Ethernet Connector Configuration Storage for Data Rate Autonegotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack an efficient method to determine the characteristics of attached Ethernet connectors and cables, which hinders optimal data transmission and management.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a connector with a storage device to acquire configuration information, such as wire gauge and shielding details, and communicate it to a host device, allowing for data rate determination and autonegotiation based on cable characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional communication systems are used without cable characteristic detection, then system simplicity is maintained, but optimal data transmission cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and storing cable characteristics (shielding type, wire gauge, category) in a database before data transmission begins. This pre-detection enables the system to automatically select optimal transmission parameters without real-time analysis, improving productivity while minimizing the complexity increase to just the initial detection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic autonegotiation protocols that use the stored cable characteristics to autonomously determine optimal data rates and transmission modes. The connector and communication device automatically configure themselves based on detected cable properties, eliminating manual configuration and reducing the burden on system operators while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
2Reliability
If cable characteristics are detected and stored, then optimal data rate determination is enabled, but additional storage and processing requirements are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by detecting specific cable characteristics (shielding presence, wire gauge, category ratings) and using these parameters to dynamically adjust transmission data rates and modes. The system stores these detected parameters and automatically selects optimal transmission parameters from predefined sets, ensuring reliable communication adapted to each cable's capabilities without requiring complex real-time analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database that stores cable characteristic information between the detection phase and the transmission phase. This intermediary storage mechanism decouples the detection and transmission functions, allowing the system to reliably determine optimal data rates without requiring complex real-time processing during actual data transmission, thus improving reliability while managing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If connector configuration information is communicated to host device, then accurate cable identification is achieved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and storing connector configuration information (cable characteristics, shielding type, category) in a database before actual data transmission begins. This pre-acquisition of configuration data ensures accurate cable identification is completed in advance, minimizing the time overhead during productive transmission operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic autonegotiation protocols that use the pre-stored connector configuration information to autonomously determine optimal transmission parameters. The host device automatically retrieves and applies cable characteristic data without requiring manual intervention or extensive back-and-forth communication, achieving accurate identification while minimizing communication overhead and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprising a storage device that stores configuration information, may be coupled to a twisted pair cable and may communicate the configuration information to a host device via a corresponding connector. The configuration information may comprise characteristics, features and/or configurations of the connector and/or the cable, for example, wire gauge, safety information, cable category, verification of testing, inner shielding, outer shielding, no shielding, type of use, and/or country of manufacture. The storage device may comprise an EPROM. The configuration information may be communicated utilizing one or more configured pins. The corresponding connector may sense and/or read the configuration information from the connector. The corresponding connector may be mechanically ganged and/or communicatively coupled to other connectors that are integrated in the host device. A single controller may control acquisition of configuration information. A data rate for communicating via the connector and/or cable may be determined based on the configuration information.