USB expansion device and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a USB expansion device and an operation method thereof. The USB expansion device comprises a UFP connector, a first DFP connector, a second DFP connector, a PD controller, a routing circuit and an adaptive charging straight-through circuit. The routing circuit selectively provides a data transmission path between the UFP connector, the first DFP connector, and the second DFP connector. The self-adaptive charging straight-through circuit selectively operates in a charging straight-through mode or a self-adaptive charging mode. In the charging straight-through mode, the adaptive charging straight-through circuit transmits input power of one of the UFP connector, the first DFP connector and the second DFP connector to the other one of the UFP connector, the first DFP connector and the second DFP connector. In the self-adaptive charging mode, the self-adaptive charging straight-through circuit distributes input power of one of the UFP connector, the first DFP connector and the second DFP connector to the rest of the UFP connector, the first DFP connector and the second DFP connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, and more particularly to a USB extension device and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] The Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector (hereinafter referred to as the USB-C connector) is a versatile interface. The USB-C connector supports not only typical USB data interconnection but also a variety of power delivery options. Based on the USB Power Delivery (PD) specification, electronic devices can power other electronic devices via the USB-C connector, such as a power adapter or power bank powering a mobile phone, or a computer host powering a monitor. To accommodate these diverse power delivery options, a PD controller can be incorporated into USB-C compliant electronic devices. When an electronic device's USB-C connector is connected to another electronic device's USB-C connector, the PD controllers of the different devices can exchange information through the Configuration Channel (CC) pin of the USB-C connector. Therefore, the electronic device acting as the power supplier can obtain information about the other electronic device acting as the power receiver, such as its withstand voltage, withstand current, withstand power, and / or other information.

[0003] In some product designs, electronic devices are equipped with only a single USB-C connector. In certain application scenarios, when the USB-C connector of an electronic device is connected to a power adapter (or power bank) for charging, the electronic device cannot interconnect with another electronic device via the USB-C connector. Conversely, when the USB-C connector of an electronic device is connected to another electronic device for data interconnection, that electronic device cannot connect to a power adapter (or power bank) via the USB-C connector.

[0004] Furthermore, in some applications, the power consumption of USB-C connectors can be quite high (e.g., from 5 watts to 100 watts), making power supply safety a major concern. For power supply safety, when the power supply and receiving USB-C connectors are connected, based on the USB PD specification, the power supply and receiving ends can exchange warning messages such as over-voltage and over-current via the CC pin. When the USB-C connector is in a high-humidity environment, or even if water enters the USB-C connector (e.g., the USB-C connector falls into water), humidity (or moisture) can affect power supply safety. However, current USB products cannot detect the humidity (moisture) of the USB-C connector. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a Universal Serial Bus (USB) expansion device and its operating method to expand the number of USB connectors on a USB host.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the USB extension device includes an upstream-facing port (UFP) connector, a first downstream-facing port (DFP) connector, a second downstream-facing port connector, a power delivery (PD) controller, routing circuitry, and adaptive charging through circuitry. The upstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a USB host. The first downstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a first external device. The second downstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a second external device. The power delivery controller is coupled to a configuration channel (CC) pin of each of the upstream port connector, the first downstream port connector, and the second downstream port connector. The routing circuitry is coupled to multiple differential data pin pairs of each of the upstream port connector, the first downstream port connector, and the second downstream port connector. The routing circuitry is coupled to the power delivery controller. Based on the control of the power delivery controller, the routing circuitry selectively provides a data transmission path between the upstream port connector, the first downstream port connector, and the second downstream port connector. The adaptive charging through circuitry is coupled to a power pin of each of the upstream port connector, the first downstream port connector, and the second downstream port connector. An adaptive charge pass-through circuit is coupled to a power transmission controller. Based on the control of this power transmission controller, the adaptive charge pass-through circuit selectively operates in either charge pass-through mode or adaptive charging mode. In charge pass-through mode, the adaptive charge pass-through circuit transfers one input power from one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the other one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector. In adaptive charging mode, the adaptive charge pass-through circuit distributes the input power of one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the remaining one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described operation method includes: based on the control of the power transmission controller, a routing circuit selectively provides a data transmission path between the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector; based on the control of the power transmission controller, an adaptive charging pass-through circuit selectively operates in either a charging pass-through mode or an adaptive charging mode; in the charging pass-through mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit transmits the input power of one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the other of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector; and in the adaptive charging mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit allocates the input power of one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the remaining of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector.

