A portable KVM switching device and computer equipment supporting multi-channel cascading

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of electronic computer, in particular to a portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascade and computer equipment, which integrates independent PC function and multi-channel cascade KVM switching function in the same portable device, and can quickly switch between the two modes through one-key switching, without additional display, keyboard and mouse, and independent KVM equipment, greatly saving cabinet U position and wiring space, avoiding air duct obstruction and cable disorder; the display touch control module can complete the switching and gating of multi-channel display signals and USB control signals, realize unified multiplex management of one set of display keyboard resource to the device itself and multiple external devices, meet the centralized management demand of multiple servers in the computer room, and the device has high overall integration, strong portability and convenient switching, and can meet the use of conventional computers and professional KVM management, and effectively improve the deployment and equipment management efficiency of the computer room.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic computer technology, and in particular to a portable KVM switching device and computer equipment that supports multi-channel cascading. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the Internet and the popularization of information technology, server racks in data centers are generally configured with server units, KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and management units. The management unit is usually implemented using a workstation or laptop. In addition to the server units that the customer needs to configure, a 1U or 2U slot needs to be reserved to place the KVM. Another 2U or 3U slot is needed to place a workstation to manage the server units in the rack.

[0003] One problem with the above configuration is that placing two devices takes up a lot of rack space, and each device has a very limited function. When using the corresponding function, a large number of cables need to be run from different interfaces of the KVM and management terminal to connect to the server unit, which makes the cabling more messy and occupies a lot of space.

[0004] Therefore, overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology is an urgent problem to be solved in this technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that traditional cabinets require separate U-positions for deploying KVM and management terminals, resulting in messy cabling, low space utilization, and existing portable KVM devices cannot achieve multi-channel cascading or manage multiple external devices simultaneously with a single display and keyboard / mouse.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: In the first aspect, a portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading is provided, including a motherboard module, an interface module, a display touch control module, and a function switching module; The interface module is connected to the motherboard module and the display touch control module via connector signals, and the function switching module is connected to the motherboard module and the display touch control module, respectively. The motherboard module is used to implement the PC function of an independent computer, the interface module is also used to connect with external devices, and the display touch control module is used to switch and select multiple channels of display signals and USB (Universal Serial Bus) control signals. The function switching module is used to enable one-click switching between PC and KVM functions of the device via button trigger. During switching, the display channel and USB control permissions are assigned to the motherboard module or external device respectively, thereby realizing the reuse management of a set of display keyboard and mouse resources for the device itself and multiple external devices.

[0007] Preferably, the interface module includes a display interface, a USB interface, an RJ45 network port, and a charging port.

[0008] Preferably, the display touch control module includes a display signal switching unit, a USB signal switching unit, a signal enhancement unit, and an MCU control unit; The MCU control unit is connected to the display signal switching unit, the USB signal switching unit, and the signal enhancement unit respectively. The signal enhancement unit is connected in series to the output terminal of the USB signal switching unit. The display signal switching unit and the USB signal switching unit are connected to external devices and the motherboard module respectively through the interface module. The display signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel display signals and motherboard module display signals. The USB signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel USB control signals and motherboard module USB signals. The signal enhancement unit is used to enhance the signal quality of the switched USB signals. The MCU control unit processes the control signals of the GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) bus to control the operation and function status of the display signal switching unit and the USB signal switching unit.

[0009] Preferably, the display signal switching unit includes a VGA (Video Graphic Array) multi-select module and a display signal selection chip. The VGA multi-select module is used to perform a first-level selection of multiple external VGA input signals. The display signal selection chip is used to perform a second-level selection of the first-level selected VGA input signals and the display signals of the motherboard module according to the control signals of the MCU (Microcontroller Unit) control unit, and finally outputs one display signal to the display end of the device.

[0010] Preferably, the VGA multi-select module includes at least two cascaded signal switching chips. A single signal switching chip is used to select one output from two VGA channel inputs. The MCU control unit controls the EN and SEL pin level combinations of the signal switching chips by outputting display switching signals to achieve the selection and shutdown control of multiple VGA input signals.

