A transmission interface, a transmission cable, an electronic device and a signal transmission method

Abstract

A transmission interface, a transmission cable, an electronic device and a signal transmission method can meet the transmission requirement of high-speed media stream. The first port with USB interface function is expanded, such as expanding the port on both sides of the first port, such as the first expansion port and the second expansion port. The first expansion port includes at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, and the second expansion port includes at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals. The first differential transmission line terminal and the second differential transmission line terminal both support the transmission of multimedia data. In addition, the power supply terminals for power supply are added in the two expansion ports of the transmission interface to increase the power supply capacity. The transmission interface is also compatible with the electronic device coupled with the HDMI and USB interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of information technology, and in particular to a transmission interface, transmission cable, electronic device, and signal transmission method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile internet, users have increasingly higher demands for transmission speed and transmission functions. Therefore, electronic devices need to support multiple types of interface protocols to meet the requirements of data transmission speed and transmission functions.

[0003] The USB Type-C interface, with its compact design and support for features such as power delivery, has quickly become the default interface for mobile consumer electronics devices. However, USB Type-C cannot meet the requirements for high-speed media streaming (including video and / or audio streaming). Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a transmission interface, transmission cable, electronic device, and signal transmission method that can meet the transmission requirements of high-speed media streams.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a transmission interface, including a first port, a first expansion port, and a second expansion port, the first expansion port and the second expansion port being located at opposite ends of the first port, the first port having the function of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface; wherein, the first expansion port includes at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, the second expansion port includes at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, the first differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of a first data signal, the first data signal including multimedia data, and the second differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of the first data signal.

[0006] In the above scheme, the first port with USB interface function is expanded by adding a differential transmission line terminal for transmitting multimedia data, thereby increasing the transmission channel of high-speed multimedia streams and improving the data signal transmission bandwidth.

[0007] In one possible design, the first expansion port further includes a first ground terminal and at least one first power terminal, and the second expansion port further includes a second ground terminal and at least one second power terminal.

[0008] In the above design, the transmission interface increases its power supply capability by adding a power supply terminal.

[0009] In one possible design, the first power terminal includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals; the second power terminal includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals.

[0010] In the above design, both the first power terminal and the second power terminal can be implemented by electrically connecting two standard power terminals. That is, two adjacent standard power terminals can be electrically connected and used as a single power terminal, which can increase the current carrying capacity and further increase the power supply capacity of the transmission interface.

[0011] In one possible design, the space occupied by the first power terminal includes the space occupied by two adjacent standard power terminals and the gap between the two adjacent standard power terminals, and the space occupied by the second power terminal includes the space occupied by two adjacent standard power terminals and the gap between the two adjacent standard power terminals. For example, the power terminals in a USB Type-C interface are standard power terminals.

[0012] In the above design, after the gap between two adjacent standard power terminals is opened up, the two adjacent standard power terminals and the gap between them together form a single power terminal. That is, the portion of the original gap between two adjacent standard power terminals that had no current-carrying capacity (the insulating grid) is now open up and has current-carrying capacity. Through this scheme, the first and second power terminals can achieve the current-carrying effect of six power terminals to a certain extent. The design of adding power terminals in the above scheme allows the power supply capacity of the aggregated interface to potentially reach 2.5 times that of the original USB Type-C interface, possibly reaching a power supply capacity of 250W.

[0013] In one possible design, in the embodiments of this application, except for the first power terminal and the second power terminal, the other terminals occupy the same space, or in other words, the metal conductors used in the terminals are of the same size. Alternatively, in the embodiments of this application, except for the first power terminal and the second power terminal, the other terminals occupy the same space as the standard power terminal, or in other words, the metal conductors used in the other terminals are of the same size as the metal conductors of the standard power terminal.

[0014] In one possible design, the first port is a USB interface, which supports the connection of a plug compatible with a USB interface. In the above design, the first port of the transmission interface is partially compatible with USB interface plugs, making the transmission interface compatible with existing USB interface plugs and existing electronic devices with USB interfaces.

[0015] In one possible design, the first port includes a first control signal terminal and a second control signal terminal; wherein the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol; and the second control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol.

[0016] In the above design, the two terminals of the USB interface that transmit control signals can be used to transmit control signals of the first protocol, so that the transmission interface of this application can support the newly defined protocol, thereby improving the terminal utilization rate.

[0017] In one possible design, the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner in the first port.

[0018] In one possible design, the first control signal terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of at least one of the following: control signals of the USB protocol, control signals of the HDMI protocol, or control signals of the DP protocol; the second control signal terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of at least one of the following: control signals of the USB protocol, control signals of the HDMI protocol, or control signals of the DP protocol.

[0019] In the above design, the two terminals for transmitting control signals of the USB interface can be used to transmit control signals of the first protocol, as well as control signals of other protocols, improving compatibility. For example, the two terminals for transmitting control signals support the control signals of the HDMI protocol, making them compatible with electronic devices using HDMI, enabling signal transmission between electronic devices using HDMI and those using the transmission interface provided in this application. Alternatively, the two terminals for transmitting control signals support the control signals of the DP protocol and the USB protocol, making them compatible with electronic devices using USB, enabling the transmission of USB and DP control signals between electronic devices using the USB interface and those using the transmission interface provided in this application.

[0020] In one possible design, the first port includes a pair of third differential transmission line terminals and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals; wherein the third differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of the first data signal or transmission of data signals supporting the USB protocol, and the fourth differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of the first data signal or reception of data signals supporting the USB protocol.

[0021] In the above design, the differential transmission line terminals of the USB interface are reused to transmit the first data signal or the USB protocol data signal, improving compatibility. For example, the third and fourth differential transmission line terminals support the transmission of the first data signal. The first data signal includes HDMI protocol data signals, DP protocol data signals, or data signals of a first protocol. For example, the third and fourth differential transmission line terminals support HDMI protocol data signals, which is compatible with electronic devices using HDMI, enabling electronic devices using HDMI to transmit data signals with electronic devices using the transmission interface provided in this application. For example, the third and fourth differential transmission line terminals support DP protocol data signals and USB protocol data signals, which is compatible with electronic devices using USB, enabling electronic devices using USB interfaces to transmit data signals with electronic devices using the transmission interface provided in this application.

[0022] In one possible design, the first expansion port also includes a detection terminal for detecting the type of transmission cable to which the transmission interface is connected.

[0023] In the above design, a detection terminal is added to the expansion port, and the data signals transmitted by the first differential transmission line terminal, the second differential transmission line terminal, the third differential transmission line terminal, and the fourth differential transmission line terminal are controlled by detecting the type of transmission cable through the detection terminal, as well as the control signals transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal, so as to enable compatibility with electronic devices using HDMI or USB interfaces.

[0024] In one possible design, the type of transmission cable includes at least one of the following: a first type of transmission cable where both ends of the plug use the interface of the transmission interface; a second type of transmission cable where the first end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface, the second end plug uses an HDMI interface, and the third end plug uses a USB interface; a third type of transmission cable where one end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface and the other end plug uses a USB interface; and a fourth type of transmission cable where one end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface and the other end plug uses an HDMI interface.

[0025] In one possible design, the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of data signal transmitted by the third differential transmission line terminal and the fourth differential transmission line terminal; and the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface indicated by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of data signal transmitted by the first differential transmission line terminal and the second differential transmission terminal.

[0026] It should be noted that after the detection terminal detects the type of transmission cable, it can generate an indication signal corresponding to the type of transmission cable. The indication signal is used to indicate the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal, and also to indicate the type of data signal transmitted by the first differential transmission line terminal, the second differential transmission terminal, the third differential transmission line terminal and the fourth differential transmission line terminal.

[0027] In the above design, a detection terminal is added to the expansion port, and the data signals transmitted by the first differential transmission line terminal, the second differential transmission line terminal, the third differential transmission line terminal, and the fourth differential transmission line terminal are controlled by detecting the type of transmission cable through the detection terminal, as well as the control signals transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal, so as to enable compatibility with electronic devices using HDMI or USB interfaces.

[0028] In one possible design, when the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to a first type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol, and the second control signal terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol; or, when the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to a third type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the USB protocol or the DP protocol, and the second control signal terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the USB protocol or the DP protocol, wherein the control signals transmitted by the first and second control signal terminals belong to the same protocol; or, when the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to a fourth type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the HDMI protocol, and the second control channel terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the HDMI protocol.

[0029] In one possible design, the first port also includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals. Both the fifth and sixth differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of data signals for the USB protocol and bidirectional transmission of control signals for the HDMI protocol. The transmission rates of the fifth and sixth differential transmission line terminals are both first rates, and the transmission rates of the third and fourth differential transmission line terminals are both second rates. The first rate is less than or equal to the second rate.

[0030] When the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to a second type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the HDMI protocol, the second control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the HDMI protocol; the fifth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of data signals of the USB protocol, and the sixth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the HDMI protocol; or, the fifth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the HDMI protocol, and the sixth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of data signals of the USB protocol.

[0031] Through the above design, since the HDMI protocol control signals include four types, these four HDMI protocol control signals are transmitted through the first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and a pair of differential transmission line terminals (either a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals or a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals). This ensures that the transmission interface provided in this embodiment is compatible with electronic devices using HDMI. Furthermore, the pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals or a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals can also be used to transmit USB protocol data signals, further enabling the transmission interface provided in this embodiment to be compatible with both HDMI and USB-based electronic devices.

[0032] In one possible design, when the detection terminal's detection transmission interface is connected to a first type of transmission cable, the third differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the first data signal, and the fourth differential transmission line terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of the first data signal, wherein the first data signal includes at least one of a first protocol data signal, an HDMI protocol data signal, or a DP protocol data signal; or, when the detection terminal's detection transmission interface is connected to a third type of transmission cable, the third differential transmission line terminal indicates bidirectional transmission of a DP protocol data signal or transmission of a USB protocol data signal, and the fourth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of a DP protocol data signal or reception of a USB protocol data signal, wherein the first data signal includes a DP protocol data signal; or, when the detection terminal's detection transmission interface is connected to a fourth type of transmission cable, the third differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of an HDMI protocol data signal, and the fourth differential transmission line terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of an HDMI protocol data signal, wherein the first data signal includes an HDMI protocol data signal.

[0033] In one possible design, the first port also includes a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals and a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals; when the detection terminal detects that the transmission interface is connected to a second type of transmission cable, the third and fourth differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of HDMI protocol data signals, the seventh differential transmission line terminals support transmission of USB protocol data signals, the eighth differential transmission line terminals support reception of USB protocol data signals, and the first data signal includes HDMI protocol data signals.

[0034] In one possible design, the first expansion port and the second expansion port are arranged rotationally symmetrically on both sides of the first port.

[0035] In one possible design, the first port is a USB Type-C interface.

[0036] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a transmission cable, including a first plug, a second plug, and a first transmission line; the first plug uses a transmission interface, the transmission interface including a first port, a first expansion port, and a second expansion port, the first expansion port and the second expansion port being located at opposite ends of the first port, the first port having the function of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface; wherein, the first expansion port includes at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, the second expansion port includes at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, the first differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission of a first data signal, the first data signal including multimedia data, and the second differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission of the first data signal; the second plug uses the transmission interface, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI).

[0037] The above design enables electronic devices, including transmission interfaces, to connect to electronic devices with different interface types.

[0038] In one possible design, when the second plug uses a USB interface, the transmission cable also includes a third plug and a second transmission line; the third plug uses an HDMI interface; and the second transmission line is used to connect the third plug and the first plug.

[0039] In one possible design, the first expansion port further includes a first ground terminal and at least one first power supply terminal, and the second expansion port further includes a second ground terminal and at least one second power supply terminal. In the above design, the transmission interface increases its power supply capability by adding power supply terminals.

[0040] In one possible design, the space occupied by the first power terminal is two adjacent standard power terminals; the space occupied by the second power terminal is two adjacent standard power terminals.

[0041] In one possible design, the space occupied by the first power terminal also includes the gap between adjacent standard power terminals, and the space occupied by the second power terminal also includes the gap between adjacent standard power terminals. For example, the power terminals in a USB interface are standard power terminals.

