Ethernet interface converter and computer wake-up device
By integrating an interface expansion module, a microcontroller module, and a network card module, the Ethernet interface converter solves the problem that the Ethernet interface converter cannot be continuously remotely woken up in S0 standby mode, and realizes complete computer wake-up and network recovery.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREAT WALL INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
When the Ethernet interface converter enters the S0 standby state, it cannot achieve continuous remote wake-up, resulting in network connection interruption and failure to meet remote access requirements.
Design an Ethernet interface converter that integrates an interface expansion module, a microcontroller module, and a network card module. The converter uses the Wake-on-LAN function to trigger wake-up signals and keyboard key signals to ensure that the computer is fully woken up from S0 standby mode.
It enables the complete wake-up of the computer in S0 standby mode, restoring display output and network connection to meet remote access requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN224596494U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of interface converter technology, specifically to an Ethernet interface converter and a computer wake-up device. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, Ethernet interface converters (e.g., USB Ethernet converters) can fully wake up a computer system from its S3 sleep state via the Wake-on-Network (WoL) function, including restoring display output and network connectivity to meet remote access requirements.
[0003] However, with the widespread adoption of Modern Standby technology, compatibility issues with Ethernet interface converters have become increasingly apparent. When a computer enters S0 standby mode, traditional Ethernet interface converters can only trigger a brief system wake-up via Wake-on-LAN. While this can instantly restore network connectivity, the low-power strategy of Modern Standby forcibly restricts power supply to peripherals and background activities. If the system detects no user activity, the network will quickly disconnect automatically, resulting in interrupted remote access. This deficiency makes it difficult for Ethernet interface converters to support the continuous remote wake-up requirements in S0 standby mode. Utility Model Content
[0004] This utility model provides an Ethernet interface converter and a computer wake-up device, which can fully wake up a computer from its S0 standby state, including restoring display output and network connection, to meet remote access requirements.
[0005] The Ethernet interface converter provided in this embodiment includes an interface expansion module, a microcontroller module, and a network interface card (NIC) module. The interface expansion module connects to a computer via an Ethernet interface. The microcontroller module connects to the Ethernet interface via a first connection branch in the interface expansion module. The NIC module connects to the Ethernet interface via a second connection branch in the interface expansion module, and the wake-up signal terminal of the NIC module is connected to the signal detection terminal of the microcontroller. When the signal detection terminal detects an identification signal, the microcontroller module provides a wake-up signal and a key value signal to the computer through the interface expansion module.
[0006] In some implementations, the network interface card module includes a remote communication terminal, which provides the identification signal when the remote communication terminal receives a magic packet wake-up signal via a network cable.
[0007] In some implementations, the network interface card module further includes a pull-up circuit connected to the signal detection terminal. When the remote communication terminal does not receive a magic packet wake-up signal through the network cable, the pull-up circuit is used to pull up the level provided by the wake-up signal terminal.
[0008] In some embodiments, the pull-up circuit includes a pull-up voltage source and a pull-up resistor, wherein the pull-up voltage source is connected to the signal detection terminal through the pull-up resistor.
[0009] In some implementations, the identification signal provided by the wake-up signal terminal is a falling edge level signal.
[0010] In some implementations, the network interface card (NIC) module includes a network cable connector that is connected to the remote communication terminal and receives a magic packet wake-up signal through the remote communication terminal.
[0011] In some implementations, the network interface card (NIC) module includes a network transformer and a NIC chip, and the network cable connector is connected to the interface expansion module through the network transformer and the NIC chip.
[0012] In some implementations, the network interface card module further includes a voltage release circuit connected to the network transformer.
[0013] In some implementations, the Ethernet interface includes a USB interface, the interface expansion module includes a USB expansion chip, the microcontroller module is connected to the first connection end of the USB interface through a first connection branch in the USB expansion chip, and the network card module is connected to the second connection end of the USB interface through a second connection branch in the USB expansion chip.
[0014] The computer wake-up device provided by this utility model includes the Ethernet interface converter described in the above embodiments.
