USB Data Transmission in SerDes Streams

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Solution Overview

Problem

USB networks are limited in distance due to maximum allowable round trip delay, restricting cable length to 5 or 3 meters, making it challenging to connect devices beyond 30 meters without losing signal integrity, especially in medical setups where PCs are often far from monitors and input devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for transmitting USB data within a data stream that includes streaming data, where USB packets are divided into broadcast packets with an interruption pattern, allowing for transparent transmission and reconstruction, enabling longer distances without signal loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If USB cable length is extended beyond 5 meters, then transmission distance is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to excessive round-trip latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable lengthVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The USB data stream is segmented into individual USB packets that are independently processed and transmitted. Each packet is identified by interruption patterns that allow the receiver to correctly assemble the original data stream even when transmitted over extended distances with variable latency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary processing system is introduced that intercepts USB data, converts it into a format suitable for extended transmission with interruption patterns, transmits it over the extended cable, and then reconstructs the original USB data stream at the receiving end, effectively mediating between the USB device and the extended cable interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If optical extenders are used to bridge distances greater than 5 meters, then transmission distance is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate fiber optic cables for each USB interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidcable and interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides universal USB data transmission capability over extended distances using standard copper cables that can carry both USB data and streaming data simultaneously. The single cable solution eliminates the need for separate fiber optic cables for each USB interface, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

USB data transmission and streaming data transmission are merged into a single cable infrastructure. The interruption patterns embedded in the data stream allow the receiver to distinguish and separate USB packets from streaming data, enabling both functions to coexist on the same physical medium

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If USB data is transmitted as continuous stream without interruption patterns, then transmission speed is improved, but data identification and reconstruction become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoiddata identification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Interruption patterns are periodically inserted into the USB data stream at defined intervals (e.g., before each USB packet or at regular bit intervals). These periodic markers maintain high transmission speed while providing the receiver with consistent reference points for identifying and reconstructing the original USB data structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4160427B1Transmission of USB data in a data stream
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP4160427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4160427B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4160427B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention comprises a method for transmitting (I) USB data (TxData) in a data stream (SerDesData) that includes streaming data (StrData). The method begins by receiving the streaming data (StrData) and the USB data (TxData), which comprises a number of USB packets with a first set of bits. The USB data (TxData) is then split to generate a number of transmission packets (SP) with a second set of USB data (TxData). A transmission packet (SP) is then inserted into the data stream (SerDesData). The resulting data stream (SerDesData) is then transmitted. At least one initial transmission packet (SP) is pre-applied with a break pattern (Pat) to signal the presence of USB data (TxData) in the data stream (SerDesData). The invention also relates to a method for receiving data (II) and a transmission method (I, II) as well as a transmitting unit (50), a receiving unit (70) and a transmission system (100).