USB Link Intermediary for Cross-Standard Peer-to-Peer Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB technologies limit peer-to-peer communication to USB 3.0 compliant devices, restricting direct communication between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 hosts or devices, and do not facilitate seamless communication between devices of different USB specifications without an intermediate host.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a USB 3.0 compliant switch and a USB 2.0 compliant bridge, along with a detector and controller, to establish and switch communication paths based on the USB types of connected peer units, enabling peer-to-peer communication over a USB link between devices of varying specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB 3.0 compliant switch and USB 2.0 compliant bridge are used to enable peer-to-peer communication between different USB versions, then compatibility and functionality across different USB standards is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB link intermediary device that includes both a USB 3.0 compliant switch and a USB 2.0 compliant bridge. This intermediary acts as a mediator between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 peer units, enabling communication between different USB versions by translating and routing signals through appropriate paths based on the capabilities of connected devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB link intermediary is designed to support multiple USB versions (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0) simultaneously through a single device. The controller can dynamically select between USB 3.0 high-speed path and USB 2.0 full-speed path, making the communication interface universal and adaptable to different device capabilities without requiring separate dedicated links for each USB version.
2Productivity
If USB 3.0 cable with USB 3.0 plugs and receptacles is used for host-to-host communication, then transmission bandwidth is improved to 5 Gbps, but the system only works between USB 3.0 compliant devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection capability where the controller can switch between USB 3.0 high-speed path and USB 2.0 full-speed path based on the real-time detection of device capabilities. When USB 3.0 devices are detected, the system activates the USB 3.0 compliant switch for 5 Gbps transmission; when USB 2.0 devices are detected, it switches to the USB 2.0 compliant bridge for full-speed communication, making the bandwidth adaptive to device capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (transmission speed, protocol version, active communication path) based on the detected USB version of connected peer units. The controller detects whether peer units are USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 compliant and adjusts the communication parameters accordingly, selecting appropriate transmission modes and activating corresponding hardware paths to optimize both speed and compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for peer-to-peer communication over a Universal Serial Bus (USB) link, the apparatus comprising a USB 3.0 compliant switch to be coupled between a first peer unit and a second peer unit to form a first path, wherein each of the first peer unit and the second peer unit supports a USB type of communication a USB 2.0 compliant bridge to be coupled between the first peer unit and the second peer unit to form a second path a detector to detect the USB type of each of the first peer unit and the second peer unit and a controller to establish the USB type of communication between the first peer unit and the second peer unit over a USB link via the first path or the second path, wherein the controller is configure to selectively switch the USB link to the first path or the second path based on the USB types of the first peer unit and the second peer unit.