eUSB2 Data Encoding Over Power Lines for Reduced Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB systems face challenges in direct communication between devices operating at different voltage levels, such as between legacy USB and eUSB2 systems, due to varying voltage levels, necessitating a bridge or non-linear re-driver to translate between these systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an eUSB2 repeater and an e2pwr repeater to encode 2-line data into a single transmission signal modulated onto a power line, using logic circuits and flip-flops to convert and decode the data, allowing communication between devices with reduced conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 2-line USB data transmission is used, then communication compatibility is maintained, but conductor quantity and system weight remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate data lines (D+ and D-) into a single transmission line by encoding differential USB data as voltage transitions on one line. The encoder converts the two-line differential signal into single-line voltage transitions, merging the function of two conductors into one while maintaining USB communication compatibility through protocol translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential data transmission function from the traditional two-line USB interface and implements it on a single line. By taking out the core communication capability and re implementing it through voltage transitions on one conductor, the system reduces conductor quantity while preserving communication functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage level translation between legacy USB and eUSB2 is implemented, then communication between different voltage systems is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder and decoder circuits perform multiple functions simultaneously: they translate voltage levels between legacy USB and eUSB2 systems, encode/decode differential signals, and adapt communication protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate translation components, thereby managing device complexity while enabling broad voltage level compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces encoder and decoder circuits as intermediary components that bridge legacy USB and eUSB2 systems. These intermediaries translate between different voltage levels and signal formats, enabling communication between incompatible systems without requiring complex direct translation circuits. The intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If single-line transmission is used, then conductor quantity and weight are reduced, but signal encoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder transforms the signal representation by changing parameters: it converts differential voltage levels on two lines into single-line voltage transitions occurring at specific times. This parameter transformation enables single-line transmission while managing encoding complexity through systematic voltage transition encoding that reflects the original differential signal state.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some aspects of the description provide for a method (500). In some examples, the method includes receiving 2-line data in an embedded Universal Serial Bus (eUSB) format (505). The method further includes encoding the 2-line data into a single signal (510). The single signal comprises a first symbol corresponding to a first state change of the 2-line data and a second symbol corresponding to a second state change of the 2-line data.