Docking station

Abstract

The docking station comprises an input port, a first signal line, a second signal line, a switching chip, a first chip, a second chip and an output port, the input port is electrically connected with the first signal line and the second signal line respectively, the first signal line is electrically connected with the input end of the switching chip, and the second signal line is electrically connected with the output end of the switching chip. The two output ends of the switching chip are electrically connected with the first chip or the second chip, so that the electrical property of the first signal line is switched between the connection of the first chip and the connection of the second chip, the second signal line is connected with the second chip, and the first chip and the second chip are both electrically connected with the output port. According to the design of the switching chip in the docking station provided by the utility model, the electrical property of the first signal line connected with the input port can be switched between the connection of the first chip and the connection of the second chip, so that different chips can be dynamically selected to process signals according to requirements, the working load is effectively shared, different use requirements are met, and the service life of the docking station is prolonged. And the stability and the response speed of the docking station are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of docking station technology, and specifically relates to a docking station. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing power of modern electronic devices, especially in the fields of smart devices, computers, and mobile devices, users' demands for data transmission, extended connectivity, and signal processing are constantly increasing.

[0003] As a common connection device, a docking station can convert and extend different device interfaces and signals. It is widely used in terminal devices such as laptops, desktops, and smartphones, making it convenient for users to connect mobile phones, computers, external monitors, storage devices, and other peripherals.

[0004] In docking station design, docking stations typically transmit and convert signals through hardware interfaces to facilitate data exchange between different devices. Existing docking stations usually use fixed signal paths, and signal processing relies on preset circuit designs and static connection methods. However, this design approach limits the ability to handle complex scenarios such as multiple signal sources and multi-task processing, making it difficult to flexibly cope with complex and ever-changing situations. It also results in insufficient signal processing capabilities, and the stability and response speed often fail to meet user needs. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model proposes an expansion dock, comprising: an input port, a first signal line, a second signal line, a switching chip, a first chip, a second chip, and an output port; wherein,

[0006] The input ports are electrically connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, respectively;

[0007] The first signal line is electrically connected to the input terminal of the switching chip, and the two output terminals of the switching chip are electrically connected to the first chip or the second chip, so as to realize the switching of the electrical state of the first signal line between connecting to the first chip and connecting to the second chip;

[0008] The second signal line is connected to the second chip;

[0009] Both the first chip and the second chip are electrically connected to the output port.

[0010] Specifically, the first chip includes a video chip, which is also connected to the switching chip via a detection signal line for transmitting a display connection status signal.

[0011] Preferably, the expansion dock proposed in this utility model further includes:

[0012] A button is connected to the switching chip to transmit a button switching signal to the switching chip.

[0013] Specifically, the input port includes a signal cable module, which is connected to the first chip via a first configuration channel signal line and a sideband signal channel line, and is also connected to the second chip via a video signal line.

[0014] Specifically, the output port includes at least one video interface, which includes an HDMI interface, a DP interface, and / or a USB interface.

[0015] Specifically, the second chip includes a data chip, and the output port includes multiple device interfaces for connecting to a device, including a USB interface, a Lightning interface, a DP interface, a SATA interface, and / or an audio interface.

[0016] Furthermore, the expansion dock proposed in this utility model also includes:

[0017] A power supply circuit is provided, which is connected to the input port, the first chip, the second chip, and the output port.

[0018] Preferably, a MOS switch is provided between the power supply circuit and the output port, the first chip, the second chip, and the output port.

[0019] Furthermore, a power management chip is also provided between the MOS switch and the first chip, the second chip, and the output port.

[0020] Furthermore, the first chip is also connected to the power supply circuit via a second configuration channel signal line, and to the MOS switch via an adjustment signal line.

