USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB uplink ports and method of operation

Abstract

The invention provides a USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB uplink ports and an operation method of the USB routing integrated circuit. The USB routing integrated circuit comprises a first USB uplink port, a second USB uplink port, a USB downlink port, a video output port, a first multiplexer, a second multiplexer, a first switching circuit and a second switching circuit. The first multiplexer is coupled to the first USB uplink port. The second multiplexer is coupled to the second USB uplink port. The first switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the USB downlink port. The first switching circuit is coupled between the second multiplexer and the USB downlink port. The second switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the video output port. The second switching circuit is coupled between the second multiplexer and the video output port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated circuit, and more particularly to a USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB upstream ports and an operation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a data transmission interface that connects a host and a device. Nowadays, computers, mobile phones, or other products all have USB interfaces. A USB architecture has only one "USB host", and other electronic devices are "USB devices". The USB device may include a human interface device (HID) or other peripheral devices. The human interface device may include a keyboard, a mouse, or other devices. Generally, a USB integrated circuit has only one USB upstream port to connect to a USB upstream connector (USB host). How to allow multiple USB hosts to share the same resources is one of the many technical issues in the USB field. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB upstream ports and an operation method thereof, so as to flexibly provide transmission paths from different upstream ports (a first USB upstream port and a second USB upstream port) to different downstream ports (a USB downstream port and a video output port).

[0004] In one embodiment of the present invention, the USB routing integrated circuit includes a first USB upstream port, a second USB upstream port, a USB downstream port, a video output port, a first multiplexer, a second multiplexer, a first switching circuit, and a second switching circuit. The first multiplexer is coupled to the first USB upstream port. The second multiplexer is coupled to the second USB upstream port. The first switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the USB downstream port. The first switching circuit is coupled between the second multiplexer and the USB downstream port. The first switching circuit selectively connects one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the USB downstream port in different operation modes. The second switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the video output port. The second switching circuit is coupled between the second multiplexer and the video output port. The second switching circuit selectively connects one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the video output port in different operation modes. The first multiplexer selectively connects the first USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit in different operation modes. The second multiplexer selectively connects the second USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit in different operation modes.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned operating method includes: selectively electrically connecting one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the USB downstream port by the first switching circuit in different operating modes; selectively electrically connecting one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the video output port by the second switching circuit in different operating modes; selectively electrically connecting the first USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit by the first multiplexer in different operating modes; and selectively electrically connecting the second USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit by the second multiplexer in different operating modes.

[0006] Based on the above, the USB routing integrated circuit described in the embodiments of the present invention has multiple upstream ports (a first USB upstream port, a second USB upstream port) and multiple downstream ports (a USB downstream port, a video output port). The first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, the first switching circuit, and the second switching circuit can flexibly provide transmission paths from different upstream ports to different downstream ports based on the actual application / operation scenario of the USB routing integrated circuit.

[0007] In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings for detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1It is a circuit block diagram of a USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB upstream ports according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of an operation method of a USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB upstream ports according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 is a circuit block diagram of a USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB upstream ports according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a monitor device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figures 5 to 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different operation scenarios (operation modes) of a monitor device and a USB routing integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a base of a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figures 9 and 10 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different operation scenarios (operation modes) of a base and a USB routing integrated circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]

