Distributed USB Host Driver for Audio Latency and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of USB Type-C audio peripherals in mobile communication devices leads to higher power consumption, which reduces battery life, and existing solutions fail to effectively address this issue while also introducing latency in audio processing.
Innovation Solution
Distributed USB host drivers are implemented, where USB packet processing is shifted from the application processor to a low-power processor like a digital signal processor (DSP), allowing the application processor to enter sleep mode and reducing latency by bypassing it in data transmission, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If USB packet processing is performed on the application processor, then audio processing functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides USB host driver functionality into two segments: a legacy USB host driver on the application processor for initial device detection and enumeration, and a distributed USB host driver on a low-power processor (DSP) for ongoing audio data processing. This segmentation allows the application processor to enter sleep mode after initial setup, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining audio functionality through the DSP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed USB host driver as an intermediary component that bridges the USB audio peripheral and the application processor. This intermediary runs on a low-power DSP, handling the bulk of audio data processing tasks and reducing the need for the application processor to remain active, thereby extending battery life.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If USB packet processing is moved to a low-power processor, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases due to distributed driver architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB host driver into legacy and distributed components, each with specific responsibilities. The legacy driver handles high-level control and device management on the application processor, while the distributed driver on the DSP handles audio data processing. This clear segmentation reduces system complexity by defining distinct roles for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed USB host driver on the low-power processor is designed to be universal, handling various USB audio peripheral types through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing logic for different device types, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the distributed nature.
3Loss of time
If data transmission bypasses the application processor, then latency is reduced, but interoperability with legacy USB drivers becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the legacy USB host driver as an intermediary that maintains compatibility with traditional USB audio peripherals. This legacy driver continues to operate on the application processor, handling device enumeration and providing a standardized interface, while the distributed driver on the DSP handles time-sensitive audio data transmission, thus maintaining interoperability while reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the driver functionality into legacy and distributed components with clearly defined interfaces. The legacy driver handles high-level control and device management, while the distributed driver handles audio data processing. This segmentation allows the bypass path for audio data to reduce latency while the legacy driver maintains interoperability with existing USB audio peripherals.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for using distributed Universal Serial Bus (USB) host drivers are disclosed. In one aspect, USB packet processing that was historically done on an application processor is moved to a distributed USB driver running in parallel on a low-power processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP). While a DSP is particularly contemplated, other processors may also be used. Further, a communication path is provided from the low-power processor to USB hardware that bypasses the application processor. Bypassing the application processor in this fashion allows the application processor to remain in a sleep mode for longer periods of time instead of processing digital data received from the low-power processor or the USB hardware. Further, by bypassing the application processor, latency is reduced, which improves the user experience.