A USB connector circuit and USB connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of USB connector circuit and USB connector.The USB connector circuit includes: first interface, for connecting sending device;Wherein, the sending device sends at least two different types of signals to the first interface;Second interface, for connecting first receiving device;Signal processing module is connected with the first interface and second interface respectively, for converting the format of the signal received by the first interface into the format that the first receiving device can identify, and the signal after processing is transmitted to the second interface;Control module is connected with the control end of the first interface, the second interface and the signal processing module respectively, for according to the signal type sent by the sending device and the signal type received by the first receiving device Control the working mode of the signal processing module.The utility model embodiment not only can improve the integration of USB connector, but also can reduce the volume of USB connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of USB technology, and in particular to a USB connector circuit and a USB connector. Background Technology

[0002] Today, the Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) interface has become a standard feature in smart devices such as smartphones and laptops. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector can extend the existing USB-C interface of a smart device, processing and transmitting signals from the smart device to an external receiving device.

[0003] In the prior art, USB connectors contain multiple interfaces, each of which processes a type of signal to enable the simultaneous operation of multiple functions, including charging and data output.

[0004] However, in this multi-interface design, each functional interface requires an independent physical channel and pins, resulting in low functional integration and a large size for the USB connector. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a USB connector circuit and a USB connector to solve the problems of low functional integration and large size of USB connectors.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a USB connector circuit is provided, comprising:

[0007] A first interface is used to connect to a transmitting device; wherein the transmitting device sends at least two different types of signals to the first interface;

[0008] The second interface is used to connect to the first receiving device; the first receiving device is used to receive signals sent by the second interface.

[0009] The signal processing module is connected to the first interface and the second interface respectively, and is used to convert the format of the signal received by the first interface into a format that the first receiving device can recognize, and transmit the processed signal to the second interface.

[0010] The control module is connected to the control terminal of the first interface, the second interface, and the signal processing module, respectively, and is used to control the working mode of the signal processing module according to the signal type sent by the transmitting device and the signal type received by the first receiving device.

[0011] Optionally, the at least two different types of signals include audio and video signals;

[0012] The signal processing module includes a video processing unit connected between the first interface and the second interface. The control terminal of the video processing unit is connected to the control module. Under the control of the control module, the video processing unit converts the format of the audio and video signals received by the first interface into a format that the first receiving device can recognize, and transmits it to the second interface.

[0013] Optionally, the at least two different types of signals include universal serial bus signals;

[0014] The signal processing module includes a hub unit connected between the first interface and the second interface. The control terminal of the hub unit is connected to the control module. Under the control of the control module, the hub unit converts the format of the universal serial bus signal received by the first interface into a format that the first receiving device can recognize, and transmits it to the second interface.

[0015] Optionally, the USB connector circuit further includes: a third interface, which is connected to the hub unit and the second receiving device respectively; the second receiving device is used to receive signals sent by the third interface;

[0016] The hub unit is also used, under the control of the control module, to convert the format of the universal serial bus signal received by the first interface into a format that the second receiving device can recognize, and transmit it to the third interface.

[0017] Optionally, the third interface may include a USB interface group.

[0018] Optionally, the first interface includes a USB-C interface, and the second interface includes a USB-C interface.

[0019] Optionally, the control module is further configured to send a first control signal according to the connection status of the first interface and send a second control signal according to the connection status of the second interface. The USB connector circuit further includes: a first switching unit and a second switching unit.

[0020] The control terminal of the first switch unit is connected to the control module, the first terminal of the first switch unit is connected to the first interface, and the second terminal of the first switch unit is connected to the first terminal of the second switch unit; used to turn on according to the first control signal.

[0021] The control terminal of the second switch unit is connected to the control module, and the second terminal of the second switch unit is connected to the second interface for conduction according to the second control signal.

[0022] Optionally, it may also include: a power module;

[0023] The power module is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit, the first terminal of the second switching unit, the control module, the signal processing module, and the third interface, respectively, and is used to power on the control module, the signal processing module, and the third interface when the first switching unit and / or the second switching unit is turned on.

