A multifunctional USB extension device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of computer peripheral technology and discloses a multifunctional USB expansion device, including a main control chip, a power module, a USB input interface, a network module, multiple USB downstream interfaces, and multiple network ports. The main control chip splits a single USB signal into a USB extended signal and a network signal. The USB extended signal is transmitted to multiple USB downstream interfaces, and the network signal is transmitted to multiple network ports. The network module includes multiple independent USB-to-Ethernet chips, and each network port corresponds to an independent PHY chip. The multiple PHY chips are powered through independent power paths, and a heat dissipation component is externally provided for the main control chip. In this utility model, through a composite structure, a single USB interface is expanded into multiple USB interfaces and multiple RJ45 network ports, solving the problem of limited functionality in traditional devices and improving portability and multitasking efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of computer peripheral technology, and in particular to a multifunctional USB expansion device. Background Technology

[0002] A USB extender is a USB interface adapter that can expand one USB port into multiple ports, allowing users to connect multiple USB devices simultaneously. For example, on a single computer, a USB extender can connect multiple USB devices such as USB flash drives, printers, mice, and keyboards at the same time, making it a common tool in offices and daily life.

[0003] Traditional USB expansion devices have limited functionality, typically supporting only USB interface expansion, such as USB hubs, or only network interface conversion, such as USB to RJ45 network adapters. They cannot simultaneously meet users' combined needs for multiple interfaces. When users need to connect multiple USB devices and wired network devices at the same time, they need to carry multiple independent expanders. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a multi-functional USB expansion device, which aims to improve the problem of lack of integration with USB expansion functions.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a multifunctional USB expansion device, comprising a main control chip, a power module, a USB input interface, a network module, multiple USB downstream interfaces, and multiple network ports. The main control chip splits a single USB signal into a USB expansion signal and a network signal. The USB expansion signal is transmitted to multiple USB downstream interfaces, and the network signal is transmitted to multiple network ports. The network module includes multiple independent USB-to-Ethernet chips. Each network port corresponds to an independent PHY chip. The main control chip communicates with the host through its USB channel. The multiple PHY chips are powered through independent power paths. A heat dissipation component is externally provided for the main control chip.

[0006] The above technical solution involves the main control chip splitting a single USB signal into a USB extended signal and a network signal, which are then transmitted to four network ports containing independent PHY chips and green and yellow data LED indicators. The network module contains four independent USB to Ethernet chips, and the PHY chips communicate through the chip's USB channel and are powered by an independent power path. The main control chip is connected to an external 12MHz crystal oscillator and an external temperature sensor.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0008] Preferably, the heat dissipation component includes a temperature sensor, which is bidirectionally electrically connected to the main control chip, and the main control chip is electrically connected to a cooling fan through a drive circuit.

[0009] The above technical solution involves a bidirectional electrical connection between the temperature sensor and the main control chip to collect temperature data in real time. When the temperature exceeds the threshold, the cooling fan is triggered to start, forming convection cooling through the air inlet and outlet. When the temperature is below the threshold, the fan stops.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0011] Preferably, the power module provides 5V power to the cooling fan.

[0012] The above technical solution provides 5V power to the cooling fan with a 5V / 8A output, has built-in overvoltage protection, and is equipped with an electrolytic capacitor at the output end for stable power supply. Combined with the temperature sensor and the main control chip, the fan can be started and stopped for heat dissipation.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0014] Preferably, the main control chip is an FE2.1 main control chip, the network port is an RJ45 network port, and multiple RJ45 network ports are equipped with LED status indicators, including green connection indicators and yellow data indicators, which are connected to the power supply through a resistor and grounded through a resistor.

[0015] The above technical solution utilizes the FE2.1 main control chip to split a single USB signal into a USB extension signal and a network signal, thereby expanding a single USB interface into multiple USB interfaces and multiple RJ45 network ports. The green connection indicator and yellow data indicator are connected to the power supply and ground respectively through resistors to achieve current limiting, and to intuitively display the network connection and data transmission status.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0017] Preferably, the USB interface supports 5V / 2A power output, and the USB input interface and downstream interface are connected in series with ESD protection devices.