Explanation of symbols

[0016] 51, 52: USB host

[0017] 91: Mobile Device

[0018] 100,300:USB routing integrated circuit

[0019] 310: Human Interface Device (HID) Monitoring Circuit

[0020] 320: Intelligent Function Circuit

[0021] 400: Monitor device

[0022] 410: Video processing circuit

[0023] 420: Display module

[0024] 800: Base

[0025] 810: Multi-stream transport (MST) circuit

[0026] DFP1_1, DFP3_1: USB downstream port

[0027] DFP1_2, DFP3_2: Video output port

[0028] D8: DisplayPort (DP) connector

[0029] DP7:DP cable

[0030] HUB4, HUB8: USB hub

[0031] MUX1_1, MUX1_2, MUX3_1, MUX3_2: Multiplexers

[0032] S210, S220: Steps

[0033] SW1_1, SW1_2, SW1_3, SW3_1, SW3_2, SW3_3, SW3_4: Switching circuit

[0034] U4_1, U4_2, U8_1: USB-C connector

[0035] U4_3, U8_3: USB connector

[0036] U8_2: Connector

[0037] UFP1_1, UFP1_2, UFP3_1, UFP3_2: USB upstream port DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The term "coupled (or connected)" used in the entire specification of this application (including the claims) may refer to any direct or indirect means of connection. For example, if the text describes a first device coupled (or connected) to a second device, it should be interpreted that the first device can be directly connected to the second device, or the first device can be indirectly connected to the second device through other devices or some connection means. The terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in the entire specification of this application (including the claims) are used to name the name of the element, or to distinguish different embodiments or ranges, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements, nor to limit the order of the elements. In addition, wherever possible, the elements / components / steps with the same number in the drawings and embodiments represent the same or similar parts. Elements / components / steps using the same number or the same terminology in different embodiments can refer to the relevant descriptions with each other.

[0039] Figure 1 It is a circuit block diagram of a USB routing integrated circuit 100 with multiple Universal Serial Bus (USB) upstream ports according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The USB routing integrated circuit 100 shown includes a plurality of upstream ports (e.g., USB upstream port UFP1_1 and USB upstream port UFP1_2) and a plurality of downstream ports (e.g., USB downstream port DFP1_1 and video output port DFP1_2). According to the actual design, in some embodiments, the upstream port may be an upstream facing port (UFP) specified by the USB standard or an upstream port of other specifications, and the downstream port may be a downstream facing port (DFP) specified by the USB standard or a downstream port of other specifications. Figure 1 The USB routing integrated circuit 100 further includes a multiplexer MUX1_1 , a multiplexer MUX1_2 , a switching circuit SW1_1 , a switching circuit SW1_2 , and a switching circuit SW1_3 .

[0040] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an operation method of a USB routing integrated circuit with multiple USB upstream ports according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , step S210 provides a switching circuit SW1_1, a switching circuit SW1_2, a multiplexer MUX1_1 and a multiplexer MUX1_2. The multiplexer MUX1_1 is coupled to the high-speed data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP1_1 (e.g., the "TX1+, TX1-" differential pin pair", the "RX1+, RX1-" differential pin pair", the "TX2+, TX2-" differential pin pair and the "RX2+, RX2-" differential pin pair specified by the USB standard). The multiplexer MUX1_1 is coupled between the USB upstream port UFP1_1 and the switching circuit SW1_1. The multiplexer MUX1_1 is also coupled between the USB upstream port UFP1_1 and the switching circuit SW1_2. The multiplexer MUX1_2 is coupled to the high-speed data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP1_2 (e.g., the differential pin pair of "TX1+, TX1-", the differential pin pair of "RX1+, RX1-", the differential pin pair of "TX2+, TX2-", and the differential pin pair of "RX2+, RX2-" specified by the USB standard). The multiplexer MUX1_2 is coupled between the USB upstream port UFP1_2 and the switching circuit SW1_1. The multiplexer MUX1_2 is also coupled between the USB upstream port UFP1_2 and the switching circuit SW1_2.

[0041] The switching circuit SW1_1 is coupled to the high-speed data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP1_1 (e.g., the differential pin pair of “TX1+, TX1-”, the differential pin pair of “RX1+, RX1-”, the differential pin pair of “TX2+, TX2-”, and the differential pin pair of “RX2+, RX2-” specified by the USB standard). The switching circuit SW1_1 is coupled between the multiplexer MUX1_1 and the USB downstream port DFP1_1. The switching circuit SW1_1 is coupled between the multiplexer MUX1_2 and the USB downstream port DFP1_1. The switching circuit SW1_2 is coupled to the high-speed data pin pair of the video output port DFP1_2 (e.g., the differential pin pair of “ML_Lane0”, the differential pin pair of “ML_Lane 1”, the differential pin pair of “ML_Lane 2”, and the differential pin pair of “ML_Lane 3” specified by the DisplayPort (DP) standard). The switch circuit SW1_2 is coupled between the multiplexer MUX1_1 and the video output port DFP1_2. The switch circuit SW1_2 is coupled between the multiplexer MUX1_2 and the video output port DFP1_2. The switch circuit SW1_3 is coupled to the sideband use (SBU) pin of the USB upstream port UFP1_1. The switch circuit SW1_3 is coupled to the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP1_2. The switch circuit SW1_3 is coupled to the auxiliary channel (AUX_CH) pin of the video output port DFP1_2.