[0042] In one possible design, when both the first plug and the second plug use transmission interfaces, at least one first power terminal, at least one second power terminal, and at least one power terminal among the power terminals included in the first port are used to provide power. The electronic device coupled to the first plug can supply power to the electronic device coupled to the second plug through at least one first power terminal, at least one second power terminal, and at least one power terminal among the power terminals included in the first port; similarly, the electronic device coupled to the second plug can supply power to the electronic device coupled to the first plug through at least one first power terminal, at least one second power terminal, and at least one power terminal among the power terminals included in the first port.

[0043] In one possible design, the first expansion port also includes a detection terminal. Electronic devices coupled to the first plug can detect the interface type used by the second plug, i.e., the type of the current transmission cable, via the detection terminal.

[0044] In one possible design, the first port further includes a pair of third differential transmission line terminals and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. The third differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of the first data signal and transmission of data signals according to the USB protocol. The fourth differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of the first data signal and reception of data signals according to the USB protocol. The first port also includes a first control signal terminal and a second control signal terminal, supporting control signals of the first protocol, HDMI protocol, DP protocol, or USB protocol.

[0045] In one possible design, when the second plug uses a transmission interface, at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals are used to transmit a first data signal. The first data signal includes one of the following: a data signal of a first protocol, a data signal of an HDMI protocol, or a data signal of a DP protocol.

[0046] In one possible design, when the second plug uses a transmission interface, the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are used to transmit control signals of the first protocol. The first and second control signal terminals are used to enable the electronic device coupled to the first plug to send control signals of the first protocol to the electronic device coupled to the second plug, or to enable the electronic device coupled to the second plug to send control signals of the first protocol to the electronic device coupled to the first plug.

[0047] In one possible design, when the second plug uses an HDMI interface, at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals are used to transmit HDMI protocol data signals. These terminals are used to enable the electronic device coupled to the first plug to send HDMI protocol data signals to the electronic device coupled to the second plug, or to enable the electronic device coupled to the second plug to send HDMI data signals to the electronic device coupled to the first plug.

[0048] In one possible design, when the second plug uses an HDMI interface, the first and second control signal terminals are used to transmit control signals for the HDMI protocol. The first port also includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals. The fifth differential transmission line terminals are used to send or receive control signals for the HDMI protocol; or the sixth differential transmission line terminals are used to send or receive control signals for the HDMI protocol.

[0049] The first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals are used to enable the electronic device coupled to the first plug to send control signals of the first protocol to the electronic device coupled to the second plug, or to enable the electronic device coupled to the second plug to send control signals of the first protocol to the electronic device coupled to the first plug. Alternatively, the first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and the pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals are used to enable the electronic device coupled to the first plug to send control signals of the first protocol to the electronic device coupled to the second plug, or to enable the electronic device coupled to the second plug to send control signals of the first protocol to the electronic device coupled to the first plug.

[0050] In one possible design, when the second plug uses a USB interface, at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals are used to transmit DP protocol data signals. The first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are used to transmit DP protocol control signals.

[0051] In one possible design, when the second plug uses a USB interface, at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals are used to transmit USB protocol data signals. The first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are used to transmit USB protocol control signals.

[0052] In one possible design, the second plug uses a USB interface, and the third plug uses an HDMI interface. At least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals are used to transmit HDMI protocol data signals. The first port also includes a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals and a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals. The seventh differential transmission line terminals are used to transmit USB protocol data signals, and the eighth differential transmission line terminals are used to receive USB protocol data signals.

[0053] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device including the transmission interface described in the first aspect or any design of the first aspect.

[0054] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, such as a first electronic device. The first electronic device includes a transmission interface, through which the first electronic device is coupled to a second electronic device; the transmission interface includes a first port, a first expansion port, and a second expansion port, the first expansion port and the second expansion port being located at opposite ends of the first port; the first port has the function of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface; the first expansion port includes at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals; and the second expansion port includes at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals.

[0055] In one possible design, the electronic device further includes a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to: acquire a first data signal to be transmitted; transmit the first data signal to a second electronic device via at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals including at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals and / or at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, the first data signal including first multimedia data; or, receive a second data signal from the second electronic device via at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, the second data signal including second multimedia data.

[0056] In one possible design, the first expansion port further includes a ground terminal and at least one first power terminal, and the second expansion port further includes a ground terminal and at least one second power terminal.

[0057] In one possible design, the first power terminal includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals; the second power terminal includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals.

[0058] In the above design, both the first power terminal and the second power terminal can be implemented by electrically connecting two standard power terminals. That is, two adjacent standard power terminals can be electrically connected and used as a single power terminal, which can increase the current carrying capacity and further increase the power supply capacity of the transmission interface.

[0059] In one possible design, the space occupied by the first power terminal includes the space occupied by two adjacent standard power terminals and the gap between the two adjacent standard power terminals, and the space occupied by the second power terminal includes the space occupied by two adjacent standard power terminals and the gap between the two adjacent standard power terminals. For example, the power terminals in a USB Type-C interface are standard power terminals.

[0060] In the above design, the gap between two adjacent standard power terminals is opened up to form a single power terminal. That is, the portion of the original gap between two adjacent standard power terminals that lacked current-carrying capacity (the insulating grid) is opened up, enabling current flow. Through this scheme, the first and second power terminals can achieve the current-carrying effect of six power terminals to a certain extent. This design, which increases the number of power terminals, allows the aggregated interface to potentially provide 2.5 times the power supply capacity of the original USB Type-C interface, possibly reaching 250W.

[0061] In one possible design, in the embodiments of this application, except for the first power terminal and the second power terminal, the other terminals occupy the same space, or in other words, the metal conductors used in the terminals are of the same size.

[0062] In one possible design, the processing device is further configured to: supply power to the second electronic device through at least one of at least one first power terminal, at least one second power terminal, and at least one power terminal included in the first port when the first electronic device is connected to a power source and the second electronic device is not connected to a power source; or, when the first electronic device is not connected to a power source and the second electronic device is connected to a power source, receive electrical energy from the second electronic device through at least one of at least one first power terminal, at least one second power terminal, and at least one power terminal included in the first port.

[0063] The above design enables power supply while transmitting multimedia data.

[0064] In one possible design, the transmission interface of the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via a transmission cable. The first expansion port further includes a detection terminal, a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. The processing device is further configured to: before sending a first data signal to the second electronic device via the pair of differential transmission line terminals, control the type of data signal transmitted by the pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal; or, the processing device is further configured to: before receiving a first data signal from the second electronic device via the pair of differential transmission line terminals, control the type of data signal transmitted by at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal; wherein, at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals specifically includes at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, or a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals.

[0065] In one possible design, the first port further includes a first control signal terminal and a second control signal terminal; the processing device is also used to control the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal.

[0066] In one possible design, the type of transmission cable includes at least one of the following: a first type of transmission cable where both ends of the plug use the interface of the transmission interface; a second type of transmission cable where the first end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface, the second end plug uses an HDMI interface, and the third end plug uses a USB interface; a third type of transmission cable where one end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface and the other end plug uses a USB interface; and a fourth type of transmission cable where one end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface and the other end plug uses an HDMI interface.

[0067] In one possible design, the processing device, when controlling the type of data signal transmitted by at least a pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, is specifically used to: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a first type of transmission cable, transmit a first data signal to the second electronic device or receive a second data signal from the second electronic device through at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, wherein both the first data signal and the second data signal include one of the data signals of a first protocol, the data signals of an HDMI protocol, or the data signals of a DP protocol.

[0068] In one possible design, the processing device, when controlling the type of data signal transmitted by at least a pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, is specifically used to: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a third type of transmission cable, send a first data signal to the second electronic device or receive a second data signal from the second electronic device through at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals and at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, wherein both the first data signal and the second data signal are DP protocol data signals.

[0069] The above design is compatible with USB interface and enables the transmission of DP protocol data signals.

[0070] In one possible design, the processing device, when controlling the type of data signal transmitted by at least a pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, is specifically used to: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a fourth type of transmission cable, send a first data signal to the second electronic device or receive a second data signal from the second electronic device through at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, at least a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and at least a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, wherein both the first data signal and the second data signal are data signals of the HDMI protocol.

[0071] The above design is compatible with HDMI connection and enables the transmission of HDMI protocol data signals.

[0072] In one possible design, the processing device, when controlling the type of data signal transmitted by at least a pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, is specifically used for: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface of the first electronic device detected by the detection terminal is a second type of transmission cable, transmitting a first data signal to the second electronic device or receiving a second data signal from the second electronic device through at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, at least a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and at least a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, wherein both the first and second data signals are HDMI protocol data signals; and transmitting a USB protocol data signal to the third electronic device through a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals included in the first port, or receiving a USB protocol data signal from the third electronic device through a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals included in the first port; wherein the first end plug is coupled to the first electronic device, the second end plug is coupled to the second electronic device, and the third end plug is coupled to the third electronic device.

[0073] The above design is compatible with both HDMI and USB connections and enables synchronous transmission of HDMI and USB protocol data signals.

[0074] In one possible design, the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal is controlled according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal. This includes: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a first type of transmission cable, sending a first protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving a first protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; or, when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a third type of transmission cable, sending a DP protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving a DP protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; or, when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a third type of transmission cable, sending a USB protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving a USB protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; or, when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a fourth type of transmission cable, sending an HDMI protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving an HDMI protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal.

[0075] In one possible design, the first port further includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals. The type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal is determined based on the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, including:

[0076] When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a second type of transmission cable, wherein the first end plug is coupled to the first electronic device, the second end plug is coupled to the second electronic device, and the third end plug is coupled to the third electronic device; HDMI protocol control signals are sent to or received from the second electronic device via the first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals. Alternatively, HDMI protocol control signals are sent to or received from the second electronic device via the first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals.

[0077] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a signal transmission method, which is applied to a first electronic device configured with a transmission interface. The first electronic device is coupled to a second electronic device through the transmission interface. The transmission interface includes a first port, a first expansion port, and a second expansion port. The first expansion port and the second expansion port are located at opposite ends of the first port. The first port has the function of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The first expansion port includes at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, and the second expansion port includes at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals. The method includes: acquiring a first data signal to be transmitted; transmitting the first data signal to the second electronic device through at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, wherein the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals includes at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals and / or at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals; and the first data signal includes first multimedia data. Alternatively, receiving a second data signal from the second electronic device through at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, wherein the second data signal includes second multimedia data.

[0078] In one possible design, the first expansion port further includes a ground terminal and at least one power terminal, and the second expansion port further includes a ground terminal and at least one power terminal; the method further includes: when the first electronic device is connected to a power source and the second electronic device is not connected to a power source, supplying power to the second electronic device through at least one power terminal of the first expansion port, at least one power terminal of the second expansion port, and at least one power terminal included in the first port; or, when the first electronic device is not connected to a power source and the second electronic device is connected to a power source, receiving electrical energy from the second electronic device through at least one power terminal of the first expansion port, at least one power terminal of the second expansion port, and at least one power terminal included in the first port.

[0079] In one possible design, the transmission interface of the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via a transmission cable. The first expansion port further includes a detection terminal, at least one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and at least one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. Before sending a first data signal to the second electronic device via the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, the method further includes: controlling the type of data signal transmitted by the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal; or, before receiving the first data signal from the second electronic device via the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, the method further includes: controlling the type of data signal transmitted by the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal; wherein, the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals specifically includes at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, or at least one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals.

[0080] In one possible design, the first port further includes a first control signal terminal and a second control signal terminal; the method further includes: controlling the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal.

[0081] In one possible design, the type of transmission cable includes at least one of the following: a first type of transmission cable where both ends of the plug use the interface of the transmission interface; a second type of transmission cable where the first end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface, the second end plug uses an HDMI interface, and the third end plug uses a USB interface; a third type of transmission cable where one end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface and the other end plug uses a USB interface; and a fourth type of transmission cable where one end plug uses the interface of the transmission interface and the other end plug uses an HDMI interface.

