USB Transceiver IC for Dual Host Device Functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB apparatus implementations fail to fully utilize existing integrated circuits that provide a USB device controller but not a USB host controller, limiting the functionality of devices that need to operate as both USB hosts and devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a transceiver circuit and a USB host controller, featuring a standard interface for internal use and a connection for an external USB device controller, allowing for dual functionality as a USB host and device by providing two access paths for USB device and host compatible signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate USB host controller is integrated into the functional circuit, then the apparatus can function as both USB host and device, but the device complexity and silicon area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a USB device controller when the apparatus functions as a USB device, and as a USB host controller when the apparatus functions as a USB host. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate host and device controller circuits, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual USB functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the USB host controller and USB device controller functions into a single transceiver integrated circuit. By combining these previously separate functions into one circuit, the patent reduces the number of components, simplifies the overall device architecture, and decreases silicon area requirements while enabling both USB host and device operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate USB host controller is added to existing USB device circuits, then dual functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver integrated circuit is designed as a universal controller that can operate in both USB host and USB device modes. This eliminates the need for different controller designs for different functions, allowing for standardized mass production of a single circuit design that supports dual USB functionality, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transceiver handles all USB signal processing, then existing USB device circuits can be used without modification, but the transceiver complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB control functions by having the transceiver handle only the analog signal processing aspects (receiving and transmitting differential USB signals), while the digital control logic is handled by existing USB device controller circuits. This segmentation allows the transceiver to remain relatively simple while still enabling dual USB functionality through coordinated operation with existing circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus with a USB connection has a functional circuit with a processor, a parallel address data bus couple to the processor and a USB device controller circuit with a USB interface in parallel with said address/data bus. The apparatus contains an interface integrated circuit electronically between the USB connection on one hand and the parallel address/data interface and the USB interface on the other hand. The interface integrated circuit has external terminals for connecting to a USB bus, a transceiver capable of transceiving for both a USB host and a USB device, the transceiver having a USB interface, a host interface and a device interface. The USB interface is coupled to the USB connection. The device interface is connected to the external USB device controller circuit. A host controller is coupled to the host interface, the host controller being coupled to the functional circuits via the parallel data/address bus.