[0018] Through the above technical solutions, the 5V / 2A output can stably power high-power peripherals such as mobile phones and external hard drives, while ESD protection devices and bypass capacitors improve interface durability and data transmission stability.

[0019] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0020] Preferably, the FE2.1 main control chip is connected to an external 12MHz crystal oscillator.

[0021] The above technical solution provides a stable clock reference for USB signal splitting and multi-port data processing to ensure transmission synchronization.

[0022] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0023] Preferably, the power module adopts a DC-DC step-down circuit to convert the 12V input power to a 5V / 8A output. The DC-DC step-down circuit has a built-in overvoltage protection mechanism and is equipped with an electrolytic capacitor at the output end.

[0024] The above technical solution uses a DC-DC step-down circuit to power the power module. When the input voltage exceeds 13.5V, the output is automatically cut off to protect the components. Electrolytic capacitors filter out ripple and control voltage fluctuations.

[0025] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0026] Preferably, the multiple PHY chips are powered independently, and the power paths include VDD33 and VDD10.

[0027] The above technical solution uses VDD33 and VDD10 to power the logic circuit and core circuit, thus avoiding power supply crosstalk.

[0028] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. In this utility model, a composite structure consisting of an FE2.1 main control chip, a power module, a USB input interface, a network module, a USB downstream interface, and an RJ45 network port is used to expand a single USB interface into multiple USB interfaces and multiple RJ45 network ports, thereby solving the problem of single function of traditional devices and improving portability and multitasking efficiency.

[0030] 2. In this utility model, the heat dissipation component structure set externally to the FE2.1 main control chip enables real-time temperature monitoring and fan start / stop for heat dissipation, avoiding chip overheating and frequency reduction, and ensuring stable operation of the equipment under high load. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of the module connection of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 This utility model provides an RJ45 network port layout diagram for a multifunctional USB expansion device.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a PCB component reference diagram of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0035] Figure 5This is a PCB component reference diagram of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a PCB component reference diagram of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a PCB component reference diagram of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a PCB component reference diagram of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a PCB component reference diagram of a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a PCB component reference diagram for a multifunctional USB expansion device proposed in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0042] Reference Figures 1-3 The present invention provides an embodiment of a multifunctional USB expansion device, comprising a main control chip, a power module, a USB input interface, a network module, multiple USB downstream interfaces, and multiple network ports. The main control chip splits a single USB signal into a USB expansion signal and a network signal. The USB expansion signal is transmitted to multiple USB downstream interfaces, and the network signal is transmitted to multiple network ports. The network module includes multiple independent USB-to-Ethernet chips, and each network port corresponds to an independent PHY chip. The device communicates with the host through the USB channel of the main control chip. The multiple PHY chips are powered through independent power paths, and a heat dissipation component is provided externally for the main control chip.

[0043] Specifically, the high bandwidth of the FE2.1 main control chip splits the single USB signal into a USB extension signal and a network signal. The USB extension signal is transmitted to three USB downstream interfaces supporting USB 2.0 / 3.0 protocols, which can simultaneously connect peripherals such as USB flash drives and keyboards, achieving high-speed data transmission of 5Gbps and solving the problem of the single function of traditional USB hubs. The network signal is transmitted to four RJ45 network ports. The network module contains four independent USB to Ethernet chips such as RTL8152B. Each RJ45 network port corresponds to an independent PHY chip and communicates with the host through the USB channel of the FE2.1 main control chip. It supports the host to recognize it as an independent network interface, realizes parallel data processing of multiple network ports and independent MAC address allocation, and can connect four network devices at the same time, such as routers. This solves the limitation of existing USB to RJ45 solutions that cannot handle multiple network ports concurrently, simplifies cabling and improves portability.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The heat dissipation component includes a temperature sensor, which is bidirectionally electrically connected to the main control chip. The main control chip is electrically connected to a cooling fan through a drive circuit.

