A signal transmission method, an electronic device, and an external device

Abstract

This application provides a signal transmission method, an electronic device, and an external device. The method includes: in response to detecting that an external device is connected to a first signal transmission interface, identifying whether the external device supports a target transmission mode for a target signal through a configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface; in response to the external device supporting the target transmission mode, switching the main path of the first signal transmission interface to a target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through a general-purpose input / output interface, and switching the secondary path of the first signal transmission interface to a target secondary path corresponding to the target transmission mode, so that the first signal transmission interface and the external device can transmit the target signal; and transmitting the target signal to the external device through the first signal transmission interface. This application can achieve the transmission of the target signal through the first signal transmission interface without relying on a dedicated protocol.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, electronic devices (such as laptops and tablets) transmit high-speed signals like PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) through their built-in universal interfaces (such as Type-C interfaces). This typically relies on Thunderbolt (e.g., TBT3 / TBT4 / USB4) or USB4 protocols, utilizing tunneling technology to encapsulate high-speed signals like PCIe before transmission through the universal interface. However, many CPU (Central Processing Unit) platforms, especially domestically produced CPUs, do not support these Thunderbolt and USB4 protocols. This prevents them from outputting high-speed signals like PCIe through universal interfaces, thus hindering the connection of external portable graphics cards, AI computing cards, and other PCIe devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a signal transmission method, an electronic device, and an external device to at least solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a signal transmission method applied to an electronic device, the method comprising: In response to detecting that an external device is connected to the first signal transmission interface, the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface is used to identify whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal; In response to the external device supporting the target transmission mode, the main path of the first signal transmission interface is switched to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through the general input / output interface, and the secondary path of the first signal transmission interface is switched to the target secondary path corresponding to the target transmission mode, so that the first signal transmission interface and the external device can transmit the target signal. The target signal is transmitted to the external device through the first signal transmission interface.

[0005] In one possible implementation, identifying whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface includes: The system communicates with the external device through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface to obtain the transmission modes supported by the external device. Identify whether the target transmission mode is included among the transmission modes supported by the external device.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: The first signal transmission interface communicates with the external device through its configuration channel to determine the correct insertion direction of the cable between the first signal transmission interface and the external device. The differential signal channel used to carry the target signal is remapped according to the positive and negative insertion directions. The pin remapping enables the target signal to be correctly transmitted to the external device through the first signal transmission interface.

[0007] In one possible implementation, switching the main path of the first signal transmission interface to a target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode via a general-purpose input / output interface includes: The first switching switch is controlled through the general input / output interface to switch the main path of the first signal transmission interface from the display port signal path to the target main path, wherein the target main path is the differential signal transmission path and differential signal reception path corresponding to the target signal.

[0008] In one possible implementation, switching the secondary path of the first signal transmission interface to a target secondary path corresponding to the target transmission mode via a general-purpose input / output interface includes: The second switching switch is controlled through the general input / output interface to switch the auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface from the auxiliary signal path of the display port to the target auxiliary path. The target auxiliary path is the reset signal path and the wake-up signal path corresponding to the target signal.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first signal transmission interface is a Type-C interface, the target signal is generated by the central processing unit, the target signal is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard PCIe signal, and the target transmission mode is PCIe mode.

[0010] A second aspect of this application provides a signal transmission method applied to an external device, the method comprising: In response to detecting that the second signal transmission interface is connected to the first signal transmission interface of the electronic device, feedback is sent to the electronic device through the configuration channel of the second signal transmission interface to indicate whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal; The second signal transmission interface receives the target signal sent by the electronic device through the first signal transmission interface, and transmits the received target signal to the signal function unit inside the external device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: The second signal transmission interface is configured to communicate with the electronic device to determine the correct insertion direction of the cable between the second signal transmission interface and the first signal transmission interface. According to the positive and negative insertion directions, the differential signal channel used to carry the target signal is remapped, and the pin remapping enables the target signal to be correctly received by the external device.

