Dynamic Asymmetric Communication Path Allocation for USB 3.2
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing USB 3.2 standard fixes communication path allocations regardless of traffic patterns, leading to inefficient bandwidth utilization and increased power usage in asymmetric data transfer scenarios, such as video, audio, and imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic asymmetric communication path configuration system that allows communication paths to change direction based on expected data transfer behavior, using existing USB physical layer features with minimal additions to the USB 3.2 specification, enabling configurations like 1 Tx path and 3 Rx paths or 3 Tx paths and 1 Rx path, and utilizing Enhanced SuperSpeed protocol for higher throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If communication path allocation is fixed according to USB 3.2 standard, then device compatibility and stability are ensured, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates in asymmetric data transfer scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication path allocation where the host device can change the direction of communication paths based on traffic patterns. The system transitions from static USB 3.2 configuration to dynamic reconfiguration, allowing paths to switch between transmit and receive modes according to actual data transfer needs, thereby improving bandwidth utilization without sacrificing compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of communication paths by allowing dynamic modification of path direction assignments. The host device negotiates with peripheral devices to alter communication path configurations from the fixed 2Tx2Rx USB 3.2 standard to asymmetric configurations like 3Tx1Rx or 1Tx3Rx, optimizing performance for specific application scenarios
2Use of energy by stationary object
If symmetric communication path allocation (2Tx2Rx) is used, then protocol simplicity and compatibility are maintained, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary path activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by activating only the necessary communication paths based on actual traffic requirements. Instead of keeping all four paths (2Tx2Rx) active in symmetric allocation, the system dynamically adjusts which specific paths are active, reducing power consumption in peripheral devices while maintaining protocol compatibility through selective path activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication path configurations to match actual data transfer needs, transitioning from static symmetric allocation to dynamic asymmetric allocation. This allows the system to reduce power consumption by deactivating unnecessary paths while maintaining compatibility through negotiated configuration changes between host and peripheral devices
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may comprise a port to couple to a plurality of communication paths comprising a first, second, third, and fourth communication path, the communication paths each having a direction of either a receive path or a transmit path, the communication paths comprising a first communication path having a direction that may be selectively configured as a receive path or a transmit path. The apparatus further comprises a controller comprising circuitry, the controller to in response to a communication path reconfiguration command, reconfigure the direction of the first communication path such that the first communication path, second communication path, and third communication path have the same direction and the fourth communication path has a direction opposite to the direction of the first, second, and third communication paths.