[0082] In one possible design, the type of data signal transmitted by at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals is controlled according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal. This includes: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a first type of transmission cable, transmitting a first data signal to a second electronic device or receiving a second data signal from a second electronic device through at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and at least one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, wherein both the first and second data signals include one of a first protocol data signal, an HDMI protocol data signal, or a DP protocol data signal; or, when the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is connected to a first type of transmission cable, transmitting a first data signal to a second electronic device or receiving a second data signal from a second electronic device through at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and at least one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. When the transmission cable is a third type of transmission cable, a first data signal is sent to or a second data signal is received from the second electronic device through at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals and at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, and both the first and second data signals are data signals of the DP protocol; or, when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a fourth type of transmission cable, a first data signal is sent to or a second data signal is received from the second electronic device through at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and at least one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, and both the first and second data signals are data signals of the HDMI protocol.

[0083] In one possible design, the type of data signal transmitted by at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals is controlled according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal. This includes: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface of the first electronic device detected by the detection terminal is a second type of transmission cable, sending a first data signal to or receiving a second data signal from the second electronic device through at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, at least one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and at least one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, where both the first and second data signals are HDMI protocol data signals; and sending a USB protocol data signal to the third electronic device through a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals included in the first port, or receiving a USB protocol data signal from the third electronic device through a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals included in the first port; wherein the first end plug is coupled to the first electronic device, the second end plug is coupled to the second electronic device, and the third end plug is coupled to the third electronic device.

[0084] In one possible design, the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal is controlled according to the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, including: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a first type of transmission cable, sending a first protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving a first protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; or, when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a third type of transmission cable, sending a DP protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving a DP protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; or, when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a third type of transmission cable, sending a USB protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving a USB protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; or, when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a fourth type of transmission cable, sending an HDMI protocol control signal to the second electronic device or receiving an HDMI protocol control signal from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal.

[0085] In one possible design, the first port further includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals. Depending on the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal is controlled. This includes: when the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a second type of transmission cable, wherein the first end plug is coupled to the first electronic device, the second end plug is coupled to the second electronic device, and the third end plug is coupled to the third electronic device; HDMI protocol control signals are sent to or received from the second electronic device via the first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and the pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals. Alternatively, HDMI protocol control signals are sent to or received from the second electronic device via the first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and the pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals.

[0086] Sixthly, this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions that, when executed, cause the method in the aforementioned fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be performed.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed, cause the method in the aforementioned fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be performed. Attached Figure Description

[0088] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the HDMI pinout.

[0089] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the USB Type-C pinout.

[0090] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram of the pinout of a first type of aggregation interface provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the pinout of a second type of aggregation interface provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of the pinout of the third type of aggregation interface provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a possible design for a differential transmission line terminal supporting bidirectional transmission, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0094] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of another possible design for a differential transmission line terminal supporting bidirectional transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the power supply pins provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 7 A functional diagram illustrating the control signals of a possible first protocol provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 8 A functional diagram illustrating the control signals of another possible first protocol provided in this application embodiment;

[0098] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth type of aggregation interface pins provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0099] Figure 10 A possible design schematic diagram of the fourth differential transmission line terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 11 A possible design schematic diagram of the third differential transmission line terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 12 A possible design schematic diagram of the first control signal terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a possible design for the second control signal terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a first type of transmission cable provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a second type of transmission cable provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a third type of transmission cable provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the fourth type of transmission cable provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0107] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of scenario one provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of scenario two provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0109] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of scenario three provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0110] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of scenario four provided for an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0111] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0112] The following is an explanation of the terms and terminology used in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] 1) The term "at least one" in this application refers to one or more, including one, two, three, or more; "multiple" refers to two or more, including two, three, or more. Furthermore, it should be understood that in the description of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0114] 2) The electronic devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be displays (or screens), televisions, projectors, or smart screens. A smart screen can be a home entertainment center, and even more so an information sharing center, control and management center, and multi-device interaction center. Electronic devices can also be video playback devices, such as set-top boxes, docking stations, or personal computers (PCs). Electronic devices can also be called terminal devices. Terminal devices can also be called user equipment, access terminals, user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication equipment, user agents, or user devices. Terminal devices can be cellular phones, cordless phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices with wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, etc.

[0115] 3) In the embodiments of this application, the term "two terminals arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner" means that one terminal is rotated around the center of symmetry by an angle to coincide with the other terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the rotation angle is 180°. The term "terminal" (pin) in the embodiments of this application can also be called a pin or lead.

[0116] 4) High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). HDMI is an interface for transmitting uncompressed digital high-definition multimedia (video and / or audio). For data transmission, HDMI uses Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) technology. TMDS is a technology that uses the voltage difference between two pins to transmit signals, i.e., differential transmission technology. There are currently three physical HDMI specifications, namely HDMI Type-A, HDMI Type-B, and HDMI Type-C. HDMI Type-A includes 19 pins. Pins can also be called terminals or connectors. The functions defined for each pin are as follows: Figure 1 As shown, HDMI Type-A has eight pins for transmitting HDMI protocol data signals, specifically TMDS data signals. TMDS data signals include TMDS Data 0, TMDS Data 1, TDMS Data 2, and TDMS Clock. The pin numbers for these eight pins are 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12. These eight pins form four pairs of differential transmission line terminals and connect to four pairs of differential transmission lines (or differential signal lines). In addition, HDMI Type-A also includes shielding pins, power supply pins, ground pins, and pins for transmitting control signals. The shielding pins are used to prevent interference between signals and reduce electromagnetic radiation.

[0117] For specific details, please refer to Table 1 for the functional definitions of the 19 pins.

[0118] Table 1

[0119]

[0120]

[0121] Type-A is 14mm at its widest point and 4.55mm high. Type B has 29 pins and is larger in size. Type-C is similar to Type-A, with 19 pins, differing only in size; the Type-C interface measures 10.5mm × 2.5mm.

[0122] 5) USB Interface. USB is a serial bus standard and also a technical specification for input / output interfaces. There are currently three physical specifications for USB interfaces: USB Type-A, USB Type-B, and USB Type-C. USB Type-A is generally used in personal computers. USB Type-B is generally used in printers, etc. USB Type-C is generally suitable for mobile portable terminal devices.

[0123] USB Type-C includes 24 pins. A pinout diagram of the USB Type-C interface is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, USB Type-C includes four pairs of differential transmission line pins for implementing the TX / RX function. These include two pairs of differential transmission line pins (or differential data pins) for transmitting data signals: A2 (TX1+) and A3 (TX1-), B2 (TX2+) and B3 (TX2-); and two pairs of differential transmission line pins (or differential data pins) for receiving data signals: B11 (RX1+) and B10 (RX1-), A11 (RX2+) and A10 (RX2-). For ease of description, the data signals transmitted by the differential data pins will be referred to as differential data signals. USB Type-C also includes two channel configuration (CC) signal pins for function negotiation. For example, they can be used to determine the orientation of the device insertion: correct or incorrect. They can also be used to negotiate power supply functions, replacement modes, or peripheral modes on the interface. Peripheral mode supports the transmission of analog audio or debug signals through the USB Type-C interface. The replacement mode supports the transmission of compressed or lossless video signals, such as DP protocol data signals, via the USB Type-C interface. USB Type-C may also include pins for transmitting other signals, such as pins for sideband use (SBU) signals, as shown in Table 2.

[0124] Table 2

[0125]

[0126]

[0127] In this context, TX / RX (TX1, TX2, RX1, and RX2) represent the differential data signals of USB 3.1. It's important to note that TX1 represents the differential data signal (TX1+ / -) transmitted by a pair of differential transmission line terminals, and similarly, RX1 represents RX1+ / -. Other differential signals are described in the same way. In USB 3.1, when an electronic device using a USB Type-C interface is inserted correctly, A2, A3, and B10, B11 are used as the differential transmission line terminals for USB 3.1 data signals. When the electronic device is inserted incorrectly, B2, B3, and A10, A11 are used as the differential transmission line terminals for USB 3.1 data signals. Regardless of the insertion orientation, two pairs of differential transmission line pins will be unused. USB Type-C can also be used to transmit Digital DisplayPort (DP) signals. In DP mode, the two unused pairs of differential signal line pins of USB 3.1 can be used to transmit DP data signals (or DP protocol data signals). Therefore, the USB Type-C interface can be used to implement USB 3.1+DP signal transmission. Additionally, if the receiving end only needs DP signals and not USB 3.1 signals, all four pairs of differential signal line pins can be used to transmit DP data signals. USB Type-C also includes two pairs of differential transmission line pins (A6, A7 and B7, B7) for transmitting USB 2.0 data signals, which are D+ / D-. A8 and B8 are reserved pins in the USB Type-C interface for transmitting SBU signals. In different application scenarios, the SBU signal has different uses; for example, the SBU signal can include DP protocol control signals or data signals. For example, A8 and B8 can be used as audio or microphone transmission channels to transmit audio or video data. DP protocol control signals can be auxiliary (AUX) signals. The USB Type-C interface also supports the power delivery (PD) protocol, meaning it has power supply capabilities. See also... Figure 2 As shown, GND is the ground pin, and Vbus is the power pin. The four ground pins and four power pins in the USB Type-C interface form four pairs of power supply pins to provide power.

[0128] Currently, electronic device interface standards include HDMI, USB, and DP, in addition to the aforementioned HDMI and USB interfaces. With the development of mobile internet, users have increasingly higher demands for transmission speeds and functions. Therefore, electronic devices need to support multiple interface protocols to meet these requirements. Supporting multiple interfaces simultaneously increases product cost and limits size. As described above, HDMI supports video transmission but not power delivery (PD) or data transmission other than multimedia data. Furthermore, HDMI's large size makes it unsuitable for portable devices. While USB Type-C supports PD and other data transmission besides multimedia, its limited number of data channels cannot meet the requirements of high-speed multimedia data (including video and / or audio data) transmission. Additionally, current USB Type-C interfaces are not effectively compatible with the HDMI protocol.

[0129] Based on this, this application provides a transmission interface that expands upon a first port with USB interface functionality, for example, by adding ports on both sides of the first port, such as a first expansion port and a second expansion port. The first expansion port includes at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, and the second expansion port includes at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals. The first differential transmission line terminals support the transmission of a first data signal, and the second differential transmission line terminals support the transmission of the first data signal, which includes multimedia data. The first data signal can be a data signal from the HDMI protocol, a data signal from the DP protocol, or a data signal from a first protocol. The data signal from the first protocol can be a multimedia data transmission protocol, which can be an existing multimedia transmission protocol or a future-defined multimedia transmission protocol; this application does not limit this. The transmission involved in this application includes receiving and / or sending. The USB interface involved in this application can be a USB Type-C interface, a USB Type-A interface, or other types of USB interfaces that will appear in the future; this application does not limit this. The transmission interface provided in this application can also be called an aggregation interface, a new interface (NEW port), or other names; this application does not limit this. In the following description, the transmission interface provided in the embodiments of this application will be referred to as the aggregation interface.

[0130] Let's take the example of the first port having a USB Type-C interface. Having a USB Type-C interface means that the first port supports USB interface adaptation. The USB Type-C interface includes 24 pins, see [link to example]. Figure 2 .exist Figure 2The USB Type-C interface shown has at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals added to each end, see [link / reference]. Figure 3A As shown. For example, the same number of differential transmission line terminal pairs are added to both ends of the USB Type-C interface, and these are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner at both ends of the USB Type-C interface, so that the converged interface can support both forward and reverse insertion. For example, the CC signal pin in the first port is used for function negotiation to determine the direction of device insertion: forward or reverse. Figures 3A-3C Taking the addition of a pair of differential transmission line terminals at each end of a USB Type-C interface as an example, for ease of description, the differential transmission line terminal added to one end is referred to as the first differential transmission line terminal, and the differential transmission line terminal added to the other end is referred to as the second differential transmission line terminal. The first differential transmission line terminal is located at the first expansion port, and the second differential transmission line terminal is located at the second expansion port. Both the first and second differential transmission line terminals are high-speed differential transmission line terminals.