[0012] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device, characterized in that it comprises: Central processing unit, used to generate target signals; The first signal transmission interface is used to connect external devices; A first power transmission controller, connected to the first signal transmission interface, is used to execute the method described in this application; A first switching switch is connected between the central processing unit and the first signal transmission interface, and is connected to the first power transmission controller. Under the control of the first power transmission controller, it is used to switch the main path of the first signal transmission interface to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through a general-purpose input / output interface. A second switching switch is connected between the central processing unit and the first signal transmission interface, and is also connected to the first power transmission controller. Under the control of the first power transmission controller, the switch is used to switch the auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface to the target auxiliary path corresponding to the target transmission mode through the general-purpose input / output interface.

[0013] A fourth aspect of this application provides an external device comprising: The second signal transmission interface is used to connect to the first signal transmission interface of the electronic device. A second power delivery controller is configured to perform the method described in this application; The signal function unit is connected to the second signal transmission interface and is used to receive the target signal sent by the electronic device.

[0014] The signal transmission method, electronic device, and external device of this application, in response to detecting that an external device is connected to a first signal transmission interface, identify whether the external device supports a target transmission mode for a target signal through a configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface; in response to the external device supporting the target transmission mode, switch the main path of the first signal transmission interface to a target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through a general-purpose input / output interface, and switch the secondary path of the first signal transmission interface to a target secondary path corresponding to the target transmission mode, so that the first signal transmission interface and the external device can transmit the target signal; transmit the target signal to the external device through the first signal transmission interface. The transmission of the target signal can be achieved through the first signal transmission interface without relying on a dedicated protocol.

[0015] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this application. Other features of this application will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this application will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this application are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, in which: In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of a signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of a signal transmission method provided in another embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of the external device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] First, let's explain the application scenarios of this application. Currently, mainstream CPU platforms can utilize the Type-C interface and rely on Thunderbolt or USB4 protocol tunneling technology to achieve encapsulated transmission of PCIe signals for connecting portable graphics cards, AI computing cards, and other external PCIe devices. However, there are still various CPU platforms, such as domestic CPU platforms, that generally do not support high-speed signal protocols like Thunderbolt or USB4, resulting in the Type-C interface being unable to output PCIe signals.

[0020] To address the issue of CPU platforms not supporting high-speed signal protocols such as Thunderbolt or USB4, related technologies have proposed introducing the OCuLink interface to replace the Type-C interface for transmitting PCIe signals. However, introducing the OCuLink interface requires additional openings, occupying design resources on the overall I / O interface footprint; furthermore, the OCuLink interface requires dedicated cables, resulting in high material costs, poor universal compatibility, low daily usage, and redundant overall design resources. In contrast, the Type-C interface is already a universal interface for consumer electronic devices, with widely available and universally compatible cables, offering ease of use.

[0021] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, this application proposes a signal transmission method, an electronic device, and an external device.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of a signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 This application provides a signal transmission method that can be executed by an electronic device, including but not limited to laptops, tablets, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, servers, or embedded hosts. The method includes: Operation 101: In response to detecting that an external device is connected to the first signal transmission interface, the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface is used to identify whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal.

[0024] The electronic device continuously monitors the connection status of external devices through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface. For example, it detects real-time changes in voltage level or impedance on the configuration channel. When no external device is connected to the first signal transmission interface, the configuration channel is idle; once an external device is plugged in via cable, its internal pull-down or pull-up resistors change the voltage on the configuration channel, and detecting this voltage change indicates that the external device is connected. The first signal transmission interface may include, but is not limited to, a USB Type-C interface or other multi-functional interfaces that support the configuration channel.