[0008] Based on the above, the routing circuit described in the embodiments of the present invention selectively provides a data transmission path between the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector, while the adaptive charging pass-through circuit adaptively distributes / transmits input power to one or more of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector in either charging pass-through mode or adaptive charging mode. Therefore, the first downlink port connector and the second downlink port connector support interchangeable functionality, eliminating the need for a hub controller. When the uplink port connector is coupled to a USB host, the USB expansion device can expand the number of USB connectors on the USB host.

[0009] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a circuit block diagram of a USB expansion device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a USB expansion device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a circuit block diagram of an adaptive charging pass-through circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a circuit block diagram of a routing circuit drawn according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a circuit block diagram of a routing circuit drawn according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a circuit block diagram of a routing circuit drawn according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a circuit block diagram of a USB expansion device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Symbol Explanation]

[0019] 100: USB system

[0020] 110: USB host

[0021] 111: Battery

[0022] 120: USB expansion device

[0023] 121, 124: Adaptive charging direct-through circuit

[0024] 122, 125: Power Transmission (PD) Controller

[0025] 123, 126: Routing circuits

[0026] 127: Humidity Detection Circuit

[0027] 130, 140: External devices

[0028] 410: DC-DC converter

[0029] 710: Re-drive

[0030] CS41, CS42, CS43, CS44, CS45, CS46: Control signals

[0031] DFP11, DFP12, DFP13: Downlink Port (DFP) Connectors

[0032] MUX51, MUX52, MUX61, MUX71, MUX72: Multiplexing circuits

[0033] S310, S320, S330: Steps

[0034] SW41, SW42, SW43, SW44, SW45, SW46: Power switches

[0035] UFP11, UFP12, UFP13: Uplink Port (UFP) Connectors Detailed Implementation

[0036] The term "coupled (or connected)" as used throughout 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 as the first device being directly connected to the second device, or the first device being indirectly connected to the second device through other devices or some means of connection. The terms "first," "second," etc., used throughout this application (including the claims) are used to name elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not intended to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements, nor to limit the order of elements. Furthermore, wherever possible, elements / components / steps using the same reference numerals in the drawings and embodiments represent the same or similar parts. Elements / components / steps using the same reference numerals or the same terms in different embodiments can be referred to mutually in the relevant descriptions.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit block of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The USB system 100 shown includes a USB host 110, a USB expansion device 120, an external device 130, and an external device 140. Depending on the application, the USB host 110 can be a handheld mobile phone, tablet computer, or other electronic device. When the downstream-facing port (DFP) connector DFP11 of the USB host 110 is connected to a USB device (not shown, such as a monitor), the USB host 110 can perform data interconnection with the USB device through the DFP connector DFP11. At this time, because the DFP connector DFP11 of the USB host 110 is not connected to an external power source, the battery 111 of the USB host 110 can power the USB host 110. However, the battery 111 has a limited capacity. The battery 111 cannot be charged while the USB device occupies the DFP connector DFP11. When the DFP connector DFP11 of the USB host 110 is connected to an external power source (not shown), the external power source can charge the battery 111 through the DFP connector DFP11. Depending on the application, the external power source may include a power adapter, power bank, or other power sources. However, while the external power source occupies the DFP connector DFP11, the USB host 110 cannot interconnect with other USB devices via the DFP connector DFP11.

[0038] When the upstream-facing port (UFP) connector UFP11 of the USB expansion device 120 is coupled to the DFP connector DFP11 of the USB host 110, the USB expansion device 120 can expand the number of USB connectors on the USB host 110. When the DFP connector DFP12 of the USB expansion device 120 is connected to the UFP connector UFP12 of the external device 130, the USB host 110 can be connected to the external device 130 through the USB expansion device 120. When the DFP connector DFP13 of the USB expansion device 120 is connected to the UFP connector UFP13 of the external device 140, the USB host 110 can be connected to the external device 140 through the USB expansion device 120. The DFP connectors DFP12 and DFP13 support interchangeability, eliminating the need for a hub controller.

