USB-C Interface System for Simultaneous Bidirectional Serial Lanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile devices face packaging constraints that prevent the incorporation of specialized link interface connectors, leading to reliance on wireless connectivity or bulky external adapters for Ethernet connections, which are inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A USB-C interface system that enables multi-protocol data transfers using bidirectional and unidirectional serial lanes, with mode control selecting the appropriate protocol based on connected media, allowing for high-speed data transfer without the need for separate connectors or bulky adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If wireless link protocols are used for external connectivity, then packaging constraints are satisfied, but connectivity reliability deteriorates in certain situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the USB-C interface to serve multiple functions by implementing both unidirectional and bidirectional serial lane modes within the same connector infrastructure. This allows the device to maintain a compact footprint while providing reliable wired connectivity options when needed, resolving the contradiction between small form factor and connectivity reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional Ethernet-to-USB adapters are used, then wired connectivity is achieved, but device portability deteriorates due to bulky size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges Ethernet functionality directly into the USB-C interface controller by implementing serial lane protocols that can operate in both unidirectional and bidirectional modes. This integration eliminates the need for separate external Ethernet adapters, providing reliable wired connectivity while maintaining device portability.
3Reliability
If conventional Ethernet-to-USB adapters are used, then wired connectivity is achieved, but power consumption increases due to passive cooling structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Ethernet functionality with the existing USB-C interface, eliminating the need for separate active Ethernet electronics and their associated passive cooling structures. This integration reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable wired connectivity through efficient use of shared interface resources.
4Reliability
If specialized link interface connectors are incorporated, then dedicated connectivity is achieved, but packaging flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the USB-C interface universal by enabling it to support multiple link protocols including both unidirectional and bidirectional modes. This eliminates the need for specialized connectors while maintaining dedicated connectivity capabilities, thereby preserving packaging flexibility and design versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An input/output (I/O) interface system for computing devices is disclosed. The I/O interface system includes an externally-engageable USB-C interface connector. A first I/O protocol controller circuit couples to the USB-C interface connector via multiple bidirectional serial lanes. Each of the bidirectional serial lanes transfers a single serial stream of data in a simultaneously bidirectional manner. A second I/O protocol controller circuit couples to the USB-C interface connector via multiple unidirectional serial lanes. Each of the unidirectional serial lanes transfers a single serial stream of data in a unidirectional manner. Mode control circuitry selects between the first I/O protocol controller circuit and the second I/O protocol controller circuit for data transfers with the USB-C interface connector based on a detected signaling media externally connected to the USB-C interface connector.