[0025] Once an external device is detected connected to the first signal transmission interface, a communication link is immediately established with the external device through the configuration channel to determine whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal. The target signal can be a high-speed signal such as PCIe. The target transmission mode refers to a dedicated operating mode on the first signal transmission interface used to transmit the target signal, which differs from the interface's default USB or DisplayPort (DP) transmission modes. In this mode, the interface channel resources are configured as a dedicated path adapted for the transmission of the target signal. In a preferred embodiment of this application, the external device can be directly configured via firmware to support only the target transmission mode, simplifying the identification process, improving mode matching efficiency, and ensuring that the electronic device can quickly confirm and switch to the target transmission mode, preparing for subsequent signal transmission.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, the first signal transmission interface is a Type-C interface, the target signal is generated by the central processing unit, the target signal is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard PCIe signal, and the target transmission mode is PCIe mode.

[0027] Operation 102, in response to the external device supporting the target transmission mode, switches the main path of the first signal transmission interface to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through the general input / output interface, and switches the secondary path of the first signal transmission interface to the target secondary path corresponding to the target transmission mode, so that the first signal transmission interface and the external device can transmit the target signal.

[0028] Once it is confirmed that the external device supports the target transmission mode, the electronic device outputs a control level signal through the General Purpose Input / Output Interface (GPIO) to reconfigure the channel resources inside the first signal transmission interface. The configuration process mainly includes the synchronous switching of the main path and the auxiliary path. The main path is the core differential channel used to carry high-speed data transmission of the target signal, while the auxiliary path is an auxiliary channel used to carry the control signals, reset signals, and status interaction signals corresponding to the target signal. By synchronously switching the original default main path and auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface to the target main path and target auxiliary path adapted to the target transmission mode, the hardware channel resources of the first signal transmission interface can be fully matched with the transmission specifications and channel definitions of the target signal. This establishes a dedicated signal path for the target signal transmission between the electronic device and the external device, ensuring stable and reliable subsequent high-speed signal transmission.

[0029] Operation 103: Transmit the target signal to an external device through the first signal transmission interface.

[0030] After the central processing unit of the electronic device generates the target signal, it sends it to the first signal transmission interface, which has already completed path switching. The target signal will be transmitted to the external device via the first signal transmission interface through the target primary path and target secondary path configured in step 102. This transmission process relies on a dedicated target transmission mode to ensure that the target signal can be sent correctly and stably to the external device, so that the external device can receive it and perform subsequent processing operations, such as AI computing power calculation, graphics rendering, or data storage.

[0031] Thus, this embodiment utilizes a configuration channel to identify whether an external device supports the target transmission mode. Upon confirmation of support, it synchronously switches the main and auxiliary paths of the first signal transmission interface from their default operating modes to the target main and auxiliary paths corresponding to the target transmission mode via the same universal input / output interface. This ensures that the interface hardware channel resources match the target signal transmission requirements, establishing a dedicated signal transmission path. Without relying on protocols such as Thunderbolt or USB4, it enables CPU platforms that do not support these protocols to reliably transmit target signals to external devices via the first signal transmission interface using only a standard configuration channel and universal input / output interface. This solves the technical problem that some CPU platforms cannot reuse universal interfaces to output target signals.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the above operation 101, which identifies whether an external device supports the target transmission mode of a target signal through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface, includes: communicating with the external device through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface to obtain the transmission modes supported by the external device; and identifying whether the transmission modes supported by the external device include the target transmission mode.

[0033] Specifically, this application is not limited to directly configuring the external device firmware to support only the target transmission mode, but also supports the external device to be compatible with both the regular transmission mode and the target transmission mode. In this case, after the electronic device reads the multi-mode capability information reported by the external device through the configuration channel, it only needs to determine whether it carries the target transmission mode required by this application; as long as the target transmission mode is included in the external device capability list, the subsequent switching process between the main path and the secondary path can be triggered, thereby ensuring the universality and flexibility of the technical solution of this application.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, during the communication process, communication is also conducted with an external device through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface to determine the positive and negative insertion directions of the cable between the first signal transmission interface and the external device; the differential signal channel used to carry the target signal is remapped according to the positive and negative insertion directions, and the pin remapping enables the target signal to be correctly transmitted to the external device through the first signal transmission interface.