[0131] The first port includes four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals: one pair of third differential transmission line terminals, one pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, one pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals, and one pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals. In this embodiment, two more pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals are added to the four pairs. The transmission rate of the high-speed differential transmission line can reach over 10 gigabits per second (GB / s), for example, 10GB / s-20GB / s, or the bandwidth of the high-speed differential transmission line can reach 10G-20G. The aggregation interface provided in this embodiment has 8K and above high-definition video transmission capabilities. 8K high-definition display resolution is, for example, 7680x4320 pixels (16:9), transmitting approximately 33 million pixels per frame.

[0132] In one example, the high-speed differential transmission line terminals included in the aggregation interface have both transmitting and receiving functions, i.e., they support bidirectional data transmission. These high-speed differential transmission line terminals can also be referred to as bidirectional data transmission terminals. For instance, the high-speed differential transmission line terminals support both transmitting and receiving a first data signal; that is, the high-speed differential transmission line terminals can function as both transmitting and receiving terminals for the first data signal. The first data signal includes multimedia data. Multimedia data may include high-definition video data and / or high-bandwidth data signals. For example, a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals, a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals, and a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals all support bidirectional data transmission, i.e., they all have both transmitting and receiving functions.

[0133] For example, see Figure 3BAs shown, the pin numbers of a pair of first differential transmission line terminals are C2 and C3, the pin numbers of a pair of second differential transmission line terminals are D2 and D3, the pin numbers of a pair of third differential transmission line terminals are B2 and B3, the pin numbers of a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals are A10 and A11, the pin numbers of a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals are A2 and A3, and the pin numbers of a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals are B10 and B11. B2 and B3 correspond to a pair of third differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional data transmission, used to transmit D0+ and D0- signals. Pins C2 and C3 correspond to second differential transmission line terminals, used to transmit D1+ and D1- signals. A10 and A11 correspond to a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional data transmission, used to transmit D3- and D3+ signals. The pin numbers of the seventh differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission are A2 and A3, used to transmit D4+ and D4- signals. The pin numbers of the eighth differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission are B11 and B10, used to transmit D5+ and D5- signals. D0-D5 all represent bidirectional data signals.

[0134] For example, in the aggregation interface, high-definition video data is transmitted through four of the six pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals, while the remaining two pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals enable bidirectional transmission of high-bandwidth data signals. See, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3B As shown, a pair of first differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers C2 and C3, a pair of second differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers D2 and D3, a pair of third differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers B2 and B3, and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers A10 and A11 constitute a transmission channel for four channels of high-definition video data. A pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers A2 and A3, and a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers B10 and B11 are used to achieve bidirectional transmission of high-bandwidth data. High-bandwidth data signals can be, for example, multimedia data generated during video calls or multimedia data generated in artificial intelligence (AI) interaction scenarios. Exemplary AI interaction scenarios could include remote education scenarios, advertising promotions, AR holographic call scenarios, or remote guidance scenarios.

[0135] For example, high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission can be adopted as follows: Figure 4 The design method shown. Figure 4In this diagram, T represents transmit and R represents receive. In one possible example, the pair of first differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers C2 and C3, the pair of second differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers D2 and D3, the pair of third differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers B2 and B3, the pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers A10 and A11, the pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers A2 and A3, and the pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers B10 and B11 all use... Figure 4 The design method shown.

[0136] It should also be noted that for two electronic devices, data transmission and reception between terminals are relative. For example, if a first electronic device is connected to a second electronic device, then for the first electronic device, terminal 1 is the transmitting terminal, while for the second electronic device, the terminal connected to terminal 1 is the receiving terminal.

[0137] In another example, some of the high-speed differential transmission line terminals included in the aggregation interface have both transmitting and receiving functions, i.e., they support bidirectional data transmission, while others have only transmitting or only receiving functions.

[0138] For example, the aggregation interface supports bidirectional data transmission through four of the six pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals, which can be used to send or receive high-definition video data. The remaining two pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals support unidirectional transmission, with one pair supporting data transmission only and the other pair supporting data reception only. For instance, a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, a pair of second differential transmission line terminals, a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals all support bidirectional data transmission, meaning they all have both sending and receiving functions. Similarly, a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals supports data transmission, and a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals supports data reception. The combination of the seventh and eighth differential transmission line terminals is used to achieve bidirectional transmission of high-bandwidth data signals. For example, when a high-bandwidth data signal needs to be sent, it is achieved through the seventh differential transmission line terminal; when a high-bandwidth data signal needs to be received, it is achieved through the eighth differential transmission line terminal.

[0139] Figure 3A In this example, four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional data transmission, while the other two pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals support unidirectional transmission.

[0140] As an example, Figure 3AThe pin numbers of the four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission are B2, B3, C2, C3, D2, D3, A10, and A11. Pins B2 and B3 correspond to the third differential transmission line terminal pair supporting bidirectional data transmission, used to transmit D0+ and D0- signals. Pins C2 and C3 correspond to the first differential transmission line terminal pair, used to transmit D1+ and D1- signals. Pins D2 and D3 correspond to the second differential transmission line terminal pair, used to transmit D2+ and D2- signals. Pins A10 and A11 correspond to the fourth differential transmission line terminal pair supporting bidirectional data transmission, used to transmit D3- and D3+ signals. The pin numbers of the seventh differential transmission line terminal pair supporting unidirectional data transmission are A2 and A3, used to transmit TX1+ and TX1- signals. The pin numbers of the eighth differential transmission line terminal pair supporting unidirectional data reception are B11 and B10, used to transmit RX1+ and RX1- signals. The TX1+, TX1-, and RX1+, RX1- signals include high-bandwidth data signals or USB protocol data signals (such as USB 3.0 data signals). High-bandwidth data signals can use the USB protocol or other data signal protocols; no specific limitation is made here.

[0141] For example, high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission can be adopted as follows: Figure 4 The design method shown. In Figure 3A In the above, the pair of first differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers C2 and C3, the pair of second differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers D2 and D3, the pair of third differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers B2 and B3, and the pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers A10 and A11 all use... Figure 4 The design method shown.

[0142] Figure 3C In this example, the pin numbers of four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission are A2, A3, C2, C3, D2, D3, B10, and B11. A2 and A3 correspond to the third differential transmission line terminal pair supporting bidirectional data transmission, used to transmit D0+ and D0- signals. Pins C2 and C3 correspond to the second differential transmission line terminal pair, used to transmit D1+ and D1- signals. B10 and B11 correspond to the fourth differential transmission line terminal pair supporting bidirectional data transmission, used to transmit D3- and D3+ signals. The pin numbers of the seventh differential transmission line terminal pair supporting unidirectional data transmission are B2 and B3, used to transmit TX2+ and TX2- signals. The pin numbers of the eighth differential transmission line terminal pair supporting unidirectional data reception are A11 and A10, used to transmit RX2+ and RX2- signals.

[0143] For example, high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission can be adopted as follows: Figure 4The design method shown. In Figure 3C In the above, the pair of first differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers C2 and C3, the pair of second differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers D2 and D3, the pair of third differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers B2 and B3, and the pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers A10 and A11 all use... Figure 4 The design method shown.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the differential transmission line terminal supporting bidirectional data signal transmission involved in this application embodiment is compatible with transmitting data signals of both HDMI and DP protocols. The differential transmission line terminal supporting bidirectional data signal transmission may include two transmission channels in each transmission direction, one channel for transmitting HDMI protocol data signals and the other channel for transmitting DP protocol data signals. For example, see... Figure 5 As shown, d0 represents the data signal of the HDMI protocol, and L0 represents the data signal of the DP protocol. It should be understood that differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional data signal transmission have one transmission direction at a time, and one of the two transmission channels in that direction is used to transmit the data signal.

[0145] It should be noted that the differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional data signal transmission involved in the embodiments of this application can also support the transmission of USB protocol data signals, as well as data signals of other protocols, or data signals of protocols that will emerge in the future. The high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission in the aggregation interface provided in the embodiments of this application can be designed to have bidirectional data transmission channels, supporting bidirectional transmission of data signals, or can be designed to have only unidirectional channels, such as a data signal receiving channel used only for receiving data signals, or a data signal transmitting channel used only for transmitting data signals.

[0146] The original USB Type-C interface has four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals, all of which only support unidirectional transmission. Two pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals support unidirectional transmission, with pin numbers B2, B3, A2, and A3, used for transmitting TX1 and TX2 respectively. The other two pairs support unidirectional reception, with pin numbers B10, B11, A10, and A11, used for receiving RX1 and RX2 respectively. To minimize changes to the functionality of the original USB Type-C interface, in this embodiment, at least two pairs of differential transmission line terminals (B2, B3, A2, A3, B10, B11, A10, and A11) in the original USB Type-C interface are used to support bidirectional data transmission. For example, Figure 3AIn the corresponding embodiment, the differential transmission line terminals of pins B2, B3, A10, and A11 in the original USB Type-C interface are modified to support bidirectional data transmission. The two pairs of differential transmission line terminals of pins A2, A3, B10, and B11 remain unchanged. For example, Figure 3B In the corresponding embodiment, all four pairs of differential transmission line terminals in the original USB Type-C interface have been modified to support bidirectional data transmission. For example, Figure 3C In the corresponding embodiment, the differential transmission line terminals of pins A2, A3, B10, and B11 in the original USB Type C interface are modified to support bidirectional data transmission. The two pairs of differential transmission line terminals of pins B2, B3, A10, and A11 remain unchanged.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the original USB Type-C includes four pairs of power supply pins. In the converged interface provided in this embodiment, the first expansion port may further include a ground terminal and at least one power terminal, and / or the second expansion port may further include a ground terminal and at least one power terminal. By adding a ground terminal and at least one power terminal to both expansion ports, the power supply capability of the converged interface can be increased.

[0148] In one example, the same number of grounding terminals and power terminals can be added to both expansion ports. These additional grounding and power terminals are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner in both expansion ports. This allows the converged interface to support both normal and reverse insertion. For ease of distinction, the grounding terminal in the first expansion port is referred to as the first grounding terminal, and the grounding terminal in the second expansion port is referred to as the second grounding terminal. Similarly, the power terminal in the first expansion port is referred to as the first power terminal, and the power terminal in the second expansion port is referred to as the second power terminal.

[0149] For example, the first expansion port specifically includes a first power terminal and a first ground terminal, and the second expansion port specifically includes a second power terminal and a second ground terminal. The first power terminal is formed by cascading two or more adjacent standard power terminals. The second power terminal is formed by cascading two or more adjacent standard power terminals. For example, taking two cascaded arrangements as an example, the first power terminal of the first expansion port includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals; the second power terminal of the second expansion port includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals. There is originally a gap (or spacing) between the two adjacent standard power terminals, which is usually insulating to isolate the two adjacent terminals. In this embodiment, the insulating gap between the two standard power terminals is broken. The two standard power terminals and the gap between them constitute the first power terminal of the first expansion port or the second power terminal of the second expansion port. The space occupied by the first power terminal and the second power terminal is equivalent to two terminals plus a gap, thus improving the current carrying capacity of the first power terminal and the second power terminal. Through the power terminal cascaded arrangement design provided in this embodiment, the space of the gap is used to increase the power supply current carrying capacity. For example, see Figure 6 As shown, two adjacent standard VCC terminals are arranged in a cascaded configuration. The portion of the space between the two adjacent standard VCC terminals that originally lacked current-carrying capacity becomes capable of carrying current after cascading. Through this scheme, four VCC terminals can achieve the current-carrying effect of six VCC terminals to a certain extent. The design of adding four VCC terminals in the above scheme allows the power supply capacity of the aggregated interface to potentially reach 2.5 times that of the original USB Type-C interface, possibly reaching a power supply capacity of 250W. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the specifications of all terminals except the first power terminal included in the first expansion port and the second power terminal included in the second expansion port are the same as the specifications of the standard power terminals. That is, the other terminals except the first power terminal included in the first expansion port and the second power terminal included in the second expansion port occupy the same space or have the same dimensions as the standard power terminals in this embodiment.