[0042] Based on the actual application / operation scenario of the USB routing integrated circuit 100 (i.e., based on different operation modes), the multiplexer MUX1_1, the multiplexer MUX1_2, the switch circuit SW1_2, and the switch circuit SW1_3 can flexibly provide transmission paths from different upstream ports (e.g., USB upstream port UFP1_1 and USB upstream port UFP1_2) to different downstream ports (e.g., USB downstream port DFP1_1 and video output port DFP1_2) in step S220. In different operation modes, the multiplexer MUX1_1 selectively electrically connects the USB upstream port UFP1_1 to one of the switching circuit SW1_1 and the switching circuit SW1_2, the multiplexer MUX1_2 selectively electrically connects the USB upstream port UFP1_2 to one of the switching circuit SW1_1 and the switching circuit SW1_2, the switching circuit SW1_1 selectively electrically connects one of the multiplexers MUX1_1 and the multiplexer MUX1_2 to the USB downstream port DFP1_1, and the switching circuit SW1_2 selectively electrically connects one of the multiplexers MUX1_1 and the multiplexer MUX1_2 to the video output port DFP1_2. The switching circuit SW1_3 can selectively electrically connect one of the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP1_1 and the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP1_2 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP1_2 in different operation modes. The different operation modes will be described later with specific examples.

[0043] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a USB routing integrated circuit 300 with multiple USB upstream ports according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The USB routing integrated circuit 300 shown includes a multiplexer MUX3_1, a multiplexer MUX3_2, a switching circuit SW3_1, a switching circuit SW3_2, a switching circuit SW3_3, a switching circuit SW3_4, a human interface device (HID) monitoring circuit 310, an intelligent function circuit 320, a plurality of upstream ports (e.g., a USB upstream port UFP3_1 and a USB upstream port UFP3_2), and a plurality of downstream ports (e.g., a USB downstream port DFP3_1 and a video output port DFP3_2). Figure 3 The USB routing integrated circuit 300, multiplexer MUX3_1, multiplexer MUX3_2, switching circuit SW3_1, switching circuit SW3_2, switching circuit SW3_3, USB upstream port UFP3_1, USB upstream port UFP3_2, USB downstream port DFP3_1 and video output port DFP3_2 can refer to Figure 1The related descriptions of the USB routing integrated circuit 100, the multiplexer MUX1_1, the multiplexer MUX1_2, the switching circuit SW1_1, the switching circuit SW1_2, the switching circuit SW1_3, the USB upstream port UFP1_1, the USB upstream port UFP1_2, the USB downstream port DFP1_1 and the video output port DFP1_2 are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0044] The switching circuit SW3_4 is coupled to the USB2 data pin pair (e.g., the "D+, D-" differential pin pair specified by the USB standard) of the USB upstream port UFP3_1. The switching circuit SW3_4 is coupled to the USB2 data pin pair (e.g., the "D+, D-" differential pin pair specified by the USB standard) of the USB upstream port UFP3_2. The switching circuit SW3_4 is coupled to the USB2 data pin pair (e.g., the "D+, D-" differential pin pair specified by the USB standard) of the USB downstream port DFP3_1. The switching circuit SW3_4 can selectively electrically connect one of the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 and the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1 in different operation modes. The different operation modes will be described later with specific examples.

[0045] The HID monitoring circuit 310 is coupled to the smart function circuit 320. The HID monitoring circuit 310 is coupled to the data transmission path between the switching circuit SW3_4 and the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, such as Figure 3As shown. The HID monitoring circuit 310 can monitor the HID data packets transmitted by the data transmission path to determine whether to notify the intelligent function circuit 320 to perform the intelligent function. The intelligent function can be set according to the actual design. For example (but not limited to this), the intelligent function may include one or more of the following contents. The intelligent function circuit 320 controls the switching circuit SW3_3 to electrically connect the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP3_2, or controls the switching circuit SW3_3 to electrically connect the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP3_2. The intelligent function circuit 320 controls the switching circuit SW3_4 to electrically connect the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, or controls the switching circuit SW3_4 to electrically connect the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, or controls the switching circuit SW3_4 to electrically connect the intelligent function circuit 320 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1.