[0035] Specifically, because the pins of the first signal transmission interface (such as a USB Type-C interface) are symmetrically arranged, the physical arrangement of the high-speed differential pins inside the interface will be swapped when the cable between the first signal transmission interface and the external device is plugged in the correct direction (forward or reverse). If this is not addressed, it will lead to misalignment of the target signal differential channel, signal interruption, or transmission abnormalities. Therefore, after completing the two-way link communication and plug-in direction identification using the configuration channel, the logic pins of the high-speed differential signal channel are remapped based on the identified forward / reverse plug-in state. This swaps the transmit / receive logic relationships of the corresponding differential channels to counteract the physical pin misalignment caused by forward / reverse plug-in.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, communication refers to bidirectional message exchange between a PD (Power Delivery) controller inside an electronic device and a PD controller in an external device via the configuration channel (i.e., the CC line) of a first signal transmission interface. This communication conforms to the PD protocol specification.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the above operation 102, which switches the main path of the first signal transmission interface to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through the general input / output interface, includes: controlling the first switching switch through the general input / output interface to switch the main path of the first signal transmission interface from the display port signal path to the target main path, wherein the target main path is the differential signal transmission path and the differential signal reception path corresponding to the target signal.

[0038] Specifically, the first switch can select between the original default display port signal transmission path and the target signal dedicated differential path, realizing mode multiplexing of the interface main path function. Taking the target signal as a PCIe signal as an example, the main path originally used to transmit DP display port signals is reselected as a PCIe differential transmission path and a PCIe differential reception path (i.e., differential signal transmission path and differential signal reception path) after being switched by the first switch, forming a target main path adapted for PCIe signal transmission.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, the above operation 102, which switches the auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface to the target auxiliary path corresponding to the target transmission mode through the general input / output interface, includes: controlling the second switching switch through the general input / output interface to switch the auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface from the auxiliary signal path of the display port to the target auxiliary path, wherein the target auxiliary path is the reset signal path and the wake-up signal path corresponding to the target signal.

[0040] Specifically, the second switch can select and switch between the original default display port auxiliary signal path and the target signal control signal path, realizing mode reuse of interface auxiliary path resources. Taking the target signal as a PCIe signal as an example, the auxiliary path originally used to transmit the DP display port auxiliary signal is reselected as the PCIe reset signal path and the PCIe wake-up signal path (i.e., the reset signal path and the wake-up signal path) after being switched by the second switch, thus forming a target auxiliary path adapted to the PCIe signal transmission control requirements.

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of a signal transmission method provided in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 This application also provides a signal transmission method applied to an external device, the method comprising: Operation 201: In response to detecting that the second signal transmission interface is connected to the first signal transmission interface of the electronic device, feedback is sent to the electronic device through the configuration channel of the second signal transmission interface to indicate whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal.

[0043] Specifically, after detecting a physical connection established with the electronic device, the external device actively sends feedback to the electronic device via the CC channel regarding whether it supports the target transmission mode of the target signal, and simultaneously indicates whether it has the capability to discharge externally. In this application, the external device is pre-configured via firmware to support the target transmission mode (e.g., PCIe mode), therefore its feedback information explicitly includes an indication of mode support. Based on this feedback, the electronic device can confirm that the external device supports the target transmission mode, thereby triggering subsequent path switching operations.

[0044] Operation 202: Receive the target signal sent by the electronic device through the first signal transmission interface via the second signal transmission interface, and transmit the received target signal to the signal function unit inside the external device.