[0015] The Ethernet interface converter provided in this embodiment includes an interface expansion module, a microcontroller module, and a network interface card (NIC) module. The interface expansion module connects to a computer via an Ethernet interface. The microcontroller module connects to the Ethernet interface via a first connection branch in the interface expansion module. The NIC module connects to the Ethernet interface via a second connection branch in the interface expansion module, and the wake-up signal terminal of the NIC module is connected to the signal detection terminal of the microcontroller. When the signal detection terminal detects an identification signal, the microcontroller module provides a wake-up signal and a key value signal to the computer via the interface expansion module. Based on the network wake-up function, the NIC module can trigger its wake-up signal terminal to provide an identification signal. Upon detecting the identification signal, the microcontroller module sends a wake-up signal and a simulated keyboard output key value signal (the key value is defined according to actual needs) to the second connection branch in the interface expansion module. The second connection branch in the interface expansion module sends the wake-up signal and keyboard key value signal to the computer via the Ethernet interface, waking the computer, turning on the monitor, and restoring the network. At this time, remote users can log in to the system.
[0016] The Ethernet interface converter provided in this embodiment integrates an interface expansion module and a microcontroller. The network card module is based on the network wake-up function. The wake-up signal terminal of the network card module provides an identification signal. The microcontroller module simultaneously sends a wake-up signal and a keyboard key value signal. After receiving the key value signal, the computer will be fully woken up and the screen will light up. The remote user has sufficient time to log in to the computer system and it has all the functions of a traditional Ethernet interface converter. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the module circuit structure of the Ethernet interface converter provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the interface expansion module provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the microcontroller module provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the network card module provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a computer wake-up device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0023] Reference numerals: Ethernet interface converter 100, interface expansion module 10, microcontroller module 20, network card module 30, computer wake-up device 200. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. 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.
[0025] This utility model embodiment provides an Ethernet interface converter 100 (such as...). Figures 1-4(as shown) and computer wake-up device 200 (e.g.) Figure 5 As shown, it can fully wake up the computer from its S0 standby state, including restoring display output and network connection, to meet remote access requirements.
[0026] The Ethernet interface converter 100 provided in this embodiment can be used to wake up computer devices, which can be terminals or servers. The terminal can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, smart TV, smart speaker, wearable smart device, personal computer (PC), smart vehicle terminal, etc. The server can be an independent physical server, a server cluster or distributed system composed of multiple physical servers, or a cloud server providing basic cloud computing services such as cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communication, middleware services, domain name services, security services, content delivery networks (CDNs), and big data and artificial intelligence platforms. However, it is not limited to these. The terminal and server can be directly or indirectly connected via wired or wireless communication, which is not limited in this embodiment.
[0027] First, some of the nouns or terms that appear in the description of the embodiments of this utility model are explained as follows: S3 sleep mode of computer system: S3 sleep mode is a deep hibernation mode in computer power management specifications: In this state, all hardware components of the computer except memory (RAM) (including CPU, hard disk, peripherals, etc.) are powered off and stop working. The memory is powered by standby power to save the current running state of the system (such as open programs and files). When a wake-up signal is received (such as power button, wake-up from network), the system immediately restores the complete working state from memory and wakes up.
[0028] Wake-up on the Network (WoL) function: Wake-up on the Network is a technology that remotely starts a computer via a local area network signal. When the computer is in S3 sleep mode, its network card is still supplied with a small amount of power by the motherboard and continues to listen to the network. External devices send a magic packet containing specific instructions to the network card of the target host. After the network card recognizes the signal, it triggers the motherboard's wake-up circuit to complete the system startup or sleep recovery, realizing remote wake-up without the need for physical operation buttons.
[0029] S0 Standby Mode: S0 standby mode is a basic operating state in computer power management specifications. In this state, the computer is fully running at the operating software level, but through hardware-level coordination, non-core modules (GPU / USB / hard disk) are dynamically switched to hibernation or ultra-low power states, saving power by intermittently shutting down unused hardware modules.
[0030] Modern Standby technology is an enhanced implementation of the S0 standby mode. Its core design is to simulate the instant wake-up experience of a smartphone: the system does not completely hibernate during standby, but maintains extremely low power consumption, allowing background applications to connect to the network to receive data and update the system. It also achieves sub-second wake-up and instant screen lighting through sensors. Due to the low power consumption strategy of modern standby technology, peripheral power supply and background activities are forcibly restricted. If the system detects no user operation, the network will quickly disconnect automatically, resulting in the interruption of remote access.
