Mode-Switching Differential Drive Circuit for Multi-Protocol Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drive circuits for serial communications systems require multiple interface chips to support different transmission protocol standards, leading to complex layouts, high costs, and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A drive circuit comprising a mode controller, a pre-drive circuit, and a main drive circuit with multiple mode control switches and differential switches, which generates and controls mode control signals to switch between working modes, allowing a single chip to support multiple protocol standards with a simple layout and high reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drive circuit interface chips are welded to support different transmission protocol standards, then the drive circuit can support multiple protocols, but the system layout becomes complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple transmission protocol standardsVSAvoidsystem layout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single drive circuit chip that can operate in multiple working modes corresponding to different transmission protocol standards (such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and other differential signal protocols). The circuit includes mode control switches and differential switches that can be configured through control signals to support various protocol standards, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated chips and reducing system layout complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms where mode control switches and differential switches can be dynamically configured based on the required protocol standard. The drive circuit receives mode control signals that dynamically adjust the circuit configuration to match the desired protocol, allowing flexible adaptation without physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed chips

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drive circuit interface chips are welded to support different transmission protocol standards, then the drive circuit can support multiple protocols, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple transmission protocol standardsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single drive circuit chip that can operate in multiple working modes corresponding to different transmission protocol standards (such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and other differential signal protocols). The circuit includes mode control switches and differential switches that can be configured through control signals to support various protocol standards, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated chips and reducing system layout complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple protocol-specific drive circuits into a single integrated circuit. By combining multiple protocol support capabilities into one chip with configurable switching elements, the design reduces component count, lowers manufacturing costs, and simplifies the bill of materials while maintaining compatibility with various protocol standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drive circuit interface chips are welded to support different transmission protocol standards, then the drive circuit can support multiple protocols, but system reliability reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple transmission protocol standardsVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single drive circuit chip that can operate in multiple working modes corresponding to different transmission protocol standards (such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and other differential signal protocols). The circuit includes mode control switches and differential switches that can be configured through control signals to support various protocol standards, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated chips and reducing system layout complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple protocol-specific drive circuits into a single integrated circuit. By combining multiple protocol support capabilities into one chip with configurable switching elements, the design reduces component count, lowers manufacturing costs, and simplifies the bill of materials while maintaining compatibility with various protocol standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10496591B2Converting a mode controlling differential signal in a drive circuit and a driving method
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US10496591B2 patent drawing
  • US10496591B2 patent drawing
  • US10496591B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A drive circuit for a serial communications system is provided. The drive circuit may include a mode controller, a pre-drive circuit, and a main drive circuit. The main drive circuit includes multiple mode control switches and at least one pair of differential switches. The mode controller is configured to: generate a mode control signal, and transmit the mode control signal to the main drive circuit. The pre-drive circuit is configured to: convert a differential digital signal into a differential control signal, and transmit the differential control signal to the main drive circuit. The main drive circuit controls on/off states of the multiple mode control switches according to the mode control signal, and works in corresponding working modes. The drive circuit controls the states of the mode control switches in the main drive circuit, so that the main drive circuit works in different working modes.