[0024] Optionally, the first interface and the power module are connected via a configuration channel, and the second interface and the power module are connected via the configuration channel.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a USB connector is provided, including the USB connector circuit described in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment includes a first interface capable of receiving at least two different types of signals. Under the control of the control module, the signal processing module processes the signals received by the first interface, converting them into signals that the first receiving device can process. The second interface then transmits the processed signals to the first receiving device. In other words, different types of signals sent by the transmitting device can be received through the first interface, processed by the signal processing module, and then sent to different types of first receiving devices through the second interface. By integrating different types of signals into the first interface for reception and then integrating the processed signals into the second interface for transmission, this utility model embodiment significantly improves the integration level of the USB connector circuit. Furthermore, by reducing the number of interfaces, this utility model embodiment also reduces the size of the USB connector. In summary, this utility model embodiment not only improves the integration level of the USB connector but also reduces its size.

[0027] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a USB connector circuit provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another USB connector circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another USB connector circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another USB connector circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention 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 invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a USB connector circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, which can be applied to USB connectors. Figure 1As shown, the USB connector circuit includes: a first interface 110 for connecting a transmitting device 111; wherein the transmitting device 111 sends at least two different types of signals to the first interface 110; a second interface 120 for connecting a first receiving device 121; the first receiving device 121 for receiving signals sent by the second interface 120; a signal processing module 130 connected to the first interface 110 and the second interface 120 respectively, for converting the format of the signal received by the first interface 110 into a format that the first receiving device 121 can recognize, and transmitting the processed signal to the second interface 120; and a control module 140 connected to the control terminals of the first interface 110, the second interface 120 and the signal processing module 130 respectively, for controlling the operation mode of the signal processing module 130 according to the signal type sent by the transmitting device 111 and the signal type received by the first receiving device 121.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, the transmitting device 111 refers to a device capable of sending signals to a USB connector. For example, the transmitting device 111 can be a smart device such as a mobile phone or laptop. The signal types sent by the transmitting device 111 can include audio / video (DisplayPort, DP) signals, image signals, and communication signals. The first interface 110 refers to a physical interface. The transmitting device 111 can be plugged into or electrically connected to the first interface 110. The second interface 120 refers to a physical interface used in conjunction with the first interface 110. The first receiving device 121 can be plugged into or electrically connected to the second interface 120. The first receiving device 121 is used to receive signals transmitted from the second interface 120. For example, the first receiving device 121 can include a USB-C adapter, headphones, a USB flash drive, and a monitor. The signal processing module 130 identifies and processes the signals received by the first interface 110 and converts these signals into a signal format that the receiving device connected to the second interface 120 can recognize. For example, the signal processing module 130 can decompress, decode protocols, perform digital-to-analog conversion, and compress signals sent by smart devices. The control module 140 is able to identify the signal type of the first interface 110 and send control commands. For example, the control module 140 may be a USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) protocol unit.

[0037] Specifically, the first interface 110 can receive more than one type of signal sent by the transmitting device 111. The transmitting device 111 can simultaneously send at least two types of signals within the same time period, or it can send only one type of signal within a time period and then send another type of signal in the next time period. The control module 140 can identify the type of signal transmitted from the first interface 110 and the type of signal that the first receiving device 121 connected to the second interface 120 can identify, and sends corresponding control commands to the signal processing module 130. The signal processing module 130, under the control of the control module 140, processes the signal received by the first interface 110, converting the format of the signal sent by the transmitting device 111 into a signal that the first receiving device 121 can recognize and process. The second interface 120 is responsible for transmitting the processed signal to the first receiving device 121.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, the first interface 110 can receive at least two different types of signals. Under the control of the control module 140, the signal processing module 130 processes the signals received by the first interface 110, converting them into signals that the first receiving device 121 can process. The second interface 120 then transmits the processed signals to the first receiving device 121. In other words, different types of signals emitted by the transmitting device 111 can be received through the first interface 110, processed by the signal processing module 130, and then transmitted to the first receiving device 121 through the second interface 120. This embodiment of the invention significantly improves the integration of the USB connector circuit by integrating the processed different types of signals into the second interface 120 for transmission. Furthermore, by reducing the number of interfaces, this embodiment of the invention also reduces the size of the USB connector. In summary, this embodiment of the invention not only improves the integration of the USB connector but also reduces its size.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another USB connector circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, as follows... Figure 2 As shown, at least two different types of signals include audio and video signals. The signal processing module 130 includes a video processing unit 131, which is connected between the first interface 110 and the second interface 120. The control terminal of the video processing unit 131 is connected to the control module 140. Under the control of the control module 140, the video processing unit 131 converts the format of the audio and video signals received by the first interface 110 into a format that the first receiving device 121 can recognize, and transmits it to the second interface 120.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, audio and video signals refer to digital signals, including video and audio, sent by smart devices such as mobile phones or laptops. The video processing unit 131 is a component in the signal processing module 130 specifically designed for real-time conversion of audio and video signals. For example, the video processing unit 131 converts the audio and video signals sent by the mobile phone into signals that can be recognized by the speakers and the display, respectively.

