Receive the input video signal and split and compress it through the main control module; S2. Adapt the interface protocol through the protocol conversion module and output it to multiple video output interfaces; S3. Dynamically monitor the bandwidth occupancy rate and reduce the color depth or resolution of the video stream when it approaches the threshold; S4. Independently manage the connection of low-speed peripherals through the peripheral expansion unit.

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