[0021] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] The expansion dock proposed in this utility model uses a switching chip as a relay element for the signal line. By switching the electrical connection of the first signal line to different chips through the switching chip, flexible switching of signal bandwidth can be achieved. This allows the expansion dock to import input signals to different chips as needed, thereby controlling the signal output port. This is especially important for scenarios that need to support different input devices or different signal transmission standards. At the same time, the expansion dock can support the access and signal conversion of different types of devices, and can adapt to more types of devices and protocols. The overall structure is simple and uncomplicated and the cost is low. It avoids the use of multiple complex hardware modules, reduces the need for multiple independent hardware, enhances the flexibility of the expansion dock, allows switching of signal paths when needed, supports different devices and interfaces, improves the interoperability between devices, and effectively increases the stability, scalability and data transmission efficiency of the expansion dock.

[0023] Furthermore, by connecting the video chip and the detection signal line, the docking station can monitor the connection status of the monitor in real time, help determine the connection status between the docking station and the monitor, optimize the signal switching process, and thus make the most of the signal transmission to improve signal efficiency. The added button control function allows users to manually switch signal paths, providing a more flexible and intuitive control method. The additional manual intervention capability allows users to directly control the device input and output in complex usage scenarios, which is more practical when a quick device switching is required.

[0024] The signal cable module design enables the docking station to support multiple signal formats simultaneously and reduces interference and improves signal stability through optimized transmission paths. Multiple video interfaces and device interfaces meet the access needs of various devices, expanding the docking station's applicability. The introduction of MOS switches more effectively manages the switching control of the power supply circuit, ensuring fast and stable power supply when devices require it. The power management chip adjusts the power supply circuit allocation according to different operating states, avoiding the impact of voltage instability or power supply circuit overload on the system. Reasonable power supply circuit allocation reduces damage to devices from overcurrent or voltage fluctuations, thereby reducing unnecessary current consumption, improving energy efficiency, and extending the lifespan of the docking station and connected devices, providing users with a more stable, energy-efficient, and convenient docking station solution.

[0025] Therefore, this utility model proposes an expansion dock. The design of the switching chip in the expansion dock proposed by this utility model allows the electrical properties of the first signal line connected to the input port to be switched between connecting to the first chip and connecting to the second chip. This enables the dynamic selection of different chips to process signals as needed, effectively distributing the workload, adapting to different usage requirements, and thus improving the stability and response speed of the expansion dock. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the expansion dock provided in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an example block diagram of the circuit structure of a docking station.

[0029] Figure Labels

[0030] 1-Input port; 2-Switching chip; 3-First chip; 4-Second chip; 5-Output port; 6-Button; 7-Power supply circuit; 8-MOS switch; 9-Power management chip. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully below. The present invention may have various embodiments, and adjustments and changes may be made therein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the various embodiments of the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather the present invention should be understood to cover all adjustments, equivalents, and / or alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] In the following, the terms “comprising” or “may include”, which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention, indicate the presence of the disclosed functions, operations, or elements, and do not limit the addition of one or more functions, operations, or elements. Furthermore, as used in various embodiments of the present invention, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and their cognates are intended only to indicate a specific feature, number, step, operation, element, component, or combination of the foregoing, and should not be construed as primarily excluding the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of the foregoing, or the possibility of adding one or more combinations of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of the foregoing.

[0034] In various embodiments of this utility model, the expression "or" or "at least one of A and / or B" includes any combination or all combinations of the words listed simultaneously. For example, the expression "A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0035] The terms used in the various embodiments of this utility model (such as "first," "second," etc.) may modify various constituent elements in the various embodiments, but do not limit the corresponding constituent elements. For example, the above terms do not limit the order and / or importance of the elements. The above terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from other elements. For example, a first user device and a second user device refer to different user devices, although both are user devices. For example, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of this utility model, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0036] It should be noted that, in this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and defined, terms such as "installation," "connection," and "fixation" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this utility model, those skilled in the art should understand that the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship in the text are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0038] The terminology used in the various embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the various embodiments of this invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments of this invention pertain. The terms (such as those defined in a generally used dictionary) are to be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and are not to be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined in the various embodiments of this invention.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1-2 This embodiment proposes an expansion dock, including: input port 1, first signal line, second signal line, switching chip 2 (Switch), first chip 3, second chip 4, and output port 5;

