USB Controller Full Transfer Automation via Hardware Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB data transfer performance is limited by firmware involvement in USB controllers, which causes delays and increased power consumption due to microprocessor activity during data transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing full transfer automation in USB controllers using hardware-generated logic signals for data transfer status communication between host interface and backend modules, reducing the need for firmware and microprocessor intervention during bulk data transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware instructions are executed on the internal microprocessor to manage data transfer batches, then data transfer management and error checking are achieved, but data transfer performance decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based firmware execution on the microprocessor with a hardware-based state machine implementation. The state machine uses dedicated hardware logic circuits to automatically manage data transfer batches, perform error checking, and control the USB controller without requiring microprocessor intervention. This substitution of mechanical/software control with hardware control eliminates the performance overhead and power consumption associated with firmware execution while maintaining reliable data transfer management.
Solution Approach 2:
The state machine is designed to autonomously manage the entire data transfer process without external firmware intervention. It automatically transitions between states based on transfer progress, handles error detection and correction, and controls buffer management independently. This self-service capability allows the USB controller to operate efficiently without the microprocessor needing to wake from sleep mode or process interrupts for each transfer batch.
2Ease of operation
If the microprocessor wakes from sleep mode to handle firmware instructions during data transfer, then data transfer operations can be managed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the microprocessor-based firmware control system with a dedicated hardware state machine that operates autonomously. This hardware implementation can manage all data transfer operations, including waking from sleep mode and handling transfer protocols, without requiring the main microprocessor to become active. The state machine uses simple hardware logic that consumes minimal power compared to full microprocessor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the control functions into two distinct components: a low-power state machine for automatic data transfer management and the main microprocessor for higher-level operations. This segmentation allows the microprocessor to remain in sleep mode during routine data transfers while the state machine handles the actual transfer operations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If firmware instructions are interpreted and executed for each data batch, then data transfer control is achieved, but transfer speed decreases due to processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software interpretation and execution cycle with direct hardware logic implementation. The state machine uses combinational and sequential logic circuits that naturally implement the transfer control logic in hardware, eliminating the need for fetch-decode-execute cycles. This hardware-based approach processes data transfer control signals directly at hardware speeds, achieving maximum transfer rates without firmware overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The state machine is pre-configured with the complete transfer protocol logic and state transition rules during device initialization. This preliminary setup allows the hardware to automatically execute the correct sequence of operations for each data batch without requiring real-time firmware interpretation. The transfer control logic is essentially pre-computed and hardwired into the state machine, enabling high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB controller and method of implementing a full transfer automation mode is described. The USB controller may have a host interface module configured to generate hardware logic signals for communication to a backend module having buffer memory. The backend module may be configured to generate hardware logic signals for communication with the host interface module such that data transfer within the USB device may be implemented without the need for processor intervention to handle routing of data packets during a USB bulk data transfer.