USB 3.0 Support in Mobile Platform via Memory Access Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Most mobile communication devices lack a USB 3.0 interface, making it difficult to transfer data at high USB 3.0 data rates without extensive redesign and increased power consumption when using an external chip for USB 3.0 support.
Innovation Solution
A memory access module that operates in two modes: pass-through mode, where memory card slots are directly connected to the mobile platform, and USB mode, where they are connected to a USB hub supporting USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 protocols, allowing access by a remote host, without requiring significant hardware or software modifications to the mobile platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a USB 3.0 interface is added to mobile platform, then data transfer speed is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB 3.0 host controller as an intermediary component that bridges the mobile platform's USB 2.0 interface and external USB 3.0 devices. This mediator enables USB 3.0 functionality without requiring the mobile platform itself to have native USB 3.0 hardware, thus improving data transfer speed while avoiding the complexity of modifying the core platform architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the USB interface functionality by separating the mobile platform's USB 2.0 controller from the USB 3.0 host controller. This segmentation allows the high-speed USB 3.0 capability to be added as a discrete component that interfaces with the existing platform through USB 2.0 protocols, thereby achieving speed improvement without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Speed
If external chip is used for USB 3.0 support, then data transfer speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the USB 3.0 host controller to operate only when USB 3.0 devices are detected or when high-speed transfer is required. The system can dynamically switch between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 modes based on operational needs, thereby achieving high data transfer speeds when necessary while maintaining low power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring to detect USB 3.0 device connections and activate the high-speed interface only when needed. This periodic action approach ensures that the USB 3.0 controller and associated high-power components remain inactive during most operational periods, minimizing overall power consumption while still enabling high-speed data transfer when required.
3Speed
If USB 3.0 interface is implemented, then data transfer speed is improved, but hardware modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the USB 3.0 host controller to serve multiple functions: it can interface with USB 3.0 devices for high-speed data transfer, communicate with USB 2.0 devices through compatibility mode, and integrate with the mobile platform's existing USB 2.0 infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the addition of USB 3.0 capability without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each interface type, thereby reducing the scope of necessary hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the USB 3.0 host controller as an intermediary component that interfaces with the mobile platform through standard USB 2.0 connections, the patent enables USB 3.0 functionality without requiring modifications to the platform's core hardware architecture. The mediator approach allows high-speed data transfer capability to be added as a plug-and-play component, minimizing the scope of necessary hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Memory associated with a mobile communication device, such as memory removably inserted into a memory card slot, may be accessed, in the alternative, by a mobile communication platform or by a remote USB host. A memory access module connected to the memory card slots is operative in one of two modes: a pass-through mode and a USB mode. In the pass-through mode, the memory card slots are directly connected, via switching circuits, to memory interfaces on the mobile communication platform. A USB interface on the mobile communication platform may additionally be connected, in pass-through mode, via a USB hub to a remote USB host. In the USB mode, the memory card slots are connected, via switching circuits, second memory interfaces, and a controller, to a USB hub supporting USB 3.0 transfer protocols, and accessible by a remote host.