USB Transmitter Adapter for Thunderbolt Alternate Mode Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Thunderbolt™ interfaces cannot support USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 data transmission due to the lack of reserved signal sets within the USB Type-C connector, preventing these modes from coexisting with the Thunderbolt™ alternate mode.
Innovation Solution
The system generates alternate mode compliant packets at a USB transmitter adapter and transmits them over a USB Type-C cable, allowing USB 3.x data to be received and converted into standard USB packets by a USB receiver adapter, enabling USB devices to connect to an Extensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) controller without software modifications and allowing for natural hot plugging and removal of USB hubs and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB 3.x data transmission is implemented over Thunderbolt interface, then USB 3.x compatibility is improved, but signal interference and protocol conflict occur due to lack of reserved signal sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Type-C connector signals into dedicated USB 3.x signal sets and Thunderbolt alternate mode signal sets. By physically separating and dedicating specific signal pairs to USB 3.x transmission (using reserved signal sets within the Type-C connector), the invention prevents signal interference and protocol conflicts while maintaining both USB 3.x compatibility and Thunderbolt functionality simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the Type-C connector to support both USB 3.x data transmission and Thunderbolt alternate mode through the use of reserved signal sets. The same physical connector infrastructure serves multiple protocols by allocating specific signal sets to different functions, allowing USB devices to connect to xHCI controllers while Thunderbolt devices can coexist on the same interface
2Speed
If USB packets are transmitted directly over alternate mode connection, then transmission speed is improved, but protocol compatibility deteriorates due to packet format differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion layer that translates between USB packet formats and alternate mode packet formats. This intermediary mechanism allows USB packets to be transmitted over the high-speed alternate mode connection while maintaining protocol compatibility, as the conversion handles format differences transparently without requiring software modifications on USB devices
3Speed
If Thunderbolt alternate mode uses all Type-C signals, then alternate mode performance is improved, but USB 2.0 coexistence worsens due to signal allocation conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the Type-C connector serve different functions. Specific signal sets within the connector are locally optimized and dedicated to USB 3.x transmission using reserved signal sets, while other signals are allocated to Thunderbolt alternate mode. This local differentiation allows USB 2.0 functionality to coexist through the USB 2.0 pins while high-speed USB 3.x and alternate mode operate simultaneously without conflict
Data Source
AI summary
An example includes an apparatus for transmitting Universal Serial Bus (USB) packets. The apparatus includes a transmitter adapter to receive a USB packet from a USB device. The transmitter adapter can further generate one or more alternate mode packets based on the USB packet. The transmitter adapter can also transmit the alternate mode packets via an alternate mode connection.