Port Multiplier with Parallel-to-Serial Conversion Circuit

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Port Multipliers are not compatible with both IDE peripheral storage devices using parallel data transmission and SATA devices using serial data transmission without an additional SATA-to-IDE bridge, leading to increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A Port Multiplier with data-transmission-mode-process circuits that detect and convert parallel data to serial data for IDE devices, allowing direct connection to both parallel and serial data transmission mode devices without the need for a SATA-to-IDE bridge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional Port Multiplier is used, then it is compatible with SATA devices using serial data transmission, but it cannot connect to IDE devices using parallel data transmission without an additional SATA-to-IDE bridge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different data transmission modesVSAvoidneed for additional bridge device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Port Multiplier is designed with dual-mode capability, incorporating both parallel data transmission interfaces and serial data transmission interfaces. The data transmission mode process circuit can detect the connection type and automatically switch between parallel and serial modes, allowing a single device to universally support both IDE and SATA peripheral storage devices without requiring separate bridge devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of a conventional Port Multiplier and a SATA-to-IDE bridge into a single integrated device. The data transmission mode process circuit is embedded within the Port Multiplier, combining the parallel-to-serial conversion capability with the port multiplication function, thereby eliminating the need for a separate bridge device and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a SATA-to-IDE bridge is added to enable parallel data transmission, then compatibility with IDE devices is achieved, but production cost increases due to the extra device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with IDE devicesVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of a conventional Port Multiplier and a SATA-to-IDE bridge into a single integrated device. The data transmission mode process circuit is embedded within the Port Multiplier, combining the parallel-to-serial conversion capability with the port multiplication function, thereby eliminating the need for a separate bridge device and reducing production costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Port Multiplier is designed with dual-mode capability, incorporating both parallel data transmission interfaces and serial data transmission interfaces. The data transmission mode process circuit can detect the connection type and automatically switch between parallel and serial modes, allowing a single device to universally support both IDE and SATA peripheral storage devices without requiring separate bridge devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7912044B2Expandable structure for peripheral storage device

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 VIA TECH INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to an expandable structure for peripheral storage devices. The expandable structure includes an interface controller having a plurality of connecting ports for serial data transmission; and a Port Multiplier electrically connected to one of the connecting ports of the interface controller for serial data transmission, and the Port Multiplier having a plurality of expanded connecting ports, wherein each of the expanded connecting ports is capable of connecting to a peripheral storage device with a parallel data transmission mode or a peripheral storage device with a serial data transmission mode.