Automatic identification circuit for external device to type-c interface, electronic device, server, and identification method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of computers. Provided are an automatic identification circuit for an external device to a Type-C interface, an electronic device, a server, and an identification method. A power mode judgment port and a power output control port of a Type-C interface are respectively connected to CC1 and CC2 pins of a logic judgment device, the level of the CC1 and CC2 pins being used for determining whether the interface is connected to a USB port and determining a device type corresponding to the USB port. An SCL pin is connected to a bus pin of a baseboard management controller. An SDA pin is connected to an interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller. An output end of a power management module is separately connected to power pins of the interface and the logic judgment device. An enabling end of the power management module is connected to a first GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller. The present application realizes direct connection between interfaces and external devices such as mobile terminals, thus reducing complex interface designs of servers and lowering the maintenance cost, and furthermore, can supply power to external devices by means of the power management module.

Description

TYPE-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, electronic equipment, server and identification method

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on November 16, 2023, with application number 202311526073.X, and entitled “Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit and related equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of computers, and in particular, to a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit and related equipment. Background Art

[0004] As a data center and carrier, the server plays an irreplaceable role. However, existing servers can only support computer terminals to access via IP. When users want to obtain data on the server, they can connect to the server through the computer terminal and download the corresponding data. As the popularity of mobile terminals increases, users have a demand for mobile terminals to access servers. However, since the server cannot identify the types of various external devices, when the mobile terminal accesses the server to export data, it is necessary to first use the computer terminal's connection network port to connect to the server's network interface, and then mount the mobile terminal under the computer terminal to complete the data export, which is complicated. In related technologies, in order to achieve a direct connection between the mobile terminal and the server, the server needs to design multiple types of interfaces to connect to external devices that match its type protocol. This design will make the server interface design complex and difficult to maintain. In addition, each interface and its usage method need to be described in detail in the product manual, which increases manpower and work costs.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a Type-C (Type C USB interface) interface external device automatic identification circuit, electronic equipment and server to solve the defects of existing servers that cannot identify the types of various external devices, cannot be directly connected to external devices such as mobile terminals, and design multiple interfaces to match different types of external devices, resulting in complex server interface design and difficult maintenance, as well as increased manpower and work costs.

[0007] This application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, including:

[0008] Type-C interface, logic judgment device, baseboard management controller and power management module;

[0009] The power mode judgment port and power output control port of the Type-C interface are connected to the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device respectively;

[0010] The levels on the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device are used to determine whether the Type-C interface is connected to a USB port, the current direction, and the device type corresponding to the USB port; the SCL pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the bus pin of the baseboard management controller; and the SDA pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0011] The output end of the power management module is connected to the Type-C interface and the power pin of the logic judgment device respectively; the enable end of the power management module is connected to the first GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0012] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, wherein the baseboard management controller is further configured to:

[0013] The level of the first GPIO pin is determined according to the device type corresponding to the USB port identified by the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device. The level of the first GPIO pin is used to enable the power management module so that the power management module supplies power to the logic judgment device and the device corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C.

[0014] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, which also includes:

[0015] A first multiplexer, wherein the output end of the first multiplexer is connected to at least two groups of input and output ports of the Type-C interface; and the input end of the first multiplexer is connected to the USB pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0016] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, which also includes:

[0017] The programmable logic device comprises a second multiplexer inside, and a first port of the second multiplexer is connected to at least two groups of asynchronous serial communication of the baseboard management controller.

[0018] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, in which the second port of the second multiplexer is connected to the input and output debugging port of the baseboard management controller.

[0019] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, which also includes:

[0020] A level converter, wherein a TTL transmission end of the level converter is connected to the second multiplexer; and a debugging signal input end of the level converter is connected to the input end of the first multiplexer.

[0021] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, which also includes:

[0022] Platform controllers and drivers;

[0023] The data transmitting end and the data receiving end of the platform controller are connected to the input end of the driver, and the driver is configured to perform equalization and pre-emphasis processing on the signals transmitted by the data transmitting end and the data receiving end of the platform controller;

[0024] The output terminal of the driver is connected to the input terminal of the first multiplexer;

[0025] The enable terminal of the driver is connected to the second GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0026] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, wherein a first multiplexer includes: multiple input ports and one output port, configured to switch the Type-C interface to different communication links, and the connection relationship between the multiple input ports includes:

[0027] The first input port is connected to the output end of the level converter, and the level converter is configured to convert the serial port signal forwarded by the programmable logic device into a first USB2.0 signal, where the first USB2.0 signal is the output signal of the R&D debug link; the serial port signal is the signal output by the baseboard management controller serial port and the system serial port;

[0028] The second input port is connected to the USB2.0 serial port of the upstream baseboard management controller, and the USB2.0 serial port is configured to connect to a USB2.0 U disk or a mobile terminal;

