eUSB Repeater Signal Conversion for FS/LS USB Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

eUSB2 repeaters cause unnecessary power consumption and circuit complexity due to the need to switch between high speed (HS) and full/low speed (FS/LS) modes when connected to non-eUSB2 devices, leading to inefficient signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with an application processor and repeater that detects the operation speed of an external device, allowing HS mode transmission between the eUSB device and repeater, regardless of the external device's speed, by identifying and converting signals to match the external device's mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the eUSB device switches between HS and FS/LS modes to support non-eUSB2 external devices through the repeater, then compatibility with external devices is improved, but power consumption increases and circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with external devicesVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the USB communication interface into two independent parts: the eUSB2 interface between the eUSB device and repeater operates continuously in HS mode, while the USB2 interface between the repeater and external device operates in FS/LS mode. This segmentation allows each interface to operate independently without mode switching, resolving the contradiction by maintaining HS mode compatibility for eUSB2 devices while supporting FS/LS external devices through the repeater's conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the eUSB device switches between HS and FS/LS modes to support non-eUSB2 external devices through the repeater, then compatibility with external devices is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with external devicesVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB communication path is segmented into distinct functional blocks: the eUSB2 transceiver handles HS mode communication with the eUSB device, the USB2 transceiver handles FS/LS mode communication with external devices, and the repeater performs mode conversion. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex mode switching logic in the eUSB device, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining compatibility with both eUSB2 and non-eUSB2 external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If the eUSB device operates continuously in HS mode regardless of external device speed, then power consumption is reduced and circuit is simplified, but compatibility with FS/LS external devices may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcompatibility with external devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater acts as an intermediary device between the eUSB2 interface and USB2 interface. It receives HS mode signals from the eUSB device and converts them to FS/LS mode signals for compatibility with non-eUSB2 external devices. This intermediary approach allows the eUSB device to operate continuously in HS mode without mode switching, reducing power consumption and circuit complexity while maintaining full compatibility with FS/LS external devices through the repeater's conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4318252B1Electronic device for communicating with external device via USB interface and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4318252B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4318252B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4318252B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an electronic device comprises a first embedded universal serial bus (eUSB) device that performs an eUSB function, and an application processor including a processor that controls the first eUSB device. The electronic device may further comprise a repeater which is electrically connectable between the first eUSB device and an external device. The processor may be configured to perform monitoring to detect a connection of the external device to the electronic device. The processor may be further configured to identify a mode related to an operation speed of the external device. The processor may be further configured to, on the basis of the mode being identified as a full speed(FS) mode or a low speed(LS) mode, control the first eUSB device and the repeater to transmit or receive a signal therebetween in a high speed (HS) mode. Various other embodiments may be provided.