Motherboard USB3.0 Testing via South Bridge Ground Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional motherboards face challenges in testing USB3.0 signals without interfering with USB2.0 signals, as existing USB3.0 interfaces are not designed to isolate or differentiate between the two during testing processes.

Innovation Solution

The motherboard design incorporates a south bridge, USB3.0 connector, and a ground module with electronic switches (n-channel FETs or npn bipolar junction transistors) that control signal transmission, allowing USB2.0 signals to be grounded during USB3.0 testing, enabling separate testing without disrupting USB2.0 functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If USB3.0 interface is designed to be compatible with USB2.0 interface, then USB3.0 interface can transmit both USB3.0 signals and USB2.0 signals, but USB2.0 signals cannot be isolated during USB3.0 testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidsignal testing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal transmission path into separate controllable segments by introducing electronic switches (transistors) that can independently control USB2.0 signal paths. This segmentation allows USB3.0 testing to proceed while USB2.0 signals are selectively isolated, resolving the contradiction between maintaining interface compatibility and ensuring testing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electronic switches as intermediary components between the USB interface and ground. These switches act as mediators that can dynamically control signal flow, allowing USB2.0 signals to be grounded (isolated) during USB3.0 testing while maintaining the physical interface structure that supports both standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If USB2.0 signals are transmitted through the same interface as USB3.0 signals, then interface versatility is maintained, but signal interference occurs during testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual standard supportVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of signal transmission by using electronically controllable switches (transistors) that can change their state based on testing requirements. During USB3.0 testing, the switches dynamically redirect USB2.0 signals to ground, eliminating interference while preserving the interface's ability to support both standards when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical state parameters of the signal paths by introducing controllable resistance elements (transistors) that can switch between conducting and non-conducting states. This parameter change allows selective isolation of USB2.0 signals during USB3.0 testing, eliminating harmful interference while maintaining interface versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If electronic switches are added to isolate USB2.0 signals during USB3.0 testing, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically controls the electronic switches based on the type of signal being tested. The south bridge detects whether USB3.0 or USB2.0 testing is required and automatically activates the appropriate switch configuration, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity despite the added hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution allows for effective testing of USB3.0 signals while ensuring uninterrupted USB2.0 signal transmission, enhancing the motherboard's testing capabilities without compromising compatibility between the two standards.

Implementation Method 1

The ground module comprises a first electronic switch Q1 and a second electronic switch Q2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField-Effect Transistor switching:

Implementation Method 2

The first ends of the first electronic switch Q1 and the second electronic switch Q2 are coupled to the output pin DP for receiving the control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBipolar Junction Transistor switching:

Data Source

PatentUS9740651B2Motherboard

Publication Date: 2017.08.22 HONG FU JIN PRECISION IND (WUHAN) CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a motherboard that includes a south bridge, a universal serial bus (USB) 3.0 connector, and a ground module. The south bridge is connected to the USB3.0 connector for transporting USB3.0 signals and USB2.0 signals. The grounded module is connected to the south bridge and the USB3.0 connector. The south bridge is used for controlling the ground module to work. The USB2.0 signals transmit between the south bridge and the USB3.0 connector flow into the ground, while the ground module is working.