[0029] The third input port and the fourth input port are connected to the driver respectively. The driver is configured to drive and enhance the output signal of the platform controller. The output signal of the platform controller is the USB3.0 signal output by the USB3.0 U disk mounted on the system;

[0030] The output end of the first multiplexer is configured to connect to a device corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface through the input and output ports of the Type-C interface;

[0031] When the first multiplexer is connected to the programmable logic device, the first multiplexer is connected to the R&D and debugging link by default; when the logic judgment device identifies that the device type corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface is a mobile phone or a USB flash drive, the programmable logic device controls the first multiplexer to switch to the USB2.0 link; when the programmable logic device receives a signal that the positioning button has been pressed multiple times at a frequency less than a preset frequency, it switches to a USB3.0 link connected to the platform controller.

[0032] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, which also includes:

[0033] A positioning indicator light, the positioning indicator light being connected to a setting end of a multiplexer of a programmable logic device, which is connected to the first multiplexer; the positioning indicator light being configured to display a server status and a device type corresponding to a USB port to which the Type-C interface is connected;

[0034] A positioning button is provided on the programmable logic device, and the positioning button is configured to switch the device type corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface.

[0035] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, wherein the positioning indicator light includes a status light. The status light is always on to indicate that the server is in place, and the status light is off to indicate that the server is not in place.

[0036] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, and the positioning indicator light also includes an identification light. When the identification light flashes at a first preset frequency, it indicates that the current first type external device has been identified; when the identification light flashes at a second preset frequency, it indicates that the current second type external device has been identified.

[0037] This application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit. The device types corresponding to the USB port include mobile phone USB2.0 U disk and USB3.0 U disk.

[0038] This application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit. The logic judgment device sends an interrupt signal to the interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller through the SDA pin, connects to the bus pin of the baseboard management controller through the SCL pin, and sends to the baseboard management controller whether the Type-C interface is connected to the USB port, the current direction, and the device type corresponding to the USB port;

[0039] The baseboard management controller sets its own master-slave mode according to the device type corresponding to the USB port.

[0040] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, in which the logic judgment device is set to automatically identify whether a slave device or a master device is mounted under the baseboard management controller. When a slave device is mounted, the logic judgment device identifies the device port level as 00; when a master device is mounted, the logic judgment device identifies the device port level as 11.

[0041] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, in which a logic judgment device is configured to trigger a baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal. After the baseboard management controller obtains device information through a two-wire serial bus, it sets the baseboard management controller to a master-slave mode to implement the corresponding function.

[0042] The present application also provides an electronic device, comprising a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit as described above.

[0043] The present application also provides a server, comprising a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit as described in any of the above items.

[0044] The present application also provides a method for automatically identifying external devices connected to a Type-C interface, which is applied to an automatic identification circuit for external devices connected to a Type-C interface. The method includes: identifying the master-slave type of an external device according to the port level through a logic judgment device; switching the master-slave mode of a baseboard management controller according to the master-slave type of the external device to establish a connection with the external device, wherein when the external device is a master device, the baseboard management controller is switched to the slave mode, and when the external device is a slave device, the baseboard management controller is switched to the master mode; powering the logic judgment device through a power management module, and powering the external device whose master-slave type is a slave device through the Type-C interface.

[0045] The present application provides a method for automatically identifying an external device connected to a Type-C interface, which uses a logic judgment device to identify the master / slave type of an external device based on the port level. The method includes: if the logic judgment device parses the port level as a low level, identifying the external device as a slave device, and sending the identification result to a baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal, so that the baseboard management controller switches the mode to the master device mode, and the baseboard management controller controls the power management module to supply power to the outside; if the logic judgment device parses the port level as a high level, identifying the external device as the master device, and sending the identification result to the baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal, so that the baseboard management controller switches the mode to the slave device mode.

[0046] The present application provides a method for automatically identifying an external device connected to a Type-C interface, the method further comprising: when debugging a server, connecting to an external device via the Type-C interface, logically determining that the port level of the device is low, identifying the master-slave type of the external device as a slave device, switching a baseboard management controller to master mode and connecting to the external device, so that the external device reads the log of the baseboard management controller and the system log, wherein the presence or absence of the log of the baseboard management controller and the system log is used to determine whether the connection is successful.

