USB Host Controller Concurrent Debug via Segmented Data Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current USB host controllers with only one USB 3.0 port cannot perform concurrent host and debug operations, requiring additional hardware or connectors, which increases cost and space requirements in devices like smartphones and tablets.

Innovation Solution

A USB host controller with dedicated data paths for both host and debug devices, utilizing a split USB cable with specific pin configurations to enable simultaneous host and debug operations using a single USB port, along with separate cache memory for each device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single USB port is used for both host and debug operations, then device cost and space are reduced, but concurrent host and debug operations cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidconcurrent operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the USB communication channels by separating data paths into distinct lanes. The host operation uses one data path while the debug operation uses another data path, allowing concurrent operations through the single USB port without interference between the two functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single USB port is designed to universally support multiple functions simultaneously - it can serve as both a host interface for USB devices and a debug interface for the host controller, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ports while maintaining both functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional connectors are added for debug operations, then concurrent host and debug operations are enabled, but device space and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent operation capabilityVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The USB port is designed as a multi-functional interface that can simultaneously handle host communication and debug communication through different data paths, eliminating the need for additional physical connectors while supporting both operations concurrently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the host interface and debug interface into a single USB port by utilizing separate data paths within the same physical connector, combining multiple functions into one unified interface that saves space and reduces complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional connectors are added for debug operations, then concurrent host and debug operations are enabled, but silicon cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent operation capabilityVSAvoidsilicon cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The host controller integrates both host and debug functionality within a single controller unit, sharing common resources such as the USB port, data paths, and control logic. This merging approach reduces the need for separate hardware blocks, thereby lowering silicon area and manufacturing cost while enabling concurrent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate data paths are provided for host and debug devices, then concurrent operations are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent operation capabilityVSAvoiddata path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data paths are segmented into separate channels within the USB controller, with distinct transmit and receive lanes allocated for host and debug operations. This segmentation allows independent data flow management while maintaining a unified controller architecture, balancing functionality with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9047257B2Concurrent host operation and device debug operation with single port extensible host interface (xHCI) host controller

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 SYNOPSYS INC

AI summary

An improved USB host controller and method supports concurrent host and device debug operations with only one usable USB port. The described embodiments save silicon cost and avoid additional connectors, which are undesirable in ever-smaller devices.