USB Port Interleaving for Modular Bandwidth Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular computing systems face bandwidth shortages when using a single USB port to connect multiple expansion modules, limiting the number of modules that can be connected and causing data processing overload.
Innovation Solution
Interleaving multiple USB ports within each expansion module to share bandwidth, allowing signals to be directed between ports to prevent overloading by using a host module with multiple USB ports and expansion modules with dual USB ports for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single USB port is used to connect multiple expansion modules, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bandwidth is insufficient causing data processing overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single USB port connection into multiple USB port segments within the expansion module. Each USB port handles a portion of the data traffic, segmenting the bandwidth into parallel channels that can simultaneously transmit data, thereby increasing overall bandwidth while maintaining modular complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single-port connection to a multi-dimensional network by implementing USB ports across multiple dimensions (different ports on the same module, different modules, and hierarchical levels). This creates a mesh-like topology that expands bandwidth capacity without proportionally increasing connection complexity
2Productivity
If multiple USB ports are implemented within each expansion module, then the bandwidth is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal USB port interfaces that can function in multiple roles - as host ports, device ports, or relay ports depending on the operational context. This multi-functionality allows the same physical port structure to serve different bandwidth requirements without requiring separate specialized ports for each function, thereby increasing bandwidth capacity while controlling complexity through interface standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested hierarchical structure where USB ports are nested within expansion modules, which are nested within the computing system. Each level of nesting manages a subset of connections, allowing bandwidth to scale at each hierarchical level without requiring the entire system to manage all connections simultaneously, thus increasing bandwidth while distributing complexity across multiple manageable layers
3Ease of operation
If a single USB port is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the quantity of connected modules is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic connection management where the USB ports and expansion modules self-configure and self-manage data routing without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically detects the number and type of connected modules and dynamically allocates bandwidth and connection paths, maintaining ease of operation while enabling support for a larger quantity of modules through automated resource management
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to transmitting signals via USB ports. For example, a system according to the present disclosure, may include a host module including a plurality of USB ports, a first expansion module, and a second expansion module. The first expansion module may include a first USB port and a second USB port. The first expansion module may receive a signal from the host module at a first USB port, and direct the signal to a second USB port. The first expansion module may transmit the signal to a second expansion module via a second USB port.