Interface Circuit With Dynamic Protocol Switching for Compact Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of implementing compatibility among multiple interface types in electronic devices while minimizing the space occupied by these interfaces, which is crucial for achieving high integration and small size, is not adequately addressed in current technologies.
Innovation Solution
An interface circuit that determines the protocol type of a connected device using an indicator and adjusts its operation accordingly, allowing a single physical interface to support multiple transmission protocols through a multiplexer and mode controller, thereby reducing the layout area required for interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of interfaces are provided in an electronic device to support different interface protocols, then compatibility with various interface types is improved, but the layout area occupied by interfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface circuit that can operate in multiple modes (HDMI mode, DP mode, and new interface mode) using a single physical interface. The interface circuit includes a mode control unit that selects different transmission protocols based on the connected device type, allowing one interface to perform multiple functions and support different interface protocols without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The interface circuit employs dynamic protocol selection capability where the transmission protocol is not fixed but can be changed based on the connected device. The mode control unit dynamically switches between different interface protocols (HDMI, DP, or new interface protocol) depending on the device type detected through the indicator, making the interface adaptable and flexible rather than static and dedicated to a single protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of interfaces are provided in an electronic device to support different interface protocols, then data transmission capability with various devices is improved, but the integration density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit is designed as a multi-functional universal interface that can transmit data with devices using different protocols (HDMI, DP, or new interface protocol) through a single physical interface. This eliminates the need for multiple separate interface circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity and improving integration density while maintaining comprehensive data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple interface protocols (HDMI, DP, and new interface protocol) into a single unified interface circuit. Instead of having separate dedicated circuits for each protocol, the interface circuit integrates multiple protocol support within one physical interface, reducing the total number of components and improving integration density
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide an interface circuit, an electronic device, and a data transmission apparatus. The interface circuit includes an interface indication end and a data transmission end. The interface circuit performs data transmission with a first device by using the data transmission apparatus. The interface circuit includes the interface indication end and the data transmission end. The interface circuit obtains indication information from an indicator of the data transmission apparatus through the interface indication end. The indication information indicates a data transmission interface protocol of the first device. The interface circuit is configured to transmit data to the first device through the data transmission end based on the data transmission interface protocol of the first device indicated by the indication information. According to the interface circuit provided in this application, one physical interface can be reused to implement a plurality of transmission interface protocols, so that data transmission with electronic devices with different interface types can be implemented.