[0047] The present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, electronic device and server, the circuit including a Type-C interface, a logic judgment device, a baseboard management controller and a power management module; the power mode judgment port and the power output control port of the Type-C interface are respectively connected to the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device; the levels on the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device are used to determine whether the Type-C interface is connected to a USB port, the current direction and the device type corresponding to the USB port; the SCL pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the bus pin of the baseboard management controller; the SDA pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller; the output end of the power management module is respectively connected to the power pins of the Type-C interface and the logic judgment device; the enable end of the power management module is connected to the first GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller. The present application can realize direct connection between the Type-C interface and external devices such as mobile terminals, reduce the complex interface design of the server, reduce maintenance costs, and can also power external devices through the power management module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0049] FIG1 is a circuit diagram of a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit provided by the present application;

[0050] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a functional structure of a server interface in the prior art;

[0051] FIG3 is a flow chart of a method for automatically identifying an external device connected to a Type-C interface provided by the present application;

[0052] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] FIG1 is a circuit diagram of a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit provided in a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0055] Type-C interface, logic judgment device (CC (Configuration Channel, Configuration Channel) Logic), baseboard management controller (BMC) and power management module (Power Management Integrated Circuit, PMIC);

[0056] The power mode judgment port and power output control port of the Type-C interface are connected to the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device respectively;

[0057] The voltage levels on the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic-determining device are used to determine whether the Type-C interface is connected to a USB port, the current direction, and the device type corresponding to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The SCL (Serial Clock) pin of the logic-determining device is connected to the bus pin of the baseboard management controller (BMC). The SDA (Serial Data Line) pin of the logic-determining device is connected to the interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the device types corresponding to the USB port include mobile phone USB2.0 USB disk and USB3.0 USB disk.

[0059] The output end of the power management module is connected to the Type-C interface and the power pin of the logic judgment device respectively; the enable end of the power management module is connected to the first GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0060] In the embodiment of this application, the power management module manages the power supply device in the host system. It can be configured as a power management system for mobile phones and various mobile terminals. It is configured to power new designs and external power supply. When powering external power, if a USB flash drive is inserted, the BMC identifies the downstream device as a slave device, while the BMC itself acts as the master device and uses PMIC_EN to command the PMIC to supply power externally through the Type-C interface. If external power supply is not required, no power is supplied.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present application, when the device corresponding to the USB port is a master device, it can be a mobile phone; when the device corresponding to the USB port is a slave device, it can be a USB flash drive, and the USB flash drive includes but is not limited to an ordinary USB flash drive (USB2.0 USB flash drive) and a high-speed USB flash drive (USB3.0 USB flash drive).

[0062] In an embodiment of the present application, the logic judgment device is, for example, a CC Logic device; the baseboard management controller can perform operations such as upgrading the machine firmware, checking the machine equipment, monitoring the abnormalities of the main equipment of the machine, and collecting logs when the machine is not turned on.

[0063] The CC Logic device is configured to automatically identify whether a USB flash drive or mobile phone is attached to the BMC. This is triggered by an INT (Interrupt) signal to the BMC. The BMC then receives device information via I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) and switches itself to master-slave mode to implement the required functionality. Each inserted device has two device ports, CC1 and CC2. For slave devices like USB flash drives, the ports are internally pulled low, resulting in CC Logic identifying them as 00. The corresponding master device is identified as 11. After exchanging information with CC Logic via I2C, the BMC automatically switches between master and slave based on the type of device, fulfilling its functional requirements.

[0064] Traditional servers can only support computer terminals to access via IP. When users want to obtain data on the server, they can connect to the server through the computer terminal and download the corresponding data. As the popularity of mobile terminals increases, users have a demand for mobile terminals to access servers. However, since the server cannot identify the types of various external devices, when the mobile terminal accesses the server to export data, it is necessary to first use the computer terminal's connection network port to connect to the server's network interface, and then mount the mobile terminal under the computer terminal to complete the data export, which is complicated. In related technologies, in order to achieve a direct connection between the mobile terminal and the server, multiple types of interfaces are designed for the server to connect to external devices that match their type protocols. This design will make the server interface design complex and difficult to maintain. In addition, the product manual needs to provide detailed descriptions of each interface and its usage, which increases manpower and work costs.

[0065] The first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, including a Type-C interface, a logic judgment device, a baseboard management controller and a power management module; the power mode judgment port and the power output control port of the Type-C interface are respectively connected to the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device; the levels on the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device are used to determine whether the Type-C interface is connected to a USB port, the current direction and the device type corresponding to the USB port; the SCL pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the bus pin of the baseboard management controller; the SDA pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller; the output end of the power management module is respectively connected to the power pins of the Type-C interface and the logic judgment device; the enable end of the power management module is connected to the first GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller. The present application can realize direct connection between the Type-C interface and external devices such as mobile terminals, reduce complex interface design of the server, reduce maintenance costs, and can also power external devices through the power management module.

