Single Cable Video and Data Protocol Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing peripheral interconnect solutions require multiple large connectors and cables for video and data transfer, which is costly and impractical for smaller computing devices, necessitating a reduction in the number of cables needed to connect various peripherals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses a single cable capable of transmitting both video and data protocols, including power delivery, through a main switch and multipurpose switch controlled by digital logic, eliminating the need for complex aggregators and controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cables and connectors are used for video and data transfer, then reliable protocol transmission is ensured, but device complexity and cable quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol transmissions (video DisplayPort protocol and USB data protocol) over a single cable by merging their physical layer signaling. The cable carries both DP and USB signals simultaneously using shared conductors, eliminating the need for separate cables for each protocol while maintaining reliable transmission of both protocols through protocol-specific signal routing and detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is designed with universal multi-functionality to support multiple protocols (DisplayPort video, USB 2.0 data, USB 3.0 data) through the same physical infrastructure. The connector and cable assembly can adapt to different protocol requirements dynamically, allowing a single cable to serve multiple functions that previously required separate specialized cables.
2Device complexity
If aggregators or controllers are implemented to enable single cable multi-protocol support, then cable quantity is reduced, but system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments protocol handling into distinct functional blocks: a detection block that identifies which protocol is being used, and separate processing blocks for DisplayPort video signals and USB data signals. This segmentation allows the single cable to carry multiple protocols without requiring complex aggregators, as each protocol is routed through its dedicated processing path based on detection results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that mediates between the single cable and multiple protocol requirements. This detection block acts as an intermediary that identifies the active protocol and routes signals appropriately, eliminating the need for complex controllers or aggregators while maintaining protocol integrity and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard circuitry is modified to support single cable connectivity, then cable versatility improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic protocol detection and adaptation rather than static circuitry modifications. The detection block dynamically identifies which protocol is active and configures the signal routing accordingly, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different protocols without requiring precise manufacturing modifications for each protocol variant. This dynamic approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving high versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and systems are disclosed for transporting simultaneous video and bus protocols over a single cable. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a main switch configured to operate in an enhanced mode where the main switch is configured to transfer data from a first data source and a second data source to a cable, operate in a default mode where the main switch is configured to transfer data from the second data source to the cable without transferring data from the first data source; a multipurpose switch configured to operate in a handshake mode where the multipurpose switch transports handshake data between the cable and a digital logic, operate in a data mode where the multipurpose switch transports bus data between the cable and the second data source; and the digital logic programed to enable modes of operation of the multipurpose switch and the main switch.