Integrated Port Interface Device

The integrated port interface device addresses the high cost and inconvenience of conventional combo ports by using a 1P2T switch to dynamically route signals between optical and electrical transceivers based on connection state, facilitating efficient and cost-effective dual-mode signal transfer.

JP3251644UActive Publication Date: 2025-06-17EDIMAX TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025001171U
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-15
Publication Date
2025-06-17
Estimated Expiration
2035-04-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional combo ports in Ethernet switches require separate designs for optical and electrical signal communication interfaces, leading to inconvenience and high costs for system enterprises.

Method used

An integrated port interface device with a 1P2T switch between the Media Access Controller (MAC) and the physical interface layer, where the central processing unit in the switch chip switches the 1P2T switch based on the connection state of the external transmission line to route signals to either the electrical or optical transceiver.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient and cost-effective transfer of both optical and electrical signals through different transmission interfaces, reducing reliance on specific port interface components from Ethernet switch chip companies.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An integrated port interface device is provided that can solve the transmission problems of the input and output signals of two types of Internet, namely, optical and electrical, and enables the transfer of two types of signals, optical and electrical, through various transmission interfaces. 【Solution means】The integrated port interface device includes a 1P2T switch, a first transceiver, and a second transceiver. The first end of the 1P2T switch is coupled to the media access control unit of the switch chip. The first transceiver is coupled to the second end of the 1P2T switch. The second transceiver is coupled to the third end of the 1P2T switch. The central processing unit of the switch chip couples the media access control unit to the first transceiver or the second transceiver by switching the 1P2T switch based on the state of the first transceiver.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an Internet port interface device, and more particularly to an integrated Internet port interface device that simultaneously transmits optical signals and electrical signals.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, Ethernet switches provide various physical layer ports to accommodate different usage scenarios. For example, RJ45 ports are used for short-distance, indoor connections, and fiber optic ports are used for long-distance, indoor or outdoor connections, or in environments where high levels of interference occur in the power system. Combo ports can provide the functions of the above two types of ports simultaneously. One combo port corresponds to both one port interface on the device panel and one fiber optic port interface, but there is only one port inside the device. Therefore, it is possible to accommodate different types of port interfaces without increasing the number of port interfaces on the switch.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, conventionally, combo ports have had to rely on the processing of components with two types of port interfaces for optical signals and electrical signals from physical layer components by Ethernet switch chip companies for system companies. Such specifications are not only inconvenient but also very expensive. Therefore, there is a need for a combo port interface that does not require separate combined design for physical layer optical signal communication interfaces and electrical signal communication interfaces.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The integrated port interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a 1P2T switch with its first end coupled to the media access control unit of a switch chip, a first transceiver coupled to the second end of the 1P2T switch, and a second transceiver coupled to the third end of the 1P2T switch. The central processing unit of the switch chip switches the 1P2T switch based on the state of the first transceiver to couple the media access control unit to the first transceiver or the second transceiver.

[0005] In one embodiment, the switch chip is an Ethernet switch chip.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first transceiver is a transceiver with an RJ45 type connection port.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second transceiver is an optical signal transceiver.

[0008] In one embodiment, the state of the first transceiver indicates whether a transmission line is coupled to the first transceiver.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the transmission line is coupled to the first transceiver, the central processing unit switches the 1P2T switch to couple the media access control unit to the first transceiver.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the transmission line is not coupled to the first transceiver, the central processing unit switches the 1P2T switch to couple the media access control unit to the second transceiver.

[0011] In one embodiment, the transmission line is a twisted pair line.

[0012] In one embodiment, it further includes a transformer coupled to the first transceiver and a signal terminal coupled to the transformer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the signal terminal is an RJ45 type connection port.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] Therefore, according to the technical content of the present invention, in the integrated port interface device, a 1P2T switch is provided between the media access control unit and the physical interface layer, and the central processing unit in the switch chip performs switching based on the connection state of the external transmission line, and transfers the input / output signal sent from the switch chip to the corresponding transmission interface of the physical layer for transmission. Thus, when the central processing unit detects that a transmission line is connected to the transmission interface of the electrical signal, it switches the 1P2T switch to connect to the transmission interface of the electrical signal. When the central processing unit detects that no transmission line is connected to the transmission interface of the electrical signal, it switches the 1P2T switch to connect to the transmission interface of the optical signal. Therefore, the integrated port interface device according to the present invention can solve the transmission problems of the input / output signals of two types of Internet, namely optical and electrical, and thus it is possible to transfer two types of signals, optical and electrical, through different transmission interfaces.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and form a part of this specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present invention and used together with the specification to explain the technical means of the embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1

Figure 2

[0016] The spirit of the present invention will be clearly described below with reference to the drawings and detailed description. However, those skilled in the art can make changes and decorations to the technology taught by the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention after understanding the embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] The terms in this text are for describing specific embodiments, but not for limiting the present invention. The singular forms "a", "this", "that", "the", and "said" as used in this text also include the plural forms.