[0066] Based on any of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG2 , the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit further includes:

[0067] A first multiplexer (MUX), wherein the output end of the first multiplexer is connected to at least two groups of input and output ports of the Type-C interface; and the input end of the first multiplexer is connected to the USB pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0068] The first multiplexer is a multi-input, single-output logic device controlled by a CPLD. The TTL-converted USB signal (development debug link) is connected to the first multiplexer, which then connects the USB (USB flash drive mounting and mobile phone access link) to the BMC. The USB (system mount link) output via the redriver is connected to the platform controller hub (PCH). The first multiplexer enables information exchange between the BMC and the CPLD, switching the USB signal for output to the Type-C port.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit further includes:

[0070] A complex programmable logic device (CPLD) includes a second multiplexer therein, wherein a first port of the second multiplexer is connected to at least two groups of asynchronous serial communication of a baseboard management controller, and a second port of the second multiplexer is connected to an input / output debug port of the baseboard management controller.

[0071] The programmable logic device (PLD) connects to the Type-C interface via a first multiplexer, switching the USB signals output by the Type-C interface for different purposes. The output logic of the PLD and the multiplexer defaults to the R&D debug link. When the BMC notifies the CPLD via I2C that the inserted device is a mobile phone or USB flash drive, the CPLD notifies the MUX to switch the BMC's USB link. When the CPLD detects that the locate button has been pressed three times in a row for less than 10 milliseconds (ms), it switches the PCH's USB link.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present application, the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit further includes:

[0073] Platform controller (PCH) and driver (Redriver);

[0074] The data transmitting end and the data receiving end of the platform controller are connected to the input end of the driver, and the driver is configured to perform equalization and pre-emphasis processing on the signals transmitted by the data transmitting end and the data receiving end of the platform controller; the output end of the driver is connected to the input end of the first multiplexer; and the enable end of the driver is connected to the second GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller.

[0075] The platform controller is configured to provide a USB 3.0 link to enable the system to connect to a USB 3.0 flash drive. Because the platform controller requires a high-speed USB 3.0 link, which places strict requirements on routing, a redriver is used to drive the platform controller's input signals. The redriver uses a high-pass filter and driver to equalize and pre-emphasize the signal, compensating for losses and increasing image quality to meet the requirements of long signal routing. Furthermore, the redriver's strict routing requirements ensure that signals can be routed over long links on the board.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present application, the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit further includes:

[0077] A level converter, wherein a TTL transmission end of the level converter is connected to the second multiplexer; and a debugging signal input end of the level converter is connected to the input end of the first multiplexer.

[0078] The level converter is, for example, a TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) converter. A TTL converter is an integrated circuit that uses bipolar transistors to perform logic functions to provide a switching function. The TTL converter can be directly connected to a serial interface of an external device for communication debugging.

[0079] Based on any of the above embodiments, in an embodiment of the present application, the first multiplexer includes: multiple input ports and one output port, which is configured to switch the Type-C interface to connect to different communication links, and the connection relationship between the multiple input ports includes:

[0080] The first input port is connected to the output end of the level converter, and the level converter is configured to convert the serial port signal forwarded by the programmable logic device into a first USB2.0 signal, where the first USB2.0 signal is the output signal of the R&D debug link; the serial port signal is the signal output by the baseboard management controller serial port and the system serial port;

[0081] The second input port is connected to the USB2.0 serial port of the upstream baseboard management controller, and the USB2.0 serial port is configured to connect to a USB2.0 U disk or a mobile terminal;

[0082] The third input port and the fourth input port are connected to the driver respectively. The driver is configured to drive and enhance the output signal of the platform controller. The output signal of the platform controller is the USB3.0 signal output by the USB3.0 U disk mounted on the system;

[0083] The output end of the first multiplexer is configured to connect to a device corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface through the input and output ports of the Type-C interface;

[0084] When the first multiplexer is connected to the programmable logic device, the first multiplexer is connected to the R&D and debugging link by default; when the logic judgment device identifies that the device type corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface is a mobile phone or a USB flash drive, the programmable logic device controls the first multiplexer to switch to the USB2.0 link; when the programmable logic device receives a signal that the positioning button has been pressed multiple times at a frequency less than a preset frequency, it switches to a USB3.0 link connected to the platform controller.

[0085] Based on any of the above embodiments, the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit further includes:

[0086] a unit identification (UID) indicator light connected to a setting terminal of a multiplexer of a programmable logic device, which is connected to the first multiplexer; the unit identification (UID) indicator light is configured to display a server status and a device type corresponding to a USB port to which the Type-C interface is connected;

[0087] A positioning button is provided on the programmable logic device, and the positioning button is configured to switch the device type corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, the positioning indicator light includes a status light, the status light being constantly on indicates that the server is in place, and the status light being off indicates that the server is not in place;

[0089] The positioning indicator light also includes an identification light. When the identification light flashes at a first preset frequency, it indicates that the first type of external device has been recognized. When the identification light flashes at a second preset frequency, it indicates that the second type of external device has been recognized. The light color and frequency function table of the positioning indicator light is shown in Table 1.