[0150] In one optional embodiment, the standard power terminal specifications are the same as those in the existing USB Type-C interface. For example, the standard power terminal has the same size or occupies the same space as the power terminal in the USB Type-C interface. In this embodiment, all ports except the first power terminal included in the first expansion port and the second power terminal included in the second expansion port have the same size or occupy the same space as the standard power terminal.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the first port of the aggregation interface provided in this application embodiment may include a first control signal terminal and a second control signal terminal. For example, see... Figures 3A-3C As shown, the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal can be pins B8 and A8 in a USB Type-C interface. The first and second control signal terminals support the transmission of control signals of the first protocol. As an example, the first and second control signal terminals can form a pair of differential transmission line terminals, capable of transmitting the control signals of the first protocol in a differential signal manner. For ease of description, the control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal can be referred to as New+, that is, the positive signal used by the first control signal terminal to transmit the control signal, and the control signal transmitted by the second control signal terminal can be referred to as New-, that is, the negative signal used by the second control signal terminal to transmit the control signal. Figures 3A-3C In this example, the first control signal terminal is B8 and the second control signal terminal is A8.

[0152] The control signals of the first protocol can have the functions of one or more of the following control signals: HDMI protocol control signals, USB protocol control signals, or DP protocol control signals. The control signals of the first protocol can also include other types of control signals; that is, pins B8 and A8 may have other functions, such as negotiating the receiver's capabilities, obtaining receiver capability information, such as the format of the transmitted data signal, the format of the transmitted control signals, and the type of the transmitted control signals. For example, the control signals of the first protocol can be a superposition of multiple control signals from the HDMI, USB, or DP protocols, or it can be a newly defined control signal that has the functions of one or more of the control signals from the HDMI, USB, or DP protocols. It should be noted that the control signals of the first protocol may be control signals for future defined protocols.

[0153] In the first possible example, New+ and New- could function as control signals for both HDMI and USB protocols. For example, see... Figure 7As shown, the control signals New+ and New- have the functions of SBU1, SBU2, CEC, utility, SDA, and SCL signals. It should be understood that both New+ and New- have the functions of the aforementioned six control signals. Specifically, B8 and A8 use time-division multiplexing to transmit control signals with the functions of SBU1, SBU2, CEC, utility, SDA, and SCL signals. For example, the control signals of the first protocol include six fields, and the information in these six fields has the functions of SBU1, SBU2, CEC, utility, SDA, and SCL signals, with different fields having different functions. Among them, CEC, SDA, SCL, and utility signals are all control signals of the HDMI protocol. SBU1 and SBU2 are control signals of the USB protocol.

[0154] For example, B8 and A8 can form a pair of differential transmission line terminals for transmitting SBU1, SBU2, CEC, utility, SDA, and SCL signals. For instance, SBU1 and SBU2 are a pair of differential control signals, while CEC, utility, SDA, and SCL signals can each be split into a pair of differential control signals. The differential control signals after splitting the CEC signal can be CEC+ / CEC-, the utility signal can be utility+ / utility-, the SDA signal can be SDA+ / SDA-, and the SCL signal can be SCL+ / SCL-.

[0155] For example, B8 and A8 are used to combine and transmit the SBU1 signal, SBU2 signal, CEC signal, utility signal, SDA signal, and SCL signal. It should be understood that SBU1 and SBU2 cannot be transmitted from the same pin, CEC and utility cannot be transmitted from the same pin, and SDA and SCL cannot be transmitted from the same pin. For example, SBU1 and SBU2 can be transmitted by B8 and A8 respectively, CEC and utility can be transmitted by B8 and A8 respectively, and SDA and SCL can be transmitted by B8 and A8 respectively.

[0156] In a second possible example, New+ and New- could function as control signals for both the DP and USB protocols. For example, see... Figure 8As shown, the first control signal terminal (B8) and the second control signal terminal (A8) support the transmission of SBU1, SBU2, AUX+, and AUX- signals. B8 and A8 form a pair of differential transmission line terminals for transmitting these signals. Specifically, SBU1 and SBU2 are a pair of differential control signals, and AUX+ and AUX- are another pair. For example, if SBU1 is a positive signal and SBU2 is a negative signal, B8 can use time-division multiplexing to transmit SBU1 and AUX+, and A8 can use time-division multiplexing to transmit SBU2 and AUX-. For instance, the control signals of the first protocol include two fields, each containing information for both SBU and AUX signals, with different fields having different functions.

[0157] Combining the two possible examples above, when New+ and New- have the functionality of control signals for both HDMI and USB protocols, the aggregation interface supports dual-mode transmission of HDMI and USB. When New+ and New- can have the functionality of control signals for both DP and USB protocols, the aggregation interface supports dual-mode transmission of DP and USB. See Table 3, which describes the transmission modes adopted by the aggregation interface under different control signal states for New+ and New-. When the transmission mode is dual-mode transmission of HDMI and USB, the control signal state is state 1, meaning that control signals for both HDMI and USB protocols are transmitted through the first control signal terminal (B8) and the second control signal terminal (A8). When the transmission mode is dual-mode transmission of DP and USB, the control signal state is state 2, meaning that control signals for both DP and USB protocols are transmitted through the first control signal terminal (B8) and the second control signal terminal (A8). After the two electronic devices establish a connection, the transmitting end can obtain the receiving end's receiving capability information, including the transmission mode, through B8 and A8, and then determine the state of the transmitted control signals, i.e., the type of transmitted control signals, based on the transmission mode.

[0158] Table 3

[0159] Control signal status Transmission mode State 1 (corresponding to the first possible example) Dual-mode transmission of HDMI and USB State 2 (corresponding to the second possible example) Dual-mode transmission of DP and USB

[0160] For example, an electronic device including the above-mentioned aggregation interface can negotiate other functions with another connected electronic device via New+ or New-, or other terminals, such as obtaining the protocol type supported by the other electronic device or other parameter values ​​that can be used to indicate the protocol, thereby determining the type of control signals transmitted between the electronic device and the other electronic device. Specific details will be described in detail later and will not be repeated here.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the aggregation interface provided in this application embodiment is compatible with coupling to HDMI or USB Type-C interfaces. See also Figure 9 The diagram shows the functional characteristics of each terminal in the converged interface after compatibility design. For example, the third differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers B2 and B3 can serve as bidirectional data terminals for both HDMI and DP protocols, as well as as transmitting data signals for the USB protocol. Similarly, the fourth differential transmission line terminals with pin numbers A10 and A11 can serve as bidirectional data terminals for both HDMI and DP protocols, as well as as receiving data signals for the USB protocol.

[0162] See Figure 10 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary compatibility design for terminals A10 and A11, where d0 represents the HDMI protocol data signal, L0 represents the DP protocol data signal, and TX2 represents the USB protocol data signal. Specifically, this pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals supports transmitting the HDMI protocol d0 signal, the DP protocol L0 signal, and also supports receiving the USB protocol RX2 signal. See also... Figure 11 As shown, Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an exemplary compatibility design principle for the terminals with pin numbers B2 and B3. This pair of third differential transmission line terminals supports transmitting HDMI protocol d0 signals, DP protocol L0 signals, and USB protocol TX2 signals. In one possible scenario, the set-top box and the display are connected via an aggregation interface. The display has a camera, and after acquiring video data from the camera, it can transmit the data to the set-top box through the pair of third differential transmission line terminals.

[0163] In another example, embodiments of this application incorporate a compatible design for both the first and second control signal terminals. Both the first and second control signal terminals support the transmission of a first type of control signal and are also compatible with the ability to transmit control signals according to HDMI, USB, or DP protocols. As an example, see [link to example]. Figure 9 As shown, as an example, the first control signal terminal (B8) can be used to transmit one of New+, SBU1, SCL, and AUX+. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 The diagram shown is an exemplary design schematic of the first control signal terminal (B8), where pin B8 is used to transmit or receive one of New+, SBU1, SCL, and AUX+. The second control signal terminal (A8) can be used to transmit one of New-, SBU2, SDA, and AUX-. For example, see... Figure 13The diagram shown is an exemplary design schematic of the second control signal terminal (A8), where pin A8 is used to send or receive one of New-, SBU2, SDA, and AUX-.

[0164] In another example, the HDMI protocol control signals include four types. To ensure compatibility with HDMI coupling, the first control signal terminal (B8) and the second control signal terminal (A8) are used to transmit control signals for two HDMI protocols. A pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals (pins A6 and A7) or the fifth differential transmission terminal (pins B6 and B7) in the first port can be reused to transmit control signals for the other two HDMI protocols. Figure 9 In this example, we will use A6 and A7 to transmit HDMI protocol data signals. Figure 9 In this example, A6 supports the transmission of CEC signals and A7 supports the transmission of utility signals.

[0165] In one possible implementation, after two electronic devices including the aggregation interface establish a connection, they can negotiate the Power Delivery (PD) via pins CC1 or CC2 in the aggregation interface. The orientation (positive or negative insertion) can also be determined by CC1 or CC2. Furthermore, the aggregation interface provided in this application embodiment also supports Huawei's proprietary fast charging protocol. The negotiation of this proprietary fast charging protocol can be achieved by multiplexing pins B6 and B7 of the Type USB-C port. The aggregation interface is also compatible with USB 2.0 functionality, and USB 2.0 data signals can be transmitted via pins B6 and B7 or A6 and A7.

[0166] It should be noted that the interface forms described in the embodiments of this application include a receptacle and a plug. As an example, when an interface is applied to an electronic device, the interface on that electronic device can be called a receptacle; when an aggregated interface is applied to a transmission cable, the interface on that transmission cable can be called a plug. For example, Figures 3A-3C as well as Figure 9 These are pin diagrams of a composite connector. Composite connectors can be used on electronic devices or on transmission cables that adapt to electronic devices. For example, when a composite connector is used on an electronic device, the composite connector on that device can be called a socket; when a composite connector is used on a transmission cable, the composite connector on that cable can be called a plug.

[0167] Through the embodiments provided in this application, electronic devices using aggregated interfaces can communicate with electronic devices using aggregated interfaces, HDMI, or USB interfaces (using USB and / or DP protocols). Based on this, the embodiments of this application also provide several types of transmission cables.

[0168] (1) Type 1. Type 1 transmission cables use aggregated connectors at both ends. Type 1 transmission cables include a first connector and a second connector, both of which use aggregated connectors. The first connector and the second connector can be connected via a transmission line. See also... Figure 14 The diagram shown is a schematic of a possible first type of transmission cable. Figure 14 The left side of the first type of transmission cable in the diagram shows the pinout of the aggregated interface used by the first plug. Figure 14 The first plug in the cable can couple to the first socket. The right side of the first type of transmission cable shows a pin diagram of the aggregated interface used by the second plug. The first and second plugs use the same aggregated interface, and the socket coupled to the second plug can be the first socket.

[0169] (2) Second type. The second type of transmission cable includes three ends: the first end plug uses the aforementioned aggregated interface, the second end plug uses an HDMI interface, and the third end plug uses a USB interface. That is, the second type of transmission cable includes a first plug, a second plug, and a third plug. The first plug has an aggregated interface, the second plug has an HDMI interface, and the third plug has a USB interface. The first plug and the second plug are connected through a first transmission line, and the first plug and the third plug are connected through a second transmission line.