[0039] For example, one of external devices 130 and 140 may be an external power source (such as a power adapter or power bank), while the other may be a USB device. Depending on the application, the USB device may include a USB display, a DisplayPort (DP) display, a head-mounted display (HMD), a USB flash drive, a solid-state drive, or other USB devices. For simplicity, it is assumed (but not limited to) that external device 130 is a power adapter (or power bank) and external device 140 is a USB device. Simultaneously, power adapter 130 can charge the battery 111 of USB host 110 via USB extension device 120, and USB host 110 can interconnect with other USB devices 140 via USB extension device 120.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a circuit block diagram of a USB expansion device 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The USB expansion device 120 shown can be used as Figure 1 This is one of many implementation examples of the USB expansion device 120 shown. Figure 2 The USB expansion device 120 shown includes a UFP connector UFP11, a DFP connector DFP12, a DFP connector DFP13, an adaptive charging through circuitry 121, a power delivery (PD) controller 122, and a routing circuitry 123. The UFP connector UFP11 is adapted to couple to a USB host, the DFP connector DFP12 is adapted to couple to an external device, and the DFP connector DFP13 is adapted to couple to another external device. Figure 2 The USB expansion device 120, UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12, and DFP connector DFP13 shown can be referenced. Figure 1 The relevant explanations are omitted here. UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12 and DFP connector DFP13 can be USB Type-C connectors (or USB-C connectors) as specified by the USB standard.

[0041] The PD controller 122 is coupled to the Configuration Channel (CC) pin of each of the UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12, and DFP connector DFP13. The CC pin is specified by the USB standard and will not be described further. When the USB host 110 is connected to the UFP connector UFP11, the PD controller 122 can exchange configuration information with the USB host 110 via the CC pin of the UFP connector UFP11 to negotiate the power transfer mode between the USB host 110 and the USB expansion device 120. The related operations of PD (Power Delivery) control and the CC pin are specified in the USB standard and will not be described further here. Similarly, when the external device 130 is connected to the DFP connector DFP12, the PD controller 122 can exchange configuration information with the external device 130 via the CC pin of the DFP connector DFP12 to negotiate the power transfer mode between the USB expansion device 120 and the external device 130. When the external device 140 is connected to the DFP connector DFP13, the PD controller 122 can exchange configuration information with the external device 140 via the CC pin of the DFP connector DFP13 to negotiate the power transfer mode between the USB expansion device 120 and the external device 140.

[0042] Adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 is coupled to the power pins (e.g., Vbus pins as specified in the USB standard) of each of UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12, and DFP connector DFP13. Routing circuit 123 is coupled to multiple differential data pin pairs (e.g., the "TX1+, TX1-" differential pin pair, "RX1+, RX1-" differential pin pair, "TX2+, TX2-" differential pin pair, "RX2+, RX2-" differential pin pair, and "D+, D-" differential pin pair) as specified in the USB standard.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a USB expansion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3The adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 and the routing circuit 123 are also coupled to the PD controller 122. In step S310, based on the control of the PD controller 122, the routing circuit 123 selectively provides a data transmission path between the UFP connector UFP11, the DFP connector DFP12, and the DFP connector DFP13. For example (but not limited to), suppose the UFP connector UFP11 is connected to the USB host 110, the DFP connector DFP12 is connected to a USB device (e.g., a display) as an external device 130, and the DFP connector DFP13 is connected to a power adapter as an external device 140 (or the DFP connector DFP13 is not connected to any USB device). The routing circuit 123 selectively provides a data transmission path between the UFP connector UFP11 and the DFP connector DFP12 (the routing circuit 123 couples the differential data pins of the UFP connector UFP11 to the DFP connector DFP12). Therefore, the USB host 110 can establish a data transmission connection to the USB device 130 through the USB extension device 120.

[0044] For another example, suppose UFP connector UFP11 connects to USB host 110, DFP connector DFP12 connects to DP display device as external device 130, and DFP connector DFP13 connects to solid-state drive as external device 140. Routing circuit 123 provides a DP data transmission path between UFP connector UFP11 and DFP connector DFP12, and provides a USB data transmission path between UFP connector UFP11 and DFP connector DFP13. Therefore, USB host 110 can establish a DP data transmission connection to DP display device 130 through USB expansion device 120, and USB host 110 can establish a USB data transmission connection to solid-state drive 140 through USB expansion device 120.

[0045] In step S310, based on the control of the PD controller 122, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 selectively operates in charging pass-through mode or adaptive charging mode. In charging pass-through mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 transfers the input power of one of the UFP connectors UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12, and DFP connectors DFP13 to the other one of the UFP connectors UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12, and DFP connectors DFP13 (step S320). For example (but not limited to), suppose UFP connector UFP11 is connected to the USB host 110, DFP connector DFP12 is not connected to any external device, and DFP connector DFP13 is connected to the power adapter as an external device 140. The PD controller 122 can exchange configuration information with the USB host 110 and the power adapter 140 to negotiate the power transfer mode between the USB host 110 and the power adapter 140. Next, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 transmits the input power of the DFP connector DFP13 (provided by the power adapter 140) to the UFP connector UFP11 to power the USB host 110.