[0090] Table 1 UID light color and frequency function table

[0091] Design the CPLD logic and use the UID positioning light to indicate the current functional status. As shown in Table 1, server positioning is a native function. A constant light indicates the server is in place, and a light that turns off indicates it is not. When a USB flash drive is mounted on the BMC, the blue light flashes at a 1Hz (Hertz) frequency to indicate that the USB flash drive has been recognized, and a light that turns off indicates that it is not recognized or is not in place (poor contact, etc.). When a USB flash drive is mounted on the PCH, the blue light flashes at a 4Hz frequency to indicate that the USB flash drive has been recognized, and a light that turns off indicates that it is not recognized or is not in place (poor contact, etc.). In the USB flash drive identification design, the UID button function is used for switching. The USB flash drive output is the default for the BMC link. Pressing the UID button three times in a row switches the USB flash drive output to the PCH link. The CPLD implements detection logic. If the interval between consecutive key presses is less than 10ms (milliseconds), it is identified as a trigger action and the switching function is executed. If it exceeds this, it is identified as a false trigger and the switching function is not executed.

[0092] In this embodiment of the present application, the locate button is recognized by default as an external device connected to the baseboard management controller. In response to a trigger signal indicating that the locate button has been pressed, it switches to being recognized as an external device connected to another controller. If the locate button is pressed multiple times, the programmable logic device identifies the trigger action. If the interval between multiple presses exceeds a preset threshold, it is identified as a false trigger and the switch identification action is not executed.

[0093] The traditional server connection interface is shown in Figure 2, which separates the paths used by users and R&D personnel. R&D personnel will view the code through the debug port to identify internal logical errors and complete debugging; users use the IP address to log in to the graphical interface from the network port to better view server-mounted devices, logs, and remote operations.

[0094] The R&D link connects all of the BMC's UART debug (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter Debug) ports to the CPLD. The CPLD internally simulates the MUX and detect switching mechanisms, and an external TTL converter converts these signals into USB 2.0 signals for PC recognition. Once connected, the user can send commands to freely switch the BMC's serial port output, meeting R&D debugging needs.

[0095] User link: This requires onboard network equipment to convert signals, establish a local connection through a network port and a switch, and then log in to the server's Web (World Wide Web) control interface via a computer. R&D personnel also use this link to mount a USB drive to the BMC to capture logs.

[0096] It can be seen that there are two interfaces on a server. In the early stage of product design, it seems to meet the needs of users and R&D. However, after the mass production stage, the product manual needs to provide detailed descriptions of each interface and its usage. This will not only increase the company's additional manpower and work costs, but also increase unnecessary time and labor costs if the user experience is not good due to improper description and usage.

[0097] Furthermore, this multi-interface implementation has limitations. The server can only be accessed by computers via the Internet Protocol (IP), hindering direct access from mobile terminals such as mobile phones, which can cause inconvenience for users. Interface interoperability is also poor. The complex design and numerous steps may lead users to lower their evaluation of the product.

[0098] In the embodiment of the present application, the USB signal and Type-C interface provided by PMIC, CC Logic device, MUX, Redriver, and PCH are added, and the Debug port in the prior art is omitted. The Type-C interface under the new design supports: automatic identification and control of USB flash drives and mobile phones; mounting USB flash drives under the system, R&D debugging output; and the internal logic of the CPLD controls the UID to flash at different frequencies to indicate the corresponding function. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application only uses a universal Type-C interface. While realizing the original functions, it improves the universal design of the interface, deletes unnecessary connectors and eliminates subsequent maintenance work. The added functions not only support automatic identification and better user experience, unify the interface, increase convenience, timeliness and operability, but also improve product competitiveness, save costs for the company, and bring convenience to subsequent debugging.

[0099] This application proposes an automatic identification Type-C interface and working mechanism, which integrates the debug port used for research and development and the network port used by customers into one, solving the problems of numerous interfaces and poor versatility; adds a power PMIC module and logic circuit to meet the server's automatic identification of interface devices; through software support and automatic identification design, a single Type-C port can be mounted with USB flash drives, mobile phones, computers and other devices, which is convenient for customers and keeps pace with the times; the UID indicator light is designed to flash at different frequencies and is set to indicate whether the current function identification is normal.

[0100] The second aspect of the embodiment of this application proposes an automatically identified Type-C interface and working mechanism, integrating the debugging interface used by R&D personnel and the network port used by users into one Type-C interface to meet the universal requirements; adding a power PMIC module and logic judgment equipment to meet the server's need to automatically identify external devices; through the automatic identification design, the same Type-C port can be mounted with multiple devices such as USB flash drives, mobile phones, and computers, providing convenient services for users; the positioning indicator light is designed to flash at different frequencies and is set to indicate whether the current function recognition is normal. Through the integrated design, while eliminating unnecessary human-computer interaction interfaces, it also brings convenience to the maintenance of subsequent products and saves the company a lot of human resources and costs.