[0170] The first port of the aggregation interface also includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals. For example, see... Figure 9 As shown, the pin numbers of a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals can be A6, A7 and B6, B7. For example, the pin numbers of a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals are A6, A7, and the pin numbers of a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals are B6, B7. In one example, since pins A6, A7 and B6, B7 in the USB Type-C interface are not used simultaneously. For example, when plugged in correctly, A6, A7 are used to send or receive USB protocol data signals (USB 2.0 data signals), and when plugged in incorrectly, B6, B7 are used to send or receive USB protocol data signals (USB 2.0 data signals). Embodiments of this application can reuse pins not used by the USB Type-C interface to transmit HDMI control signals. In another example, see... Figure 9As shown, regardless of whether the receiving device is plugged in correctly or incorrectly, pins B6 and B7 are used to send or receive USB protocol data signals (USB 2.0 data signals), i.e., D+ / D-. Pins A6 and A7, in addition to supporting the sending and receiving of USB protocol data signals (USB 2.0 data signals), also support the transmission of HDMI control signals. That is, pins A6 and A7 can be multiplexed as transmission pins for HDMI control signals. HDMI control signals include four types: SCL, SDA, CEC, and utility signals. Therefore, pins A8, B8, A6, and A7 can be used to transmit SCL, SDA, CEC, and utility signals. For an example, see [link to example]. Figure 15 As shown, pin A8 is used to transmit the SDA signal, pin B8 is used to transmit the SCL signal, pin A6 is used to transmit the CEC signal, and pin A7 is used to transmit the Utility signal.

[0171] When designing the aggregation interface, both the fifth and sixth differential transmission line terminals in the aggregation interface support bidirectional transmission of data signals for the USB protocol and bidirectional transmission of control signals for the HDMI protocol. For example, if the transmission rates of the fifth and sixth differential transmission line terminals are both at the first rate, and the transmission rates of the third and fourth differential transmission line terminals are both at the second rate, then the first rate is less than or equal to the second rate. That is, the differential transmission line terminals B6, B7, A6, and A7 in the embodiments of this application can be high-speed differential transmission line terminals, or terminals with a transmission rate slightly lower than that of high-speed differential transmission line terminals.

[0172] When a pair of fifth differential transmission terminals are used by a USB Type-C interface, they are used to transmit (send or receive) USB protocol data signals (D+ / D-). A pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals, along with the first and second control signal terminals, are used to transmit HDMI protocol control signals.

[0173] The aggregation interface includes four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission, which can be used to transmit four data signals of the HDMI protocol: TMDS data 0, TMDS data 1, TMDS data 2, and the TMDS clock signal. In this scenario, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, B3, and A10, A11 are used to transmit four data signals of the HDMI protocol, which can be D0+ / D0-, D1+ / D1-, D2+ / D2-, and D3+ / D3-, respectively. That is, to ensure compatibility and HDMI coupling, B2 and B3, in addition to supporting the transmission of the first protocol's data signals, also support the transmission of HDMI protocol data signals.

[0174] As an example, see Figure 15 The diagram shown is a schematic of a possible third type of transmission cable. Figure 15 The left side of the second type of transmission cable in the diagram shows the pinout of the aggregated interface used by the first plug. Figure 15 The first plug in the middle can couple to the first socket.

[0175] Figure 16 The document describes the connection relationships between various terminals in a possible transmission cable. Pins A1-A5, A9, A12, B1, B4, B6, B7, and B9-B12 in the first and third plugs are connected accordingly. Figure 16 B10 and B11 are used to receive data signals from the USB protocol. Figure 16 In this diagram, RX1 represents the received USB protocol data signal, and A2 and A3 are used to transmit USB protocol data signals. Figure 16 The data signal transmitted via the USB protocol is represented by TX1.

[0176] It should be noted that pins B8, A8, A6, and A7 are used to transmit four HDMI control signals: SCL, SDA, CEC, and utility signals, respectively. This application does not specifically limit which pin is used to transmit which control signal. Figure 15 Taking the B8 and A8 pins of the converged interface as an example, which transmit SCL and SDA signals, and the A6 and A7 pins transmit CEC and utility signals.

[0177] (3) Third type. The third type of transmission cable has a connector on one end that is a composite connector and a connector on the other end that is a USB connector, such as a USB Type-C connector. That is, the third type of transmission cable includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector has a composite connector and the second connector has a USB Type-C connector.

[0178] In this third type of transmission cable, on one hand, the USB Type-C interface is only used to transmit USB protocol signals. In this case, only the terminals in the first port of the aggregated interface are connected one-to-one with the terminals in the USB Type-C interface. On the other hand, the USB Type-C interface is also used to transmit DP protocol signals. In this case, the four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals supporting bidirectional transmission in the aggregated interface are used to transmit DP protocol data signals, the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are used to transmit DP protocol control signals, and the other power terminals and ground terminals can be used to provide power.

[0179] As an example, see the example of a USB Type-C interface used to transmit DP protocol signals. Figure 16 The diagram shown is a schematic of a possible third type of transmission cable. Figure 16 The right side of the second type of transmission cable in the diagram shows the pinout of the aggregated interface used by the first plug. Figure 16 The first plug in the middle can couple to the first socket. Figure 16 The document describes the connection relationships between various terminals in a possible transmission cable. Pins A1, A4, A5, A9, A12, B1, B4, B5, and B9, B12 in the first and second plugs are connected accordingly. Figure 16 In the aggregation interface, pins A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 are used to transmit DP protocol data signals. Figure 17 In the aggregation interface, pins A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 are connected one-to-one with pins A11, A10, B2, B3, A2, A3, B11, and B10 of the USB Type-C interface, respectively. It should be noted that the four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 in the aggregation interface only need to be connected one-to-one with the four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals in the USB Type-C interface. This application does not specify the connection relationship between the individual high-speed differential transmission line terminal pairs.

[0180] (4) Type 4. Type 4 transmission cables have a composite interface on one end and an HDMI interface on the other end. That is, Type 4 transmission cables include a first plug and a second plug, with the first plug having a composite interface and the second plug having an HDMI interface.

[0181] The first port of the aggregation interface also includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals, for example, see Figure 9As shown, a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals can be A6 and A7 or B6 and B7. For example, if the pin numbers of a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals are A6 and A7, and the HDMI control signals include four types: SCL, SDA, CEC, and utility signals, the aggregation interface can transmit SCL, SDA, CEC, and utility signals through the first and second control signal terminals with pin numbers A8 and B8, as well as A6 and A7. The transmission of HDMI protocol data signals can be achieved through the four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals consisting of A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 in the aggregation interface. The four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 in the aggregation interface can be connected one-to-one with the four pairs of high-speed differential transmission line terminals in HDMI. This application does not specifically limit the connection relationship between the various high-speed differential transmission line terminal pairs. See also Figure 17 As shown, an exemplary schematic diagram of a possible fourth transmission cable is provided. Figure 17 The left side of the second type of transmission cable in the diagram shows the pinout of the aggregated interface used by the first plug. Figure 17 The first plug in the middle can couple to the first socket.

[0182] The +5V power supply for HDMI can be provided via pin D6. The HPD signal can be provided via pin C6 in the aggregation interface.

[0183] In one possible implementation, to enable the detection of the different transmission cable types, a detection terminal is included in the first expansion port or the second expansion port. This detection terminal can be used to detect the type of transmission cable connected to the aggregation interface, or in other words, to detect the interface type or interface protocol of the electronic device connected to the electronic device including the aggregation interface. The detection terminal can be implemented using pin D6 or pin C6. In this embodiment, pin D6 is used as an example of the detection terminal.

[0184] For example, the type of transmission cable connected to the aggregation interface can be determined by detecting the voltage value of the terminal. For instance, see Table 4, which describes the method for detecting the type of transmission cable connected to the aggregation interface.

[0185] Table 4

[0186]

[0187] For example, K1 is 0V, K2 is 2.5V, K3 is 5V, and K4 is 5V.

[0188] Both Type 2 and Type 3 transmission cables can use a 5V voltage. In this case, the detection terminal (D6) can also be used to provide 5V voltage to HDMI. Additionally, when both Type 2 and Type 3 transmission cables can use a 5V voltage, other terminals, such as A5 (CC1) or B5 (CC2), can be used to determine if a USB interface is coupled.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the type of transmission cable connected to the aggregation interface detected by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal; the type of transmission cable connected to the aggregation interface detected by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of data signal transmitted by the third differential transmission line terminal and the fourth differential transmission terminal.

[0190] Different types of transmission cables correspond to different application scenarios. In different application scenarios, the signal types (or signal protocols) transmitted by different differential transmission line terminals in the aggregation interface are different. For example, the first differential transmission line terminal, the second differential transmission line terminal, the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal, the third differential transmission line terminal and the fourth differential transmission terminal, etc., transmit different signal types (or signal protocols). The following example uses a first electronic device configured with an aggregation interface. The first electronic device is coupled to a second electronic device through the aggregation interface. The first electronic device can send signals to the second electronic device through the aggregation interface, and can also receive signals from the second electronic device through the aggregation interface. For ease of distinction, the signal sent by the first electronic device to the second electronic device is called the first data signal, and the signal received by the first electronic device from the second electronic device is called the second data signal. Based on this, the data signal transmission method provided in this application embodiment may include S1 and S2:

[0191] S1, the first electronic device acquires a first data signal to be transmitted and transmits the first data signal to the second electronic device through at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals. The at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals includes the at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals and / or the at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals. The first data signal includes first multimedia data.

[0192] S2, the first electronic device receives a second data signal from the second electronic device through the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, the second data signal including second multimedia data.

[0193] The following describes in detail, in conjunction with specific application scenarios, how the embodiments of this application realize the transmission of the first data signal and the reception of the second data signal.

[0194] Scene 1

[0195] Both the first and second electronic devices use aggregated interfaces. The first and second electronic devices are connected via a type-one transmission cable. Both ends of the type-one transmission cable use aggregated interfaces. Figure 14 Taking the transmission cable shown as an example, the aggregation interface used between the first electronic device and the second electronic device can be as follows: Figure 14 The first device shown is a receiver. In one embodiment, the first electronic device is a source device, and the second electronic device is a receiver device. For example, the first electronic device could be a set-top box, a split dock, or a PC. The second electronic device could be a television (TV), a monitor, or a smart screen. In another embodiment, the first electronic device can be a receiver device, and the second electronic device is a source device. For example, the second electronic device could be a set-top box, a split dock, or a PC. The first electronic device could be a television (TV), a monitor, or a smart screen.

[0196] In the following description, we take the first electronic device as the source device and the second electronic device as the receiver device as an example. The first electronic device can send high-definition video data to the second electronic device through an aggregation interface. Furthermore, the first and second electronic devices can also transmit high-bandwidth data, such as data generated during video calls or AI-interactive video call content. For example, if the first electronic device is a PC and the second electronic device is a smart screen, the first electronic device can send the high-definition video data to be displayed to the second electronic device; and when a user of the first electronic device makes a video call using an application on the first electronic device, the first electronic device can send the video call data to the second electronic device, which will then present it to the user. Additionally, either the first or second electronic device does not need to be connected to a power cord; the electronic device connected to a power cord can power the unconnected electronic device through a transmission cable.

[0197] For example, see Figure 18As shown, both the first electronic device and the second electronic device include a converged interface and a processing device. Exemplarily, the processing device may include an integrated circuit chip (IC) and a controller. For ease of distinction, the converged interface of the first electronic device is referred to as converged interface 1, the converged interface of the second electronic device as converged interface 2, the interface IC of the first electronic device as interface IC1, the interface IC of the second electronic device as interface IC2, the controller of the first electronic device as controller 1, and the controller of the second electronic device as controller 2. Converged interface 1 and converged interface 2 are connected via a first type of transmission cable. The first electronic device can send a first data signal to the second electronic device through converged interface 1, the transmission cable, and converged interface 2. The first electronic device and the second electronic device can transmit (send or receive) control signals of a first protocol through converged interface 1, the transmission cable, and converged interface 2. For ease of distinction, the control signal sent by the first electronic device to the second electronic device is referred to as a first control signal, and the control signal sent by the second electronic device to the first electronic device is referred to as a second control signal.

[0198] Figure 18 Taking the first data signal as an example, which is either the HDMI protocol data signal or the DP protocol data signal. Figure 18 In the text, HDMI / DP stands for HDMI protocol data signal and DP protocol data signal.

[0199] In one example, controller 1 detects the voltage of the detection terminal (D6) through interface IC1. Based on the voltage of D6, it is detected that the first electronic device and the second electronic device are connected by a first type of transmission cable, that is, both the first electronic device and the second electronic device use a converged interface.

