Interface Conversion Device Path Switching Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface conversion devices face challenges in efficiently converting and transmitting data between different transmission interfaces, such as USB and DisplayPort, due to limitations in mode flexibility and signal domain conversion.
Innovation Solution
The interface conversion device incorporates a USB connector, a DisplayPort connector, a digital buffer, a USB controller, and a path switching circuit, allowing for selective configuration between DP ALT mode and tunneling mode to convert analog and digital signals, enabling seamless data transmission between different interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the interface conversion device supports multiple operation modes (DP ALT mode and tunneling mode), then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for path switching circuit and multiple signal processing paths
Solution Approach 1:
The interface conversion device is designed to support multiple operation modes (DP ALT mode and tunneling mode) through a single device architecture. The path switching circuit enables the same hardware to perform different signal conversion functions, making the device universal and adaptable to various transmission interface requirements without needing separate dedicated devices for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic path switching circuit that can selectively connect different signal paths based on the operation mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt its internal connectivity in real-time, switching between connecting the digital buffer output to the DP connector (DP ALT mode) or the USB controller output to the DP connector (tunneling mode), thereby managing complexity through controlled dynamic behavior rather than static multi-path architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device converts signals between analog and digital domains, then the compatibility with different transmission interfaces is improved, but the loss of information may increase due to analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion processes
Solution Approach 1:
The digital buffer serves as an intermediary component between the analog USB connector and the digital DP connector. It receives digital signals from the USB controller, buffers them to manage timing and data flow, and then transmits them to the DP connector. This intermediary buffering mechanism helps preserve signal integrity during domain conversion by providing controlled signal transition points, reducing information loss that could occur during direct analog-to-digital conversion.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an interface conversion device including a USB connector, a DP connector, a first physical layer (PHY) circuit, a second PHY circuit, a digital buffer, a USB controller, and a path switching circuit. A first terminal of the first PHY circuit is coupled to the USB connector. The digital buffer and the USB controller are coupled to a second terminal of the first PHY circuit. A first terminal of the second PHY circuit is coupled to the DP connector. The path switching circuit selectively electrically connects a second terminal of the second PHY circuit to an output terminal of the digital buffer when the interface conversion device is operated in DP ALT mode. The path switching circuit selectively electrically connects the second terminal of the second PHY circuit to a DP output terminal of the USB controller when the interface conversion device is operated in tunneling mode.