USB 3.0 Interface Segmentation for Simultaneous Dual-Protocol Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scenarios where the downstream devices are known to be either USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 compliant, the redundant SuperSpeed and Hi-Speed conductors in USB 3.0 interfaces lead to increased cost and decreased performance due to underutilization of resources, as only one set of conductors is utilized at a time.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes a single USB 3.0 interface to connect both a USB 3.0 compliant device using SuperSpeed conductors and a USB 2.0 compliant device using Hi-Speed conductors, optimizing resource usage by enabling simultaneous communication with two different devices through a single port.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a USB 3.0 interface includes both SuperSpeed and Hi-Speed conductors for backwards compatibility, then USB 2.0 devices can still communicate, but cost increases and performance decreases due to underutilization of redundant conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackwards compatibilityVSAvoidredundant conductors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB interface is segmented into two distinct conductor sets: SuperSpeed conductors (SSTX, SSTR) for USB 3.0 devices and Hi-Speed conductors (D+, D-) for USB 2.0 devices. This segmentation allows each conductor type to be dedicated to its specific protocol, eliminating redundancy while maintaining compatibility with both USB versions through separate physical pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single USB 3.0 interface port serves multiple functions by supporting both USB 3.0 SuperSpeed devices and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed devices simultaneously. The interface can dynamically route signals to the appropriate conductor set based on the connected device type, making the interface universal across different USB versions without requiring separate physical ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If redundant SuperSpeed and Hi-Speed conductors are included in USB 3.0 interfaces, then both USB versions can connect, but resource utilization decreases leading to increased cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor resources are segmented and assigned specifically: SuperSpeed conductors are allocated exclusively to USB 3.0 devices while Hi-Speed conductors are allocated exclusively to USB 2.0 devices. This segmented allocation eliminates wasted resources by ensuring each conductor type is fully utilized by its target device population, preventing the underutilization that occurs when both conductor sets are present but only one is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface dynamically changes its operational parameters based on the connected device. When a USB 3.0 device is detected, the system switches to using SuperSpeed conductors with high-speed signaling parameters. When a USB 2.0 device is detected, the system switches to using Hi-Speed conductors with legacy signaling parameters. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes resource utilization for each specific connection scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single USB 3.0 interface connects both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices, then functionality increases, but the interface must manage multiple conductor sets simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device supportVSAvoidconductor management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The physical conductor layout is segmented into distinct regions: SuperSpeed conductors (SSTX, SSTR) positioned separately from Hi-Speed conductors (D+, D-). This physical segmentation simplifies the management complexity by providing clear, dedicated pathways for each protocol, making it easier to route signals and manage connections without interference between the two different conductor sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The USB controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of switching between conductor sets. It detects the connected device type and automatically routes signals through the appropriate conductor set, abstracting the complexity from the user and application layer. This intermediary management allows the interface to support multiple devices while keeping the user experience simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8645598B2Downstream interface ports for connecting to USB capable devices

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AMERICAS CORP

AI summary

At least one downstream interface may be configured to be simultaneously connected to both a USB 3.0 compliant device and a USB 2.0 compliant device. The interface may be used for communicating with a USB 3.0 compliant device via a downstream port and simultaneously communicating with a USB 2.0 compliant device via the downstream port.