USB Detection System Using Shared Buffer Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems require separate components for detecting and communicating with externally coupled USB devices, leading to inefficiencies in the detection process.
Innovation Solution
A detection system that generates a reference current and uses a shared buffer circuit to selectively pass this current or communication signals to the device, switching between detect and communicate modes to monitor voltage and time thresholds for device presence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate systems are used for detecting and communicating with USB devices, then detection and communication functions are independent and reliable, but system complexity increases and detection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate detection and communication systems into a single integrated system. The detection circuit shares the buffer circuit with the communication function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection hardware. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable detection through the integrated voltage monitoring and time measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer circuit is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as a detection buffer during device detection and as a communication buffer during data transmission. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces system complexity while ensuring that both detection and communication operations can proceed reliably through the same shared infrastructure.
2Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used, then separate detection systems are implemented, but detection time increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage monitoring and time measurement actions during the detection phase before full communication begins. By pre-measuring the time for voltage to reach threshold values and monitoring impedance states in advance, the system establishes detection accuracy without requiring extended detection periods, thus reducing overall detection time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or multi-component detection systems with an electrical field-based detection method using voltage monitoring and time measurement. This substitution allows for rapid detection by measuring electrical parameters (voltage thresholds and time constants) rather than relying on slower physical or mechanical detection processes, thereby reducing detection time while preserving accuracy.
3Productivity
If reference current is continuously provided to externally coupled devices, then communication signals can be transmitted, but false detection may occur and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between detect mode and communicate mode rather than continuous current provision. During detect mode, reference current is provided to measure impedance and detect device presence. During communicate mode, the shared buffer transmits communication signals. This periodic alternation prevents false detection by clearly separating detection and communication phases, and reduces energy consumption by limiting reference current to only when actually needed for detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the state of the shared buffer circuit between detection and communication functions based on operational requirements. The buffer is configured to pass reference current during detection phases and to pass communication signals during transmission phases. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes both communication efficiency and energy usage by ensuring that energy-intensive reference current flows only when necessary for device detection.
4Device complexity
If shared buffer circuit is used for both detection and communication, then system complexity is reduced, but signal interference may occur between modes
Solution Approach 1:
The shared buffer circuit operates in periodic alternation between detect mode and communicate mode, with clear temporal separation between functions. During detect mode, the buffer passes reference current for impedance measurement. During communicate mode, it passes communication signals. This periodic switching with distinct phases prevents signal interference by ensuring that detection and communication signals are never present simultaneously in the shared buffer, thereby maintaining signal integrity while reducing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient detection of externally coupled receiver devices by distinguishing between high and low impedance states, preventing false detection and ensuring devices are ready for communication.
Implementation Method 1
distinguishing between high and low impedance states
Implementation Method 2
monitoring a voltage value of the conductor and a time for the voltage value to reach a pre-determined threshold value in response to the reference current
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are provided to facilitate a detection system to detect a presence of an externally coupled receiver device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) device. In one example, the system generates a reference current and passes the reference current via a conductor to a shared buffer circuit. The shared buffer circuit is adapted to selectively pass the reference current or a communication signal to the externally coupled receiver device. The system switches between a detect mode where the reference current is provided to the externally coupled receiver device and between a communicate mode where the reference current is blocked and the communication signal is provided to the externally coupled receiver device. The system monitors a voltage value of the conductor and the system monitors a time for the voltage value to reach a pre-determined threshold value in response to the reference current. The system detects a presence of the externally coupled receiver device based on the monitored time.