[0031] The Ethernet interface converter 100 provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the application scenarios described above. It should be noted that the above application scenarios are only shown for the purpose of understanding the principle of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in any way in this respect.
[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the module circuit structure of the Ethernet interface converter 100 provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 1 As shown, the Ethernet interface converter 100 provided in this embodiment includes an interface expansion module 10, a microcontroller module 20, and a network interface card (NIC) module 30. The interface expansion module 10 is connected to a computer via an Ethernet interface. The microcontroller module 20 is connected to the Ethernet interface via a first connection branch in the interface expansion module 10. The NIC module 30 is connected to the Ethernet interface via a second connection branch in the interface expansion module 10, and its wake-up signal terminal is connected to the signal detection terminal of the microcontroller. When the signal detection terminal detects an identification signal, the microcontroller module 20 provides a wake-up signal and a key value signal to the computer via the interface expansion module 10.
[0033] Specifically, the Ethernet interface converter 100 connects to the computer via an Ethernet interface. The Ethernet interface signal is extended into at least two signals through the interface expansion module 10. One signal is connected to the microcontroller module 20 through a first connection branch in the interface expansion module 10, and the other signal is connected to the Ethernet interface through a second connection branch in the interface expansion module 10. The wake-up signal terminal of the network card module 30 is connected to the signal detection terminal of the microcontroller.
[0034] When the computer enters sleep (standby) mode, the network card module 30 will enter the wake-up signal input state. Based on the network wake-up function, the wake-up signal terminal of the network card module 30 can be triggered to provide an identification signal. When the microcontroller module 20 detects the identification signal, it will send a wake-up signal and a simulated keyboard output key value signal (the key value is defined according to actual needs) to the second connection branch in the interface expansion module 10. The second connection branch in the interface expansion module 10 sends the wake-up signal and keyboard key value signal to the computer through the Ethernet interface. The computer is woken up, the monitor lights up, the network is restored, and at this time, remote users can log in to the system.
[0035] The Ethernet interface converter 100 provided in this embodiment integrates an interface expansion module 10 and a microcontroller. The network card module 30 is based on the network wake-up function. The wake-up signal terminal of the network card module 30 provides an identification signal. The microcontroller module 20 simultaneously sends a wake-up signal and a keyboard key value signal. After receiving the key value signal, the computer will be fully woken up and the screen will light up. The remote user has sufficient time to log in to the computer system and has all the functions of a traditional Ethernet interface converter 100.
[0036] In some implementations, the network interface card module 30 includes a remote communication terminal, which provides an identification signal when the remote communication terminal receives a magic packet wake-up signal via a network cable.
[0037] Specifically, if an external device sends a magic packet containing specific instructions to the target host's network card, and the remote communication end of the network card module 30 receives the magic packet wake-up signal through the network cable, the network card module 30 recognizes the signal and triggers the wake-up signal end of the network card module 30 to provide an identification signal. When the microcontroller module 20 detects the identification signal, it will send a wake-up signal and a simulated keyboard output key value signal to the computer. The computer is woken up, the monitor lights up, the network is restored, and the remote user can log in to the system.
[0038] Reference Figure 2 In some implementations, the Ethernet interface includes a USB interface, the interface expansion module 10 includes a USB expansion chip, the microcontroller module 20 is connected to the first connection end of the USB interface through a first connection branch in the USB expansion chip, and the network card module 30 is connected to the second connection end of the USB interface through a second connection branch in the USB expansion chip.
[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the interface expansion module 10 provided in this embodiment of the utility model. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2As shown, the interface expansion module 10 includes a USB expansion chip U2, which is a CH634F chip. The interface expansion module 10 also includes a crystal oscillator Y1, a resistor R2, and capacitors C2, C4, C5, C7, and C8. Capacitors C2, C4, C5, C7, and C8 are USB signal coupling capacitors used for signal transmission. Resistor R2 is a reset pull-up resistor for the CH635F chip, and crystal oscillator Y1 is a reference crystal oscillator required for the operation of the CH635F chip.
[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the microcontroller module 20 provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 3 As shown, the microcontroller module 20 includes a microcontroller U1, model IT8911E-56B / CX. The microcontroller module 20 also includes a diode D1, a resistor R1, capacitors C1, C3, and C10. The diode D1 is model BAT75WS.
