Interface Circuitry Coordination for Multi-Protocol USB Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining backward compatibility across different generations of computer bus protocols is challenging due to technological changes, especially in fabrication technologies, which complicates the operation of interface circuitry in computing devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a coordination circuitry that selects between multiple controllers operating at different voltage levels to manage communication through distinct groups of pins, allowing the interface circuitry to function as a unified controller for various communication protocols, including USB 3.x, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1 protocols, using finite state machines to facilitate protocol selection and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate interface circuitries are used for different communication protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified interface circuitry that can operate with multiple communication protocols (USB 3.x, USB 2.0, USB 1.1) through a single multi-functional controller. The coordination circuitry dynamically selects and activates the appropriate controller based on the detected protocol, allowing one interface circuitry to serve multiple protocol functions rather than requiring separate dedicated circuitries for each protocol version.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple controllers (first controller for USB 3.x, second controller for USB 2.0/1.1) into a single integrated interface circuitry managed by coordination circuitry. This merging allows the system to consolidate what would traditionally be separate interface circuitries into one unified structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility through intelligent controller selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional interface circuitry is added for each protocol generation, then communication compatibility is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified interface circuitry with coordination circuitry provides multi-functional capability to handle multiple USB protocol generations. Instead of adding separate interface circuitry for each protocol version, the system uses one interface circuitry that can be dynamically configured to work with USB 3.x, USB 2.0, or USB 1.1 protocols through the coordination circuitry's controller selection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple protocol-specific interface circuitries into a single integrated unit. The coordination circuitry integrates the first controller, second controller, and interface circuitry into one cohesive system, reducing the total number of discrete components while maintaining the ability to communicate across different USB protocol generations.
3Reliability
If separate controllers are used for different voltage levels, then protocol-specific performance is improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination circuitry acts as an intermediary between the first controller (USB 3.x) and second controller (USB 2.0/1.1). It monitors communication requirements and automatically selects the appropriate controller based on the detected protocol version and voltage level, simplifying the coordination process by providing a centralized decision-making mechanism rather than requiring complex inter-controller negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination circuitry performs preliminary detection and selection of the appropriate controller before actual data communication begins. By detecting the protocol version and selecting the corresponding controller in advance, the system avoids runtime coordination complexity and ensures protocol-specific performance is optimized from the start of each communication session.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may include systems and methods for communication including a plurality of controllers and coordination circuitry, to control communication to or from an interface circuitry. The interface circuitry includes a plurality of pins, where a first group of pins of the plurality of pins is for a first communication protocol, and a second group of pins of the plurality of pins is for a second communication protocol. A first controller is coupled to the interface circuitry through the first group of pins, and a second controller is coupled to the interface circuitry through the second group of pins. The coordination circuitry is to select the first controller or the second controller to control communication to or from the interface circuitry. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.