[0011] Preferably, the USB signal switching unit includes a USB signal selection module and a USB switching switch. The USB signal selection module is used to perform a first-level selection of multiple external USB input signals. The USB switching switch is used to perform a second-level selection of the USB signals selected in the first level and the USB signals of the motherboard module according to the control signal of the MCU control unit. The selected USB signals are processed by the signal enhancement unit and then transmitted to the keyboard and mouse terminals of the device.

[0012] Preferably, the USB signal selection module includes at least two cascaded analog switch chips. Each analog switch chip enables the selection of two USB channel inputs and one output. The MCU control unit controls the S pin and OE pin level combination of the analog switch through the output display switching signal to realize the selection and shutdown control of multiple USB input signals. The USB switch is a USB 2-to-1 chip, used to realize the two-to-one switching between external selected USB signals and motherboard USB signals.

[0013] Preferably, the signal enhancement unit is a USB Redriver chip, which is disposed between the USB signal switching unit and the device keyboard and mouse end, and is used to amplify and enhance the quality of the USB signal after two-stage switching to avoid signal attenuation; The display touch control module also includes a USBHUB chip, which is connected to the USB Redriver chip and is used to provide USB interface expansion for the device's keyboard and touch mouse.

[0014] Preferably, the external device is a server or other computer device.

[0015] In a second aspect, a computer device is provided, including a portable KVM switching device that supports multi-channel cascading as described in the first aspect.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention integrates independent PC functionality and multi-channel cascaded KVM switching into a single portable device. A single button allows for rapid switching between the two modes, eliminating the need for additional monitors, keyboards, mice, and independent KVM devices. This significantly saves rack space and cabling area, preventing airflow obstruction and cable clutter. The display and touch control module can switch between multi-channel display signals and USB control signals, enabling unified reuse and management of the device itself and multiple external devices using a single display and keyboard / mouse setup. This meets the centralized management needs of multiple servers in a data center. The device boasts high integration, portability, and convenient switching, accommodating both conventional computer use and professional KVM management, effectively improving data center deployment and equipment management efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display touch control module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display unit switching unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a USB signal switching unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a front view of a portable device example with KVM switch functionality provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a flat rear perspective view of a portable device example with KVM switch functionality provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the connection, transmission, and signal control relationships of an interface module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the connection, transmission, and signal control relationships of a motherboard module, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0020] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as openly inclusive, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples; that is, although they may be incorporated into embodiments or examples using the above terms for reasons such as order and position, it does not limit them to be incorporated in combination by a single embodiment or example.

[0021] In the description of this invention, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, for example, the description may use the prefix "A" or "B" to describe the same type of nouns as two independent entities. In this case, the corresponding features defined with "A" and "B" are used only to distinguish between similar entities and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features.

[0022] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled," "coupled," and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Similarly, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "connected" or "coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other, such as "optical coupling," "wireless connection," etc. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the scope of this invention.

[0023] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] Example 1: To address the problems in existing technologies where separate KVM switches and management terminals result in large rack space occupation, messy cabling, and obstructed airflow, as well as the inability of traditional portable KVM devices to achieve multi-channel cascading and manage multiple external devices simultaneously using a single display and keyboard / mouse setup, this embodiment proposes a portable KVM switching device that supports multi-channel cascading. In one implementation, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a motherboard module, an interface module, a display touch control module, and a function switching module. The interface module is connected to the motherboard module and the display touch control module via connectors to complete external signal input, local signal output, and signal switching between modules. The function switching module is connected to the motherboard module and the display touch control module to provide mode switching control signals.

[0025] The motherboard module is used to implement the PC function of an independent computer. The interface module is also used to connect with external devices. The display touch control module is used to switch and select multiple display signals and USB control signals. The function switching module is used to realize one-click switching between PC function and KVM function of the device through button trigger. When switching, the display channel and USB control permissions are assigned to the motherboard module or external device respectively, thereby realizing the reuse management of a set of display keyboard and mouse resources for the device itself and multiple external devices.

[0026] The motherboard module possesses the hardware and computing power of an independent computer, enabling it to function as a complete PC and can be used independently as a management terminal. The interface module is used to interface with external devices, providing access ports for multiple external display signals and USB control signals. In one embodiment, the interface module includes a display interface, a USB interface, an RJ45 network port, and a charging port. The external device is a server or other computer equipment.

