DisplayPort AUX Channel Embedding Upstream Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DisplayPort technology underutilizes the AUX channel and HPD channel for high-speed bidirectional data transmission, requiring additional cabling and increasing costs, especially in devices like laptops with hinged screens, and fails to efficiently handle non-video data communication.
Innovation Solution
The enhanced DisplayPort architecture repurposes existing lanes for bi-directional high-speed data transfer by combining link maintenance data with content data and transmitting it on a unified cable, using a virtualized AUX channel and HPD connection, allowing for flexible lane configuration and embedded AUX data in video packets, enabling efficient communication without additional wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If additional cabling and connectors are used for high-speed upstream data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing DisplayPort AUX channel and HPD wire perform multiple functions: they carry both traditional auxiliary data and high-speed upstream data traffic by embedding upstream data packets within auxiliary data transmissions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated upstream data cables, allowing the same physical infrastructure to handle both video output and high-speed bidirectional data communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines upstream data transmission with the existing AUX channel and HPD infrastructure. By embedding upstream data within auxiliary data packets and using the same physical wires, the system merges multiple data streams into a unified transmission channel, avoiding additional cabling while achieving high-speed bidirectional communication.
2Speed
If the AUX channel is used for high-speed data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but the channel's primary function for connection quality monitoring is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AUX channel transmissions into different packet types: some packets carry connection quality and configuration data, while others carry embedded upstream data. The receiver can identify and process different packet types separately, ensuring that connection monitoring functions continue to operate reliably even while high-speed data transmission occurs over the same channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous AUX channel operations for both connection quality monitoring and upstream data transmission. By interleaving different types of data packets in the continuous AUX stream, the system ensures that connection monitoring never stops while simultaneously enabling high-speed upstream communication, thus maintaining both functions without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for operating a data link having multiple data lanes is provided. The method includes supplying first data (such as video data that follows the DisplayPort protocol) on one or more data lanes of a data interface between a video source device and a video sink device. In addition to being video stream data (such as the above mentioned DisplayPort video data) the first data can also be audio stream data (such as DisplayPort audio data), source-sink interface configuration data (such as DisplayPort AUX data) and sink related interrupt data (such as DisplayPort Hot Plug Detect “HPD” data). The method also includes receiving second data on one or more unidirectional data lanes of the data interface. The second data being data other than video stream data, source-sink interface configuration data and sink related interrupt data.