USB Split Cable Pin Configuration Eliminates External Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB hubs for mobile communication devices require external power sources, limiting mobility and increasing costs due to their power consumption and hardware complexity when enabling point-to-multipoint USB connections.
Innovation Solution
A USB split cable with a Full-Featured Type-C host plug and multiple device plugs, configured with different data pin combinations, allows for point-to-multipoint USB connections without a hub, reducing power consumption and costs by using a cable splitter to conductively couple the host plug with device plugs, enabling concurrent data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external USB hub is used to enable point-to-multipoint connections, then multiple device connectivity is achieved, but power consumption increases and mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hub functionality from a separate external device and integrates it directly into the mobile communication device. The USB host controller and hub logic are combined within the mobile device's processor system, eliminating the need for an external USB hub and its associated power consumption and mobility limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the USB host controller and USB hub into a single integrated system within the mobile communication device. The processor includes both the USB host controller and hub functionality, allowing multiple USB devices to be connected through a single integrated interface rather than requiring separate external hub equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an external USB hub is used to enable point-to-multipoint connections, then multiple device connectivity is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the USB host controller and USB hub into a single integrated system within the mobile communication device. The processor includes both the USB host controller and hub functionality, allowing multiple USB devices to be connected through a single integrated interface rather than requiring separate external hub equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB host controller in the mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standard USB host for single-device connections and simultaneously function as a USB hub for multiple-device connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hub hardware and reduces overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an external USB hub is used to enable point-to-multipoint connections, then multiple device connectivity is achieved, but mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hub functionality from a separate external device and integrates it directly into the mobile communication device. The USB host controller and hub logic are combined within the mobile device's processor system, eliminating the need for an external USB hub and its associated power consumption and mobility limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) split cable is disclosed. In one aspect, the USB split cable provides a USB full-featured Type-C host plug for connecting to a USB Type-C receptacle in a USB host. In another aspect, the USB split cable provides a plurality of USB device plugs for connecting to a plurality of device clients, respectively. The plurality of USB device plugs can be configured individually with different data pin combinations to concurrently support different device clients. By providing the USB split cable, it is possible to support point-to-multipoint USB connection via the plurality of USB device plugs without a USB hub, thus improving mobility of the USB host while reducing costs and power consumption associated with the USB hub.