Configurable Connector Pin Reconfiguration Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors in computing and mobile devices are inflexible and inefficient, often requiring multiple physical ports to support various communication interfaces, leading to high pin counts, low utilization, and incompatibility with evolving standards, which complicates communication between devices and necessitates physical adapters.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic connector system where host and accessory devices can configure pins to support multiple functions and interfaces, using a combination of fixed-function and multi-function pins, allowing for automatic reconfiguration based on detected accessories and optimized data transfer methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical ports are used to support various communication interfaces, then compatibility with different accessories is improved, but device real estate is consumed and connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector where each pin can be dynamically configured to support multiple communication interfaces (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, etc.). The connector uses a configuration protocol to negotiate and activate only the required functions, allowing a single physical connector to replace multiple dedicated ports, thereby reducing device real estate consumption while maintaining compatibility with various accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs dynamic pin configuration where pins can change their functional state based on the connected accessory. The system uses a configuration protocol to negotiate the appropriate interface mode, enabling the same physical pins to adapt their electrical characteristics and signaling behavior dynamically, thus providing interface versatility without requiring multiple static ports.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed with extra pins to allow for future support of new interfaces, then adaptability to future interfaces is improved, but connector size increases and pin utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding extra pins for future interfaces, the patent makes existing pins universal by implementing a configuration protocol that allows pins to be assigned different functions based on the connected device. This approach provides future-proofing through software configurability rather than hardware expansion, maintaining pin count efficiency while enabling support for new interfaces through dynamic reassignment of existing pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses parameter changes in the configuration protocol to enable future interface support without physical modifications. By changing the electrical and signaling parameters dynamically through software control, the same physical pins can support emerging interfaces, avoiding the need to increase pin count while maintaining adaptability to future standards.
3Reliability
If each pin supports only one function, then interface reliability is improved, but pin utilization decreases and connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pin assignment where each pin's function is determined at runtime based on the connected accessory and negotiated configuration. This dynamic approach maintains reliability by ensuring that each pin is properly configured for its current function while maximizing pin utilization, as the same pins can serve different functions in different contexts rather than being dedicated to a single underutilized function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of each pin dynamically based on the required interface. Through the configuration protocol, pins can switch between different electrical modes (e.g., USB 2.0 differential mode, USB 3.0 super speed mode, DisplayPort signaling mode), ensuring reliable operation for each specific function while maximizing the utility of each physical pin across different interface standards.
4Adaptability or versatility
If physical adapters are used to connect older devices to newer interfaces, then compatibility is improved, but connection complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a software-based intermediary layer (configuration protocol) that mediates between the physical connector and the communication interface. This intermediary negotiates the appropriate interface mode and configures the pins accordingly, eliminating the need for physical adapters. The protocol acts as a virtual mediator that enables compatibility between older and newer devices through software rather than requiring additional physical hardware components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A host device comprises a controller and connector. The host connector comprises fixed-function and multi-function pins. A first group of host connector pins comprises one or more of the fixed-function pins and a second group of pins comprises the remainder of fixed-function pins and multi-function pins. The host connector can be releasably attached to a connector of an accessory device. The first group of host connector pins can be used to discover the functions of the accessory connector. The host device can select functions to be enabled at the host and accessory connectors from among functions mutually supported by the two connectors. The host can enable the selected functions at the host connector and can instruct the accessory to enable the selected functions at the accessory connector. The host can reconfigure host connector functions in response to a different accessory being attached to the host.