[0027] In one embodiment, the display touch control module is a core unit for KVM switching, used to switch between multiple channels of external display signals and local display signals, as well as between multiple channels of external USB control signals and local USB control signals, and supports expanding the number of channels through chip cascading.

[0028] The function switching module enables one-click switching between PC and KVM functions via a button. During switching, display channel and USB control permissions are simultaneously allocated: when switching to PC function, display signals and keyboard / mouse control permissions belong to the motherboard module, and the device functions as a regular portable computer. When switching to KVM function, display signals and keyboard / mouse control permissions belong to the external device, and the device functions as a multi-channel KVM switch. This allows for the reuse and management of display and keyboard / mouse resources for both the device itself and multiple external devices, meeting the centralized management needs of multiple devices in a data center.

[0029] To further ensure the stability and control accuracy of multi-channel signal switching, the display touch control module, as a core component for realizing the device's KVM function, adopts an integrated and modular structure. In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the display touch control module includes a display signal switching unit, a USB signal switching unit, a signal enhancement unit, and an MCU control unit; the MCU control unit is connected to the display signal switching unit, the USB signal switching unit, and the signal enhancement unit respectively; the signal enhancement unit is connected in series to the output terminal of the USB signal switching unit; and the display signal switching unit and the USB signal switching unit are connected to external devices and the motherboard module respectively via interface modules.

[0030] The display signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel display signals and motherboard module display signals. The USB signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel USB control signals and motherboard module USB signals. The signal enhancement unit is used to enhance the signal quality of the switched USB signals. The MCU control unit processes the control signals of the GPIO bus to control the operation and function status of the display signal switching unit and the USB signal switching unit.

[0031] The signal enhancement unit is connected in series with the output of the USB signal switching unit to compensate and enhance the switched USB signal. The display signal switching unit and the USB signal switching unit are connected to the external device and the motherboard module respectively via the interface module to access multiple external display signals, external USB control signals, and the local display signal and local USB control signal output by the motherboard module.

[0032] The display signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel display signals and motherboard module display signals, completing the selection of video signal sources; the USB signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel USB control signals and motherboard module USB signals, completing the allocation of keyboard and mouse control permissions; the signal enhancement unit is used to enhance the signal quality of the switched USB signals, compensate for the signal attenuation caused by channel switching, and improve control reliability; the MCU control unit processes the control signals of the GPIO bus, outputs corresponding control levels, realizes channel selection and mode switching control of the display signal switching unit and USB signal switching unit, and completes the working status indication.

[0033] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the display signal switching unit includes a VGA multi-select module and a display signal selection chip. The VGA multi-select module is used to perform a first-level selection of multiple external VGA input signals (external VGA input 1, external VGA input 2, external VGA input 3 and external VGA input 4). The display signal selection chip is used to perform a second-level selection of the VGA input signals after the first-level selection and the display signals (computer display signals) of the motherboard module according to the control signal (control signal INPUT1) of the MCU control unit, and finally outputs one display signal to the display end of the device.

[0034] The VGA multi-select module includes multiple cascaded VGA 2-to-1 chips, used for the first-level multi-selection of multiple external VGA input signals connected to the interface module, and outputting a single external VGA signal; the display signal selection chip is used for the second-level 2-to-1 on / off control of the external VGA signal after the first-level selection and the local display signal output by the motherboard module, and finally selects one display signal, which is then output to the display end of the device after signal conversion processing, so as to realize the synchronous switching output of display signals in PC mode and KVM mode.

[0035] In one embodiment, the VGA multi-select module includes at least two cascaded signal switching chips. A single signal switching chip is used to select one output from two VGA channel inputs. The MCU control unit controls the EN and SEL pin level combinations of the signal switching chips by outputting a display switching signal to achieve the selection and shutdown control of multiple VGA input signals.

[0036] Among them, a single signal switching chip has the function of selecting one of two VGA channel input signals and outputting the corresponding signal. Figure 3 It has four external VGA inputs. Multiple signal switching chips are cascaded together, which can expand the number of input channels to four or more to meet the KVM switching needs of multiple external devices.

