Serial Communication Expansion Device for Wireless Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial electronic systems face limitations in wired serial communication due to restricted transmission distances and complex setup requirements for wireless serial communication interfaces, making it difficult to integrate USB, wireless, and UART systems for efficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A serial communication expansion device with a processing and control module that includes a first serial bus host controller, a data forwarding unit, and an expansion unit, coupled between an electronic device and multiple peripheral devices, enabling conversion between serial signals and wireless communication, specifically using a USB interface and a UART interface with a Bluetooth communication interface for extended range and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If wired transmission interfaces are used for serial communication, then transmission distance is limited by wire lengths and physical configuration becomes complex, but wired communication provides stable connection and reliable data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired transmission system with a wireless communication system. The wireless communication module substitutes physical wire connections with wireless signal transmission, eliminating the limitation of transmission distance imposed by wire lengths and simplifying physical configuration while maintaining stable and reliable data transmission between the electronic device and peripheral devices.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication interfaces are used, then transmission distance is extended and physical configuration is simplified, but setup requirements become complex and integration with USB and UART systems is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless communication module with the existing USB and UART systems into an integrated architecture. The wireless communication module is coupled with the USB interface and UART interface through a processing and control module, allowing seamless integration and unified management. This combination enables the system to leverage the advantages of both wireless communication and established USB/UART protocols while simplifying setup requirements through standardized integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing and control module as an intermediary between the wireless communication module and the USB/UART systems. This intermediary component facilitates communication and coordination between different subsystems, managing data flow and protocol conversion, thereby reducing integration complexity and simplifying the overall setup process.
3Length of stationary object
If Bluetooth wireless communication is used, then transmission range is extended, but transmission speed is limited to approximately 1 Mbps with effective rate up to 721 kbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional communication system that can operate in multiple modes. The wireless communication module is designed to support both low-speed applications (where Bluetooth's range advantage is sufficient) and high-speed applications (where the system can leverage USB's faster transmission capabilities). This universal design allows the system to adapt to different speed requirements while maintaining extended transmission range through wireless connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for expanding a serial communication port. The apparatus includes a first serial port, a second serial port and a processing and control module. The first serial port is used to transmit a first signal, and the second serial port is used to transmit a second signal. The processing and control module is coupled between the first serial port and the second serial port. The processing and control module includes a first serial bus host controller, a second serial bus host controller, a data forwarding unit and an expansion unit. The apparatus is connected between an electronic device and multiple peripheral devices, so that via the expansion unit, each peripheral device generates its own communication port on the electronic device.