[0046] In adaptive charging mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 distributes the input power of one of the UFP connectors UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12, and DFP connectors DFP13 to the remaining UFP connectors UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12, and DFP connectors DFP13 (step S330). For example (but not limited to), suppose UFP connector UFP11 is connected to the USB host 110, DFP connector DFP13 is not connected to any external device, and DFP connector DFP12 is connected to the power adapter as an external device 130. The PD controller 122 can exchange configuration information with the USB host 110 and the power adapter 130 to negotiate the power transfer mode between the USB host 110 and the USB expansion device 120, and to negotiate the power transfer mode between the USB expansion device 120 and the power adapter 130. Next, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 performs a boost (or buck) operation on the input power of the DFP connector DFP12 (provided by the power adapter 130) to distribute the input power to the UFP connector UFP11. Therefore, the power adapter 130 can supply power to the USB host 110 via the USB extension device 120.

[0047] For another example, suppose that in adaptive charging mode, UFP connector UFP11 is connected to USB host 110, DFP connector DFP12 is connected to USB device (e.g., a monitor) as external device 130, and DFP connector DFP13 is connected to power adapter as external device 140. PD controller 122 can exchange configuration information with USB host 110, USB device 130, and power adapter 140 to negotiate the power transfer mode between USB host 110 and USB expansion device 120, between USB expansion device 120 and USB device 130, and between USB expansion device 120 and power adapter 140. Next, adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 distributes the input power (provided by power adapter 140) of DFP connector DFP13 to UFP connector UFP11 and DFP connector DFP12. Therefore, power adapter 140 can supply power to USB host 110 and USB device 130 through USB expansion device 120.

[0048] For example, suppose that in adaptive charging mode, UFP connector UFP11 is connected to USB host 110, DFP connector DFP12 is connected to a USB device (e.g., a monitor) as external device 130, and DFP connector DFP13 is connected to another USB device (e.g., a solid-state drive) as external device 140. PD controller 122 can exchange configuration information with USB host 110, USB device 130, and USB device 140 to negotiate the power transfer mode between USB host 110 and USB expansion device 120, between USB expansion device 120 and USB device 130, and between USB expansion device 120 and USB device 140. Next, adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 distributes the input power (provided by USB host 110) of UFP connector UFP11 to DFP connectors DFP12 and DFP13. Therefore, USB host 110 can supply power to USB devices 130 and 140 through USB expansion device 120.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a circuit block diagram of an adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121, drawn according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 shown can be used as Figure 2 This is one of many implementation examples of the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 shown. Figure 4 The adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121, PD controller 122, UFP connector UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12 and DFP13 shown can be referenced. Figure 2Therefore, the relevant explanations will not be repeated here.

[0050] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 121 includes a DC-to-DC converter 410, power switches SW41, SW42, SW43, SW44, SW45, and SW46. The DC-to-DC converter 410 and power switches SW41-SW46 are all controlled by a power transfer controller 122. The first terminals of power switches SW41 and SW44 are coupled to the power pins of a UFP connector UFP11. The first terminals of power switches SW42 and SW45 are coupled to the power pins of a DFP connector DFP12. The first terminals of power switches SW43 and SW46 are coupled to the power pins of a DFP connector DFP13. The second terminals of power switches SW41, SW42, and SW43 are coupled to the power input terminal of the DC-to-DC converter 410. The second terminal of power switch SW44 is coupled to the first power output terminal of the DC-to-DC converter 410. The second terminal of power switch SW45 is coupled to the second power output terminal of DC-DC converter 410. The second terminal of power switch SW46 is coupled to the third power output terminal of DC-DC converter 410.

[0051] The PD controller 122 can negotiate the power transfer mode for the USB host 110, external device 130, and external device 140. After determining the power transfer mode, the PD controller 122 generates control signals CS41, CS42, CS43, CS44, CS45, and CS46 to turn on or off any of the power switches SW41 to SW46, and the PD controller 122 adaptively controls the DC-DC converter 410. For example (but not limited to), in response to the USB host 110 being coupled to the UFP connector UFP11, the power adapter (or power bank) being coupled to the DFP connector DFP12, and no external device being coupled to the DFP connector DFP13, power switches SW41 and SW42 are turned on, switches SW43, SW44, SW45, and SW46 are turned off, and the DC-DC converter 410 is disabled. Therefore, in charge pass-through mode, the input power of DFP connector DFP12 can be transferred to UFP connector UFP11, or the input power of UFP connector UFP11 can be transferred to DFP connector DFP12.