[0045] The external device receives the target signal sent by the electronic device through the second signal transmission interface and transmits the received target signal to its internal signal function unit. After the electronic device completes the switching between the main path and the auxiliary path and outputs the target signal on the first signal transmission interface, the signal is transmitted via cable to the second signal transmission interface of the external device. The signal processing link inside the external device finally delivers the received target signal to the signal function unit, which then performs the corresponding processing tasks. Simultaneously, the external device can provide power to the electronic device through the second signal transmission interface based on previously fed-in external discharge capability.

[0046] In one embodiment of this application, the external device also communicates with the electronic device through the configuration channel of the second signal transmission interface to determine the positive and negative insertion directions of the cable between the second signal transmission interface and the first signal transmission interface; according to the positive and negative insertion directions, the differential signal channel used to carry the target signal is remapped, and the remapping enables the target signal to be correctly received by the external device.

[0047] Specifically, corresponding to pin remapping on the electronic device side, when the electronic device performs pin remapping, the external device also obtains the forward / reverse insertion direction through the configuration channel and performs pin remapping on the differential signal channel of the target signal, so that the differential signal sent by the electronic device can be correctly aligned with the signal function unit inside the external device. The remapping operations on both sides work together to eliminate the physical pin misalignment problem caused by forward / reverse insertion, ensuring reliable transmission of the target signal on the complete link.

[0048] Based on the above signal transmission method, this application also provides an electronic device, which may include a central processing unit, a first signal transmission interface, a first power transmission controller, a first switching switch, and a second switching switch.

[0049] The electronic device comprises a first power transmission controller for executing the signal transmission method of the present application, a central processing unit (CPU) for generating a target signal, a first signal transmission interface connected to an external device, and a power transmission controller connected to the first signal transmission interface. A first switching switch is connected between the CPU and the first signal transmission interface, and also to the first power transmission controller, for switching the main path of the first signal transmission interface to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode via a general-purpose input / output interface under the control of the first power transmission controller. A second switching switch is connected between the CPU and the first signal transmission interface, and also to the first power transmission controller, for switching the auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface to the target auxiliary path corresponding to the target transmission mode via a general-purpose input / output interface under the control of the first power transmission controller. The specific structure of the electronic device is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application is shown.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, taking PCIe as the target signal and Type-C as the first signal transmission interface as an example, the corresponding electronic device can be a laptop computer. This electronic device can include a CPU, a PD controller (i.e., the first power transmission controller, also known as a power supply / configuration channel controller), a Type-C interface (i.e., the first signal transmission interface), a DP / PCIe MUX (i.e., the first switching switch, also known as a display port / PCIe multiplexer), and a U2 MUX (i.e., the second switching switch, also known as a USB / DP multiplexer). The electronic device also includes an integrated unit for path switching, namely a PCIE ALT, also known as a USB / DP multiplexer. MUX (Multiplexer) represents a switching switch, also known as a multiplexer or multiplexer.

[0052] The following is a detailed explanation of each component in the diagram and their connections: The CPU is the main control unit of this electronic device, used to generate target signals. It can output multiple sets of signals, including PCIe TX / RX X2 (PCIe transmit and receive differential signals, 2 pairs in total), DP 4 Lane (display port signal), UB3.1 GEN2, DPAUX (display port auxiliary signal), PCIe RST# / PCIe_WAKE (PCIe reset signal / PCIe wake-up signal) and independent USB 2.0 signal.

[0053] The DP / PCIe MUX is a specific implementation of the first switching switch, connected between the CPU and the PCIe ALT multiplexer. Its inputs are connected to the CPU's PCIe TX / RX x2 lane and DP 4 lane, respectively, and its output is connected to the PCIe ALT multiplexer. Simultaneously, its control terminal receives PCIe mode GPIO (PCIe mode general purpose input / output interface) signals from the PD controller to switch between the PCIe signal path and the DP signal path, outputting PCIe, USB, or DP signals.

