Signal Conditioner for USB Distance Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB communication systems face limitations in maximizing the physical distance between devices without inducing delay or noise, as conventional USB repeaters and hubs restrict the distance to 5 meters for USB 2.0 and 3 meters for USB 3.0, and fail to comply with USB specifications due to signal loss.
Innovation Solution
A signal conditioner system comprising a state machine and a re-driver that detects predetermined protocol levels on USB channels and injects current into rising and falling edges of data signals to boost the signal, allowing for increased distance without delay or noise, and ensuring compliance with USB specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional USB repeaters and hubs are used to extend communication distance, then the physical distance between devices can be increased, but signal loss occurs and USB specifications are not complied with
Solution Approach 1:
The signal conditioner changes the electrical parameters of the data signal by detecting protocol level modes and injecting current into rising and falling edges of the signal. This active parameter adjustment compensates for signal degradation over distance while maintaining USB specification compliance, resolving the contradiction between extended distance and signal integrity.
2Length of stationary object
If the physical distance between USB devices is increased beyond standard limits, then communication range is extended, but delay and noise are induced in the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The signal conditioner performs preliminary action by detecting protocol level modes before data transmission and pre-conditioning the signal by injecting current into rising and falling edges. This proactive signal reinforcement prevents delay and noise accumulation over extended distances, allowing 10-meter communication without degrading signal quality.
3Length of stationary object
If signal boosting is applied to extend communication distance, then physical range is increased, but interference with lower-speed communications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The signal conditioner implements dynamic operation by using a state machine to detect protocol level modes and adaptively enabling or disabling the re-driver based on the detected USB speed. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to extend distance for high-speed USB 3.0 communication while remaining compatible with lower-speed USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 communications, resolving the contradiction between distance extension and versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively extends the maximum physical distance between USB devices to up to 10 meters, with no theoretical limit on the number of signal conditioners that can be used, while maintaining compliance with USB standards and avoiding interference with lower-speed communications.
Implementation Method 1
a re-driver configured to inject current into at least one of a rising edge and a falling edge of the data signal on the bi-directional serial bus in response to the detection of the predetermined protocol level mode
Data Source
AI summary
A signal conditioner can include a state machine configured to detect a predetermined protocol level mode of a data signal on a bi-directional serial bus. The signal conditioner can also include a re-driver configured to inject current into at least one of a rising edge and a falling edge of the data signal on the bi-directional serial bus in response to the detection of the predetermined protocol level mode.