[0052] For another example, in response to the USB host 110 being coupled to the UFP connector UFP11, the power adapter (or power bank) being coupled to the DFP connector DFP12, and no external device being coupled to the DFP connector DFP13, power switches SW42 and SW44 are turned on, and power switches SW41, SW43, SW45, and SW46 are turned off. At this time, the DC-DC converter 410 uses the input power of the DFP connector DFP12 to generate charging power for the UFP connector UFP11.

[0053] For example, in response to the USB host 110 being coupled to the UFP connector UFP11, the power adapter (or power bank) being coupled to the DFP connector DFP12, and the USB device (e.g., a display) being coupled to the DFP connector DFP13, power switches SW42, SW44, and SW46 are turned on, and power switches SW41, SW43, and SW45 are turned off. At this time, the DC-DC converter 410 uses the input power of the DFP connector DFP12 to generate charging power for the UFP connector UFP11, and the DC-DC converter 410 uses the input power of the DFP connector DFP12 to generate output power for the DFP connector DFP13.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a circuit block diagram of routing circuit 123 drawn according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The routing circuit 123 shown can be used as Figure 2 This is one of many implementation examples of the routing circuit 123 shown. Figure 5 The PD controller 122, routing circuit 123, UFP connector UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12 and DFP13 shown can be referenced. Figure 2 Therefore, the relevant explanations will not be repeated here.

[0055] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the routing circuit 123 includes multiplexer circuits MUX51 and MUX52. Multiplexer circuits MUX51 and MUX52 are controlled by PD controller 122. Multiple common terminal pairs of multiplexer circuit MUX51 are respectively coupled to multiple differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of UFP connector UFP11. Multiple select terminal pairs of multiplexer circuit MUX51 are respectively coupled to multiple differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of DFP connector DFP12. Multiple common terminal pairs of multiplexer circuit MUX52 are respectively coupled to multiple differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of UFP connector UFP11. The multiple selection pairs of the multiplexer MUX52 are respectively coupled to the multiple differential data pin pairs "TX1+, TX1-", "RX1+, RX1-", "TX2+, TX2-" and "RX2+, RX2-" of the DFP connector DFP13.

[0056] For example (but not limited to), suppose UFP connector UFP11 is connected to USB host 110, DFP connector DFP12 is connected to a USB device (e.g., a monitor) as external device 130, and DFP connector DFP13 is connected to a power adapter as external device 140 (or DFP connector DFP13 is not connected to any USB device). Multiplexing circuit MUX52 is disabled, while multiplexing circuit MUX51 couples the differential data pin pairs "TX1+, TX1-", "RX1+, RX1-", "TX2+, TX2-", and "RX2+, RX2-" of UFP connector UFP11 to the differential data pin pairs "TX1+, TX1-", "RX1+, RX1-", "TX2+, TX2-", and "RX2+, RX2-" of DFP connector DFP12, respectively. Therefore, USB host 110 can establish a data transfer connection to USB device 130 through USB expansion device 120.

[0057] For another example, suppose the UFP connector UFP11 is connected to the USB host 110, the DFP connector DFP12 is connected to the DP display device as an external device 130, and the DFP connector DFP13 is connected to the solid-state drive as an external device 140. The multiplexing circuit MUX51 couples two pairs of the differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of the UFP connector UFP11 to two pairs of the differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of the DFP connector DFP12, and couples the remaining two pairs of the differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of the UFP connector UFP11 to two pairs of the differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of the DFP connector DFP13. Therefore, the USB host 110 can establish a DP data transmission connection to the DP display device 130 through the USB expansion device 120, and the USB host 110 can establish a USB data transmission connection to the solid-state drive 140 through the USB expansion device 120.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a circuit block diagram of routing circuit 123 drawn according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 The routing circuit 123 shown can be used as Figure 2 This is one of many implementation examples of the routing circuit 123 shown. Figure 6 The PD controller 122, routing circuit 123, UFP connector UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12 and DFP13 shown can be referenced. Figure 2 The relevant explanations are omitted here. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the routing circuit 123 includes a multiplexer MUX 61. The multiplexer MUX 61 is controlled by the PD controller 122. A common terminal of the multiplexer MUX 61 is coupled to the differential data pin pair "D+, D-" of the UFP connector UFP11. A first select terminal of the multiplexer MUX 61 is coupled to the differential data pin pair "D+, D-" of the DFP connector DFP12. A second select terminal of the multiplexer MUX 61 is coupled to the differential data pin pair "D+, D-" of the DFP connector DFP13.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a circuit block diagram of routing circuit 123 drawn according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7The routing circuit 123 shown can be used as Figure 2 This is one of many implementation examples of the routing circuit 123 shown. Figure 7 The PD controller 122, routing circuit 123, UFP connector UFP11, DFP connectors DFP12 and DFP13 shown can be referenced. Figure 2 The relevant explanations are omitted here. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the routing circuit 123 includes a redriver 710, a multiplexing circuit MUX 71, and a multiplexing circuit MUX 72. The redriver 710, multiplexing circuit MUX 71, and multiplexing circuit MUX 72 are controlled by the PD controller 122. Multiple sets of first terminal pairs of the redriver 710 are respectively coupled to multiple sets of differential data pin pairs "TX1+, TX1-", "RX1+, RX1-", "TX2+, TX2-", and "RX2+, RX2-" of the UFP connector UFP11. This embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the redriver 710. For example, the redriver 710 may include a known redriver or other signal gain circuitry.