[0037] The enable pin (EN) and channel selection pin (SEL) of the signal switching chip are both electrically connected to the MCU control unit. The MCU control unit configures the operating state of each VGA signal switching chip by outputting GPIO control signals with different combinations of high and low levels, enabling the corresponding chip to achieve three operating modes: no signal output, selection of the first VGA input, or selection of the second VGA input. By coordinating the control of the EN and SEL pins of the cascaded chips, one external VGA input signal can be accurately selected from multiple external VGA input signals as the first-stage selection output signal, providing a stable external video signal source for the subsequent display signal selection chip.

[0038] In one implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the USB signal switching unit includes a USB signal selection module and a USB switching switch. The USB signal selection module is used to perform a first-level selection of multiple external USB input signals (external USB input 1, external USB input 2, external USB input 3 and external USB input 4). The USB switching switch is used to perform a second-level selection of the USB signal selected in the first level and the USB signal of the motherboard module (computer USB signal) according to the control signal (control signal INPUT2) of the MCU control unit. The selected USB signal is processed by the signal enhancement unit and then transmitted to the keyboard and mouse terminals of the device.

[0039] The USB signal selection module is composed of cascaded multiple USB switching chips. It is used to perform a first-level multi-to-one selection of multiple external USB control signals input through the interface module and output a target external USB control signal. The USB switching switch is used to perform a second-level two-to-one on / off control between the external USB signal after the first-level selection and the local USB signal output by the motherboard module, so as to realize the mode switching of the USB signal source. The USB signal after the two-level selection is sent to the signal enhancement unit for signal compensation and quality enhancement processing, and finally stably transmitted to the keyboard, touchpad and other keyboard and mouse input terminals of the device, ensuring reliable, attenuated and delay-free keyboard and mouse control in PC mode and KVM mode.

[0040] In one embodiment, the USB signal selection module includes at least two cascaded analog switch chips. Each analog switch chip enables the selection of two USB channel inputs and one output. The MCU control unit controls the S pin and OE pin level combination of the analog switch through the output display switching signal to achieve the selection and shutdown control of multiple USB input signals. The USB switch is a USB 2-to-1 chip, used to realize the two-to-one switching between external selected USB signals and motherboard USB signals.

[0041] A single analog switch chip can enable two sets of USB differential channel inputs and one set of outputs. Cascading multiple chips can expand the external USB input channels to four or more. Figure 4 The system features four external USB inputs, meeting the requirements for multi-device KVM control. The MCU control unit outputs GPIO control signals with different high and low level combinations, which are connected to the S-select and OE-enable pins of each analog switch chip. This allows the chip to operate in three states: channel off, selecting the first group of USB inputs, or selecting the second group of USB inputs. Through coordinated control, precise primary selection of multiple external USB signals is achieved. The USB switching switch uses a USB 2-to-1 switching chip to perform secondary switching between the primary selected external USB signals and the local USB signals output from the motherboard module, thus allocating USB control permissions between PC mode and KVM mode.

[0042] In one implementation, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the signal enhancement unit is a USB Redriver chip. The USB Redriver chip is located between the USB signal switching unit and the keyboard and mouse terminals of the device. It is used to amplify and enhance the quality of the USB signal after two stages of switching, avoiding signal attenuation. The USB Redriver chip is connected in series between the USB signal switching unit and the keyboard and mouse terminals of the device. It is specifically used to perform signal shaping, equalization and drive amplification on the USB differential signal after two stages of switching. It effectively compensates for the signal attenuation caused by multi-stage chip switching and line transmission, improves the stability and anti-interference capability of USB signal transmission, and avoids abnormal keyboard and mouse control, disconnection or speed reduction due to signal degradation.

