Contactless EHF Interface for Protocol Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems require redundant hardware and software components for each interface protocol, leading to increased costs and real estate requirements, as they are not protocol-transparent and cannot efficiently manage data lanes across different devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a contactless communications interface using EHF communication units that enable protocol-transparent, low-latency communication links, allowing for software-defined connectivity and virtualization of data lanes, which can support multiple interface protocols without the need for redundant hardware and software components, and dynamically manage lane usage based on quality of service criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional communication systems use separate hardware and software components for each interface protocol, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidhardware and software components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal contactless communication interface that can handle multiple interface protocols (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, SATA, SAS, PCIe, Ethernet, SATA Express) through a single hardware architecture. The EHF communication units and contactless interface lanes are designed to be protocol-agnostic, allowing one set of components to perform multiple protocol functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad protocol compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a protocol translation layer that acts as an intermediary between the higher-level protocol stack and the physical contactless communication interface. This translation layer converts various interface protocols into a unified contactless protocol format, enabling multiple protocols to share the same physical infrastructure without requiring separate hardware components for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If redundant hardware and software components are added to support multiple protocols, then protocol versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol supportVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contactless communication interface uses a universal EHF communication unit design that can support multiple protocols through software configuration rather than hardware variation. This single-purpose hardware platform with protocol-agnostic physical layer reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to support diverse protocols through firmware or software updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware components are used for each protocol, then protocol-specific requirements are met, but device real estate requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface protocol supportVSAvoiddevice real estate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple protocol-specific communication paths into a single contactless communication interface. The EHF communication units and contactless interface lanes are shared resources that can be dynamically allocated to different protocols, eliminating the need for separate physical connectors and communication channels for each protocol, thereby significantly reducing device real estate requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conventional wired or wireless connections are used, then established protocols are supported, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional wired mechanical connectors and traditional wireless RF communication with contactless EHF communication. This substitution eliminates mechanical connection delays and reduces wireless propagation latency by using higher frequency EHF bands that enable lower-latency communication, while maintaining protocol compatibility through the translation layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11418630B2Contactless communication interface systems and methods

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 MOLEX INC

AI summary

Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for managing and establishing contactless communications lanes between two contactlessly coupled systems. A contactless communication lane can be formed for each coupled pair of contactless communication units existing in the two systems. A contactless communications interface can enable software-defined connectivity that manages use of the contactless communication data lanes to enable data communications according to a selected one of a plurality of communications interfaces. The contactless communications interface may serve as a protocol translator and virtualization layer for enabling higher level software such as an operating system of a first system to communicate with a second system without requiring interface protocol specific hardware and software. This advantageously simplifies hardware and software components needed to simultaneously service a multitude of interface protocols.