USB Hub Multi-Mode Physical Layer Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C connection ports experience signal attenuation during data and image transmission, leading to errors and poor quality, necessitating a solution to enhance data transmission quality in hub devices.
Innovation Solution
A USB hub device with a multi-mode physical layer that includes an upstream connection port for transmitting differential signals, a control unit to determine transmission modes, and a hub controller to manage these modes, utilizing multiple physical layers and a buffer to ensure reliable signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB Type-C connection port is used for data and image transmission, then connection consistency and versatility are improved, but signal attenuation occurs leading to data errors and poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the physical layer into multiple independent sets (first set and second set of upstream physical layers, and corresponding downstream physical layers). Each set can operate independently to transmit different types of data (USB data or non-USB data). This segmentation allows the system to switch between different transmission paths to avoid signal attenuation issues while maintaining connection consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different transmission modes based on the type of data being transmitted. The control unit determines whether to use USB transmission mode or non-USB transmission mode based on real-time requirements, allowing the system to adaptively select the optimal transmission path to maintain signal quality while preserving connection versatility.
2Reliability
If multiple physical layers are added to reduce signal attenuation, then data transmission quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multiple sets of physical layers to serve multiple functions. Each set of upstream physical layers can transmit both USB data and non-USB data by switching between different transmission modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate transmission paths for different data types, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still providing multiple transmission paths to reduce signal attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a second set of upstream physical layers that mirrors the functionality of the first set. Instead of creating entirely different transmission mechanisms, the system copies the physical layer structure and uses it for alternative data transmission paths. This copying approach provides redundancy to combat signal attenuation while maintaining a relatively simple and familiar structural pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal serial bus (USB) hub with a multi-mode transmission physical layer and method thereof are provided. The hub includes a control unit and a hub controller. The hub controller is electrically connected to an upstream connection port, downstream port and the control unit for controlling a plurality of transmission modes of a differential signal to mitigate an issue of signal decay by the multi-mode transmission physical layer.