Divided USB Communication for Portable Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB data communication standards require increased processing capabilities and complexity, leading to higher costs and complexity in devices compared to serial communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A divided USB communication device is implemented, where a portable instrument uses a serial communication device to transmit data in a serial format, and a docking station includes a serial to USB converter to facilitate communication with a host device, reducing the complexity and cost of the portable instrument while enabling USB communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB data communication is implemented in the portable instrument, then compatibility with USB-enabled host devices is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The USB communication device is divided into two separate portions: a first portion in the portable instrument and a second portion in the docking station. This segmentation allows the portable instrument to use simpler serial communication while the docking station handles the complex USB protocol conversion, thus resolving the contradiction between USB compatibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A serial to USB converter is introduced as an intermediary device in the docking station. This converter mediates between the serial communication interface of the portable instrument and the USB interface of the host device, enabling USB compatibility without requiring the portable instrument to have complex USB processing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB data communication is implemented in the portable instrument, then communication capability with host devices is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the USB communication functionality between the portable instrument and docking station, the portable instrument can be manufactured with simpler, less expensive components while the docking station absorbs the cost of the serial to USB converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial to USB converter is placed in the docking station rather than the portable instrument, effectively making the conversion capability a stationary resource that can be shared across multiple portable instruments, thereby reducing the per-unit cost of portable instruments.
3Device complexity
If serial communication is used in the portable instrument, then device complexity is reduced, but USB compatibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The serial to USB converter acts as an intermediary that translates serial communication from the portable instrument into USB protocol for the host device, preserving USB compatibility while allowing the portable instrument to use simpler serial communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connection point for the portable instrument and as a USB-to-serial converter, enabling a single device to fulfill multiple roles and maintain USB compatibility without adding complexity to the portable instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal serial bus (USB) communication system includes a portable instrument and a docking station that communicate with a host device using a divided USB communication device. A first portion of the USB communication device is provided in the portable instrument. A second portion of the USB communication device is provided in the docking station. The first portion includes a non-USB communication device that communicates with the second portion in a non-USB format. The second portion converts the communications into a USB format suitable for the host device.