SuperSpeed USB Extension Devices with Dynamic Receiver Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing USB Specifications, particularly Revision 3.0, limit SuperSpeed connections to a maximum cable length of 3 to 5 meters due to signal integrity issues, making it challenging to extend SuperSpeed USB devices beyond this distance without compromising signal quality, especially when using non-USB communication mediums like Ethernet or fiber optic cables.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of upstream and downstream facing port devices equipped with detection proxy engines that selectively enable receiver termination circuitry based on the capability of connected host or USB devices to support SuperSpeed communication, allowing for extended communication distances while maintaining signal integrity by logically disconnecting the USB connection until device capabilities are determined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SuperSpeed USB connections use traditional copper cables, then signal integrity is maintained, but the maximum cable length is limited to 3 to 5 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces extension devices (upstream facing port device and downstream facing port device) as intermediaries between the host and USB device. These devices contain detection proxy engines that detect SuperSpeed capability and conditionally present receiver termination, enabling signal transmission over extended distances through Ethernet or fiber optic cables while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the electrical parameters of the extension medium based on detected device capabilities. When SuperSpeed capability is detected, receiver termination is presented with appropriate impedance matching; when not detected, termination is omitted. This parameter adaptation enables the system to support both extended distance communication and high-speed SuperSpeed protocols.
2Ease of operation
If receiver termination is always presented in extension environments, then signal detection is simplified, but timing issues and compatibility problems arise with devices that don't support SuperSpeed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic receiver termination control through detection proxy engines. These engines detect whether the connected device supports SuperSpeed communication and conditionally enable or disable receiver termination accordingly. This dynamic adaptation resolves timing issues and prevents compatibility problems with USB 2.0 or earlier devices while maintaining simplified detection for SuperSpeed devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection proxy engines implement feedback mechanisms by monitoring device responses and capability signals. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to present receiver termination, thereby adapting the electrical characteristics of the extension medium to match the capabilities of the connected USB device.
3Length of moving object
If extension devices are added to enable long-distance SuperSpeed communication, then communication range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension devices are designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The detection proxy engines perform multiple functions including capability detection, receiver termination control, and protocol adaptation. This consolidation of functions into unified components minimizes the number of separate elements needed while achieving extended communication capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for providing SuperSpeed USB connections across an extension medium are provided. An upstream facing port device (UFP device) and a downstream facing port device (DFP device) are connected by an extension medium, and communicate via an extension protocol. The UFP device and the DFP device include switchable receiver termination circuitry. The receiver termination at the UFP device is enabled upon determining that a USB device coupled to the DFP device supports SuperSpeed communication, and the receiver termination at the DFP device is enabled upon determining that a host device coupled to the UFP device supports SuperSpeed communication.