[0200] After generating a first control signal for the first protocol, controller 1 sends the first control signal to the second electronic device via pins B8 and A8 of aggregation interface 1 through interface IC1. The second electronic device receives the first control signal through aggregation interface 2 and then sends it back to controller 2 via interface IC2. Controller 2 then performs further processing on the first control signal. After generating a second control signal for the first protocol, controller 2 sends it to the first electronic device via pins B8 and A8 of aggregation interface 2 through interface IC2. The first electronic device receives the second control signal through aggregation interface 1 and then sends it back to controller 1 via interface IC1. Controller 1 then performs further processing on the second control signal.

[0201] The first electronic device and the second electronic device can negotiate information such as the type of data signal used by both parties through the first control signal and the second control signal of the first protocol. For example, the data signal type is either an HDMI protocol data signal or a DP protocol data signal.

[0202] After receiving the first data signal (HDMI or DP protocol data signal), controller 1 transmits it to the second electronic device via interface IC1 through pins A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 of aggregation interface 1. Upon receiving the first data signal via pins A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 of aggregation interface 2, the second electronic device transmits the first data signal (HDMI or DP protocol data signal) to controller 2 via interface IC2. Controller 2 then performs further processing on the first data signal (HDMI or DP protocol data signal).

[0203] In another example, when the first electronic device is connected to a power source and the second electronic device is not connected, the first electronic device can supply power to the second electronic device through the power supply pins C4, C5, D4, D5, B4, B9, A4, and A9 of the aggregation interface 1, via a first-type transmission cable, and the power supply pins C4, C5, D4, D5, B4, B9, A4, and A9 of the aggregation interface 2. When the second electronic device is connected to a power source and the first electronic device is not connected, the second electronic device can supply power to the first electronic device through the power supply pins C4, C5, D4, D5, B4, B9, A4, and A9 of the aggregation interface 2, via a first-type transmission cable, and the power supply pins C4, C5, D4, D5, B4, B9, A4, and A9 of the aggregation interface 1.

[0204] In another example, when the first electronic device needs to send or receive high-bandwidth data signals or USB protocol data signals with the second electronic device, it can do so through pins B11, B10, A2, and A3. For instance, if the second electronic device has a camera, after acquiring video data from the camera, it sends it to the first electronic device through a pair of differential transmission line terminals (A2 and A3) on the aggregation interface 2 responsible for data signal transmission. The first electronic device receives the video data through a pair of differential transmission line terminals (B10 and B11) on the aggregation interface 1 responsible for data signal reception. Furthermore, the first and second electronic devices can also send lower-bandwidth data signals, such as file data, through pins B6 and B7 or A6 and A7.

[0205] Scene 2

[0206] The first electronic device uses a converged interface, the second electronic device uses an HDMI interface, and the third electronic device uses a USB Type-C interface. The first, second, and third electronic devices are connected via a Type-2 cable. Figure 15 Taking the transmission cable shown as an example, the aggregated interface used by the first electronic device can be as follows: Figure 15 The first seat shown.

[0207] Taking a first electronic device as the source device and a second electronic device as the receiver device as an example. The source device refers to the source that transmits the high-definition video data, and the receiver device refers to the end that receives the high-definition video data. For example, the first electronic device could be a set-top box, a standalone dock, or a PC, etc. The second electronic device could be a television (TV), a monitor, or a smart screen, etc. The third electronic device could be a portable terminal device.

[0208] The first electronic device can send high-definition video data to the second electronic device via an aggregated interface. Additionally, the first and third electronic devices can transmit USB protocol data signals. Furthermore, the first electronic device can also provide power to the third electronic device.

[0209] For example, see Figure 19 As shown, the first electronic device includes a converged interface and a processing device. Exemplarily, the processing device may include an interface IC and a controller. In this scenario, the first electronic device can send a first data signal to a second electronic device via the converged interface, a transmission cable, and HDMI. The first data signal includes HDMI protocol data signals. The controller detects the voltage at the detection terminal (D6) via the interface IC, and detects that the first electronic device is connected to the second and third electronic devices via a second type of transmission cable based on the voltage at D6. The first electronic device and the second electronic device can transmit (send or receive) HDMI protocol control signals via the converged interface, transmission cable, and HDMI. For ease of distinction, the control signal sent by the first electronic device to the second electronic device is referred to as the first control signal, and the control signal sent by the second electronic device to the first electronic device is referred to as the second control signal.

[0210] After the controller generates the first control signal of the HDMI protocol, it sends the first control signal of the HDMI protocol to the second electronic device through the interface IC via pins B8, A8, A6, and A7 of the aggregation interface. The second electronic device receives the first control signal of the HDMI protocol via HDMI and then performs further processing on the HDMI protocol control signal. Similarly, after the second electronic device generates the second control signal of the HDMI protocol, it sends it to the first electronic device via HDMI. The first electronic device receives the second control signal of the HDMI protocol through pins B8, A8, A6, and A7 of the aggregation interface and then sends it to the controller through the interface IC. The controller performs further processing on the HDMI protocol control signal. The first and second control signals are used to negotiate the capability information of the second electronic device.

[0211] After the controller receives the HDMI protocol data signal, it transmits the HDMI protocol data signal to the second electronic device through the interface IC via pins A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 of the aggregation interface. The second electronic device receives the HDMI protocol data signal via HDMI. Then, the second electronic device performs further processing on the HDMI protocol data signal.

[0212] The first electronic device can power the third electronic device via the power supply pins B4, B9, A4, and A9 of the converged interface, through a second-type transmission cable, and via the USB Type-C interface. Power supply negotiation can be achieved through CC1 or CC2. The correct insertion / reverse insertion function of the USB Type-C interface can also be achieved through CC1 or CC2. The first and third electronic devices can negotiate with each other via the converged interface and the USB Type-C interface's CC1 or CC2. The third electronic device's USB Type-C interface can also support Huawei's proprietary fast charging protocol; the first and third electronic devices can negotiate this protocol via the converged interface and the USB Type-C interface's A6 (D+) and A7 (D–) pins.

[0213] When the first electronic device needs to send or receive USB protocol data signals with the third electronic device, it can do so through pins B11, B10, A2, and A3. Additionally, the first and third electronic devices can also send data signals with smaller bandwidths, such as file transfers, through pins B6 and B7 or A6 and A7.

[0214] It should be noted that the second type of transmission cable can connect electronic devices at only two ends. For example, the first electronic device and the second electronic device can be connected via a second type of transmission cable. The USB Type-C interface is not connected to a third electronic device. The first electronic device can send high-definition video data to the second electronic device through the aggregation interface. Another example is that the first electronic device and the third electronic device can be connected via a second type of transmission cable, but the HDMI interface is not connected to the second electronic device. USB protocol data signals can also be transmitted between the first and third electronic devices. Additionally, the first electronic device can also power the third electronic device.

[0215] Scene 3

[0216] The second electronic device uses an HDMI port, the first electronic device uses a hybrid interface, and the third electronic device uses a USB port. The second, first, and third electronic devices are connected via a type II cable. Figure 15 Taking the transmission cable shown as an example, the aggregated interface used by the first electronic device can be as follows: Figure 15 The first seat shown.

[0217] Taking a second electronic device as the source device and a first electronic device as the receiver device as an example. For instance, the second electronic device could be a set-top box, a standalone dock, or a PC. The first electronic device could be a television (TV), a monitor, or a smart screen. The third electronic device could be a portable terminal device. In this scenario, the first electronic device receives the second data signal from the second electronic device via an aggregation interface, a transmission cable, and HDMI. The second data signal includes data signals from the HDMI protocol.

[0218] The second electronic device can send high-definition video data (HDMI protocol data) to the first electronic device via HDMI, a second type of cable, and a converged interface. Additionally, the first and third electronic devices can also transmit USB protocol data signals. Furthermore, the first electronic device can also power the third electronic device.

[0219] For example, see Figure 20As shown, the first electronic device includes a converged interface and a processing unit, such as an interface IC and a controller. In this scenario, the first electronic device receives a second data signal from a second electronic device via the converged interface, a transmission cable, and HDMI. The second data signal includes HDMI protocol data signals. The controller detects the voltage at the detection terminal (D6) via the interface IC, and detects that the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the third electronic device are connected via a second type of transmission cable based on the voltage at D6. The first electronic device and the second electronic device can transmit (send or receive) HDMI protocol control signals via the converged interface, the transmission cable, and HDMI. For ease of distinction, the control signal sent by the first electronic device to the second electronic device is referred to as the first control signal, and the control signal sent by the second electronic device to the first electronic device is referred to as the second control signal.

[0220] After the controller generates the first control signal of the HDMI protocol, it sends the first control signal of the HDMI protocol to the second electronic device through the interface IC via pins B8, A8, A6, and A7 of the aggregation interface. The second electronic device receives the first control signal of the HDMI protocol via HDMI and then performs further processing on the first control signal. Similarly, after the second electronic device generates the second control signal of the HDMI protocol, it sends it to the first electronic device via HDMI. After the first electronic device receives the second control signal of the HDMI protocol through pins B8, A8, A6, and A7 of the aggregation interface, it sends it to the controller through the interface IC, and the controller performs further processing on the second control signal of the HDMI protocol.

[0221] The second electronic device sends HDMI protocol data signals to the aggregation interface of the first electronic device via HDMI and a second type of transmission cable. The first electronic device receives the HDMI protocol data signals from the second electronic device through pins A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 of the aggregation interface, and transmits them to the controller through the interface IC. The controller then performs further processing on the HDMI protocol data signals.

[0222] The first electronic device can power the third electronic device via the power supply pins B4, B9, A4, and A9 of the converged interface, through a second-type transmission cable, and via the USB Type-C interface. When the first electronic device needs to send or receive USB protocol data signals with the third electronic device, it can do so via pins B11, B10, A2, and A3. Furthermore, the first and third electronic devices can also transmit smaller bandwidth data signals, such as file transfers, via pins B6 and B7 or A6 and A7.

[0223] Scene 4

[0224] The first electronic device uses a converged interface, and the second electronic device uses a USB Type-C interface. The first and second electronic devices are connected via a third type of cable. Figure 16 Taking the transmission cable shown as an example, the aggregated interface used by the first electronic device can be as follows: Figure 16 The first device shown is a television (TV), monitor, or smart screen. The second device can be a portable terminal device. The first device can send DP protocol signals to the second device via a USB Type-C interface, a third-type cable, and a converged interface. The first device can also power the second device via the converged interface, the third-type cable, and the USB Type-C interface. In this scenario, the first device receives a second data signal from the second device via the converged interface, the cable, and the USB interface. The second data signal includes DP protocol data signals.

[0225] For example, see Figure 21 As shown, the first electronic device includes a converged interface and a processing unit. For example, the processing unit may include an interface IC and a controller.

[0226] The first electronic device transmits DP protocol data signals (such as high-definition video data) via pins A11, A10, B2, B3, A2, A3, B11, and B10 of its USB Type-C interface to the second electronic device via a Type-3 cable. The second electronic device receives these DP protocol data signals via pins A11, A10, D2, D3, C2, C3, B2, and B3 of its aggregation interface, and then sends them to the controller via the interface IC. The controller further processes the DP protocol data signals. After generating DP protocol control signals, the controller sends these control signals (AUX+, AUX-) to the second electronic device via pins B8 and A8 of the aggregation interface through the interface IC. The second electronic device receives these DP protocol control signals via its USB Type-C interface and then performs further processing on them. Similarly, the second electronic device generates DP protocol control signals and sends them to the first electronic device via its USB Type-C interface. The first electronic device receives these control signals via pins B8 and A8 of its aggregation interface and then sends them to the controller via the interface IC. The controller then performs further processing on these DP protocol control signals. For example, if the second electronic device is a mobile phone, the phone can send high-definition video data to a monitor or television via a third-type transmission cable using a screen-sliding method, and then the monitor or television will display the high-definition video. The first electronic device can power the second electronic device through the power supply pins B4, B9, A4, and A9 of the aggregated interface, via a third-type transmission cable, and through the USB Type-C interface. When the first electronic device needs to transmit USB protocol data signals with the second electronic device, it can transmit USB protocol data signals with lower bandwidth through pins B6, B7, or A6, A7, such as for transferring file data.