[0060] Multiple common terminal pairs of the multiplexer MUX71 are respectively coupled to multiple second terminal pairs of the re-driver 710. Multiple select terminal pairs of the multiplexer MUX71 are respectively coupled to multiple differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of the DFP connector DFP12. Multiple common terminal pairs of the multiplexer MUX72 are respectively coupled to the multiple second terminal pairs of the re-driver 710. Multiple select terminal pairs of the multiplexer MUX72 are respectively coupled to multiple differential data pin pairs “TX1+, TX1-”, “RX1+, RX1-”, “TX2+, TX2-”, and “RX2+, RX2-” of the DFP connector DFP13. Figure 7 The multiplexing circuits MUX71 and MUX72 shown can be referenced. Figure 5 The relevant explanations of the multiplexer circuits MUX51 and MUX52 shown are provided and can be extrapolated from here, so they will not be repeated here.

[0061] In summary, routing circuit 126 selectively provides data transmission paths between UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12, and DFP connector DFP13, while adaptive charging pass-through circuit 124 adaptively distributes / transmits input power to one or more of UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12, and DFP connector DFP13 in either charging pass-through mode or adaptive charging mode. Therefore, DFP connector DFP12 and DFP connector DFP13 support interchangeability without requiring a hub controller. When UFP connector UFP11 is coupled to USB host 110, USB expansion device 120 can expand the number of USB connectors on USB host 110.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a circuit block diagram of a USB expansion device 120 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The USB expansion device 120 shown can be used as Figure 1 This is one of many implementation examples of the USB expansion device 120 shown. Figure 8 The USB expansion device 120 shown includes a UFP connector UFP11, a DFP connector DFP12, a DFP connector DFP13, an adaptive charging pass-through circuit 124, a PD controller 125, a routing circuit 126, and a humidity detection circuit 127. Figure 8 The USB expansion device 120, UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12, and DFP connector DFP13 shown can be referenced. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Therefore, the relevant explanations will not be repeated here. Figure 8 The adaptive charging pass-through circuit 124, PD controller 125, and routing circuit 126 shown can be referenced. Figure 2 The adaptive charging pass-through circuit 114, PD controller 122 and routing circuit 123 shown are explained and deduced by analogy.

[0063] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, humidity detection circuit 127 is coupled to UFP connector UFP11 and PD controller 125. Humidity detection circuit 127 detects the parasitic electrochemical impedance between a target pin of UFP connector UFP11 and ground. The target pin can be determined based on the actual design and application. For example, the target pin may include a Sideband Use (SBU) pin, a CC pin, or other pins of UFP connector UFP11. Humidity detection circuit 127 determines the humidity information of UFP connector UFP11 based on the parasitic electrochemical impedance between the target pin and ground.

[0064] When the USB plug (UFP connector UFP11) is inserted into the USB socket (DFP connector DFP11) of the USB host 110, a parasitic electrochemical impedance is formed between the target pin (e.g., SBU pin or CC pin) and ground. The circuit model and characteristics of this parasitic electrochemical impedance are publicly available in various existing documents and will not be elaborated upon here. Ideally, when the UFP connector UFP11 is in an environment with 0% humidity, the parasitic electrochemical impedance between the target pin and ground is infinite. As the ambient humidity of the UFP connector UFP11 increases, the parasitic electrochemical impedance between the target pin and ground decreases. Therefore, the humidity detection circuit 127 can determine the humidity information (ambient humidity) of the UFP connector UFP11 based on the parasitic electrochemical impedance of the target pin (e.g., SBU pin or CC pin).

