USB 2.0 and eUSB2 Integrated Circuit Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies require separate integrated chips for USB 2.0 and eUSB2 connectivity, leading to increased area and power overhead, and lack flexibility in switching between communication modes and standards.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated chip that facilitates both USB 2.0 and eUSB2 connectivity, allowing for switching between communication modes and standards based on connected components, without external components, by incorporating a communication-mode determination circuitry and shared transceiver combination circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate integrated chips are used for USB 2.0 and eUSB2 connectivity, then communication functionality is provided, but area and power overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines USB 2.0 and eUSB2 connectivity functions into a single integrated chip, merging previously separate chips into one unified device. This integration directly reduces the total area occupied by eliminating duplicate chip structures and inter-chip connections, while maintaining both USB 2.0 and eUSB2 communication capabilities through shared hardware resources and multiplexed interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chip is designed with universal functionality to support both USB 2.0 and eUSB2 standards simultaneously. The chip incorporates mode determination circuitry that can identify and switch between different communication modes (USB 2.0 high-speed, full-speed, low-speed, and eUSB2 modes), allowing a single device to perform multiple communication functions that previously required separate specialized chips.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate integrated chips are used for USB 2.0 and eUSB2 connectivity, then communication functionality is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging USB 2.0 and eUSB2 functionality into one chip, the patent eliminates the power consumption associated with multiple independent chip operations. The shared infrastructure (clocks, power management, I/O interfaces) reduces redundant power usage, and the mode determination logic enables dynamic power management where only the necessary communication subsystem is active at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal chip design allows the system to use a single power-efficient device instead of multiple powered chips. The integrated power management circuitry can optimize power distribution based on the active communication mode, reducing overall power consumption compared to having separate always-on chips for each standard.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate integrated chips are used for USB 2.0 and eUSB2 connectivity, then communication standards are supported, but flexibility in switching between modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chip incorporates universal support for multiple USB communication standards (USB 2.0 high-speed, full-speed, low-speed, and eUSB2) within a single device. The mode determination circuitry automatically identifies the connected device type and switches between communication modes seamlessly, providing operational flexibility without requiring manual configuration or physical chip changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip implements dynamic mode switching capability where the communication interface can adapt its operating mode in real-time based on the connected device. The mode determination logic continuously monitors connection status and dynamically reconfigures the transceiver to match the appropriate USB or eUSB2 mode, enabling flexible adaptation to different communication scenarios.
4Area of stationary object
If a single integrated chip is used for both USB 2.0 and eUSB2 connectivity, then area and power overhead are reduced, but circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chip internally segments different USB 2.0 and eUSB2 functional blocks while sharing common infrastructure. The mode determination circuitry acts as a controller that selectively activates appropriate functional segments based on the detected communication mode, managing the complexity through structured organization of sub-functions rather than monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip uses universal building blocks and shared resources (transceivers, I/O interfaces, power management) that can operate in multiple USB modes. This multi-functional architecture reduces overall complexity compared to having separate dedicated chips, as common components are designed to handle multiple protocols rather than requiring separate specialized circuits for each standard.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes a communication-mode determination circuitry configured to detect a signal level at one or both of a first data line and a second data line and to determine whether a communication mode of the first data line and the second data line is a first universal series bus (USB) communication mode or a second USB communication mode. The integrated circuit also includes a first transceiver circuitry configured to operate in one of multiple modes, based on the communication mode determined. The integrated circuit also includes a second transceiver circuitry configured to operate in one of multiple modes, based on the communication mode determined. A maximum signal level of the first USB communication mode is greater than a maximum signal level of the second USB communication mode.