[0041] The input port 1 is electrically connected to the first signal line and the second signal line respectively; the first signal line is electrically connected to the input terminal of the switching chip 2, and the two output terminals of the switching chip 2 are electrically connected to the first chip 3 or the second chip 4, so as to realize the switching of the first signal line between connecting to the first chip 3 and connecting to the second chip 4; the second signal line is connected to the second chip 4; the first chip 3 and the second chip 4 are both electrically connected to the output port 5.

[0042] In one specific embodiment, the input port 1 includes a signal cable module Type-C Captive Cable, which is connected to the first chip 3 via the first configuration channel signal line CC1 / CC2 and the sideband signal channel line SBU1 / 2. The signal cable module Type-C Captive Cable is also connected to the second chip 4 via the video signal line USBDP / M.

[0043] It should be noted that the Type-C Captive Cable signal cable module includes several USB Type-C signal cables built into the docking station. These signal cables are usually soldered or fixed inside the device and cannot be directly removed or replaced by the user. This avoids damage or poor contact caused by frequent plugging and unplugging and can support functions such as data transmission, video output, and high-power charging.

[0044] Specifically, the first chip 3 includes a video chip, and the output port 5 includes at least one video interface. The video chip can connect to a display through the video interface to output and display video signals through the display. The video chip can process and convert the video signal transmitted by the first signal line and provide it to the display device through the output port 5. For example, the video chip can convert the USB video signal into an HDMI signal, a DisplayPort signal, or other standard video output signal so that the video interface can connect to the display.

[0045] The video interface may include, but is not limited to, an HDMI interface, a DP interface and / or a USB interface. In this embodiment, output port 5 includes an HDMI interface.

[0046] Furthermore, the video chip is also connected to the switching chip 2 via a detection signal line DET used to transmit the display connection status signal. The detection signal line DET can transmit a high-level signal to the switching chip 2, representing that the video chip is connected to the display through the video interface, so that the switching chip 2 electrically connects the first signal line to the first chip 3 based on the high-level signal; the detection signal line DET can also transmit a high-level signal to the switching chip 2, representing that the video chip is not connected to the display through the video interface, so that the switching chip 2 electrically connects the first signal line to the second chip 4 based on the low-level signal.

[0047] Therefore, when the video interface is connected to the monitor, the detection signal line DET will transmit a high-level signal to the switching chip 2, indicating that the video chip is connected to the monitor through the video interface. At this time, if the first signal line is electrically connected to the second chip 4, the switching chip 2 will switch the first signal line to be electrically connected to the first chip 3. When the connection between the video interface and the monitor is disconnected, the detection signal line DET will transmit a low-level signal to the switching chip 2, indicating that the video chip is not connected to the monitor through the video interface. At this time, if the first signal line is electrically connected to the first chip 3, the switching chip 2 will switch the first signal line to be electrically connected to the second chip 4.

[0048] In this embodiment, the video chip used is the VMM7100 model. In other embodiments, chips with the same or similar functions and performance as the VMM7100 model chip can also be used as the video chip in this embodiment.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, when the first signal line is electrically connected to the first chip 3, the docking station proposed in this embodiment can support screen projection of a display with a resolution of 8K and a refresh rate of 30Hz.

[0050] It's important to note that resolution refers to the number of pixels on a display device, usually expressed as horizontal pixels × vertical pixels. 8K resolution means the display has a resolution of 7680 × 4320 pixels, meaning there are approximately 33 million pixels on the screen. 8K resolution is currently an ultra-high resolution standard for consumer-grade display devices, suitable for high-quality video content and applications requiring high detail, such as high-end TVs, professional monitors, and virtual reality (VR) devices. Compared to 4K resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels) and Full HD (1920 × 1080 pixels), 8K resolution offers higher clarity and more detail, thus presenting sharper images, especially on large-screen TVs or monitors. Refresh rate, on the other hand, is the number of times the display updates the image per second. A 30Hz refresh rate means the display updates the image 30 times per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the screen display.