[0046] The HID monitoring circuit 310 can monitor the HID data packets and determine whether a preset event (such as a specific gesture, a specific key, or a specific key combination) occurs. When a preset event occurs, the HID monitoring circuit 310 can notify the smart function circuit 320 to execute the smart function. For example, the smart function circuit 320 can trigger the display module of the system (not shown). Figure 3 ) to display standby OSD (on-screen display) information (such as date and time). For example, the intelligent function circuit 320 can control the multiplexers MUX3_1 and MUX3_2 to select the USB upstream port UFP3_1 or the USB upstream port UFP3_2. For example, the HID monitoring circuit 310 can notify the intelligent function circuit 320 to control the switching circuit SW3_4 to select the USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2 or the intelligent function circuit 320. When the intelligent function circuit 320 is selected, the HID device (such as a mouse, keyboard, etc.) connected to the USB downstream port DFP3_1 can perform human-computer interaction with the intelligent function circuit 320 through the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the switching circuit SW3_4 to perform advanced intelligent functions (such as updating / setting system parameters, etc.).

[0047] According to different designs, in some embodiments, the HID monitoring circuit 310 and (or) the intelligent function circuit 320 may be implemented as a hardware circuit. In other embodiments, the HID monitoring circuit 310 and (or) the intelligent function circuit 320 may be implemented as a combination of hardware, firmware, and software (i.e., program).

[0048] In terms of hardware, the HID monitoring circuit 310 and / or the intelligent function circuit 320 can be implemented as a logic circuit on an integrated circuit. For example, the functions of the HID monitoring circuit 310 and / or the intelligent function circuit 320 can be implemented in various logic blocks, modules and circuits in one or more hardware controllers, microcontrollers, hardware processors, microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs) and / or other processing units. The functions of the HID monitoring circuit 310 and / or the intelligent function circuit 320 can be implemented as hardware circuits, such as various logic blocks, modules and circuits in an integrated circuit, using hardware description languages ​​(such as Verilog HDL or VHDL) or other suitable programming languages.

[0049] In terms of software and / or firmware, the related functions of the above-mentioned HID monitoring circuit 310 and / or the intelligent function circuit 320 can be implemented as programming codes. For example, the HID monitoring circuit 310 and / or the intelligent function circuit 320 are implemented using general programming languages ​​(such as C, C++ or combination languages) or other suitable programming languages. The programming code can be recorded / stored in a "non-transitory machine-readable storage medium". In some embodiments, the non-transitory machine-readable storage medium includes, for example, a semiconductor memory and / or a storage device. The semiconductor memory includes a memory card, a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory (FLASH memory), a programmable logic circuit or other semiconductor memory. The storage device includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD) or other storage devices. An electronic device (eg, a CPU, a hardware controller, a microcontroller, a hardware processor or a microprocessor) may read and execute the programming code from the non-temporary machine-readable storage medium, thereby implementing the related functions of the HID monitoring circuit 310 and (or) the intelligent function circuit 320 .

[0050] Figure 1 The USB routing integrated circuit 100 is Figure 3 The USB routing integrated circuit 300 shown can be applied to various USB products. For example, the USB routing integrated circuit 100 or 300 can be applied to a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch, a monitor (monitor, i.e., a display), a mobile device dock or other USB products. Figure 3 USB routing integrated circuit 300 is shown as an illustrative example. Figure 1 The USB routing integrated circuit 100 shown can refer to Figure 3 The relevant description of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is shown and can be deduced by analogy.

[0051] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a monitoring device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is applied to a monitor device 400 . Figure 4The monitor device 400 shown includes a USB-C connector U4_1, a USB-C connector U4_2, a USB routing integrated circuit 300, a video processing circuit 410, a display module 420, a USB hub HUB4 and multiple USB connectors U4_3. Figure 4 The USB routing integrated circuit 300 shown can refer to Figure 3 The relevant description of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is shown, so it will not be repeated here.

[0052] The USB upstream port UFP3_1 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the USB-C connector U4_1 of the monitor device 400. The USB upstream port UFP3_2 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the USB-C connector U4_2 of the monitor device 400. Based on the actual operation scenario, the USB-C connector U4_1 and / or the USB-C connector U4_2 can be connected to any type of USB host. The USB downstream port DFP3_1 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the USB hub HUB4 of the monitor device 400. The USB hub HUB4 is electrically connected to multiple USB connectors U4_3 of the monitor device 400. The video output port DFP3_2 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the video processing circuit 410 of the monitor device 400. Based on the actual application scenario, the video processing circuit 410 may include a scaler and / or other video processing circuits. The video processing circuit 410 can generate video data of the display module 420 of the monitor device 400.

