MAUSB Virtual Enumeration for Fast USB Device Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The enumeration process for USB devices connected to a host compute device via a USB hub is time-consuming, especially in wireless connections, which delays the use of these devices and is exacerbated by longer latency links compared to direct wired connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a media agnostic USB (MAUSB) system where the host compute device performs a virtual enumeration using USB configuration data, reducing the need for direct communication with MAUSB devices and USB devices during the enumeration process, and allowing MAUSB devices to communicate with USB devices to prepare for host communication without involving the host compute device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard USB enumeration process is used for wireless connections, then device connectivity is established, but enumeration time is significantly increased due to longer latency links
Solution Approach 1:
The MAUSB device performs preliminary enumeration actions by directly communicating with USB devices to gather configuration data before the host compute device initiates the formal enumeration process. This pre-gathering of device information reduces the back-and-forth communication required during standard enumeration, thereby reducing overall enumeration time while maintaining reliable device connectivity.
2Measurement precision
If direct host communication is used during USB enumeration, then accurate device configuration is achieved, but communication overhead increases enumeration time
Solution Approach 1:
The MAUSB device acts as an intermediary between the host compute device and USB devices during enumeration. It directly communicates with USB devices to gather configuration data and presents this information to the host, reducing the number of direct communication rounds between the host and USB devices. This intermediary role maintains configuration accuracy while reducing communication overhead and enumeration time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If USB hub is used to connect multiple USB devices, then device connectivity is expanded, but enumeration time is compounded due to sequential enumeration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The MAUSB device performs preliminary enumeration of all USB devices connected through the hub by directly communicating with each device to gather their configuration data before the host initiates formal enumeration. This pre-gathering of information from multiple devices allows the host to quickly recognize and configure all devices without sequential back-and-forth communication, thereby reducing the compounded enumeration time while maintaining expanded device connectivity through the hub.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for improving enumeration of universal serial bus (USB) devices over a media agnostic USB (MAUSB) connection are disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, an MAUSB device may send USB configuration data to a host compute device. The host compute device may then perform a virtual enumeration of the USB devices based on the USB configuration data without necessarily communicating with the USB devices. The MAUSB device may perform an enumeration of the USB devices on behalf of the host compute devices without necessarily communicating with the host compute device. The USB devices may not be aware or have any indication that the USB device is not communicating with the host compute device during the enumeration process. Such an approach may improve the latency of USB enumeration over an MAUSB connection.