[0043] In one implementation, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the display touch control module also includes a USB hub chip, which is connected to the USB redriver chip and used to provide USB interface expansion for the device's keyboard and touch mouse. The input terminal of the USB hub chip is connected to the output terminal of the USB redriver chip, and the output terminal is connected to the device's keyboard and touch mouse respectively, used to expand one enhanced USB signal into multiple USB interfaces, providing a stable and reliable connection and data interaction channel for local keyboard and mouse peripherals, and meeting the needs of human-computer interaction control.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4When used as a PC, the motherboard module's USB and display signals only pass through the later stages of the display and touch control modules; the computer display signal passes through the display signal selection chip, and the computer USB signal passes through the USB switch (USB 2-to-1 chip). When used as a KVM switch, the USB and display signals from external devices undergo two stages of processing by the display and touch control modules: first, through the VGA multi-select module and the USB signal selection module, and then through the display signal selection chip and the USB switch. For the USB signal, the quality is attenuated after passing through these two stages of chips; therefore, the USB signal is amplified before being output to the USBHUB chip. This is achieved through USB Redriver. The USB signal is then transmitted to the USBHUB chip, which connects to the keyboard and touch mouse devices.

[0045] In summary, this embodiment integrates independent PC functionality and multi-channel cascaded KVM switching functionality into a single portable device. A one-click switch allows for rapid transitions between the two modes, eliminating the need for additional monitors, keyboards, mice, and independent KVM devices. This significantly saves rack space and cabling area, avoiding airflow obstruction and cable clutter. The display and touch control module can switch between multi-channel display signals and USB control signals, enabling unified reuse and management of the device itself and multiple external devices using a single display and keyboard / mouse setup. This meets the centralized management needs of multiple servers in a data center. The device boasts high integration, portability, and convenient switching, catering to both conventional computer use and professional KVM management, effectively improving data center deployment and equipment management efficiency.

[0046] Example 2: In one specific embodiment, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 The portable computing device has a similar main body shape to a laptop, but is generally thicker. For example... Figure 5 As shown, 1 is the display screen, and 2 is the function key area of ​​the control area, which has a total of 7 keys. Keys 21 and 22 are for selecting PC and KVM functions. When the PC key is pressed, the device can be used as a laptop with basic full functionality. When the KVM key is pressed, the device can be used as a KVM switch supporting 4-channel switching. Next to keys 21 and 22, there is an indicator light and text label, labeled PC and KVM respectively. The indicator light will illuminate when the device is in its corresponding function.

[0047] Area 3 is for the touch mouse, area 4 is for the keyboard, and area 5 is for the power switch. (See attached image) Figure 6The image shows a rear perspective view of the device when unfolded. 6 is the power supply, 7 is the circuit board, which includes three modules: 71 is the display / control switching module, 72 is the motherboard module, and 73 is the interface module. 8 is a cooling fan; 81 primarily cools the motherboard's CPU and GPU, while 82 cools the power supply. Heat from the CPU and GPU is guided to the fan area 81 via heat pipes, and heat from the power supply is guided to the fan area 82. 9 is the rear interface when used as a KVM switch, featuring four KVM ports via DB15 connectors, and one RJ45 Ethernet port for connecting the laptop to the network. The side of this portable computer features a USB port and a Type-C charging port, similar to a conventional laptop design.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, combined with Figure 6 and Figure 7 The electrical schematic framework of this portable computer is connected as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the power supply is used to power the device. The motherboard module and the interface module are connected through connectors to expand the motherboard's interface. The display touch control module is connected to the motherboard module and the interface module through connectors to switch between USB signals and display signals. The display signals and USB signals from the display touch control module are then transmitted to the LCD screen and the device's touchpad and keyboard.

[0049] like Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the signal connection, transmission, and control between the portable computer's display and touch control module and the motherboard module. When used as a PC, the motherboard module's USB and display signals pass through the display and touch control module, and then to the keyboard, mouse, and LCD screen. When used as a KVM, the USB and display signals from external devices (referring to connected servers or computer equipment) also pass through the display and touch control module before reaching the keyboard, mouse, and LCD screen. The essence of achieving multi-functionality lies in switching between the VGA display signal source and the USB signal source.

[0050] When used as a PC function, its specific implementation principle is as follows: When the 21PC function selection button is pressed, the built-in MCU control unit of the display touch control module will receive a corresponding trigger signal. When the MCU control unit receives the trigger signal, it outputs multiple GPIOs. One GPIO signal is used as the input control signal INPUT1 of the display signal selection chip, another GPIO is used as the control signal INPUT2 of the USB switch, and another GPIO is used to light up the indicator light.

