USB Device Endpoint Segmentation for Concurrent Super Speed and Non-Super Speed Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB systems require a physically or logically hub device to support both Super Speed and non-Super Speed connections concurrently, increasing hardware cost and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A USB device with a configuration unit that divides endpoints into two groups based on bandwidth requirements, allowing it to establish both Super Speed and non-Super Speed connections directly with a host device without a hub, by configuring some endpoints for Super Speed and others for non-Super Speed operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hub device is used to support both Super Speed and non-Super Speed connections concurrently, then both connection types can be active simultaneously, but hardware cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB device's endpoints into two distinct groups: a first group of endpoints configured for Super Speed operation and a second group of endpoints configured for non-Super Speed operation. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously support both SS and HS links without requiring a hub device, as each endpoint group independently manages its own communication protocol and timing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The USB device is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can operate as both a Super Speed device and a non-Super Speed device concurrently through different endpoint groups. The device includes both SS connection ports and non-SS connection ports, allowing it to universally support multiple connection types simultaneously without external hub assistance
2Speed
If Super Speed connection is established first, then high data transfer rate is achieved, but non-Super Speed endpoints cannot operate simultaneously without a hub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides endpoints into segregated groups where the first group of endpoints is exclusively configured for Super Speed data transfer while the second group is configured for non-Super Speed operation. This segmentation enables the device to maintain SS connections at 5 Gbps for bandwidth-intensive operations while simultaneously allowing HS/FS/LS operations through separate endpoints without protocol conflicts or hub mediation
Solution Approach 2:
Different endpoints within the USB device are assigned different operational characteristics based on local requirements. High-bandwidth endpoints are configured for Super Speed with appropriate timing and protocol settings, while other endpoints maintain non-Super Speed configurations. This local quality differentiation allows concurrent multi-speed operation tailored to specific endpoint needs
Data Source
AI summary
Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices supporting super speed and non-super speed connections for communication with a host device includes a plurality of endpoints (EPs), a non-super speed connection port, a super speed connection port and a configuration unit. The non-super speed connection port and the super speed connection port are connected to the host device. The configuration unit is arranged for dividing the EPs to first and second groups of EPs according to a bandwidth requirement, determining whether a super speed connection with the host device is successfully established and configuring the first group of EPs to operate at a super speed and configuring the second group of EPs to operate at a non-super speed when the super speed connection with the host device is successfully established such that the USB device communicates with the host device at both the super speed and the non-super speed.