USB Interface Multiplexing for Multi-Processor Debug Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiprocessor terminals require multiple interfaces for debugging and data communication, leading to complex designs and the need for destructive operations during debugging or fault handling, especially when only one USB interface is available.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit for multiplexing a USB interface that uses level signals other than service data and ground signals to determine a target processor port, allowing data transmission through a single USB interface to multiple processor ports, and includes a decoder and multiway switch to manage signal routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are designed for each processor port, then data communication and debugging functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single USB interface to serve multiple processor ports through multiplexing. The USB interface can dynamically switch between connecting to different processor ports (e.g., first processor's first port, second processor's second port) based on control signals, allowing one interface to perform the functions that would traditionally require multiple dedicated interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple interface functions into a single USB interface by implementing multiplexing circuitry that combines the data transmission paths from different processor ports into one shared USB interface. This merging reduces the total number of interfaces needed while maintaining all necessary communication and debugging capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are designed for each processor port, then all processor ports can be accessed, but the number of interfaces required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface is designed with universality to access multiple processor ports through multiplexing. By using control signals to select different processor ports, the single USB interface can communicate with any connected processor port, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each port.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple interface connections into one USB interface by using multiplexing switches that route data signals from different processor ports to the single USB interface. This merging reduces the quantity of interfaces from multiple dedicated interfaces to one shared interface that serves all ports.
3Ease of repair
If destructive operations are performed for debugging, then fault handling is achieved, but device integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a non-destructive multiplexed USB interface connection before debugging operations. The multiplexing mechanism is pre-configured to allow safe, reversible switching between processor ports, enabling debugging and fault handling without requiring destructive disassembly or modification of the device hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communications, and provide a method and circuit for multiplexing a USB interface, an electronic device and a storage medium. The method includes: acquiring at least one path of level signal, other than a service data signal and a ground signal, in a USB interface; according to a logic result of the at least one path of level signal and a predefined correlation, determining a target port of a target processor corresponding to the logic result as a transmission object of the USB interface, wherein the correlation comprises a logic result of the at least one path of level signal uniquely corresponding to each port of each processor; and transmitting received data to the transmission object by means of the USB interface, and sending data to be sent of the transmission object by means of the USB interface.