USB Network Switch Matrix for High-Density Device Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The USB standard's seven-bit address field limits a host to connecting to no more than 127 USB devices, posing a problem as computer systems increasingly require connections to greater numbers of devices.
Innovation Solution
A USB network switch with a switch matrix and controller that selectively connects host ports to device ports, allowing up to 126 devices to be connected without updating the USB addressing standard, and enabling multiple hosts to access these devices by using a hierarchy of switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the USB addressing standard is changed to increase the number of address bits, then the number of connectable USB devices can be increased beyond 127, but older devices built to the seven-bit address standard would be unable to communicate with new devices designed to the new standard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB network switch as an intermediary device between hosts and USB devices. The switch maintains the seven-bit addressing standard for compatibility with older devices while internally managing connections to a larger number of devices through its switching matrix and port selection capability, thus mediating between the limitation of the address field and the need for more device connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to USB device connectivity by introducing a USB network switch with multiple ports arranged in a switching matrix. Instead of increasing address bits (one dimension), the solution creates a multi-port switching architecture where hosts can connect to different device ports through the switch, effectively expanding the connectable device space without changing the address field size
2Quantity of substance
If a host directly connects to more than 127 USB devices, then the system can support a larger number of devices, but the USB address field limitation of seven bits prevents this
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB device connection space by introducing a USB network switch that divides the connection topology into multiple device ports. Each port can be independently addressed within the seven-bit limit, while the switch's internal switching matrix manages the overall connection to multiple devices, effectively segmenting the addressing problem into manageable portions
Data Source
AI summary
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) switch includes a host port and a plurality of USB device ports. Each USB device port is configured to be coupled to a respective plurality of USB devices. A USB interface is coupled to the host port. A switch matrix is coupled between the USB interface and the plurality of USB device ports and is configured to switch the USB interface to one of the plurality of USB device ports. A switch controller is coupled to the plurality of USB interfaces, the host port, and the switch matrix. The switch controller is configured to control operation of the USB switch.