[0051] Preferably, the expansion dock proposed in this embodiment further includes:

[0052] Button 6 is connected to switching chip 2 to transmit a button 6 switching signal to switching chip 2. In this embodiment, button 6 can generate a first button based on a first pressing method and transmit it to switching chip 2 so that switching chip 2 can electrically connect the first signal line to the first chip 3 based on the first button; it can also generate a second button based on a second pressing method and transmit it to switching chip 2 so that switching chip 2 can electrically connect the first signal line to the second chip 4 based on the second button.

[0053] Therefore, in the expansion dock proposed in this embodiment, the switching chip 2 can switch the electrical connection of the first signal line between the connection to the first chip 3 and the connection to the second chip 4 based on the received detection level signal or button. Preferably, the button has a higher priority than the detection level signal. Thus, when the switching chip 2 receives the first button or the second button and performs the corresponding electrical connection switch, if it receives the detection level signal, it will not switch the electrical connection again based on the detection level signal. This allows the user's command to have the highest priority, and the user's previously selected signal line electrical connection method will not be switched due to the connection status between the expansion dock and the display screen.

[0054] Specifically, the second chip 4 includes a data chip, and the output port 5 includes multiple device interfaces for connecting to the device. The device interfaces may include, but are not limited to, USB interfaces, Lightning interfaces, DP interfaces, SATA interfaces and / or audio interfaces; in this embodiment, the output port 5 includes four USB-C interfaces.

[0055] In this embodiment, the data chip used is an ASM3074C chip. In other embodiments, chips with the same or similar functions and performance as the ASM3074C chip can also be used as the data chip in this embodiment.

[0056] Specifically, the first signal line includes RRX3P / M signal line and RRX4P / M signal line, and the second signal line includes RRX0P / M signal line and RRX1P / M signal line. For example, if each signal line supports the same bandwidth, and if the bandwidth of each signal line is 5Gbps, when the first signal line is electrically connected to the first chip 3, the device port connected to the data chip can support 10Gbps data transmission; when the first signal line is electrically connected to the second chip 4, the device port connected to the data chip can support 20Gbps data transmission.

[0057] It should be noted that when the first signal line switches from being electrically connected to the first chip 3 to being electrically connected to the second chip 4, the data chip will simultaneously perform a reset so that data transmission can be achieved through the first signal line and the second signal line.

[0058] Preferably, the video chip is connected to the data chip to enable collaborative work between the video chip and the data chip in specific scenarios, thereby ensuring that the expansion dock proposed in this embodiment can support different functional requirements, such as data transmission, video output, device connection and power management.

[0059] Furthermore, the expansion dock proposed in this embodiment also includes:

[0060] Power supply circuit 7 is connected to the signal cable module Type-C Captive Cable, video chip, data chip and various device interfaces of input port 1.

[0061] It should be noted that the power supply circuit 7 can be connected to a PD power supply to use the PD protocol for power supply. The full name of the PD protocol is USB PD (USB Power Delivery). The PD protocol is a power transmission concept proposed after USB 3.2 Gen2, which can expand the charging capacity by 10 times, up to 100 watts.

[0062] Preferably, a MOS switch 8 is provided between the power supply circuit 7 and the Type-C Captive Cable, the video chip, the data chip and each device interface, and a power management chip 9 is also provided between the MOS switch 8 and the video chip, the data chip and each device interface;

[0063] It should be noted that MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) is a power MOSFET (Field-Effect Transistor) used for power management and switching control. MOS switch 8 can control the output voltage and current of power supply circuit 7, reduce power loss, improve the overall efficiency of power supply circuit 7, thereby providing efficient energy conversion and regulation, and can also be used for the regulation and protection of power supply circuit 7, such as realizing overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, short circuit protection and other functions.