[0053] Figures 5 to 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different operation scenarios (operation modes) of a monitor device 400 and a USB routing integrated circuit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The USB-C connector U4_1, USB-C connector U4_2, USB hub HUB4 and video processing circuit 410 shown in FIG. Figure 4 The USB-C connector U4_1, USB-C connector U4_2, USB hub HUB4 and video processing circuit 410 are shown in FIG. Figure 5 The USB upstream port UFP3_1, USB upstream port UFP3_2, switching circuit SW3_4, multiplexer MUX3_1, switching circuit SW3_3, switching circuit SW3_1, switching circuit SW3_2, USB downstream port DFP3_1 and video output port DFP3_2 can refer to Figure 3The relevant descriptions of the USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2, the switching circuit SW3_4, the multiplexer MUX3_1, the switching circuit SW3_3, the switching circuit SW3_1, the switching circuit SW3_2, the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the video output port DFP3_2 are not repeated here.

[0054] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated operation scenario, the USB-C connector U4_1 is connected to the USB host 51, and the USB-C connector U4_2 is connected to the USB host 52. Figure 5 In the operating mode shown, Figure 3 The multiplexer MUX3_2 can be disabled, the switch circuit SW3_3 electrically connects the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP3_2, the switch circuit SW3_4 electrically connects the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, the multiplexer MUX3_1 and the switch circuit SW3_1 electrically connect the two high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the USB downstream port DFP3_1, and the multiplexer MUX3_1 and the switch circuit SW3_2 electrically connect the other two high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the video output port DFP3_2. Therefore, the USB host 51 can use the relevant resources of the USB hub HUB4 and the video processing circuit 410.

[0055] Figure 6 The USB-C connector U4_1, USB-C connector U4_2, USB hub HUB4 and video processing circuit 410 shown in FIG. Figure 4 The USB-C connector U4_1, USB-C connector U4_2, USB hub HUB4 and video processing circuit 410 are shown in FIG. Figure 6 The USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2, the switching circuit SW3_4, the switching circuit SW3_3, the multiplexer MUX3_2, the switching circuit SW3_2, the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the video output port DFP3_2 can refer to Figure 3 The relevant descriptions of the USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2, the switching circuit SW3_4, the switching circuit SW3_3, the multiplexer MUX3_2, the switching circuit SW3_2, the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the video output port DFP3_2 are shown, so they are not repeated here.

[0056] exist Figure 6In the illustrated operation scenario, the USB-C connector U4_1 is connected to the USB host 51, and the USB-C connector U4_2 is connected to the USB host 52. Figure 6 In the operating mode shown, Figure 3 The multiplexer MUX3_1 and the switch circuit SW3_1 can be disabled, the switch circuit SW3_3 electrically connects the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP3_2, the switch circuit SW3_4 electrically connects the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, and the multiplexer MUX3_2 and the switch circuit SW3_2 electrically connect the four high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the video output port DFP3_2. Therefore, the USB host 52 can use the relevant resources of the USB hub HUB4 and the video processing circuit 410.

[0057] Figure 7 The USB-C connector U4_1, USB-C connector U4_2, USB hub HUB4 and video processing circuit 410 shown in FIG. Figure 4 The USB-C connector U4_1, USB-C connector U4_2, USB hub HUB4 and video processing circuit 410 are shown in FIG. Figure 7 The USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2, the switching circuit SW3_4, the switching circuit SW3_3, the multiplexer MUX3_2, the switching circuit SW3_1, the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the video output port DFP3_2 can refer to Figure 3 The relevant descriptions of the USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2, the switching circuit SW3_4, the switching circuit SW3_3, the multiplexer MUX3_2, the switching circuit SW3_1, the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the video output port DFP3_2 are shown, so they are not repeated here.

[0058] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated operation scenario, the USB-C connector U4_1 is connected to the USB host 51, and the USB-C connector U4_2 is connected to the USB host 52. In addition, the USB host 52 outputs the video data to the video processing circuit 410 via the DP cable DP7. Figure 7 In the operating mode shown, Figure 3The multiplexer MUX3_1 and the switch circuit SW3_2 can be disabled, the switch circuit SW3_3 electrically connects the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP3_2, the switch circuit SW3_4 electrically connects the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, and the multiplexer MUX3_2 and the switch circuit SW3_1 electrically connect the two high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the USB downstream port DFP3_1. Therefore, the USB host 52 can use the related resources of the USB hub HUB4 and the video processing circuit 410.