[0054] The U2 MUX is a specific implementation of the second switching switch, connected between the CPU and the PCIe ALT multiplexer. Its inputs are connected to the CPU's DP AUX channel and either the PCIe RST# or PCIe_WAKE channel, and its output is connected to the PCIe ALT multiplexer via the SBU (sideband) signal channel. Simultaneously, its control terminal receives the PCIemode GPIO signal from the PD controller to switch between the DP auxiliary signal path and the PCIe reset or wake-up signal path.

[0055] The PCIE ALT is an integrated unit for path switching, connecting the DP / PCIe MUX, U2 MUX, CPU's UB3.1 GEN2 channel, and the Type-C interface. Its inputs receive PCIe or DP signals from the DP / PCIe MUX, SBU signals from the U2 MUX, and UB3.1 GEN2 signals from the CPU. Its control terminal receives control signals from the PD controller via the I2C (internal integrated circuit) bus, integrates these signals, and switches them to either PCIe, USB, or DP signals before outputting them to the Type-C interface.

[0056] The PD (Programmable Controller) is the control core of this electronic device, connected between the CC (Configuration Channel) pin of the Type-C interface, the PCIe ALT multiplexer, the DP / PCIe MUX, and the U2 MUX. This PD controller communicates with external devices through the CC channel, identifying the connection status and transmission mode support capabilities of these devices. It is configured by firmware to support 4-lane PCIe mode (similar to DP4-lane mode) to cooperate with the 4-lane PCIe mode of external devices, enabling reversible insertion identification. Simultaneously, it sends control signals to the PCIe ALT multiplexer via the I2C bus and mode switching signals to the DP / PCIe MUX and U2MUX via the PCIe mode GPIO, achieving synchronous switching between the primary and secondary paths.

[0057] The Type-C interface serves as the physical connection interface between electronic devices and external devices. It receives PCIe, USB, or DP signals from the PCIe ALT multiplexer, CC channel signals from the PD controller, and USB 2.0 signals from the CPU, establishing physical connections and signal interactions with external devices.

[0058] It should be noted that this application does not limit the specific structure of the electronic device. The above is only an illustrative example. In actual application, the model, connection method and signal type of each component can be adjusted according to the actual design requirements. As long as the same function can be achieved, they all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0059] To match the aforementioned electronic device, this application also provides an external device, which is a peer device of the electronic device and is used to cooperate with the electronic device to execute the signal transmission method of the external device, that is, to establish a connection with the electronic device and receive the target signal sent by the electronic device. The external device may include, but is not limited to, a graphics card expansion dock, an AI accelerator card expansion box, an NVMe solid-state drive expansion dock, a video capture card expansion dock, and a general PCIe interface conversion device. The external device may include a second signal transmission interface, a second power transmission controller, and a signal function unit. The second signal transmission interface is used to connect to the first signal transmission interface of the electronic device; the second power transmission controller is used to execute the signal transmission method of the local end. The signal function unit is connected to the second signal transmission interface and is used to receive the target signal sent by the electronic device. The signal function unit can be a PCIe function unit. The second signal transmission interface corresponds to the first signal transmission interface and can also be a Type-C interface; the two interfaces can be connected via a Type-C cable.

[0060] The specific structure of the aforementioned external device is illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the composition structure of an external device provided in an embodiment of this application. Taking an AI NPU / GPU expansion dock as an example, the external device may include Type The system includes a Type-C interface (second signal transmission interface), a PD controller (second power delivery controller), and an M×M AI NPU / GPU signal function unit. External devices also include a PCIe ALT multiplexer, a PCIe Redriver, a PCIe MUX, a clock generator (100M CLK GEN), and an M.2 solid-state drive interface (M.2 SSD CONN). The M×M AI NPU / GPU signal function unit can also be expanded to output HDMI and DisplayPort (DP) interfaces.

[0062] The following is a detailed explanation of each component in the diagram and their connections: Type The C interface serves as the physical connection interface between external devices and electronic devices. It connects to the PD controller via the CC channel pin and is bidirectionally connected to the PCIE ALT multiplexer via the PCIe G3 X2 channel. It is used to receive target signals sent by electronic devices and to communicate with electronic devices through the configuration channel.