[0064] Furthermore, a power management chip 9 is also provided between the MOS switch 8 and the video chip, data chip and various device interfaces. The power management chip 9 can precisely control and manage the power supply circuit 7 in the expansion dock, ensuring that a stable and appropriate power supply is provided to each component, while preventing the system from malfunctioning due to power abnormalities and protecting the various components of the expansion dock from damage.

[0065] In this embodiment, the power management chip 9 uses the SC8724 model chip. In other embodiments, chips with the same or similar functions and performance as the SC8724 model chip can also be used in the power management chip 9 of this embodiment.

[0066] Specifically, the video chip is also connected to the PD power supply 7 via the second configuration channel signal lines DFP CC1 / DFP CC2, and to the MOS switch 8 via the adjustment signal line;

[0067] The second configuration channel signal line is used to determine the power direction and power supply capacity. Through the second configuration channel signal line, the video chip and the power supply circuit 7 can exchange power demand information to determine the appropriate voltage and current, ensuring that the docking station can provide the correct power according to the needs of the connected device.

[0068] The function of the adjustment signal line is to adjust the output of the power supply circuit 7 to ensure that the voltage and current meet the needs of each module, so that the power management chip 9 can control the MOS switch 8 to turn on or off according to the system's needs. When the system detects that the power demand of the device connected to the dock through the output port 5 changes, the adjustment signal line can adjust the voltage and current in real time, thereby ensuring the efficient use of the power supplied by the power supply circuit 7.

[0069] In summary, this utility model proposes an expansion dock. The design of the switching chip in the expansion dock proposed by this utility model allows the electrical properties of the first signal line connected to the input port to switch between connecting to the first chip and connecting to the second chip. This enables the dynamic selection of different chips to process signals as needed, effectively distributing the workload, adapting to different usage requirements, and thus improving the stability and response speed of the expansion dock.

[0070] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A docking station, characterized by The application relates to a signal line switching device, which comprises an input port, a first signal line, a second signal line, a switching chip, a first chip, a second chip and an output port. The input port is electrically connected with the first signal line and the second signal line respectively. The first signal line is electrically connected with the input end of the switching chip, and two output ends of the switching chip are electrically connected with the first chip or the second chip, so that the electrical property of the first signal line is switched between the first chip and the second chip. The second signal line is connected with the second chip. The first chip and the second chip are electrically connected with the output port. The first chip comprises a video chip, and the video chip is further connected with the switching chip through a detection signal line for transmitting a display connection state signal.

2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The application further comprises a key connected with the switching chip to transmit a key switching signal to the switching chip.

3. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The input port comprises a signal cable module connected with the first chip through a first configuration channel signal line and a sideband signal channel line, and the signal cable module is further connected with the second chip through a video signal line. The output port comprises at least one video interface, which comprises an HDMI interface, a DP interface and / or a USB interface.

4. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The second chip comprises a data chip, and the output port comprises a plurality of device interfaces for connecting with devices, which comprises a USB interface, a Lighting interface, a DP interface, a SATA interface and / or an audio interface.

5. The docking station of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein, The application further comprises a power supply circuit connected with the input port, the first chip, the second chip and the output port respectively.

6. The docking station of claim 1 or 4, wherein, A MOS switch is arranged between the power supply circuit and the output port, the first chip, the second chip and the output port.

7. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, A power management chip is further arranged between the MOS switch and the first chip, the second chip and the output port. The first chip is further connected with the power supply circuit through a second configuration channel signal line and connected with the MOS switch through an adjusting signal line.

8. The docking station of claim 7, wherein, ​ 9. The docking station of claim 8, wherein, ​ 10. The docking station of claim 8, wherein, ​

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