USB Extension System Using FPGA Spoofing for Long Distance Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing USB standard is limited to a maximum distance of thirty meters, which is insufficient for certain applications requiring USB functionality at distances of up to seven hundred and fifty meters or more, such as in KVM systems where peripheral devices need to be connected to a host computer located far away.

Innovation Solution

The development of a USB extension system that uses a series of FPGAs and transceivers to manage data transmission over longer distances by employing a spoofing algorithm to handle the increased round-trip time delays, allowing data to be transmitted effectively over extended lengths through a single cable or fiber optic link.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the USB standard is used for data transmission, then data can be transmitted reliably, but the transmission distance is limited to thirty meters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into multiple segments: USB host connector with upstream FPGA, communication channel, downstream FPGA with USB device connector. Each segment handles specific functions (USB protocol processing, long-distance transmission, protocol conversion) to achieve reliable long-distance communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

FPGAs act as intermediary devices between the USB host and remote USB devices. They implement spoofing algorithms to mask the extended distance, making the system appear as a standard USB connection while actually transmitting data over hundreds of meters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If multiple hubs and cable segments are used to extend distance, then transmission distance increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines USB protocol processing, long-distance communication, and spoofing algorithm implementation into integrated FPGA devices. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate hubs and cable segments, reducing system complexity while achieving the same distance extension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The FPGA devices serve multiple functions: they act as USB protocol processors, long-distance transceivers, and spoofing algorithm implementers. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7418524B2Universal serial bus (USB) extension
Publication Date: 2008.08.26 VERTIV CORP
  • US7418524B2 patent drawing
  • US7418524B2 patent drawing
  • US7418524B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A universal serial bus (USB) extension allows for the transmission of data at high speeds over a much greater distance than typical USB operating range. USB devices may be connected to host computers at distances of 750 meters or more. USB tokens from a host computer are spoofed.