[0101] FIG3 is a flow chart of a method for automatically identifying an external device connected to a Type-C interface according to an embodiment of the present application, which is applicable to the automatic identification circuit for an external device connected to a Type-C interface according to the above embodiment. As shown in FIG3 , the method for automatically identifying an external device connected to a Type-C interface according to the second aspect of the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0102] Step 301: Identify the master / slave type of the external device based on the port level through a logic judgment device;

[0103] Step 302: Switch the master / slave mode of the baseboard management controller to establish a connection with the external device according to the master / slave type of the external device. When the external device is a master device, the baseboard management controller switches to a slave mode. When the external device is a slave device, the baseboard management controller switches to a master mode.

[0104] Step 303: Power the logic judgment device through the power management module, and power the external device of the master-slave type as a slave device through the Type-C interface.

[0105] In an embodiment of the present application, the device identifies the master / slave type of the external device according to the port level through logical judgment, including:

[0106] If the logic judgment device analyzes the port level as a low level, the external device is identified as a slave device, and the identification result is sent to the baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal, so that the baseboard management controller switches the mode to the master device mode, and the baseboard management controller controls the power management module to supply power to the outside;

[0107] If the logic judges that the device analyzes the port level as high, the external device is identified as a master device, and the identification result is sent to the baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal, so that the baseboard management controller switches the mode to the slave device mode.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present application, the method for automatically identifying an external device connected to a Type-C interface further includes:

[0109] When debugging a server, connect it to an external device through the Type-C interface. If the logic determines that the device's port level is low, the external device is identified as a slave device. The baseboard management controller is switched to master mode and connected to the external device, allowing the external device to read the baseboard management controller log and system log.

[0110] R&D personnel can determine whether the connection is successful by the presence or absence of logs.

[0111] When R&D personnel or users want to save error logs, they insert a USB flash drive into the Type-C port. The CC Logic device interprets the device port level as 00, identifies it as a slave device, and notifies the BMC via an INT interrupt signal. The BMC controls the PMIC to supply power. Simultaneously, the CPLD instructs the MUX to switch the BMC's USB link output to the Type-C port, completing automatic identification of the USB flash drive attached to the BMC. The CPLD notifies the UID to flash at a 1Hz frequency, indicating that the BMC has successfully mounted the USB device.

[0112] When checking the server status, connect to the external device through the Type-C interface, logically judge that the port level of the device is high, identify the master-slave type of the external device as the master device, and switch the baseboard management controller to slave mode to connect to the external device.

[0113] When R&D personnel and customers want to check the machine's operating status, install devices, and so on, they connect their phones to the Type-C port. The CC Logic device recognizes the device as a master device, with a port level of 11. After the BMC obtains this information, it switches itself to a slave device. The CPLD instructs the MUX to switch the BMC's USB link output to the Type-C port, enabling the phone to access and manage the server's BMC.

[0114] When a developer or user wants to copy data directly from the system (PCH), they insert a USB drive into the Type-C port and press the locate button on the CPLD three times. The BMC identifies the device as a slave, the PMIC provides power, and the MUX switches the BMC's USB link to external output. After the CPLD detects multiple presses of the locate button, it notifies the MUX to switch the PCH's USB link to external output. The UID flashes at a 4Hz frequency, and the locate indicator toggles, completing the process of mounting the USB drive to the system.

[0115] In an embodiment of the present application, the method for automatically identifying an external device connected to a Type-C interface includes:

[0116] After identifying the master and slave types of the device, the type of the external device connected to the Type-C interface is switched through the positioning button set on the programmable logic device.

[0117] After identifying the master and slave types of the device, the positioning indicator light connected to the programmable logic device indicates the type of external device currently connected to the Type-C interface.

[0118] In the embodiment of the present application, the positioning indicator light includes a status light and an identification light. The positioning indicator light connected to the programmable logic device indicates the type of external device currently connected to the Type-C interface, including:

[0119] If the status light is always on, it indicates that the server is in place. If the status light is off, it indicates that the server is not in place.

[0120] When the identification light flashes at a first preset frequency, it indicates that the current first type external device has been identified; when the identification light flashes at a second preset frequency, it indicates that the current second type external device has been identified.