[0063] The PD controller communicates with the Type via the CC channel. It connects via the C interface and to the PCIe ALT multiplexer via the I2C bus; on the one hand, it powers the docking station via a DC 20V / 135W power supply link, and on the other hand, it feeds back its transmission mode support capabilities to the electronic devices through the configuration channel and controls the PCIe ALT multiplexer to complete the signal path configuration.

[0064] PCIe ALT multiplexer inputs and Type The C-interface PCIe G3 X2 channel is connected, and the output is connected to PCIeRedriver; under the control of the PD controller, the received PCIe signals are output to the subsequent links.

[0065] The PCIe Redriver connects the PCIE ALT multiplexer and the PCIe MUX, transmitting signals through the PCIe GEN3 X2 channel. It is used to redrive and enhance PCIe signals, ensuring the stability of long-link transmission.

[0066] The PCIe MUX input is connected to the PCIe Redriver, and the output is divided into two paths: one path is connected to the M.2 solid-state drive interface through the PCIe X2 channel, and the other path is connected to the M×M AI NPU / GPU signal function unit through the PCIe X2 channel, which is used to route PCIe signals to different function modules.

[0067] The 100M CLK GEN is connected to the M×M AI NPU / GPU signal function unit, providing it with a working clock signal to ensure the timing stability of signal processing.

[0068] The M×MAI NPU / GPU signal function unit is the core functional module of the external device. It receives PCIe signals from the PCIe MUX, outputs video signals through HDMI and DP interfaces, and can also perform computing tasks through the internal AI NPU / GPU unit.

[0069] The M.2 SSD CONN is an optional expansion interface that can connect to a solid-state drive to enable data storage.

[0070] Each component is interconnected through the aforementioned signal and control channels. Under the control of the PD controller, it achieves bidirectional communication with electronic devices and reception of target signals, ultimately completing the reception and processing of target signals and providing users with functions such as AI computing power expansion and external graphics cards.

[0071] It should be noted that this application does not limit the specific structural form of the external device. The above is only an exemplary structural description. Those skilled in the art can adapt and modify it according to the actual application scenario, and all such modifications fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0072] To further illustrate the technical solution of this application, the following is combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The signal transmission method of this application is illustrated with a specific application example. In this specific application example, the first signal transmission interface of the electronic device is a Type-C interface, and the target signal is a PCIe signal.

[0073] Specifically, this application example includes: S1. After the electronic device CFC NB and the external device PCIe docking are connected via a Type-C cable, the PD recognizes that the docking is a 4-lane PCIe device and determines that the external device supports PCIe mode. After the S2 and CFC NB's PD recognizes the PCIe mode, it first switches the DP / PCIe MUX by controlling the GPIO. The GPIO pull-H controls the MUX to switch to PCIe mode output. At the same time, the same GPIO control signal is used to control the DP AUX and PCIe RST# / WAKE to switch to PCIe signal output. S3 and PCIe signals are then output to the 4:6 MUX. The PD identifies the correct and reverse insertion, and the I2C controls the 4:6 MUX to switch between correct and reverse insertion. S4. The CPU's PCIe signal is output to the external docking device via the Type-C port; S5 and Docking's PD controls the internal 4:6 MUX to switch between forward and reverse flip based on the correct orientation of the Type-C cable. S6, the PCIE signal output through the 4:6 MUX is given to PCIE devices such as MXM / M.2, that is, the signal function unit in the external device.