[0227] It should be noted that, in Figures 18-21 In this context, the data signal of the USB protocol is simply referred to as USB data, and the data signal of the HDMI protocol is simply referred to as HDMI data.

[0228] In the embodiments of this application, the processing device may include one or more chips, or one or more logic units. In the above example, the processing device includes a controller and an interface IC. The processing device may also be implemented by one or more controllers. It should be understood that the controller in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional controller.

[0229] In this embodiment of the application, the electronic device may further include a memory for storing instructions executed by the processing device or storage protocol-related information, as well as data signals, etc. Exemplarily, the memory may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0230] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0231] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0232] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0233] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0234] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A transmission interface, characterized in that, It includes a first port, a first expansion port, and a second expansion port, with the first and second expansion ports located at opposite ends of the first port. The first port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and it supports connecting plugs compatible with the USB interface. The first expansion port includes at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, and the second expansion port includes at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals. The first differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of a first data signal, which includes multimedia data, and the second differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of the first data signal.

2. The transmission interface as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first expansion port further includes a first ground terminal and at least one first power terminal, and the second expansion port further includes a second ground terminal and at least one second power terminal.

3. The transmission interface as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first power terminal includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals; the second power terminal includes two adjacent and electrically connected standard power terminals.

4. The transmission interface as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The space occupied by the first power terminal includes the space occupied by two adjacent standard power terminals and the gap between the two adjacent standard power terminals. The space occupied by the second power terminal includes the space occupied by two adjacent standard power terminals and the gap between the two adjacent standard power terminals.

5. The transmission interface as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first port includes a first control signal terminal and a second control signal terminal; The first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol; the second control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol.

6. The transmission interface as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner in the first port.

7. The transmission interface as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first control signal terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of at least one of the following: Control signals for the USB protocol, the HDMI protocol (High Definition Multimedia Interface), or the DP protocol (Digital Video Interface); The second control signal terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of at least one of the following: Control signals for the USB protocol, HDMI protocol, or DP protocol.

8. The transmission interface as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first port includes a pair of third differential transmission line terminals and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals; The third differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the first data signal or transmission of data signals according to the USB protocol, and the fourth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the first data signal or reception of data signals according to the USB protocol.

9. The transmission interface as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first expansion port also includes: The detection terminal is used to detect the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface.

10. The transmission interface as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The type of transmission cable includes at least one of the following: Both ends of the plug use the first type of transmission cable of the transmission interface; The first plug uses the transmission interface, the second plug uses the HDMI interface, and the third plug uses the USB interface for the second type of transmission cable. The cable uses a third type of interface, with one end plug having the aforementioned transmission interface and the other end plug having a USB interface. or, One end of the plug uses the aforementioned transmission interface, while the other end uses an HDMI Type 4 transmission cable.

11. The transmission interface as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal. The type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface indicated by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of data signal transmitted by the third differential transmission line terminal and the fourth differential transmission line terminal; as well as The type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface indicated by the detection terminal is used to indicate the type of data signal transmitted by the first differential transmission line terminal and the second differential transmission terminal.

12. The transmission interface as described in claim 11, characterized in that: When the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to the first type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol, and the second control signal terminal also supports bidirectional transmission of control signals of the first protocol; or... When the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to the third type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the USB protocol or the control signals of the DP protocol, and the second control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the USB protocol or the control signals of the DP protocol. The control signals transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal belong to the same protocol. or, When the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to a fourth type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the HDMI protocol, and the second control channel terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the HDMI protocol.

13. The transmission interface as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first port further includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals. Both the fifth differential transmission line terminals and the sixth differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of data signals of the USB protocol and bidirectional transmission of control signals of the HDMI protocol. The transmission rate of the fifth differential transmission line terminals and the transmission rate of the sixth differential transmission line terminals are both first rates, and the transmission rate of the third differential transmission line terminals and the transmission rate of the fourth differential transmission line terminals are both second rates. The first rate is less than or equal to the second rate. When the detection terminal indicates that the transmission interface is connected to the second type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the HDMI protocol, and the second control signal terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the HDMI protocol; the fifth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the data signals of the USB protocol, and the sixth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the HDMI protocol; or, the fifth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the control signals of the HDMI protocol, and the sixth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the data signals of the USB protocol.

14. The transmission interface as described in any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that: When the detection terminal detects that the transmission interface is connected to the first type of transmission cable, the third differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the first data signal, the fourth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the first data signal, and the first data signal includes at least one of the following: a data signal of a first protocol, a data signal of an HDMI protocol, or a data signal of a DP protocol; or... When the detection terminal detects that the transmission interface is connected to a third type of transmission cable, the third differential transmission line terminal indicates bidirectional transmission of the DP protocol data signal or transmission of the USB protocol data signal, the fourth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the DP protocol data signal or reception of the USB protocol data signal, and the first data signal includes the DP protocol data signal. or, When the detection terminal detects that the transmission interface is connected to a fourth type of transmission cable, the third differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the data signal of the HDMI protocol, the fourth differential transmission line terminal supports bidirectional transmission of the data signal of the HDMI protocol, and the first data signal includes the data signal of the HDMI protocol.

15. The transmission interface as described in any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that: The first port also includes a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals and a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals; When the detection terminal detects that the transmission interface is connected to the second type of transmission cable, the third differential transmission line terminal and the fourth differential transmission line terminal support bidirectional transmission of the HDMI protocol data signal, the seventh differential transmission line terminal supports the transmission of the USB protocol data signal, and the eighth differential transmission line terminal supports the reception of the USB protocol data signal. The first data signal includes the HDMI protocol data signal.

16. The transmission interface as described in any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The first expansion port and the second expansion port are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the first port.

17. The transmission interface as described in any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The first port is a USB Type-C interface.

18. A transmission cable, characterized in that, Includes a first plug, a second plug, and a first transmission line; The first plug uses a transmission interface, which includes a first port, a first expansion port, and a second expansion port. The first expansion port and the second expansion port are located at opposite ends of the first port. The first port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The first expansion port includes at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, and the second expansion port includes at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals. The first differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of a first data signal, which includes multimedia data. The second differential transmission line terminals support bidirectional transmission of the first data signal. The second plug uses the aforementioned transmission interface, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or an HDMI high-definition multimedia interface.

19. The transmission cable as described in claim 18, characterized in that, When the second plug uses a USB interface, the transmission cable also includes a third plug and a second transmission line; The third plug uses an HDMI interface; The second transmission line is used to connect the third plug and the first plug.

20. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the transmission interface described in any one of claims 1-17.

21. A signal transmission method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first electronic device configured with a transmission interface, the first electronic device being coupled to a second electronic device through the transmission interface; the transmission interface includes a first port, a first expansion port and a second expansion port, the first expansion port and the second expansion port being located at opposite ends of the first port, the first port having the function of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, the first port being a USB interface, the first port supporting the connection of a plug adapted to the USB interface, the first expansion port including at least a pair of first differential transmission line terminals, and the second expansion port including at least a pair of second differential transmission line terminals; The method includes: Acquire a first data signal to be transmitted, and transmit the first data signal to the second electronic device through at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, wherein the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals includes at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals and / or at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, and the first data signal includes first multimedia data; or, The second data signal, including second multimedia data, is received from the second electronic device through the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The first expansion port further includes a grounding terminal and at least one first power supply terminal, and the second expansion port further includes a grounding terminal and at least one second power supply terminal; The method further includes: When the first electronic device is connected to a power source and the second electronic device is not connected to a power source, the second electronic device is powered through at least one of the at least one first power terminal, the at least one second power terminal, and at least one power terminal included in the first port; or, When the first electronic device is not connected to a power source, and the second electronic device is connected to a power source, electrical energy is received from the second electronic device through at least one of the at least one first power terminal, the at least one second power terminal, and at least one of the power terminals included in the first port.

23. The method as described in claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The transmission interface of the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via a transmission cable. The first expansion port also includes a detection terminal, a pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and a pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. Before transmitting the first data signal to the second electronic device via at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, the method further includes: Based on the type of the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, the type of data signal transmitted by the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals is controlled; or... Before receiving the first data signal from the second electronic device via at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals, the method further includes: Based on the type of the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, the type of data signal transmitted by the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals is controlled. Specifically, the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals includes at least one pair of the at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, the at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, the pair of third differential transmission line terminals, or the pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals.

24. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The first port also includes a first control signal terminal and a second control signal terminal; The method further includes: Based on the type of the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal is controlled.

25. The method as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The type of transmission cable includes at least one of the following: Both ends of the plug use the first type of transmission cable of the transmission interface; The first plug uses the transmission interface, the second plug uses the HDMI interface, and the third plug uses the USB interface for the second type of transmission cable. The cable uses a third type of interface, with one end plug having the aforementioned transmission interface and the other end plug having a USB interface. or, One end of the plug uses the aforementioned transmission interface, while the other end uses an HDMI Type 4 transmission cable.

26. The method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, Based on the type of the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, the type of data signal transmitted by the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals is controlled, including: When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is a transmission cable of the first type, the first data signal is sent to the second electronic device or the second data signal is received from the second electronic device through the at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, the at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, the pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and the pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. Both the first data signal and the second data signal include one of the following: a data signal of the first protocol, a data signal of the HDMI protocol, or a data signal of the DP protocol; or... When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is the third type of transmission cable, the first data signal is sent to the second electronic device or the second data signal is received from the second electronic device through the at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals and the at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, wherein both the first data signal and the second data signal are DP protocol data signals; or, When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is the fourth type of transmission cable, the first data signal is sent to the second electronic device or the second data signal is received from the second electronic device through the at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, the at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, the pair of third differential transmission line terminals and the pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. Both the first data signal and the second data signal are data signals of the HDMI protocol.

27. The method as described in claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, Based on the type of the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, the type of data signal transmitted by the at least one pair of differential transmission line terminals is controlled, including: When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface of the first electronic device detected by the detection terminal is a transmission cable of the second type, the first data signal is sent to the second electronic device or the second data signal is received from the second electronic device through the at least one pair of first differential transmission line terminals, the at least one pair of second differential transmission line terminals, the pair of third differential transmission line terminals, and the pair of fourth differential transmission line terminals. Both the first data signal and the second data signal are HDMI protocol data signals. The first port can transmit USB protocol data signals to a third electronic device through a pair of seventh differential transmission line terminals, or receive USB protocol data signals from the third electronic device through a pair of eighth differential transmission line terminals. The first end plug is coupled to the first electronic device, the second end plug is coupled to the second electronic device, and the third end plug is coupled to the third electronic device.

28. The method as described in claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The control signal type for controlling the transmission of the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal based on the type of the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal includes: When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is the first type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are used to send control signals of the first protocol to the second electronic device or receive control signals of the first protocol from the second electronic device. or, When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is the third type of transmission cable, the DP protocol control signal is sent to the second electronic device or the DP protocol control signal is received from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal. or, When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is the third type of transmission cable, the USB protocol control signal is sent to the second electronic device or the USB protocol control signal is received from the second electronic device through the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal. or, When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is the fourth type of transmission cable, the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal are used to send HDMI protocol control signals to the second electronic device or receive HDMI protocol control signals from the second electronic device.

29. The method as described in claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The first port further includes a pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals and a pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals. Based on the type of transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal, the type of control signal transmitted by the first control signal terminal and the second control signal terminal is controlled, including: When the transmission cable connected to the transmission interface detected by the detection terminal is the second type of transmission cable, wherein the first end plug is coupled to the first electronic device, the second end plug is coupled to the second electronic device, and the third end plug is coupled to the third electronic device; The first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and the pair of fifth differential transmission line terminals are used to send HDMI protocol control signals to or receive HDMI protocol control signals from the second electronic device; or, the first control signal terminal, the second control signal terminal, and the pair of sixth differential transmission line terminals are used to send HDMI protocol control signals to or receive HDMI protocol control signals from the second electronic device.

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