[0045] Specifically, a temperature sensor is deployed near the FE2.1 main control chip to monitor the temperature in real time. When the detected temperature exceeds 60 degrees Celsius, the FE2.1 main control chip triggers the fan to start. The fan forms a convection airflow through the air inlet at the bottom of the housing and the air outlet at the top, which can reduce the chip temperature, avoid overheating and frequency reduction, and ensure the stability of USB high-speed transmission and network operation. When the temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius, the fan automatically stops, achieving energy saving.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 The power module provides 5V power to the cooling fan;

[0047] Specifically, the power module uses a DC-DC step-down circuit to convert the 12V input power to a stable 5V / 8A output. The 5V power supplies the cooling fan through an independent power path, ensuring that the power supply to the USB interface and other modules is not affected.

[0048] Reference Figures 3-5 The main control chip uses the FE2.1 main control chip, and the network port uses an RJ45 network port. Multiple RJ45 network ports are equipped with LED status indicators, including a green connection indicator and a yellow data indicator. These LED status indicators are connected to the power supply through a resistor and grounded through a resistor.

[0049] Specifically, each of the multiple RJ45 network ports corresponds to an independent PHY chip, which communicates with the host through the USB channel of the FE2.1 main control chip. The PHY chips are powered by independent power paths, preventing crosstalk between power signals when multiple ports are operating in parallel. This ensures the stability of the PHY chip corresponding to each RJ45 network port, allowing the host to recognize all four ports as independent network interfaces. Multiple devices can connect simultaneously and transmit data in parallel. Each indicator light is connected to a 3.3V power supply via a 560Ω resistor and grounded via a 100Ω resistor for current limiting. A lit green light indicates a successful network connection, while a flashing yellow light indicates the data transmission status, providing intuitive feedback on the operating status of each network port.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The USB interface supports 5V / 2A power output, and the USB input interface and downstream interface are connected in series with ESD protection devices;

[0051] Specifically, the 5V / 2A power output can stably power high-power peripherals such as portable hard drives and mobile phones, meeting the power needs of multiple devices simultaneously and solving the low current limitation of traditional USB hubs; the USB input interface and downstream interface are connected in series with AZ5825-01FESD protection devices to effectively suppress electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic interference, ensuring data transmission stability.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 The FE2.1 main control chip is connected to an external 12MHz crystal oscillator;

[0053] Specifically, the crystal oscillator provides a stable reference for USB signal splitting and multi-port data processing, ensuring the synchronization of high-speed USB transmission and 100 Mbps Ethernet signals, and improving the stability and reliability of data processing when multiple interfaces are working in parallel.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 The power module uses a DC-DC step-down circuit to convert the 12V input power to a 5V / 8A output. The DC-DC step-down circuit has a built-in overvoltage protection mechanism and is equipped with an electrolytic capacitor at the output.

[0055] Specifically, the power module uses a DC-DC step-down circuit to convert the 12V input power to a stable 5V / 8A output, providing 5V / 2A power support for each interface and reserving power redundancy for the heat dissipation components. The step-down circuit uses the APW8713E chip with a built-in overvoltage protection mechanism, which automatically cuts off the output when the input voltage exceeds 13.5V to prevent high voltage from damaging components such as the FE2.1 main control chip, USB interface, and RJ45 network port. The electrolytic capacitor configured at the output end can effectively filter out voltage ripple and provide stable power to the FE2.1 main control chip, four independent PHY chips, and cooling fans.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 Multiple PHY chips are powered independently, with power paths including VDD33 and VDD10;

[0057] Specifically, VDD33 (3.3V) and VDD10 (1.0V) power the logic circuit and core circuit of the PHY chip, respectively. This avoids crosstalk between power signals when multiple network ports are working in parallel, ensuring the stability of the PHY chip corresponding to each RJ45 network port, and enabling the host to recognize the four network ports as independent network interfaces.

