DisplayPort to USB3.1 ESS Protocol Tunneling via Link Symbol Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in communicating DisplayPort link symbols over a USB link with a simple configuration, as they require complex modifications to the link management and PHY layers of both DisplayPort and USB3.1 ESS protocols.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves converting DisplayPort link symbols into data blocks in Gen 2 USB format, allowing for the transmission of these symbols over a USB link using a converter and transmitter, enabling tunneling of the DisplayPort protocol over the USB3.1 ESS link without modifying the existing link management and Gen 2 BR PHY layer, thereby simplifying the configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DisplayPort link symbols are communicated over USB link using existing technologies, then communication between DP and USB devices is enabled, but the configuration becomes complex requiring modifications to link management and PHY layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capability between DP and USB devicesVSAvoidconfiguration complexity of link management and PHY layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a USB to DisplayPort adapter as an intermediary device that bridges the USB and DisplayPort protocols. The adapter contains a USB controller that communicates with the USB host and a DisplayPort controller that interfaces with the DisplayPort device, along with conversion logic that translates between USB data blocks and DisplayPort link symbols. This intermediary approach enables communication between USB and DP devices without requiring modifications to the existing link management and PHY layers of either protocol, thus resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining protocol integrity while enabling cross-protocol communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If DisplayPort link symbols are converted into USB data blocks, then transmission over USB link is enabled, but protocol compatibility must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capability over USB linkVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protocol conversion process into distinct functional blocks: a USB controller that handles USB protocol operations, a DisplayPort controller that manages DisplayPort link symbols, and a conversion mechanism that translates between USB data blocks and DisplayPort link symbols. The USB controller transmits data in standard USB data blocks while the DisplayPort controller reconstructs link symbols from these blocks. This segmentation allows each controller to maintain its native protocol integrity while enabling cross-protocol transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission versatility and protocol reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10241949B2Transmission device, DP source device, reception device, and DP sink device

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 AY DEE KAY LLC DBA INDIE SEMICONDUCTOR

AI summary

A transmission device includes a converter and a transmitter. The converter converts a plurality of link symbols in DisplayPort (DP) into a data block in Gen 2 in Universal Serial Bus (USB). The transmitter transmits the data block.