DisplayPort Sink Device Main Phy Circuit with Multiple Aux Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

DisplayPort sink devices with two receiving ports but only one set of receiver circuits are costly and inefficient, as they cannot simultaneously identify and connect to multiple DisplayPort source devices, limiting their operational efficiency and competitive edge.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing circuit for DisplayPort sink devices that includes a main physical circuit and multiple auxiliary physical circuits, where only one auxiliary circuit is enabled to receive signals from a second DisplayPort source device, allowing for efficient link initialization and identification of the display device even without data transmission between the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two sets of receiver circuits are used to support multiple DisplayPort connectors, then the device can simultaneously identify and connect to multiple source devices, but the cost increases and competitiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to connect to multiple source devicesVSAvoidnumber of receiver circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single receiver circuit that can be dynamically shared among multiple DisplayPort connectors through a switching mechanism. The receiver circuit is not dedicated to a specific connector but can be routed to serve any connected source device, making the receiver universal and multi-functional. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the ability to connect to multiple sources while using only one receiver circuit instance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically configures the connection between DisplayPort connectors and the receiver circuit based on which connectors are currently in use. The switching mechanism allows the receiver to be assigned to different connectors as needed, rather than having fixed static assignments. This dynamic allocation enables multiple connectors to share a single receiver circuit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If only one set of receiver circuit is used, then the cost is reduced, but only one source device can be identified and connected at a time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of receiver circuitsVSAvoidability to connect to multiple source devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection path between DisplayPort connectors and the receiver circuit by introducing a switching mechanism. This segmentation allows the single receiver circuit to be selectively connected to different connectors at different times, enabling the system to handle multiple source devices sequentially even though only one receiver circuit is present. The segmentation creates independent connection paths that can be activated as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the multiple DisplayPort connectors and the single receiver circuit. This mediator component manages the connections, routing signals from any connected source device to the receiver circuit. The intermediary enables the system to maintain simplicity with one receiver while still supporting multiple connectors through intelligent signal routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a second DisplayPort source device is connected while a first source device is already connected, then the second device cannot identify the sink device, but enabling full support for simultaneous connections increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification success rateVSAvoidreceiver circuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting which DisplayPort connectors are currently connected to source devices before enabling the receiver circuit. The switching mechanism is pre-configured to route signals from active connectors to the receiver, ensuring that any connected source device can successfully identify the sink device. This preliminary detection and configuration prevents identification failures when multiple devices are connected at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from connector detection circuits to dynamically control the switching mechanism. When a source device is connected to a DisplayPort connector, the detection circuit provides feedback that triggers the switch to route that connector's signals to the receiver circuit. This feedback loop ensures the receiver is always connected to an active source device, maintaining reliable identification while keeping the system simple with a single receiver circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12125457B2Display Port (DP) sink device having main Phy circuit with plurality of DP connectors and plurality of AUX Phy circuits coupled to subsidiary link circuit

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A signal processing circuit, complying with DisplayPort standard and operated in a display device which is as a DisplayPort sink device, includes a main physical circuit, which is configured to receive a first signal from one of a plurality of DisplayPort connectors of the display device connected to a first DisplayPort source device and a plurality of auxiliary physical circuits. Only a first auxiliary physical circuit of the plurality of auxiliary physical circuits is enabled to receive a second signal from the DisplayPort connector connected to the first DisplayPort source device.