[0051] For the control signal INPUT1, the preset MCU program can determine whether the signal input to the display selection chip is an external VGA input or a laptop display signal. For the control signal INPUT2, depending on how the external USB input and the computer's USB signal are connected to the USB switch, its preset level is either high or low to select the USB signal. This allows the computer device to switch to PC function, at which point the monitor displays the computer device's display, and the keyboard and touchpad can control the computer device.

[0052] In a more specific embodiment, refer to Figure 3 The UTS6710 chip can be used as a display signal selection chip. It can switch between VGA and HDMI signal inputs and convert them to LVDS signals. The NCS8801S then converts the LVDS signals to eDP output signals, which are input to the built-in LCD screen for display output. The UTS6710's built-in MCU has switching capabilities; by adjusting the MCU program, button-triggered switching can be implemented. Two buttons are output from the UTS6710. When a button is triggered, the keyboard, mouse, and display simultaneously switch between external and internal signal sources. Simultaneously, the UTS6710 outputs two GPIO signals to illuminate indicator lights, indicating whether the signal source is internal (PC function) or external (KVM function).

[0053] In one specific embodiment, when the portable computing device is used as a KVM switch, its functional principle is as follows: When the 22KVM function selection button is pressed, the built-in MCU control unit of the display touch control module receives a corresponding trigger signal. When the MCU receives the trigger signal, the control signal INPUT1 is opposite in level to the level value when the 21PC button is pressed. Additionally, the control signal INPUT2 of another GPIO, which acts as a USB toggle switch (USB 2-to-1 chip), is opposite in level to the level value when the 21PC button is pressed. At this time, the display is connected to the external VGA input, and the USB signal comes from the external USB input.

[0054] In a more specific embodiment, when different KVM output selection buttons 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 are pressed, for VGA display signals, a VGA multi-select module is implemented using two MAX4885 chips (each MAX4885 can select one output from two sets of VGA channel inputs). Specifically, the enable pin of this chip is controlled by the GPIO signal output by the MCU. The GPIO outputs high and low levels to the MAX4885 chip. When the combined values ​​of the EN and SEL pins of the MAX4885 are different, there are three states: no VGA signal output, output of the first set of VGA signals, and output of the second set of VGA signals. Therefore, two MAX4885 chips can control and select four VGA inputs. For USB signals, a USB signal selection module is implemented using two SGM7227 chips (each SGM7227 can select one output from two sets of USB channel inputs). This module will output the corresponding enabled channel. Specifically, the enable pin of the chip is controlled by the GPIO signal output by the MCU. The GPIO outputs high and low levels to the SGM7227 chip. When the combined values ​​of the S pin and OE pin of the SGM7227 are different, there are three states: no USB signal output, output of the first group of USB signals, and output of the second group of USB signals. Therefore, two chips can control and select four USB inputs. When more input sources need to be controlled by the KVM, more VGA 2-to-1 chips and USB 2-to-1 chips can be cascaded within a reasonable range to achieve 6 ports or even more. The USB signal enhancement chip USB Redriver can be implemented with TUS2E11, and the USB HUB chip can be implemented with CH334U.

[0055] In a more specific embodiment, when the 21PC function selection button is pressed, the display signal of the portable device screen is obtained from the motherboard module. At this time, the keyboard and mouse functions of the touchpad are assigned to the PC. When the 22KVM function selection button is pressed, the display signal of the LCD screen is obtained from the server connected to the electrical interface 81 of DB15 by default, which is equivalent to pressing the 23KVM switch output selection button. When any one of the buttons 24, 25, 26, and 27 is pressed, the display signal of the portable device screen is taken from 91, 92, 93, and 94, respectively.

[0056] Example 3: This embodiment proposes a computer device, including a portable KVM switching device that supports multi-channel cascading as described in Embodiment 1.

