USB Signal Transmission via Networking Cable Using USB-Like Format
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB signal transmission methods require complex conversions between USB and networking cable protocols, making long-distance transmission cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting USB signals through a networking cable by processing the signals into a 'USB-like' format that meets USB transmission protocols but not electrical specifications, allowing for transmission using a pair of differential signals with a different signal swing, thereby avoiding protocol conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If USB signal is transmitted through networking cable using conventional conversion methods, then long-distance transmission is achieved, but the transmission process becomes complex due to protocol conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the USB signal to create a USB-like signal that can be transmitted over networking cables. Specifically, it adjusts the signal swing from the standard USB voltage levels to levels suitable for networking cable transmission, while maintaining USB protocol compatibility. This parameter transformation eliminates the need for complex protocol conversions while enabling long-distance transmission.
2Length of stationary object
If USB signal is transmitted directly through long cable, then transmission distance is extended, but signal loss and attenuation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a networking cable as an intermediary transmission medium between USB devices. By converting the USB signal to a USB-like signal optimized for networking cable transmission, the system leverages the low-loss characteristics of networking cables for long-distance signal transmission, thereby reducing signal attenuation compared to direct USB cable transmission.
3Reliability
If conventional USB transmission protocol is used, then signal integrity is maintained, but transmission distance is limited to short ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission system into distinct functional modules: USB signal processing unit, USB-like signal generation unit, networking cable transmission unit, and USB signal recovery unit. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining USB protocol integrity while enabling long-distance transmission through the networking cable intermediary.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmission method for a USB interface and an apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes: receiving a first USB signal sent from a sending terminal, processing the first USB signal into a USB-like signal, and transmitting the USB-like signal via a networking cable; receiving the USB-like signal, processing the USB-like signal into a second USB signal, and sending the second USB signal to a receiving terminal. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the first USB signal is processed into a USB-like signal which is similar to the USB signal, the USB-like signal is transmitted via a networking cable, and the USB-like signal is processed into a second USB signal. The transmission process does not require converting the USB signal into a networking-cable signal which is to be transmitted via a networking cable, thereby avoiding conversion between protocols, and simplifying the entire transmission process.