Function Selector Device for USB 3.0 DisplayPort Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to integrate both USB and DisplayPort interfaces into mobile devices without the need for separate connectors, as existing solutions require dedicated pins for each function, which is impractical due to space and cost constraints in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A function selector device and method that utilize a USB 3.0 connector to transmit both USB and DisplayPort signals by reusing SuperSpeed pins for DisplayPort transmission, allowing automatic detection and switching between USB and DisplayPort functions using a single USB 3.0 connection, enabling both USB 3.0 and DisplayPort connectivity over a shared USB 3.0 interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both USB and DisplayPort interfaces are included in mobile devices, then both data connectivity and high quality display output are provided, but device size increases and becomes difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The USB 3.0 connector is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically switching between USB data transmission and DisplayPort video signal transmission. The same physical connector and pins are reused for different protocols depending on the connected device type, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connectors for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines USB and DisplayPort interfaces into a single unified connector system. The USB 3.0 connector integrates both USB data pins and DisplayPort video pins, allowing one physical interface to handle both USB connectivity and high-quality video output that previously required separate connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate connectors are used for USB and DisplayPort, then each function has dedicated pins, but the number of connectors and pins increases cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated function connectivityVSAvoidnumber of connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between USB and DisplayPort modes based on the connected device. The connector and associated circuitry can change their operational state and signal routing in real-time, allowing the same physical interface to adapt its function based on whether a USB device or DisplayPort device is connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of moving object

If USB pins are reused for DisplayPort transmission, then space and cost are reduced, but signal compatibility and detection complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector spaceVSAvoidsignal detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary voltage detection on the USB SSTX pins before establishing the communication mode. By checking the voltage level in advance (below threshold indicates USB, above threshold indicates DisplayPort), the system can automatically determine the correct protocol and configure the connector accordingly, preventing signal compatibility issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage detection mechanism acts as an intermediary that mediates between the physical connector and the protocol selection. This intermediate detection step translates the physical electrical state into logical mode selection, enabling automatic and accurate identification of the connected device type without complex communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9886413B2Displayport over USB mechanical interface

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 NXP BV

AI summary

Various exemplary embodiments relate to a function selector device in a system using a DisplayPort protocol over a universal serial bus (USB) mechanical interface, including: a first port configured to transmit/receive a USB SSTX signal; a second port configured to transmit/receive a USB SSRX signal; a third port configured to transmit/receive a DisplayPort lane signal; a fourth port configured to transmit/receive a DisplayPort AUX signal; a fifth port configured to transmit/receive a DisplayPort HPD signal; a sixth port configured to connect to SSTX pins of a USB 3.0 receptacle; and a seventh port configured to connect to SSRX pins of a USB 3.0 receptacle.