USB Type-C Port Bandwidth Doubling via Single-Ended Signal Redriving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional USB interfaces, such as USB 3.0 Type C, face limitations in bandwidth due to their fixed configuration of 8 pins supporting 4 differential signaling pairs, which restricts data transfer rates and display quality, especially at higher resolutions.

Innovation Solution

The system reconfigures sets of differential signaling pairs to send single-ended signals through additional wirelines in the cable, allowing for the generation of differential signals, thereby doubling the bandwidth and enabling flexible communication protocols like DisplayPort or Thunderbolt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If USB 3.0 Type C connector uses fixed configuration of 8 pins supporting 4 differential signaling pairs, then standardized interface and cable compatibility are achieved, but bandwidth is limited and cannot support high-resolution graphics

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidconnector configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the USB Type C connector pins, allowing them to switch between differential signaling mode (for USB data transfer) and single-ended signaling mode (for DisplayPort or Thunderbolt protocols). This dynamic adaptability enables the same physical connector to provide variable bandwidth - standard bandwidth for USB communications and doubled bandwidth when single-ended mode is activated, thereby supporting high-resolution graphics without requiring multiple connector types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical signaling parameters of the connector pins from fixed differential mode to selectable single-ended mode. By altering the signal transmission mode (from balanced differential to unbalanced single-ended), the effective bandwidth capability of each pin is doubled, allowing the 8-pin connector to achieve bandwidth equivalent to 16 pins when single-ended signaling is used for protocols like DisplayPort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If additional wirelines are added in the cable to support single-ended signals, then bandwidth is doubled, but cable complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidcable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both differential and single-ended signaling modes. The same cable wirelines serve dual purposes: carrying differential signals when USB mode is active, and carrying single-ended signals when DisplayPort or Thunderbolt mode is active. This universal cable design enables bandwidth expansion without requiring separate cable infrastructures for different protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable acts as an intermediary that translates between the connector's output mode and the required signal format. When the connector operates in single-ended mode, the cable's internal wiring and signal routing mediate the transmission of these signals to the attached device, enabling the bandwidth expansion while maintaining compatibility with devices expecting differential or single-ended signals based on the protocol being used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If USB interface uses differential signaling for all communications, then noise immunity is maintained, but bandwidth for high-resolution graphics is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate signaling mode based on the protocol being used. For USB data transfer, differential signaling is maintained to ensure noise immunity and signal integrity. For DisplayPort or Thunderbolt protocols requiring higher bandwidth, the system switches to single-ended signaling mode, which provides doubled bandwidth capability. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to optimize between reliability and adaptability based on the operational context

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9858237B2Information handling system differential signalling variable bandwidth interface selectively configuring single ended and differential signals

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system port selectively communicates differential and single-ended signals from port pins to a cable coupled with the port so that bandwidth of information sent through the port increases if a cable accepts single-ended signals. Single-ended signals sent from the port pins are provided to a redriver of the cable to generate differential signals on wireline pairs of the cable. The redriven single-ended signals effectively double the bandwidth from reconfigured differential pairs of a port without increasing the port footprint or altering the port from a standard form factor, such as a Type-C USB form factor.