Interface Switching Apparatus for Automatic Peripheral Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication modules lack efficient methods for automatically switching between multiple peripheral interfaces to connect with external devices without requiring external interface conversion assemblies, which limits their adaptability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An interface switching apparatus comprising an interface converting assembly, a detection assembly, and a controller that detects voltage signals across multiple peripheral interfaces to determine the target interface for connection, generating a control signal to automatically switch the common interface to the appropriate peripheral interface based on access priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communication module is provided with multiple peripheral interfaces for connecting to different external devices, then the adaptability and functionality of the module is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for manual interface selection and external converting assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects which peripheral interface has an external device connected through voltage signal detection, and autonomously switches the common interface to the correct target interface without requiring manual user intervention. The controller identifies the connected interface based on voltage changes and automatically routes communications, making the system self-configuring and eliminating complex manual switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection assembly continuously monitors voltage signals at each peripheral interface to provide feedback about device connection status. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically determines which interface is connected and automatically switches the common interface accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing connection states without user input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external interface converting assemblies are used to connect incompatible external devices, then the interface compatibility is improved, but the device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate due to additional external components
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module incorporates multiple different peripheral interfaces (such as USB, PCIe, M.2) within a single device housing. The common interface can be dynamically switched to connect to any of these different peripheral interfaces, making one communication module universally compatible with various external devices that would otherwise require separate dedicated modules or external converting assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple peripheral interfaces that would traditionally require separate communication modules or external converting assemblies are merged into a single integrated communication module. The interface converting assembly integrates these different interfaces internally, allowing the module to function as multiple specialized modules combined in one unit, eliminating the need for external conversion devices.
3Device complexity
If manual interface selection is required for connecting external devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to manual configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of external device connections through voltage signal monitoring before switching operations are needed. The detection assembly continuously checks which peripheral interface has a device connected, so when switching is required, the controller already has advance knowledge of the correct target interface, enabling rapid automatic switching without manual configuration delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of physically connecting devices to specific interfaces and manually configuring the system is replaced with an automated electrical detection and control system. The controller uses voltage signal detection to automatically identify connected devices and electronically switch interfaces, replacing manual mechanical operations with automated electrical control, thereby significantly improving switching efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic and adaptive interface switching between multiple peripheral interfaces, such as USB, PCIe, and M2, without affecting communication signals or the functionality of the communication module, enhancing the module's compatibility and usability with various external devices.
Implementation Method 1
the detection assembly is configured to detect voltage signals at the at least two peripheral interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An interface switching apparatus, communication equipment, and an interface switching method. The first end of the interface converting assembly is connected to a common interface, the second end of the interface converting assembly is connected to the controller, and the interface converting assembly is configured to control the common interface to connect to a target interface of at least two peripheral interfaces according to a control signal sent by the controller; the detection assembly is connected to the controller and the at least two peripheral interfaces, respectively, the detection assembly is configured to detect voltage signals at the at least two peripheral interfaces; the controller is configured to determine, according to the voltage signal, a target interface to which an external device is connected of the at least two peripheral interfaces, generate the control signal, and send the control signal to the interface converting assembly.