USB2 Data Tunneling Through USB4 Type-C Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current USB4 devices have limited capabilities for tunneling USB2 data, requiring separate communication paths and dedicated physical layers, which increases resource usage and implementation costs.

Innovation Solution

Tunneling USB2 data using USB4 tunneled packets over the Tx/Rx lines of a USB Type-C connector, utilizing the existing USB4 physical layer without impacting USB2 data transmission, and repurposing D+/D− lines for other uses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate communication paths and dedicated physical layers are used for USB2 data transmission, then USB2 data tunneling capability is improved, but resource usage and implementation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUSB2 data tunneling capabilityVSAvoidresource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges USB2 data transmission with USB4 communication by tunneling USB2 data packets within USB4 data streams. This allows both protocols to share the same physical layer and communication path, eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrastructure while maintaining USB2 data tunneling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The USB4 physical layer is designed to handle multiple protocol types simultaneously. By implementing a universal communication path that can carry both native USB4 traffic and tunneled USB2 data, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring protocol-specific dedicated channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate communication paths are used for USB2 data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tunneling mechanism that acts as an intermediary layer between USB2 data sources and USB4 communication infrastructure. This mediator encapsulates USB2 data packets within USB4 packets, allowing reliable transmission over the USB4 path without requiring separate physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If D+/D− lines are dedicated to USB2 communication, then USB2 data transmission is ensured, but bandwidth utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUSB2 data transmissionVSAvoidbandwidth utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines USB2 and USB4 data transmission into a single communication channel. By tunneling USB2 packets within USB4 data streams, the system utilizes the full bandwidth of the USB4 link for both protocol types simultaneously, maximizing bandwidth utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12602347B2Tunneling USB2 data using USB4-based configurations

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A Universal Serial Bus 4 (USB4) host system for tunneling USB2 data includes a USB controller and a first routing circuit communicatively coupled to the USB controller. The first routing circuit is to configure a downstream tunneled path between the USB controller and a second routing circuit. The first routing circuit is further to packetize outgoing USB2 data received from the USB controller into a first plurality of USB4 tunneled packets. The first routing circuit is further to encode the first plurality of USB4 tunneled packets for transmission to the second routing circuit via the downstream tunneled path, to initiate processing of the outgoing USB2 data by a USB2 device associated with the second routing circuit.