[0057] In summary, this embodiment integrates independent PC functionality and multi-channel cascaded KVM switching functionality into a single portable device. A one-click switch allows for rapid transitions between the two modes, eliminating the need for additional monitors, keyboards, mice, and independent KVM devices. This significantly saves rack space and cabling area, avoiding airflow obstruction and cable clutter. The display and touch control module can switch between multi-channel display signals and USB control signals, enabling unified reuse and management of the device itself and multiple external devices using a single display and keyboard / mouse setup. This meets the centralized management needs of multiple servers in a data center. The device boasts high integration, portability, and convenient switching, catering to both conventional computer use and professional KVM management, effectively improving data center deployment and equipment management efficiency.

[0058] For the specific structure of the portable KVM switching device that supports multi-channel cascading, please refer to Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading, characterized in that, This includes a motherboard module, an interface module, a display and touch control module, and a function switching module; The interface module is connected to the motherboard module and the display touch control module via connector signals, and the function switching module is connected to the motherboard module and the display touch control module, respectively. The motherboard module is used to implement the PC function of an independent computer, the interface module is also used to connect with external devices, and the display touch control module is used to switch and select multiple channels of display signals and USB control signals. The function switching module is used to enable one-click switching between PC and KVM functions of the device via button trigger. During switching, the display channel and USB control permissions are assigned to the motherboard module or external device respectively, thereby realizing the reuse management of a set of display keyboard and mouse resources for the device itself and multiple external devices.

2. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface module includes a display interface, a USB interface, an RJ45 network port, and a charging port.

3. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display touch control module includes a display signal switching unit, a USB signal switching unit, a signal enhancement unit, and an MCU control unit; The MCU control unit is connected to the display signal switching unit, the USB signal switching unit, and the signal enhancement unit respectively. The signal enhancement unit is connected in series to the output terminal of the USB signal switching unit. The display signal switching unit and the USB signal switching unit are connected to external devices and the motherboard module respectively through the interface module. The display signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel display signals and motherboard module display signals. The USB signal switching unit is used to switch between external multi-channel USB control signals and motherboard module USB signals. The signal enhancement unit is used to enhance the signal quality of the switched USB signals. The MCU control unit processes the control signals of the GPIO bus to control the operation and function status of the display signal switching unit and the USB signal switching unit.

4. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 3, characterized in that, The display signal switching unit includes a VGA multi-select module and a display signal selection chip. The VGA multi-select module is used to perform a first-level selection of multiple external VGA input signals. The display signal selection chip is used to perform a second-level selection of the VGA input signals after the first-level selection and the display signals of the motherboard module according to the control signals of the MCU control unit, and finally outputs one display signal to the display end of the device.

5. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 4, characterized in that, The VGA multi-select module includes at least two cascaded signal switching chips. A single signal switching chip is used to select one output from two VGA channel inputs. The MCU control unit controls the EN and SEL pin levels of the signal switching chip by outputting a display switching signal to achieve the selection and shutdown control of multiple VGA input signals.

6. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 3, characterized in that, The USB signal switching unit includes a USB signal selection module and a USB switching switch. The USB signal selection module is used to perform a first-level selection of multiple external USB input signals. The USB switching switch is used to perform a second-level selection of the USB signals selected in the first level and the USB signals of the motherboard module according to the control signal of the MCU control unit. The selected USB signals are processed by the signal enhancement unit and then transmitted to the keyboard and mouse terminals of the device.

7. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 6, characterized in that, The USB signal selection module includes at least two cascaded analog switch chips. Each analog switch chip enables the selection of two USB channel inputs and one output. The MCU control unit controls the S pin and OE pin level combination of the analog switch through the output display switching signal to realize the selection and shutdown control of multiple USB input signals. The USB switch is a USB 2-to-1 chip, used to realize the two-to-one switching between external selected USB signals and motherboard USB signals.

8. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 3, characterized in that, The signal enhancement unit is a USB Redriver chip, which is located between the USB signal switching unit and the device's keyboard and mouse end. It is used to amplify and enhance the quality of the USB signal after two stages of switching, thereby avoiding signal attenuation. The display touch control module also includes a USBHUB chip, which is connected to the USB Redriver chip and is used to provide USB interface expansion for the device's keyboard and touch mouse.

9. The portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external device is a server or other computer device.

10. A computer device, characterized in that, Includes the portable KVM switching device supporting multi-channel cascading as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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