[0018] Any of the "coupling" or "connection" used in this text may refer to two or more components or devices being in direct physical contact with each other, or indirectly in physical contact with each other, or may refer to two or more components or devices operating or functioning with each other.

[0019] Any of the "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", etc. used in this text are open terms, that is, they are intended to include but not be limited to it.

[0020] The "and / or" used in this text includes any or all combinations of the above-mentioned things.

[0021] Regarding the terms used in this text, unless otherwise specified, generally, they have the ordinary meanings in this field of each term in the context of the content and special content of the present invention. For a certain term used to describe the present invention, it will be considered below or elsewhere in this specification to further guide those skilled in the art regarding the description of the present invention.

[0022] Conventionally, the combo port of Ethernet has to rely on the component processed by the enterprise of Ethernet switch chips to provide two types of port interfaces, optical signals and electrical signals, from the physical layer components for system enterprises. For system enterprises, it was not only inconvenient but also very expensive, so they were greatly affected by the enterprise of switch chips. Therefore, the present invention provides an integrated port interface device in which a 1P2T switch is provided between the Media Access Controller (MAC) and the physical interface layer, and the central processing unit in the switch chip performs switching based on the connection state of the external transmission line, and transfers the input / output signals sent from the switch chip to the corresponding transmission interface of the physical layer for transfer. This eliminates the need to rely on the components of specific port interfaces provided by the enterprise of Ethernet switch chips, thus reducing the construction cost.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an integrated port interface device based on a specific embodiment of the present invention. The integrated port interface device 100 includes a 1P2T switch 120, a first transceiver 130 in the physical layer, a transformer 140, a signal terminal 150, and a second transceiver 160 in the physical layer. The 1P2T switch 120 is an analog switch, and the first end 121 of the 1P2T switch 120 is coupled to the media access control unit 111 of the Ethernet switch chip 110. The first transceiver 130 is coupled to the second end 122 of the 1P2T switch 120, the transformer 140 is coupled to the first transceiver 130, and the signal terminal 150 is coupled to the transformer 140. The second transceiver 160 is coupled to the third end 123 of the 1P2T switch 120.

[0024] In one embodiment, the central processing unit 112 of the switch chip 110 switches the 1P2T switch 120 based on the state of the first transceiver 130, and switches the media access control unit 111 of the switch chip 110, so as to couple it to the first transceiver 130 of the physical layer or the second transceiver 160 of the physical layer. In one embodiment, the first transceiver 130 is a transceiver with an RJ45 type connection port for twisted pair lines, and the signal terminal 150 is an RJ45 type connection port. The first transceiver 130 is used to convert the input / output signal sent from the media access control unit 111 into an electrical signal suitable for transmission on the twisted pair line, and transfer it to the signal terminal 150. The second transceiver 160 is an optical signal transceiver, and the second transceiver 160 is used to convert the input / output signal sent from the media access control unit 111 into an optoelectrical signal suitable for transmission on the optical fiber. Therefore, when a transmission line such as a twisted pair line is externally connected to the first transceiver 130, for example, the central processing unit 112 switches the 1P2T switch 120 to couple the media access control unit 111 to the first transceiver 130, and transfers signals through the twisted pair line. When the transmission line is not externally connected to the first transceiver 130, the central processing unit 112 switches the 1P2T switch 120 to switch the media access control unit 111 and couple it to the second transceiver 160, and transfers signals through the optical fiber. The transformer 140 is provided between the signal terminal 150 and the first transceiver 130, and mainly plays roles such as combined transmission of Ethernet packet signals, impedance matching, waveform restoration, suppression of signal noise, and high voltage insulation.

[0025] In one embodiment, an Ethernet switch chip 110 provides an Internet input / output signal to a 1P2T switch 120 via a media access control unit 111. A central processing unit 112 actively accesses a first transceiver 130 to check whether a transmission line such as a twisted pair is coupled to the first transceiver 130. When the central processing unit 112 confirms that a transmission line such as a twisted pair is externally connected to the first transceiver 130, it switches the 1P2T switch 120 to transfer the Internet input / output signal to the first transceiver 130. After separation via a transformer 140, it provides the required electrical signal to a signal terminal 150, and transfers the input / output signal via a twisted pair to communicate with the outside. On the other hand, when the central processing unit 112 confirms that the first transceiver 130 is not coupled to a transmission line, it transfers the Internet input / output signal to a second transceiver 160, outputs an optical signal, and transfers the input / output signal via an optical fiber to communicate with the outside. Based on this, when neither the first transceiver 130 nor the second transceiver 160 is coupled to an external transmission line, the 1P2T switch 120 is switched to be coupled to the second transceiver 160. When both the first transceiver 130 and the second transceiver 160 are coupled to an external transmission line, the 1P2T switch 120 is switched to be coupled to the first transceiver 130. Based on this, the central processing unit 112 immediately detects a change in the transfer method of the input / output signal by sensing the coupling state of the first transceiver 130, and switches the 1P2T switch 120 based on the change in the transfer method to immediately arrange the corresponding transceiver to transfer the signal.