[0059] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of a base 800 of a mobile device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is implemented in the base 800 . Figure 8 The base 800 shown includes a USB-C connector U8_1, a connector U8_2 (such as a USB-C connector or a DP connector), a USB routing integrated circuit 300, a multi-stream transport (MST) circuit 810, a USB hub HUB8, multiple DP connectors D8 and multiple USB connectors U8_3. Figure 8 The USB routing integrated circuit 300 shown can refer to Figure 3 The relevant description of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is shown, so it will not be repeated here.

[0060] The USB upstream port UFP3_1 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the USB-C connector U8_1 of the base 800. The USB upstream port UFP3_2 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the connector U8_2 (e.g., a USB-C connector or a DP connector) of the base 800. Based on the actual operating scenario, the USB-C connector U8_1 and / or the connector U8_2 can be connected to any type of mobile device (for example, a USB host, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, but not limited to this). The USB downstream port DFP3_1 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the USB hub HUB8 of the base 800. The USB hub HUB8 is electrically connected to multiple USB connectors U8_3 of the base 800. The video output port DFP3_2 of the USB routing integrated circuit 300 is electrically connected to the MST circuit 810 of the base 800. The MST circuit 810 is electrically connected to multiple DP connectors D8 of the base 800. A display or other external device (not shown) Figure 8) can be coupled to the DP connector D8. The MST circuit 810 can generate video data to the DP connector D8 of the base 800.

[0061] Figures 9 and 10 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different operation scenarios (operation modes) of the base 800 and the USB routing integrated circuit 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 The USB-C connector U8_1, connector U8_2, USB hub HUB8 and video processing circuit 810 shown can refer to Figure 8 The USB-C connector U8_1, the connector U8_2, the USB hub HUB8 and the video processing circuit 810 are shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The USB upstream port UFP3_1, USB upstream port UFP3_2, switching circuit SW3_4, multiplexer MUX3_1, switching circuit SW3_3, multiplexer MUX3_2, switching circuit SW3_1, switching circuit SW3_2, USB downstream port DFP3_1 and video output port DFP3_2 can refer to Figure 3 The relevant descriptions of the USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2, the switching circuit SW3_4, the multiplexer MUX3_1, the switching circuit SW3_3, the multiplexer MUX3_2, the switching circuit SW3_1, the switching circuit SW3_2, the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the video output port DFP3_2 are shown, so they are not repeated here.

[0062] exist Fig. 9 In the illustrated operation scenario, the USB-C connector U8_1 and the connector U8_2 are connected to a mobile device 91 (for example, a USB host, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, but not limited thereto), and the connector U8_2 can be a DP connector or a USB-C connector. Fig. 9 In the operation mode shown, the switch circuit SW3_3 electrically connects the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP3_2 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP3_2, the switch circuit SW3_4 electrically connects the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, the multiplexer MUX3_1 and the switch circuit SW3_1 electrically connect the two high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the USB downstream port DFP3_1, and the multiplexer MUX3_2 and the switch circuit SW3_2 electrically connect the four high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the video output port DFP3_2. Therefore, the mobile device 91 can use the relevant resources of the USB hub HUB8 and the video processing circuit 810.

[0063] Fig.10 The USB-C connector U8_1, connector U8_2, USB hub HUB8 and video processing circuit 810 shown can refer to Figure 8 The USB-C connector U8_1, the connector U8_2, the USB hub HUB8 and the video processing circuit 810 are shown in FIG. Fig.10 The USB upstream port UFP3_1, USB upstream port UFP3_2, switching circuit SW3_4, multiplexer MUX3_1, switching circuit SW3_3, switching circuit SW3_1, switching circuit SW3_2, USB downstream port DFP3_1 and video output port DFP3_2 can refer to Figure 3 The relevant descriptions of the USB upstream port UFP3_1, the USB upstream port UFP3_2, the switching circuit SW3_4, the multiplexer MUX3_1, the switching circuit SW3_3, the switching circuit SW3_1, the switching circuit SW3_2, the USB downstream port DFP3_1 and the video output port DFP3_2 are not repeated here.