[0065] During testing, the humidity detection circuit 127 detects the parasitic electrochemical impedance between the target pin of the UFP connector UFP11 and ground. Based on the humidity information, the humidity detection circuit 127 determines whether to notify the PD controller 125 to cut off the power transmission of the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 124. When the humidity information indicates that the ambient humidity of the UFP connector UFP11 may affect the power supply safety, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit 124 is turned off, that is, the power transmission path between the UFP connector UFP11, DFP connector DFP12, and DFP connector DFP13 can be cut off in time. Therefore, the USB expansion device 120 has a connector safety protection function.

[0066] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A USB expansion device, comprising: Uplink port connector, suitable for coupling to a USB host; A first downstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a first external device; A second downstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a second external device; A power transmission controller, coupled to a configuration channel pin of each of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector; The routing circuit is coupled to multiple sets of differential data pin pairs to each of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector and the second downlink port connector, and coupled to the power transmission controller, wherein the routing circuit selectively provides a data transmission path between the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector and the second downlink port connector based on the control of the power transmission controller; as well as An adaptive charging pass-through circuit is coupled to a power pin of each of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector, and coupled to the power delivery controller, wherein the adaptive charging pass-through circuit selectively operates in charging pass-through mode or adaptive charging mode based on the control of the power delivery controller. In the charging pass-through mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit transmits the input power of one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the other of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector. In the adaptive charging mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit allocates the input power of one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the remaining one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector.

2. The USB expansion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first external device is a first USB device, and the second external device is a second USB device. In response to the USB host being coupled to the upstream port connector, the first USB device being coupled to the first downstream port connector, and the second USB device being coupled to the second downstream port connector, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit distributes the input power provided by the USB host to the first USB device and the second USB device.

3. The USB extension device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB host is a handheld mobile phone or tablet computer, the first external device is a power adapter or a portable power bank, and the second external device is a USB device.

4. The USB expansion device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, In response to the USB host being coupled to the uplink port connector, the power adapter or the power bank being coupled to the first downlink port connector, and the USB device being coupled to the second downlink port connector, the routing circuit couples the plurality of differential data pin pairs of the uplink port connector to the second downlink port connector.

5. The USB expansion device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A humidity detection circuit is coupled to the uplink port connector and the power transmission controller, wherein the humidity detection circuit detects the parasitic electrochemical impedance between the target pin of the uplink port connector and ground, and the humidity detection circuit obtains the humidity information of the uplink port connector based on the parasitic electrochemical impedance.

6. The USB extension device of claim 5, wherein the target pin includes a sideband use pin of the first USB connector or the configuration channel pin.

7. The USB extension device of claim 5, wherein the humidity detection circuit determines whether to notify the power delivery controller to cut off power delivery to the adaptive charging pass-through circuit based on the humidity information.

8. The USB expansion device of claim 1, wherein the adaptive charging pass-through circuit comprises: A DC-DC converter, controlled by the power transmission controller; A first power switch, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein a first end of the first power switch is coupled to the power pin of the uplink port connector, and a second end of the first power switch is coupled to the power input terminal of the DC-DC converter; A second power switch, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein a first end of the second power switch is coupled to the power pin of the first downstream port connector, and a second end of the second power switch is coupled to the power input terminal of the DC-DC converter; A third power switch, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein a first end of the third power switch is coupled to the power pin of the second downstream port connector, and a second end of the third power switch is coupled to the power input terminal of the DC-DC converter; A fourth power switch, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein a first terminal of the fourth power switch is coupled to the power pin of the uplink port connector, and a second terminal of the fourth power switch is coupled to the first power output terminal of the DC-DC converter; A fifth power switch, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein a first end of the fifth power switch is coupled to the power pin of the first downstream port connector, and a second end of the fifth power switch is coupled to the second power output terminal of the DC-DC converter; as well as A sixth power switch, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein a first end of the sixth power switch is coupled to the power pin of the second downstream port connector, and a second end of the sixth power switch is coupled to the third power output terminal of the DC-DC converter.

9. The USB expansion device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, In response to the USB host being coupled to the upstream port connector, the power adapter or power bank being coupled to the first downstream port connector, and no external device being coupled to the second downstream port connector, the first power switch and the second power switch are turned on, the third power switch, the fourth power switch, the fifth power switch and the sixth power switch are turned off, and the DC-DC converter is disabled.

10. The USB expansion device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, In response to the USB host being coupled to the upstream port connector, the power adapter or power bank being coupled to the first downstream port connector, and no external device being coupled to the second downstream port connector, the second power switch and the fourth power switch are turned on, the first power switch, the third power switch, the fifth power switch and the sixth power switch are turned off, and the DC-DC converter uses the input power provided by the power adapter or the power bank to generate charging power for the USB host.