[0041] Specifically, the first interface 110 can receive audio and video signals sent by the transmitting device 111. The video processing unit 131 processes the audio and video signals and converts them into signals that the first receiving device 121 can recognize. The second interface 120 transmits the processed audio and video signals to the first receiving device 121.

[0042] Based on the technology of the above embodiments, reference will continue to be made to... Figure 2 Optionally, at least two different types of signals include Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals; the signal processing module 130 includes a hub unit 132 connected between the first interface 110 and the second interface 120, and the control terminal of the hub unit 132 is connected to the control module 140; it is used to convert the format of the USB signal received by the first interface 110 into a format that the first receiving device 121 can recognize under the control of the control module 140, and transmit it to the second interface 120.

[0043] In this embodiment of the invention, Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals refer to digital electrical signals transmitted via a Universal Serial Bus. For example, USB signals may include signals for data communication (such as file transfer), power transmission (such as charging), and device control (such as peripheral drivers). The hub unit 132, under the control of the control module 140, can process the USB signals received by the first interface 110. The first receiving device 121 can identify and process the USB signals processed by the hub unit 132.

[0044] Specifically, the first interface 110 can receive USB signals sent by the transmitting device 111. The hub unit 132 processes the USB signals and converts them into signals that the first receiving device 121 can recognize. The second interface 120 transmits the processed USB signals to the first receiving device 121.

[0045] In the technical solution of this utility model embodiment, the signals received by the first interface 110 may include one or more of audio / video signals and Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals. The video processing unit 131 is used to process the audio / video signals, and the hub unit 132 is used to process the USB signals. The second interface 120 can transmit the processed audio / video signals and USB signals to the first receiving device 121. This utility model embodiment improves the integration of the USB connector and reduces its size by integrating the processed audio / video signals and USB signals into the second interface 120 for transmission to the first receiving device 121.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another USB connector circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, as follows... Figure 3 As shown, the USB connector circuit also includes: a third interface 150, which is connected to the hub unit 132 and the second receiving device respectively; the second receiving device (not shown) is used to receive signals sent by the third interface 150; the hub unit 132 is also used, under the control of the control module 140, to convert the format of the universal serial bus signal received by the first interface 110 into a format that the second receiving device can recognize, and transmit it to the third interface 150.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the third interface 150 refers to another physical interface used in conjunction with the first interface 110. The second receiving device refers to an external device capable of receiving signals transmitted through the third interface 150. Specifically, the hub unit 132 can also convert the signals received by the first interface 110 into a signal format that the third interface 150 can recognize and process. Since the second receiving device and the first receiving device 121 can recognize and process different signal types, the third interface 150 and the second interface 120 can also transmit different signal types. That is, the third interface 150 is equivalent to an extension interface, capable of transmitting the processed signals sent by the transmitting device 111 to the second receiving device.

[0048] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, the third interface 150 may include a USB interface group.

[0049] Specifically, a USB interface group refers to a collection of multiple USB interfaces of different types or functions integrated on a single device, used to connect multiple peripherals simultaneously or to achieve signal transmission for different purposes. For example, a USB interface group can refer to a USB Type-A (USB-A) interface. A USB Type-A interface can connect to devices such as docking stations and desktop front panels. Setting the third interface 150 as a USB interface group expands the functionality of the USB connector, enabling the USB connector to support connection to external devices with corresponding interface types.

[0050] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the first interface 110 includes a USB-C interface, and the second interface 120 includes a USB-C interface.

