USB Type-C Interface HDMI Signal Routing via Analog Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable devices with both HDMI and USB interfaces require users to perform interface insertion operations twice, leading to inconvenience and undesirable user experience when using both HDMI and USB functions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A portable device equipped with a microcontroller unit, a USB Type-C interface, and analog switches, where the microcontroller detects the insertion direction of the USB Type-C interface and controls the analog switches to output HDMI signals through corresponding pins of the USB Type-C interface, allowing HDMI signal output in both positive and reverse insertion modes without the need for separate HDMI and USB interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate HDMI interface and USB interface are provided, then HDMI signal transmission and USB data transmission can be performed independently, but the user needs to perform interface insertion operation twice and the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HDMI interface and USB interface into a single USB Type-C interface. The USB Type-C interface is configured to support both HDMI signal transmission and USB data transmission by using different pin assignments. When the USB Type-C interface is connected, the system automatically detects the connection type and routes signals accordingly, eliminating the need for separate physical interfaces while maintaining full functionality of both HDMI and USB capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The USB Type-C interface is designed as a universal interface that can perform multiple functions including HDMI video/audio output, USB data transmission, and power delivery. By implementing multi-functionality in a single interface, the device reduces the number of physical ports required while providing the same or greater versatility as having separate dedicated interfaces
2Reliability
If separate HDMI interface and USB interface are provided, then signal transmission channels are independent, but the user operation time increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining HDMI and USB functions into a single USB Type-C interface, the patent eliminates the need for users to plug in separate cables for HDMI and USB connections. A single cable insertion simultaneously establishes both HDMI signal transmission and USB data transmission channels, reducing the total insertion operation time while maintaining reliable signal transmission through proper pin assignment and signal routing
3Reliability
If separate HDMI interface and USB interface are provided, then each interface can be optimized for its specific function, but the device occupies more space and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates what would traditionally require two separate physical interfaces (HDMI and USB) into a single USB Type-C connector. This merging approach significantly reduces the space required in the device chassis while maintaining the functional capabilities of both interfaces through software-controlled signal routing and pin multiplexing, thereby improving device portability without sacrificing interface reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a portable device and a method of controlling HDMI signal output therein. The portable device comprises: a microcontroller unit, a USB Type-C interface, and a plurality of analog switches. Each of the analog switches is arranged between a HDMI signal output pin of the microcontroller unit and a corresponding pin of the USB Type-C interface. The microcontroller unit is configured to detect a positive or reverse insertion direction of the USB Type-C interface, and output a corresponding control signal to the analog switch according to the difference of the insertion direction. The analog switch is configured to shift a switching direction according to the control signal so that the HDMI signal is output through a corresponding pin of the USB Type-C interface.