[0064] exist Fig.10 In the illustrated operation scenario, the USB-C connector U8_1 and the connector U8_2 are connected to a mobile device 91 (for example, a USB host), and the connector U8_2 may be a USB-C connector. Fig.10 In the operating mode shown, Figure 3 The multiplexer MUX3_2 can be disabled, the switch circuit SW3_3 electrically connects the SBU pin of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the AUX_CH pin of the video output port DFP3_2, the switch circuit SW3_4 electrically connects the USB2 data pin pair of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port DFP3_1, the multiplexer MUX3_1 and the switch circuit SW3_1 electrically connect the two high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the USB downstream port DFP3_1, and the multiplexer MUX3_1 and the switch circuit SW3_2 electrically connect the other two high-speed data pin pairs of the USB upstream port UFP3_1 to the video output port DFP3_2. Therefore, the mobile device 91 can use the relevant resources of the USB hub HUB8 and the video processing circuit 810.

[0065] In summary, the USB routing integrated circuit 300 has a plurality of upstream ports (e.g., USB upstream ports UFP3_1 and UFP3_2) and a plurality of downstream ports (e.g., USB downstream port DFP3_1 and video output port DFP3_2). The multiplexers MUX3_1 and MUX3_2, the switching circuits SW3_1 and SW3_2 can flexibly provide transmission paths from different upstream ports to different downstream ports based on the actual application / operation scenarios of the USB routing integrated circuit 300.

[0066] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make slight changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A USB routing integrated circuit, comprising: First USB upstream port; Second USB upstream port; USB downstream port; Video output port; A first multiplexer coupled to the first USB upstream port; A second multiplexer coupled to the second USB upstream port; A first switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the USB downstream port, and is coupled between the second multiplexer and the USB downstream port, wherein the first switching circuit selectively electrically connects one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the USB downstream port in different operation modes; as well as A second switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the video output port, and between the second multiplexer and the video output port, wherein the second switching circuit selectively electrically connects one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the video output port in different operation modes, the first multiplexer selectively electrically connects the first USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit in different operation modes, and the second multiplexer selectively electrically connects the second USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit in different operation modes.

2. The USB routing integrated circuit of claim 1, further comprising: A third switching circuit is coupled to the sideband use pin of the first USB upstream port, to the sideband use pin of the second USB upstream port, and to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port, wherein the third switching circuit selectively electrically connects one of the sideband use pin of the first USB upstream port and the sideband use pin of the second USB upstream port to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port in different operation modes.

3. The USB routing integrated circuit of claim 2, further comprising: A fourth switching circuit is coupled to the USB2 data pin pair of the first USB upstream port, the USB2 data pin pair of the second USB upstream port, and the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port, wherein the fourth switching circuit selectively electrically connects one of the USB2 data pin pair of the first USB upstream port and the USB2 data pin pair of the second USB upstream port to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port in different operating modes.

4. The USB routing integrated circuit of claim 3, further comprising: Intelligent functional circuit; as well as A human interface device monitoring circuit is coupled to the intelligent function circuit and to a data transmission path between the fourth switching circuit and the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port, wherein the human interface device monitoring circuit monitors the human interface device data packets transmitted by the data transmission path to determine whether to notify the intelligent function circuit to execute the intelligent function.

5. The USB routing integrated circuit of claim 4, wherein the smart function comprises: Controlling the third switching circuit to electrically connect the sideband use pin of the first USB upstream port to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port; or The third switching circuit is controlled to electrically connect the sideband use pin of the second USB upstream port to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port.

6. The USB routing integrated circuit of claim 4, wherein the smart function comprises: Controlling the fourth switching circuit to electrically connect the USB2 data pin pair of the first USB upstream port to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port; or The fourth switching circuit is controlled to electrically connect the USB2 data pin pair of the second USB upstream port to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port.

7. The USB routing integrated circuit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the smart function circuit is further coupled to the fourth switching circuit, and the smart function further comprises: The fourth switching circuit is controlled to electrically connect the intelligent function circuit to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port.

8. The USB routing integrated circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB routing integrated circuit is applied in a monitor device, the first USB upstream port is electrically connected to a first USB-C connector of the monitor device, the second USB upstream port is electrically connected to a second USB-C connector of the monitor device, the USB downstream port is electrically connected to a USB hub of the monitor device, the video output port is electrically connected to a video processing circuit of the monitor device, and the video processing circuit generates video data of a display module of the monitor device.