[0051] Specifically, the USB-C interface refers to a 24-pin bidirectional symmetrical physical interface standard, which features reversible plugging, high bandwidth, and supports simultaneous charging, data, and video transmission.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another USB connector circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, as follows... Figure 4 As shown, the control module 140 is further configured to send a first control signal based on the connection status of the first interface 110 and a second control signal based on the connection status of the second interface 120. The USB connector circuit also includes a first switch unit 161 and a second switch unit 162. The control terminal of the first switch unit 161 is connected to the control module 140, the first end of the first switch unit 161 is connected to the first interface 110, and the second end of the first switch unit 161 is connected to the first end of the second switch unit 162; it is used to turn on according to the first control signal. The control terminal of the second switch unit 162 is connected to the control module 140, and the second end of the second switch unit 162 is connected to the second interface 120; it is used to turn on according to the second control signal.

[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, the first switching unit 161 can be a MOS switch. The second switching unit 162 can also be a MOS switch. The first control signal refers to the signal sent by the control module 140 when the transmitting device 111 is first connected to the first interface 110 and the second interface 120 is not connected to the first receiving device 121. For example, the first control signal is a high-level signal. The first control signal is used to control the first switching unit 161 to turn on. The second control signal refers to the signal sent by the control module 140 when the receiving device is first connected to the second interface 120 and the first interface 110 is not connected to the transmitting device 111, or when the first interface 110 is connected to the transmitting device 111 and the second interface 120 is also connected to the first receiving device 121. For example, the second control signal is a high-level signal. The second control signal is used to control the second switching unit 162 to turn on.

[0054] Based on the above embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4Optionally, it also includes a power module 170, which is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit 161, the first terminal of the second switching unit 162, the control module 140, the signal processing module 130 and the third interface 150 respectively, and is used to power on the control module 140, the signal processing module 130 and the third interface 150 when the first switching unit 161 and / or the second switching unit 162 is turned on.

[0055] In this embodiment of the invention, the power module 170 refers to the hardware unit in the USB interface circuit responsible for centralized management of power distribution and conversion. The power module 170 can convert the input power (such as a battery / adapter) into multiple stable voltages to power other modules, including the control module 140, the signal processing module 130, and the third interface 150.

[0056] Specifically, in Figure 4In the diagram, red lines represent power lines, blue lines represent control signal lines, and green lines represent protocol or level signal lines. The connection methods for the transmitting device 111, the first receiving device 121, and the USB connector include the following two methods: Method 1: The transmitting device 111 is first connected to the first interface 110, and the first receiving device 121 is then connected to the second interface 120. In this method, the transmitting device 111 can communicate with the control module 140 after connecting to the first interface 110. After the control module 140 detects that the transmitting device 111 is connected to the first interface 110, it sends a first control signal to the control terminal of the first switching unit 161, causing the first switching unit 161 to conduct. After the first switching unit is conducted, the transmitting device 111 connected to the first interface 110 supplies power to the power module 170. Then, the first receiving device 121 is connected to the second interface 120. The first receiving device 121 can communicate with the control module 140. After detecting that the first receiving device 121 is connected to the second interface 120, the control module 140 sends a second control signal to the control terminal of the second switching unit 162, causing the second switching unit 162 to conduct. Then, the control module 140 controls the switching of the power supply to the power module 170. Specifically, the power supply to the power module 170 is switched from the transmitting device 111 connected to the first interface 110 to the first receiving device 121 connected to the second interface 120. At this time, the first receiving device 121 can also supply power to the transmitting device 111 through the second interface 120, the second switching unit 162, the first switching unit 161, and the first interface 110. Alternatively, the first receiving device 121 can be connected to the second interface 120 first, and the transmitting device 111 can be connected to the first interface 110 afterwards. In this power supply method, after the first receiving device 121 is connected to the second interface 120, it communicates with the control module 140. After the control module 140 detects that the first receiving device 121 is connected to the second interface 120, it sends a second control signal to the control terminal of the second switching unit 162, causing the second switching unit 162 to conduct. The power supply in the first receiving device 121 supplies power to the power module 170. Then, the transmitting device 111 connects to the first interface 110 and communicates with the control module 140. After the control module 140 detects that the transmitting device 111 is connected to the first interface 110, it sends a first control signal to the control terminal of the first switching unit 161, causing the first switching unit 161 to conduct. The first receiving device 121 supplies power to the transmitting device 111 through the second interface 120, the second switching unit 162, the first switching unit 161, and the first interface 110.

[0057] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the first interface 110 and the power module 170 are connected through a configuration channel, and the second interface 120 and the power module 170 are connected through a configuration channel.