[0041] In this circuit, diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C10 together form an RC reset circuit for resetting the microcontroller U1. Capacitors C1 and C2 are power supply filter capacitors for the microcontroller.
[0042] Specifically, the microcontroller U1 is connected to the interface expansion module 10 and the network card module 30 respectively. When the remote communication end receives the magic packet wake-up signal through the network cable, the wake-up signal end provides an identification signal. The microcontroller U1 can detect the identification signal and send a wake-up signal and a simulated keyboard output key value signal to the computer. The computer is woken up, the monitor lights up, the network is restored, and the remote user can log in to the system.
[0043] In some implementations, the network interface card module 30 further includes a pull-up circuit connected to the signal detection terminal. When the remote communication terminal does not receive the magic packet wake-up signal through the network cable, the pull-up circuit is used to pull up the level provided by the wake-up signal terminal.
[0044] Specifically, when the computer enters sleep (standby) mode, the network card module 30 will enter the wake-up signal input state. If the magic packet wake-up signal is not received at this time, the pull-up circuit is used to pull up the level provided by the wake-up signal terminal to ensure that the signal detected by the microcontroller is a level-pull-up signal. The microcontroller module 20 will not send the wake-up signal and keyboard key value signal, and the computer is in an unwake-up state.
[0045] In some implementations, the identification signal provided by the wake-up signal terminal is a falling edge level signal.
[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the network card module 30 provided in an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 4As shown, the network interface card (NIC) module 30 includes a NIC chip U3, model RTL8153B-VB. The DVDD3 pin of the NIC chip U3 is connected to the microcontroller module 20. A pull-up circuit is connected to the DVDD3 pin of the NIC chip U3. When no magic packet wake-up signal is received, the pull-up circuit pulls the DVDD3 pin up. When a magic packet wake-up signal is received, the NIC chip U3 briefly pulls the level of the DVDD3 pin low, and the voltage signal detected by the microcontroller module 20 is pulled low (or a falling edge is detected). At this time, the identification signal provided by the wake-up signal terminal is a falling edge level signal.
[0047] In some implementations, the pull-up circuit includes a pull-up voltage source and a pull-up resistor, with the pull-up voltage source connected to the signal detection terminal via the pull-up resistor.
[0048] Specifically, the pull-up circuit includes resistor R3 and a 3.3V voltage source. Resistor R3 acts as the pull-up resistor, and the 3.3V voltage source acts as the pull-up voltage source. The 3.3V voltage source is connected to the DVDD3 pin of the network card chip U3 through resistor R3. Upon receiving the magic packet wake-up signal, the network card chip U3 will briefly pull the DVDD3 pin from 3.3V to 0V (approximately tens to hundreds of milliseconds) and then pull it back to 3.3V.
[0049] In some implementations, the network interface card module 30 includes a network cable connector that is connected to a remote communication terminal and receives a magic packet wake-up signal through the remote communication terminal.
[0050] Specifically, the network cable connector can be an RJ45 CON1 connector. The RJ45 CON1 connector connects to the external network crystal head and receives the wake-up signal via a remote communication terminal. The RJ45 CON1 connector is the core physical interface for realizing the physical connection between the network cable and network devices. Its core function is to reliably connect the twisted pair wires to the metal contacts of the network interface to complete the transmission of electrical signals.
[0051] In some implementations, the network interface card module 30 includes a network transformer and a network interface card chip, and the network cable connector is connected to the interface expansion module 10 through the network transformer and the network interface card chip.
[0052] Specifically, the network card module 30 also includes a network transformer U4, model number G2401CG. The network transformer U4 can isolate the transmission of network signals and avoid signal interference.
[0053] Network transformers transmit differential signals (TX+ / TX-) by connecting the device end and the RJ45 interface (network cable end) to the primary and secondary coils of the core transformer, respectively. This is achieved through electromagnetic induction coupling. At the same time, the direct electrical connection between the conductors on both sides is blocked, preventing interference current / surge voltage from crossing the line. However, the alternating magnetic field can still penetrate the core to transmit effective signals, thus achieving signal isolation.