9. The USB routing integrated circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB routing integrated circuit is applied in a base, the first USB upstream port is electrically connected to a first USB-C connector of the base, the second USB upstream port is electrically connected to a second USB-C connector or a first DisplayPort connector of the base, the USB downstream port is electrically connected to a USB hub of the base, the video output port is electrically connected to a multi-stream transmission circuit of the base, and the multi-stream transmission circuit generates video data to at least one second DisplayPort connector of the base.

10. An operating method of a USB routing integrated circuit, the USB routing integrated circuit comprising a first USB upstream port, a second USB upstream port, a USB downstream port, a video output port, a first multiplexer, a second multiplexer, a first switching circuit, and a second switching circuit, the first multiplexer is coupled to the first USB upstream port, the second multiplexer is coupled to the second USB upstream port, the first switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the USB downstream port, the first switching circuit is coupled between the second multiplexer and the USB downstream port, the second switching circuit is coupled between the first multiplexer and the video output port, and the second switching circuit is coupled between the second multiplexer and the video output port, the operating method comprising: The first switching circuit selectively electrically connects one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the USB downstream port in different operation modes; The second switching circuit selectively electrically connects one of the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer to the video output port in different operation modes; The first multiplexer selectively electrically connects the first USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit in different operation modes; as well as The second multiplexer selectively electrically connects the second USB upstream port to one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit in different operation modes.

11. The operating method of claim 10, wherein the third switching circuit of the USB routing integrated circuit is coupled to the sideband use pin of the first USB upstream port, the third switching circuit is coupled to the sideband use pin of the second USB upstream port, the third switching circuit is coupled to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port, and the operating method further comprises: The third switching circuit selectively connects one of the sideband pin of the first USB upstream port and the sideband pin of the second USB upstream port to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port in different operation modes.

12. The operating method of claim 11, wherein the fourth switching circuit of the USB routing integrated circuit is coupled to the USB2 data pin pair of the first USB upstream port, the fourth switching circuit is coupled to the USB2 data pin pair of the second USB upstream port, the fourth switching circuit is coupled to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port, and the operating method further comprises: The fourth switching circuit selectively electrically connects one of the USB2 data pin pair of the first USB upstream port and the USB2 data pin pair of the second USB upstream port to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port in different operation modes.

13. The operating method of claim 12, wherein the USB routing integrated circuit further comprises an intelligent function circuit and a human interface device monitoring circuit, the human interface device monitoring circuit is coupled to the intelligent function circuit, the human interface device monitoring circuit is coupled to a data transmission path between the fourth switching circuit and the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port, the operating method further comprises: The human interface device monitoring circuit monitors the human interface device data packet transmitted by the data transmission path to determine whether to notify the intelligent function circuit to execute the intelligent function.

14. The operating method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the smart function comprises: Controlling the third switching circuit to electrically connect the sideband use pin of the first USB upstream port to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port; or The third switching circuit is controlled to electrically connect the sideband use pin of the second USB upstream port to the auxiliary channel pin of the video output port.

15. The operating method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the smart function comprises: Controlling the fourth switching circuit to electrically connect the USB2 data pin pair of the first USB upstream port to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port; or The fourth switching circuit is controlled to electrically connect the USB2 data pin pair of the second USB upstream port to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port.

16. The operating method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the smart function circuit is further coupled to the fourth switching circuit, and the smart function further comprises: The fourth switching circuit is controlled to electrically connect the intelligent function circuit to the USB2 data pin pair of the USB downstream port.

17. The operating method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the USB routing integrated circuit is applied in a monitor device, the first USB upstream port is electrically connected to a first USB-C connector of the monitor device, the second USB upstream port is electrically connected to a second USB-C connector of the monitor device, the USB downstream port is electrically connected to a USB hub of the monitor device, the video output port is electrically connected to a video processing circuit of the monitor device, and the video processing circuit generates video data of a display module of the monitor device.

18. The operating method of claim 10, wherein the USB routing integrated circuit is applied in a base, the first USB upstream port is electrically connected to a first USB-C connector of the base, the second USB upstream port is electrically connected to a second USB-C connector or a first DisplayPort connector of the base, the USB downstream port is electrically connected to a USB hub of the base, the video output port is electrically connected to a multi-stream transmission circuit of the base, and the multi-stream transmission circuit generates video data to at least one second DisplayPort connector of the base.

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