[0074] Thus, this specific application example firstly solves the technical problem that CPU platforms cannot transmit PCIe signals through the Type-C interface when they lack support for proprietary protocols such as USB4, TBT3, and TBT4; secondly, it uses a universal double-ended Type-C cable to transmit PCIe signals, avoiding the expensive cables required for the OCuLink interface; at the same time, it expands the Type-C interface of the CPU platform with the new functional attribute of PCIe signal transmission without affecting the original normal functions such as USB, DP, and PD charging; in addition, it makes full use of the reversible plug advantage of the Type-C interface, allowing users to use it conveniently without having to distinguish the cable direction, significantly improving the user experience.

[0075] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this application can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this application can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0076] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0077] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A signal transmission method, characterized by, Applied to electronic devices, the method includes: In response to detecting that an external device is connected to the first signal transmission interface, the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface is used to identify whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal; In response to the external device supporting the target transmission mode, the main path of the first signal transmission interface is switched to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through the general input / output interface, and the secondary path of the first signal transmission interface is switched to the target secondary path corresponding to the target transmission mode, so that the first signal transmission interface and the external device can transmit the target signal. The target signal is transmitted to the external device through the first signal transmission interface.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of identifying whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface includes: The system communicates with the external device through the configuration channel of the first signal transmission interface to obtain the transmission modes supported by the external device. Identify whether the target transmission mode is included among the transmission modes supported by the external device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further includes: The first signal transmission interface communicates with the external device through its configuration channel to determine the correct insertion direction of the cable between the first signal transmission interface and the external device. The differential signal channel used to carry the target signal is remapped according to the positive and negative insertion directions. The pin remapping enables the target signal to be correctly transmitted to the external device through the first signal transmission interface.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of switching the main path of the first signal transmission interface to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode via the general-purpose input / output interface includes: The first switching switch is controlled through the general input / output interface to switch the main path of the first signal transmission interface from the display port signal path to the target main path, wherein the target main path is the differential signal transmission path and differential signal reception path corresponding to the target signal.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of switching the secondary path of the first signal transmission interface to a target secondary path corresponding to the target transmission mode via a general-purpose input / output interface includes: The second switching switch is controlled through the general input / output interface to switch the auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface from the auxiliary signal path of the display port to the target auxiliary path. The target auxiliary path is the reset signal path and the wake-up signal path corresponding to the target signal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first signal transmission interface is a Type-C interface, the target signal is generated by the central processing unit, the target signal is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard PCIe signal, and the target transmission mode is PCIe mode.

7. A signal transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to an external device, the method includes: In response to detecting that the second signal transmission interface is connected to the first signal transmission interface of the electronic device, feedback is sent to the electronic device through the configuration channel of the second signal transmission interface to indicate whether the external device supports the target transmission mode of the target signal; The second signal transmission interface receives the target signal sent by the electronic device through the first signal transmission interface, and transmits the received target signal to the signal function unit inside the external device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second signal transmission interface is configured to communicate with the electronic device to determine the correct insertion direction of the cable between the second signal transmission interface and the first signal transmission interface. According to the positive and negative insertion directions, the differential signal channel used to carry the target signal is remapped, and the pin remapping enables the target signal to be correctly received by the external device.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Central processing unit, used to generate target signals; The first signal transmission interface is used to connect external devices; A first power transmission controller, connected to the first signal transmission interface, is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-6; A first switching switch is connected between the central processing unit and the first signal transmission interface, and is connected to the first power transmission controller. Under the control of the first power transmission controller, it is used to switch the main path of the first signal transmission interface to the target main path corresponding to the target transmission mode through a general-purpose input / output interface. A second switching switch is connected between the central processing unit and the first signal transmission interface, and is also connected to the first power transmission controller. Under the control of the first power transmission controller, the switch is used to switch the auxiliary path of the first signal transmission interface to the target auxiliary path corresponding to the target transmission mode through the general-purpose input / output interface.

10. An external device, characterized in that, include: The second signal transmission interface is used to connect to the first signal transmission interface of the electronic device. A second power transmission controller is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 7-8; The signal function unit is connected to the second signal transmission interface and is used to receive the target signal sent by the electronic device.

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