[0121] In an embodiment of the present application, the Type-C interface is connected to a first multiplexer to implement control of an external device connected to the Type-C interface. The first multiplexer includes: multiple input ports and one output port, which are configured to switch the Type-C interface to different communication links. The connection relationship of the multiple input ports includes:

[0122] The first input port is connected to the output end of the level converter, and the level converter is configured to convert the serial port signal forwarded by the programmable logic device into a first USB2.0 signal, where the first USB2.0 signal is the output signal of the R&D debug link; the serial port signal is the signal output by the baseboard management controller serial port and the system serial port;

[0123] The second input port is connected to the USB2.0 serial port of the upstream baseboard management controller, and the USB2.0 serial port is configured to connect to a USB2.0 U disk or a mobile terminal;

[0124] The third input port and the fourth input port are connected to the driver respectively. The driver is configured to drive and enhance the output signal of the platform controller. The output signal of the platform controller is the USB3.0 signal output by the USB3.0 U disk mounted on the system;

[0125] The output end of the first multiplexer is configured to connect to a device corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface through the input and output ports of the Type-C interface;

[0126] When the first multiplexer is connected to the programmable logic device, the first multiplexer is connected to the R&D and debugging link by default; when the logic judgment device identifies that the device type corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface is a mobile phone or a USB flash drive, the programmable logic device controls the first multiplexer to switch to the USB2.0 link; when the programmable logic device receives a signal that the positioning button has been pressed multiple times at a frequency less than a preset frequency, it switches to a USB3.0 link connected to the platform controller.

[0127] The second aspect of the embodiment of the present application provides a method for automatically identifying external devices connected to a Type-C interface, which uses a logic judgment device to identify the master-slave type of an external device according to the port level; according to the master-slave type of the external device, the master-slave mode of the baseboard management controller is switched to establish a connection with the external device. When the external device is a master device, the baseboard management controller is switched to the slave mode; when the external device is a slave device, the baseboard management controller is switched to the master mode; the logic judgment device is powered by a power management module, and the external device with a master-slave type of a slave device is powered by the Type-C interface, which can realize direct connection between the Type-C interface and external devices such as mobile terminals, reduce complex interface design of the server, reduce maintenance costs, and can also power the external device through the power management module.

[0128] FIG4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device. As shown in FIG4 , the electronic device may include: a processor 410, a communication interface 420, a memory 430, and a communication bus 440, wherein the processor 410, the communication interface 420, and the memory 430 communicate with each other via the communication bus 440. The processor 410 may call logic instructions in the memory 430 to execute a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit. The method includes: using a logic judgment device to identify the master or slave type of the external device based on the port level; switching the master or slave mode of the baseboard management controller based on the master or slave type of the external device to establish a connection with the external device, wherein when the external device is a master device, the baseboard management controller switches to a slave mode; and when the external device is a slave device, the baseboard management controller switches to a master mode; powering the logic judgment device through a power management module, and powering the external device whose master or slave type is a slave device through the Type-C interface.

[0129] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit as described in any one of the above items.

[0130] A fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present application further provides a server, comprising a Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit as described in any one of the above items.

[0131] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components shown as units may or may not be physical units. That is, they may be located in one location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of the present embodiments. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will be able to understand and implement these embodiments without inventive effort.

[0132] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, or of course, by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solution, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods of each embodiment or certain parts of the embodiment.

[0133] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit, characterized in that: include: Type-C interface, logic judgment device, baseboard management controller and power management module; The power mode judgment port and the power output control port of the Type-C interface are respectively connected to the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device; The levels on the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device are used to determine whether the Type-C interface is connected to a USB port, the current direction, and the device type corresponding to the USB port; the SCL pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the bus pin of the baseboard management controller; the SDA pin of the logic judgment device is connected to the interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller; The output end of the power management module is connected to the Type-C interface and the power pin of the logic judgment device respectively; the enable end of the power management module is connected to the first GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller.

2. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baseboard management controller is also configured to: The level of the first GPIO pin is determined according to the device type corresponding to the USB port identified by the CC1 and CC2 pins of the logic judgment device, and the level of the first GPIO pin is used to enable the power management module so that the power management module supplies power to the logic judgment device and the device corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C.

3. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A first multiplexer, wherein an output end of the first multiplexer is connected to at least two groups of input and output ports of the Type-C interface; An input end of the first multiplexer is connected to a USB pin of the baseboard management controller.

4. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A programmable logic device comprises a second multiplexer inside, and a first port of the second multiplexer is connected to at least two groups of asynchronous serial communications of the baseboard management controller.

5. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second port of the second multiplexer is connected to the input and output debugging port of the baseboard management controller.

6. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: a level converter, wherein a TTL transmission end of the level converter is connected to the second multiplexer; The debugging signal input terminal of the level converter is connected to the input terminal of the first multiplexer.

7. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: Platform controllers and drivers; The data transmitting end and the data receiving end of the platform controller are connected to the input end of the driver, and the driver is configured to perform equalization and pre-emphasis processing on the signals transmitted by the data transmitting end and the data receiving end of the platform controller; The output terminal of the driver is connected to the input terminal of the first multiplexer; The enable terminal of the driver is connected to the second GPIO pin of the baseboard management controller.

8. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first multiplexer includes: a plurality of input ports and an output port, which is configured to switch the Type-C interface to connect to different communication links, and the connection relationship of the plurality of input ports includes: The first input port is connected to the output end of the level converter, and the level converter is configured to convert the serial port signal forwarded by the programmable logic device into a first USB2.0 signal, wherein the first USB2.0 signal is an output signal of the research and development debug link; the serial port signal is a signal output by the baseboard management controller serial port and the system serial port; The second input port is connected to the USB2.0 serial port of the upstream baseboard management controller, and the USB2.0 serial port is configured to connect to a USB2.0 U disk or a mobile terminal; The third input port and the fourth input port are connected to the driver respectively, and the driver is configured to drive and enhance the output signal of the platform controller, and the output signal of the platform controller is a USB3.0 signal output by the system mounting a USB3.0 U disk; The output end of the first multiplexer is configured to be connected to a device corresponding to a USB port connected to the Type-C interface through an input and output port of the Type-C interface; When the first multiplexer is connected to the programmable logic device, the first multiplexer connects to the R&D and debugging link by default; when the logic judgment device recognizes that the device type corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface is a mobile phone or a USB flash drive, the programmable logic device controls the first multiplexer to switch to the USB2.0 link; when the programmable logic device receives a signal that the positioning button is pressed multiple times at a frequency less than a preset frequency, it switches to a USB3.0 link connected to the platform controller.

9. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: A positioning indicator light, the positioning indicator light is connected to a setting end of the multiplexer of the programmable logic device, and the setting end of the multiplexer of the programmable logic device is connected to the first multiplexer; the positioning indicator light is configured to display a server status and a device type corresponding to a USB port to which the Type-C interface is connected; The programmable logic device is provided with a positioning button, and the positioning button is configured to switch the device type corresponding to the USB port connected to the Type-C interface.

10. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 9, characterized in that: The positioning indicator light includes a status light, wherein the status light is always on to indicate that the server is in place, and the status light is off to indicate that the server is not in place.

11. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 9, characterized in that: The positioning indicator light also includes an identification light. When the identification light flashes at a first preset frequency, it indicates that the current first type external device has been identified; when the identification light flashes at a second preset frequency, it indicates that the current second type external device has been identified.

12. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 9, characterized in that: The device types corresponding to the USB port include mobile phone USB2.0 U disk and USB3.0 U disk.

13. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The logic judgment device sends an interrupt signal to the interrupt pin of the baseboard management controller through the SDA pin, is connected to the bus pin of the baseboard management controller through the SCL pin, and sends to the baseboard management controller whether the Type-C interface is connected to the USB port, the current direction, and the device type corresponding to the USB port; The baseboard management controller sets its own master-slave mode according to the device type corresponding to the USB port.

14. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The logic judgment device is configured to automatically identify whether a slave device or a master device is mounted under the baseboard management controller. When the slave device is mounted, the logic judgment device identifies the device port level as 00; when the master device is mounted, the logic judgment device identifies the device port level as 11.

15. The Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to claim 14, characterized in that: The logic judgment device is configured to trigger the baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal. After the baseboard management controller obtains device information through a two-wire serial bus, the baseboard management controller is configured to be in a master-slave mode to implement corresponding functions.

16. An electronic device, comprising the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A server, comprising the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A method for automatically identifying an external device via a Type-C interface, characterized in that: The method applied to the Type-C interface external device automatic identification circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 15 comprises: The device uses logic to identify the master and slave types of external devices according to the port level; According to the master-slave type of the external device, switching the master-slave mode of the baseboard management controller to establish a connection with the external device, wherein when the external device is a master device, the baseboard management controller is switched to a slave device mode, and when the external device is a slave device, the baseboard management controller is switched to a master device mode; The logic judgment device is powered by a power management module, and the external device whose master-slave type is the slave device is powered by a Type-C interface.

19. The automatic identification method of Type-C interface external device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The logic judgment device identifies the master and slave types of the external device according to the port level, including: If the logic judgment device interprets the port level as a low level, the external device is identified as the slave device, and the identification result is sent to the baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal, so that the baseboard management controller switches the mode to the master device mode, and the baseboard management controller controls the power management module to supply power to the outside; If the logic judgment device interprets the port level as a high level, it identifies the external device as the master device, and sends the identification result to the baseboard management controller through an interrupt signal, so that the baseboard management controller switches the mode to the slave device mode.

20. The automatic identification method of Type-C interface external device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When debugging the server, the external device is connected via the Type-C interface, the port level of the logic judgment device is low, the master-slave type of the external device is identified as the slave device, and the baseboard management controller is switched to the master mode to connect with the external device, so that the external device reads the log and system log of the baseboard management controller, wherein the presence or absence of the log and system log of the baseboard management controller is used to determine whether the connection is successful.

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