11. The USB expansion device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, In response to the USB host being coupled to the upstream port connector, the power adapter or power bank being coupled to the first downstream port connector, and the USB device being coupled to the second downstream port connector, the second power switch, the fourth power switch, and the sixth power switch are turned on, and the first power switch, the third power switch, and the fifth power switch are turned off. The DC-DC converter uses the input power provided by the power adapter or the power bank to generate charging power for the USB host, and the DC-DC converter uses the input power provided by the power adapter or the power bank to generate output power for the USB device.

12. The USB expansion device of claim 1, wherein the routing circuit comprises: A first multiplexing circuit, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein multiple common terminal pairs of the first multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to the multiple differential data pin pairs of the uplink port connector, and multiple select terminal pairs of the first multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to the multiple differential data pin pairs of the first downlink port connector; as well as The second multiplexing circuit, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein multiple common terminal pairs of the second multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to the multiple differential data pin pairs of the uplink port connector, and multiple select terminal pairs of the second multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to the multiple differential data pin pairs of the second downlink port connector.

13. The USB expansion device of claim 1, wherein the routing circuit comprises: A re-driver, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein multiple sets of first terminal pairs of the re-driver are respectively coupled to the multiple sets of differential data pin pairs of the uplink port connector; A first multiplexing circuit, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein multiple common terminal pairs of the first multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to multiple second terminal pairs of the re-driver, and multiple select terminal pairs of the first multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to the multiple differential data pin pairs of the first downlink port connector; as well as The second multiplexing circuit, controlled by the power transmission controller, wherein multiple common terminal pairs of the second multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to the multiple second terminal pairs of the re-driver, and multiple select terminal pairs of the second multiplexing circuit are respectively coupled to the multiple differential data pin pairs of the second downlink port connector.

14. A method of operating a USB expansion device, comprising: Based on the control of the power transfer controller of the USB expansion device, the routing circuit of the USB expansion device selectively provides a data transmission path between the upstream port connector, the first downstream port connector and the second downstream port connector of the USB expansion device, wherein the upstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a USB host, the first downstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a first external device, the second downstream port connector is adapted to be coupled to a second external device, the power transfer controller is coupled to the configuration channel pins of each of the upstream port connector, the first downstream port connector and the second downstream port connector, the routing circuit is coupled to multiple sets of differential data pin pairs of each of the upstream port connector, the first downstream port connector and the second downstream port connector, and the routing circuit is coupled to the power transfer controller; Based on the control of the power transfer controller, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit of the USB extension device selectively operates in charging pass-through mode or adaptive charging mode, wherein the adaptive charging pass-through circuit is coupled to the power pin of each of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector and the second downlink port connector, and the adaptive charging pass-through circuit is coupled to the power transfer controller. In this charging pass-through mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit transmits the input power of one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the other of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector. as well as In this adaptive charging mode, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit distributes the input power of one of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector to the remaining of the uplink port connector, the first downlink port connector, and the second downlink port connector.

15. The operating method of claim 14, wherein the first external device is a first USB device, the second external device is a second USB device, and the operating method further comprises: In response to the USB host being coupled to the upstream port connector, the first USB device being coupled to the first downstream port connector, and the second USB device being coupled to the second downstream port connector, the adaptive charging pass-through circuit distributes the input power provided by the USB host to the first USB device and the second USB device.

16. The operating method of claim 14, wherein the USB host is a handheld mobile phone or tablet computer, the first external device is a power adapter or a portable power bank, and the second external device is a USB device, and the operating method further comprises: In response to the USB host being coupled to the uplink port connector, the power adapter or the power bank being coupled to the first downlink port connector, and the USB device being coupled to the second downlink port connector, the routing circuit couples the multiple sets of differential data pins of the uplink port connector to the second downlink port connector.

17. The operating method as described in claim 14, further comprising: The humidity detection circuit of the USB extension device detects the parasitic electrochemical impedance between the target pin of the uplink port connector and ground, wherein the humidity detection circuit is coupled to the uplink port connector and the power delivery controller; as well as The humidity detection circuit obtains the humidity information of the uplink port connector based on the parasitic electrochemical impedance.

18. The method of operation as claimed in claim 17, wherein the target pin includes a sideband use pin of the first USB connector or the configuration channel pin.

19. The operating method as described in claim 17, further comprising: The humidity detection circuit determines whether to notify the power transmission controller to cut off the power transmission of the adaptive charging pass-through circuit based on the humidity information.

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