USB-to-DisplayPort Interface Conversion With Dynamic Pin Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface conversion devices struggle to support multiple pin assignment modes for data transmission between different transmission interfaces, such as USB and DisplayPort connectors.
Innovation Solution
An interface conversion device with a USB connector, DP connector, conversion driver, and DP multiplexer that detects configuration information to determine operation and pin assignment modes, allowing for multiple pin assignment configurations to facilitate data transmission between USB and DP connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the interface conversion device uses a fixed pin assignment mode, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot support multiple pin assignment modes for different plug orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pin assignment by detecting the plug orientation (normal or flipped) and automatically selecting the appropriate pin assignment mode (Mode A for normal orientation, Mode B for flipped orientation). The conversion driver dynamically reconfigures the pin assignments based on the detected orientation, allowing the device to adapt to different plug orientations without requiring multiple physical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (pin assignment modes) based on the detected plug orientation. When a flipped plug is detected, the system switches from Mode A pin assignments to Mode B pin assignments, effectively changing the electrical connection mapping to accommodate the reversed physical orientation while maintaining proper data transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device supports multiple pin assignment modes, then compatibility with different plug orientations is improved, but the control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the plug orientation through the configuration channel (CC) pins before establishing the data transmission connection. By detecting whether the plug is inserted in normal or flipped orientation at the beginning, the system can pre-determine the appropriate pin assignment mode to use, avoiding the need for complex runtime switching and simplifying the overall control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the configuration channel (CC) pin detection to determine the plug orientation and automatically select the appropriate pin assignment mode. The detection results from the CC pins provide feedback that triggers the selection of Mode A or Mode B, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the physical connection state.
3Ease of operation
If the device automatically detects plug orientation, then ease of operation is improved, but the detection and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface conversion device performs self-detection of the plug orientation using the configuration channel (CC) pins that are already present in the USB Type-C connector. The device automatically determines whether the plug is inserted in normal or flipped orientation without requiring external intervention or additional user actions, making the operation completely automatic and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing configuration channel (CC) pins, which are part of the standard USB Type-C connector specification, for the dual purpose of both configuration communication and orientation detection. By making the CC pins serve multiple functions, the system avoids adding separate detection hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving automatic orientation detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface conversion device includes a USB connector and a DP connector, a conversion driver, and a DP multiplexer. The conversion driver includes a UFP coupled to the USB connector and a DP output port. The DP multiplexer includes a USB port coupled to the DP output port and a DP port coupled to the DP connector. The conversion driver detects configuration information of a CC pin of the USB connector and determines an operation mode and a first pin assignment mode of the interface conversion device according to the configuration information. When the operation mode is a DP ALT mode, the conversion driver sets a second pin assignment mode between the UFP and the DP output port based on the first pin assignment mode and controls the DP multiplexer based on the first pin assignment mode to set a third pin assignment mode between the USB and DP ports.