[0058] Working Principle: After the FE2.1 main control chip connects to the host via the USB input interface, it parses and splits the single USB signal into two independent signals. The first is the USB extension signal: transmitted to three USB downstream ports, supporting USB 2.0 / 3.0 protocols, allowing connection of peripherals such as USB flash drives, keyboards, and printers. Each port provides 5V / 2A power output. The second is the network signal: through four built-in independent USB-to-Ethernet chips, the USB data is converted into Ethernet signals and transmitted to four RJ45 network ports. Each port corresponds to an independent PHY chip, communicating with the host through the FE2.1's USB channel. Independent MAC address allocation is supported, enabling simultaneous access and parallel transmission for multiple devices. The power module converts the 12V input to a stable 5V / 8A output through a DC-DC step-down circuit, powering the FE2.1 main control chip, USB interface, and RJ45 network port. Electrolytic capacitors are configured at the output end to reduce voltage ripple and ensure stable operation of each module. The FE2.1 main control chip is connected to an external 12MHz crystal oscillator to provide a reference and synchronize USB and network data transmission. The USB interface is connected in series with an AZ5825-01FESD protection device to support electrostatic discharge protection. The PHY chip of each RJ45 network port is powered through an independent power path to avoid power crosstalk between multiple network ports. The host recognizes the four network ports as independent network interfaces, which can connect to different networks at the same time to realize data splitting and parallel processing.

[0059] A temperature sensor is deployed near the FE2.1 main control chip to collect temperature data in real time and transmit it to the FE2.1 main control chip via a bidirectional electrical connection. The FE2.1 has a built-in threshold comparator with a preset temperature threshold of 60 degrees Celsius to start the fan and 40 degrees Celsius to stop the fan. When the temperature exceeds 60 degrees Celsius, the FE2.1 main control chip outputs a PWM signal with an adjustable duty cycle through the PWM drive circuit to control the cooling fan to start. The fan is powered by a 5V / 8A power supply module. The air outlet is connected to the top, forming a bottom-up convection airflow channel. Cool air is drawn in from the bottom, flows through the FE2.1 main control chip and PHY chip, carries away heat, and is discharged from the top, which can reduce the chip temperature. When the temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius, the FE2.1 main control chip stops outputting the PWM signal, and the fan stops.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. 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 multifunctional USB expansion device, comprising a master chip, a power module, a USB input interface, a network module, a plurality of USB downstream interfaces, a plurality of network interfaces, a USB interface and an FE2.1 master chip, characterized in that: The main control chip splits a single USB signal into a USB extended signal and a network signal. The USB extended signal is transmitted to multiple USB downstream interfaces, and the network signal is transmitted to multiple network ports. The network module includes multiple independent USB to Ethernet chips, and each network port corresponds to an independent PHY chip. The main control chip communicates with the host through its USB channel. The multiple PHY chips are powered by independent power paths, and the main control chip is externally equipped with a heat dissipation component.

2. The multi-functional USB extension device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat dissipation component includes a temperature sensor, which is bidirectionally electrically connected to the main control chip. The main control chip is electrically connected to a cooling fan via a drive circuit.

3. The multi-functional USB extension device of claim 2, wherein: The power module provides 5V power to the cooling fan.

4. The multi-functional USB extension device of claim 1, wherein: The main control chip is an FE2.1 main control chip, and the network port is an RJ45 network port. Multiple RJ45 network ports are equipped with LED status indicators, including green connection indicators and yellow data indicators. They are connected to the power supply through a resistor and grounded through a resistor.

5. The multi-functional USB extension device of claim 1, wherein: The USB interface supports 5V / 2A power output, and the USB input interface and downstream interface are connected in series with ESD protection devices.

6. The multi-functional USB extension device of claim 1, wherein: The FE2.1 main control chip is connected to an external 12MHz crystal oscillator.

7. The multi-functional USB extension device of claim 1, wherein: The power module uses a DC-DC step-down circuit to convert a 12V input power supply to a 5V / 8A output. The DC-DC step-down circuit has a built-in overvoltage protection mechanism and is equipped with an electrolytic capacitor at the output end.

8. The multi-functional USB extension device of claim 1, wherein: Multiple PHY chips are powered independently, with power paths including VDD33 and VDD10.

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