Network-USB Adapter for Remote USB Control Over PoE
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of USB and Ethernet communication systems is complicated by their disparate transport and timing requirements, making it challenging to establish reliable communication across both mediums, especially in network-based environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Network-USB (NUSB) system and architecture that uses a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection to enable communication between network-based applications and USB devices, employing a Reliable Message Protocol (RMP) and USB Finite State Machine (FSM) to convert TCP/IP packets into bus-level USB transactions, ensuring reliable and timely data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB communication is implemented over Ethernet connection, then network-based applications can communicate with USB devices, but packet drops or delays occur due to congestion in Ethernet transport
Solution Approach 1:
A USB over Ethernet adapter device is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges USB and Ethernet networks. The adapter includes a USB interface connected to USB devices and an Ethernet interface connected to the Ethernet network, enabling network-based applications to communicate with USB devices while maintaining USB communication reliability through protocol translation and error handling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct physical USB connection with an Ethernet-based communication system. USB transaction requests are converted into Ethernet packets for transmission over the network, and USB responses are reconstructed from Ethernet packets, substituting the mechanical USB bus with an Ethernet communication infrastructure while maintaining functional equivalence
2Ease of operation
If USB transaction requests are transmitted over TCP/IP packets, then network communication is enabled, but timing requirements and tight synchronization are compromised due to Ethernet congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The USB over Ethernet adapter performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication parameters and timing specifications before actual USB transactions occur. The adapter is configured with USB timing requirements and Ethernet transmission parameters in advance, allowing it to optimize packet transmission timing and maintain synchronization without real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the USB over Ethernet adapter monitors transmission timing and synchronization status, then adjusts Ethernet packet transmission parameters accordingly. Error detection and correction protocols provide feedback loops that ensure timing requirements are met by retransmitting or adjusting packets that fail to meet timing specifications
3Adaptability or versatility
If Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is used to power USB devices, then power delivery over network is achieved, but power conversion and delivery stability are challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The USB over Ethernet adapter serves as a power delivery intermediary that receives Power-over-Ethernet input and converts it to stable USB power output. The adapter includes power management circuitry that regulates PoE voltage and current, providing stable 5V USB power to connected devices while isolating them from PoE transmission variations and electrical noise
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion process involves changing electrical parameters from PoE specifications (48V differential signaling) to USB specifications (5V single-ended). The adapter transforms voltage levels, current characteristics, and electrical topology to match USB power requirements, ensuring stable power delivery despite PoE transmission conditions
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 provides a cost-effective, secure, and manageable method for controlling and powering remote USB devices over Ethernet, ensuring reliable communication and power delivery, while adhering to USB standards and timing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection to a PoE port of the network device
Data Source
AI summary
A network device includes Power-over-Ethernet PoE ports to communicate with a communication network and Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. The network device establishes an Internet Protocol (IP) related connection with an application program, and receives downlink IP packets carrying USB transaction requests destined for the USB device from the application program over the IP connection. The network device converts the received downlink IP packets carrying the USB transaction requests to downlink bus-level USB transactions that are understandable to the USB device. The network device sends the downlink bus-level USB transactions to the USB adaptor device over a PoE connection for forwarding by the USB adaptor device to the USB device.