[0058] Specifically, the Configuration Channel (CC) refers to the channel in the USB connector used to detect the connection direction, negotiate the power supply protocol, and determine the interface role. The power module 170 communicates with the first interface 110 and the second interface 120 through the CC channel, enabling it to negotiate voltage, current, and power transmission direction.

[0059] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment identifies the order in which the transmitting device 111 connected to the first interface 110 and the first receiving device 121 connected to the second interface 120 are connected by the control module 140, and issues corresponding first and second control signals. The first control signal controls the first switching unit 161 to conduct; the second control signal controls the second switching unit 162 to conduct. When the first switching unit 161 is conducted, the transmitting device 111 supplies power to the power module 170. When the second switching unit 162 is conducted, the first receiving device 121 can supply power not only to the power module 170 but also to the transmitting device 111, such as a mobile phone or other smart device. In this utility model embodiment, the USB connector can allocate power to the power module 170 according to the connection order, eliminating the need for manual switching of power supply modes by the user, simplifying user operation and improving user experience.

[0060] This utility model embodiment also provides a USB connector, including the USB connector circuit provided in any embodiment of this utility model, and having the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the USB connector circuit.

[0061] It should be understood that the various forms of the process shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this utility model can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this utility model can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0062] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A USB connector circuit, characterized by, include: A first interface is used to connect to a transmitting device; wherein the transmitting device sends at least two different types of signals to the first interface; the first interface is a physical interface; The second interface is used to connect to the first receiving device; the first receiving device is used to receive signals sent by the second interface; the second interface is a physical interface used in conjunction with the first interface; the first interface includes a USB-C interface, and the second interface includes a USB-C interface. The signal processing module is connected to the first interface and the second interface respectively, and is used to convert the format of the signal received by the first interface into a format that the first receiving device can recognize, and transmit the processed signal to the second interface. The control module is connected to the control terminal of the first interface, the second interface, and the signal processing module, respectively, and is used to control the working mode of the signal processing module according to the signal type sent by the transmitting device and the signal type received by the first receiving device.

2. The USB connector circuit of claim 1, wherein, The at least two different types of signals include audio and video signals; The signal processing module includes a video processing unit connected between the first interface and the second interface. The control terminal of the video processing unit is connected to the control module. Under the control of the control module, the video processing unit converts the format of the audio and video signals received by the first interface into a format that the first receiving device can recognize, and transmits it to the second interface.

3. The USB connector circuit of claim 1, wherein, The at least two different types of signals include universal serial bus signals; The signal processing module includes a hub unit connected between the first interface and the second interface, and the control terminal of the hub unit is connected to the control module. Under the control of the control module, the signal received by the first interface is converted into a format that the first receiving device can recognize and then transmitted to the second interface.

4. The USB connector circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The USB connector circuit further includes: a third interface, which is connected to the hub unit and the second receiving device respectively; the second receiving device is used to receive signals sent by the third interface. The hub unit is also used, under the control of the control module, to convert the format of the universal serial bus signal received by the first interface into a format that the second receiving device can recognize, and transmit it to the third interface.

5. The USB connector circuit of claim 4, wherein, The third interface includes a USB interface group.

6. The USB connector circuit of claim 4, wherein, The control module is also used to send a first control signal according to the connection status of the first interface and send a second control signal according to the connection status of the second interface. The USB connector circuit further includes: a first switch unit and a second switch unit. The control terminal of the first switch unit is connected to the control module, the first terminal of the first switch unit is connected to the first interface, and the second terminal of the first switch unit is connected to the first terminal of the second switch unit; used to turn on according to the first control signal. The control terminal of the second switch unit is connected to the control module, and the second terminal of the second switch unit is connected to the second interface for conduction according to the second control signal.

7. The USB connector circuit of claim 6, wherein, Also includes: Power module; The power module is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit, the first terminal of the second switching unit, the control module, the signal processing module, and the third interface, respectively, and is used to power on the control module, the signal processing module, and the third interface when the first switching unit and / or the second switching unit is turned on.

8. The USB connector circuit of claim 7, wherein, The first interface and the power module are connected through a configuration channel, and the second interface and the power module are connected through the configuration channel.

9. A USB connector, characterized in that, Includes the USB connector circuit as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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