Semiconductor USB Function Selection via Nonvolatile Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices lack a method to reliably select between USB host and device functions, leading to operational instability, especially during power-up and reset states.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device is designed with an HSIC physical layer circuit, a USB link control unit, and a nonvolatile storage unit formed on a semiconductor substrate, allowing the USB link control unit to operate with either a USB host or device function, with the nonvolatile storage unit storing selection data to determine the operational mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If no specific method for selecting USB function is stipulated, then the semiconductor device can operate with either USB host or device function, but the operation becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the USB function (host or device) in advance during the reset state, before normal operation begins. The USB link control unit checks whether to operate as a USB host or device during the reset state, and this determination is made before the semiconductor device starts normal operation, ensuring stable operation throughout the device lifecycle.
2Ease of operation
If USB function selection is made during normal operation, then the device can adapt to different roles, but operational instability occurs during power-up and reset states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the USB function selection action preliminarily during the reset state rather than during normal operation. The USB link control unit determines whether to operate as a USB host or device during reset, before the system transitions to normal operation mode. This timing ensures that the functional configuration is established before any operational instability can occur during power-up or reset transitions.
3Reliability
If additional external components or terminals are added for USB function selection, then reliable function determination is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the USB link control unit to autonomously determine its own operational function (host or device) without requiring external components or terminals. The control unit internally checks whether to operate as a USB host or device during the reset state, making the function determination self-contained within the semiconductor device itself. This eliminates the need for additional external selection components while maintaining reliable function determination.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a semiconductor device and a mobile terminal device capable of operating with stability. A semiconductor device includes an HSIC physical layer circuit fixedly connected to another semiconductor device through a bus line, a USB link control unit that operates with either a USB host function or a USB device function, and link-connects to the another semiconductor device, a nonvolatile storage unit that stores selection data, the selection data being used to select the USB function with which the USB link control unit operates, and a semiconductor substrate on which the HSCI physical control unit, the USB link control unit, and the nonvolatile storage unit are formed.