[0026] In one embodiment, the Ethernet switch chip 110 itself includes a plurality of media access control units 111 that can be coupled to the 1P2T switch 120 of the present invention. In other words, the present invention is not limited to being coupled to only one media access control unit 111.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for automatically switching an integrated port interface device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 simultaneously. The switching method 200 of the integrated port interface device first determines in step 210 whether a transmission line is coupled to the first transceiver 130. In one embodiment, the central processing unit 112 actively accesses the first transceiver 130 to confirm whether a transmission line such as a twisted pair is coupled to the first transceiver 130.

[0028] When the central processing unit 112 confirms that a transmission line is externally connected to the first transceiver 130, it switches the 1P2T switch 120 in step 212 to switch the media access control unit 111 and couple it to the first transceiver 130. In one embodiment, the central processing unit 112 transfers the Internet input / output signal to the first transceiver 130 by switching the 1P2T switch 120, separates it through the transformer 140, provides the required electrical signal to the signal terminal 150, and transfers the input / output signal through the twisted pair to communicate with the outside.

[0029] When the central processing unit 112 confirms that a transmission line is not coupled to the first transceiver 130, it switches the 1P2T switch 120 in step 213 to switch the media access control unit 111 and couple it to the second transceiver 160. In one embodiment, the central processing unit 112 transfers the Internet input / output signal to the second transceiver 160 by switching the 1P2T switch 120, outputs an optical signal, and transfers the input / output signal through the optical fiber to communicate with the outside.

[0030] As described above, in the integrated port interface device according to the present invention, a 1P2T switch is provided between a Media Access Controller (MAC) and a physical interface layer. The central processing unit in the switch chip performs switching based on the connection state of the external connection transmission line, and transfers the input / output signal sent from the switch chip to the corresponding transmission interface of the physical layer to perform the transfer. Thus, when the central processing unit detects that a transmission line is connected to the transmission interface of the electrical signal, it indicates that the externally connected transmission line is used to transmit the electrical signal, and the central processing unit switches the 1P2T switch to be connected to the transmission interface of the electrical signal. When the central processing unit detects that no transmission line is connected to the transmission interface of the electrical signal, it indicates that the externally connected transmission line is connected to the transmission interface of the electrical signal, and the central processing unit is connected to the transmission interface of the optical signal by switching the 1P2T switch. Therefore, the integrated port interface device according to the present invention can solve the transmission problems of the input / output signals of two types of the Internet, optical and electrical, and thus it is possible to transfer two types of signals, optical and electrical, through different transmission interfaces.

[0031] Each of the embodiments disclosed above is not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various changes and decorations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on what is defined by the scope of claims of the attached utility model registration.

Explanation of Signs

[0032] 100 Integrated port interface device 110 Switch chip 111 Media access control unit 112 Central processing unit 120 1P2T switch 121 First end 122 Second end 123 Third terminal 130 First transceiver 140 Transformer 150 Signal terminal 160 Second transceiver 200 Switching method 210, 212, 213 Steps

Claims

1. a 1P2T switch having a first end coupled to a media access control unit of the switch chip; a first transceiver coupled to a second end of the 1P2T switch; a second transceiver coupled to a third end of the 1P2T switch; Equipped with a central processing unit of the switch chip for coupling the medium access control unit to the first transceiver or the second transceiver by switching the 1P2T switch based on the state of the first transceiver; 1. An integrated port interface device comprising:

2. The switch chip is an Ethernet switch chip.

2. The integrated port interface device of claim 1.

3. the first transceiver is a transceiver having an RJ45 type connection port; 2. The integrated port interface device of claim 1.

4. the second transceiver is an optical signal transceiver; 2. The integrated port interface device of claim 1.

5. the state of the first transceiver indicates whether a transmission line is coupled to the first transceiver; 2. The integrated port interface device of claim 1.

6. When the transmission line is coupled to the first transceiver, the central processing unit switches the 1P2T switch to couple the medium access control unit to the first transceiver.

6. The integrated port interface device of claim 5.

7. When the transmission line is not coupled to the first transceiver, the central processing unit switches the 1P2T switch to couple the medium access control unit to the second transceiver.

6. The integrated port interface device of claim 5.

8. The transmission line is a twisted pair.

6. The integrated port interface device of claim 5.

9. a transformer coupled to the first transceiver; a signal terminal coupled to the transformer; Further comprising:

2. The integrated port interface device of claim 1.

10. The signal terminal is an RJ45 type connection port.

10. The unified port interface device of claim 9.

Citation Information

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