[0054] When the computer enters sleep (standby) mode, the network card chip U3 enters the wake-up signal input state. The remote system sends a magic packet wake-up signal via the network cable, which is sent to the network card chip U3 through the RJ45 CON1 connector and the network transformer U4. The network card chip U3 will briefly pull the DVDD3 pin from 3.3V to 0V (approximately tens to hundreds of milliseconds), and then pull it back to 3.3V. The microcontroller chip U1 detects that GPD2 has been pulled low from 3.3V to 0V (or can be set to detect the falling edge) and sends a wake-up signal and a simulated keyboard output key value signal (the key value is defined according to actual needs) to the USB expansion chip U2. The USB expansion chip U2 sends the wake-up signal and keyboard key value signal to the computer through the USB interface. The computer is woken up, the monitor lights up, and the network is restored. At this time, the remote user can log in to the system.
[0055] In some implementations, the network interface card module 30 further includes a voltage release circuit connected to the network transformer.
[0056] Specifically, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the network card module 30 provided in this embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the network card module 30 includes resistors R4, R5, R6, R7 and capacitor C12. Resistors R4, R5, R6, R7 and capacitor C12 together form a voltage release circuit to eliminate electromagnetic interference.
[0057] The core function of the network transformer in conjunction with the RC voltage release circuit (resistor-capacitor network) is to provide a safe and slow discharge path for continuous high voltage interference that the isolation transformer cannot completely eliminate: When the network cable generates continuous high voltage (relative to the equipment grounding terminal) due to accidental contact with power lines or strong magnetic field, the voltage release circuit transformer can withstand the low resistance path in the short-term high voltage and divert the dangerous voltage to the chassis protective ground.
[0058] Network interface card module 30 may also include capacitors C9, C10 and C11, with capacitor C9 serving as a filter capacitor, and capacitors C10 and C11 isolating the high voltage ground and digital ground.
[0059] Reference Figure 5The computer wake-up device 200 provided by this utility model is used to wake up a computer and is connected to the computer via an Ethernet interface. The computer wake-up device 200 includes the Ethernet interface converter 100 described in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.
[0060] It should be noted that the functions of each module in the computer wake-up device in this embodiment can be referred to the specific implementation of any of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. Each unit in the above device can be implemented entirely or partially by hardware and combinations thereof.
[0061] In the several embodiments provided by this utility model, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.
[0062] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.
[0063] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An Ethernet interface converter, characterized in that, include: An interface expansion module connects to a computer via an Ethernet interface; The microcontroller module is connected to the Ethernet interface through the first connection branch in the interface expansion module; The network interface card (NIC) module is connected to the Ethernet interface through the second connection branch in the interface expansion module, and the wake-up signal terminal of the NIC module is connected to the signal detection terminal of the microcontroller. When the identification signal is detected at the signal detection terminal, the microcontroller module provides a wake-up signal and a key value signal to the computer through the interface expansion module.
2. The Ethernet interface converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The network card module includes a remote communication terminal. When the remote communication terminal receives a magic packet wake-up signal via a network cable, the wake-up signal terminal provides the identification signal.
3. The Ethernet interface converter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The network card module also includes a pull-up circuit, which is connected to the signal detection terminal. When the remote communication terminal does not receive a magic packet wake-up signal through the network cable, the pull-up circuit is used to pull up the level provided by the wake-up signal terminal.
4. The Ethernet interface converter as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pull-up circuit includes a pull-up voltage source and a pull-up resistor, and the pull-up voltage source is connected to the signal detection terminal through the pull-up resistor.
5. The Ethernet interface converter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The identification signal provided by the wake-up signal terminal is a falling edge level signal.
6. The Ethernet interface converter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The network card module includes a network cable connector, which is connected to the remote communication terminal and receives a magic packet wake-up signal through the remote communication terminal.
7. The Ethernet interface converter as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The network interface card (NIC) module includes a network transformer and a NIC chip, and the network cable connector is connected to the interface expansion module through the network transformer and the NIC chip.
8. The Ethernet interface converter as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The network card module also includes a voltage release circuit, which is connected to the network transformer.
9. The Ethernet interface converter according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The Ethernet interface includes a USB interface, the interface expansion module includes a USB expansion chip, the microcontroller module is connected to the first connection end of the USB interface through a first connection branch in the USB expansion chip, and the network card module is connected to the second connection end of the USB interface through a second connection branch in the USB expansion chip.
10. A computer wake-up device, characterized in that, The computer wake-up device includes the Ethernet interface converter according to any one of claims 1-9.