KR102334462B1 - Method for using additional interface channel and apparatus for performing the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for using an additional interface channel and an apparatus for performing such a method. A method of using an additional interface channel on a system includes: a processor determining an insertion direction of a universal serial bus (USB) type C plug on a device; a processor connecting a main channel according to the insertion direction; and a processor determining an insertion direction according to the insertion direction. It may include connecting an unused USB channel.

Description

Method for using additional interface channel and apparatus for performing the method

The present invention relates to a method of using an additional interface channel on a system (or apparatus) and an apparatus for performing such method. More particularly, it relates to a method of using an additional interface channel on a system for using an unused pin in a system using a universal serial bus (USB) port for an additional purpose, and an apparatus for performing the method.

USB (universal serial bus) is a standard for a new port for connecting peripheral devices of a personal computer (PC), and it simplifies the complex installation of PCs and peripherals to the level of inserting a single plug. USB is generally divided into USB Type-A, USB Type-B, and USB Type-C according to its type.

Among them, USB Type-C is the latest standard established in August 2014 among Universal Serial Bus (USB), which is the most popular universal interface standard for personal computer peripherals, and is designed for miniaturized mobile devices and future expansion. It was developed roughly at the same time as the USB 3.1 specification released in July 2013, but it was defined separately as USB Type-C 1.0.

USB Type-C is smaller than the existing USB Type-A, and there is no distinction between the front and the back, so it is easy to connect. The data transmission capacity is 10Gbps, the power transmission capacity is up to 100W, and the USB conversion terminal is activated, making it compatible with existing USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 products and various digital devices.

Currently, when USB 3x communication is performed by connecting devices based on USB Type-C, there are lanes that are not used on USB Type-C in a specific operation mode. Therefore, it is necessary to study a method for additionally utilizing these idle lanes.

An object of the present invention is to solve all of the above problems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for utilizing an unused lane for an additional purpose when connecting devices based on USB Type C.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for additionally performing communication between devices by determining an operation mode when connecting devices based on USB Type C and using an unused lane as an additional communication line according to the determined operation mode. do it with

A representative configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an additional interface channel on a system includes: a processor determining an insertion direction of a universal serial bus (USB) type C plug on a device; the processor selecting a main channel according to the insertion direction It may include a step of connecting and the step of the processor connecting an unused USB channel according to the insertion direction.

Meanwhile, the main channel and the unused USB channel may be switched according to the insertion direction.

The method may further include, by the processor, determining a USB operation mode of the device, wherein the unused USB channel may be selectively used according to the USB operation mode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device using an additional interface channel includes a USB Type-C port implemented to communicate with another device and a processor connected to the USB Type-C port, wherein the processor includes a universal serial bus (USB) on the device. ) may be implemented to determine the insertion direction of the type C plug, connect a main channel according to the insertion direction, and connect an unused USB channel according to the insertion direction.

Meanwhile, the main channel and the unused USB channel may be switched according to the insertion direction.

Further, the processor is implemented to determine a USB operation mode of the device, and the unused USB channel may be selectively used according to the USB operation mode.

According to the present invention, an unused line can be used for an additional purpose when connecting devices based on USB Type-C.

Also, according to the present invention, when an operation mode is determined when connecting devices based on USB Type C, and an unused line is used as an additional communication line according to the determined operation mode, communication between devices can be additionally performed.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating coupling between USB-based devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A and 2B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a connector pin map of USB Type-C according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A and 4B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6A, 6B, and 6C are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented with changes from one embodiment to another without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention should be taken as encompassing the scope of the claims and all equivalents thereto. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the various aspects.

Hereinafter, various preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to easily practice the present invention.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, a specific device (360 degree wearable neckband camera) is exemplarily disclosed in describing the connection between devices, but in connection between various other devices, addition on the system according to the embodiment of the present invention Methods of using interface channels and apparatus for performing such methods may be used.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating coupling between USB-based devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 illustrates a connection structure between a plurality of devices for charging and communication.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a first device (cradle) 110 , a second device (brick) 120 , and a third device (neckband) 130 are disclosed.

The first device (cradle) 110 may have a DC jack and an Ethernet port, and is connected to a power source to supply power to the second device (brick) 120 , and the second device It is also possible to communicate via (brick) 120 .

The second device (brick) 120 may be connected to the first device (cradle) 110 and the third device (neck band) 130 . The second device (brick) 120 is connected to the first device (cradle) 110 based on a connector, and the second device (brick) 120 is connected to the third device (neckband) 130 and It can be connected based on USB Type-C.

The second device (brick) 120 may be implemented based on a battery, a communication module (LTE-dongle), a cradle connector, a USB Type-C connector, and a battery (LED).

The third device (neck band) 130 may be connected to the second device (brick) 120 based on USB Type-C. The third device (neck band) 110 is a wearable 360 degree camera and may be implemented based on a system board, a battery, a camera, and a USB C type connector.

The first device (cradle) 110 , the second device (brick) 120 , and the third device (neck band) 130 above are an example for connection between devices, and a system according to an embodiment of the present invention The method of using the additional interface channel on the top is applicable to all devices when USB Type-C is connected.

Specific operations of the first device (cradle) 110 , the second device (brick) 120 , and the third device (neck band) 130 are as follows.

The third device (neck band) 130 is a wearable camera that can operate without the second device (brick) 120 . The third device (neckband) 130 has a USB Type-C connector for power supply and data communication.

The second device (brick) 120 supplies power to the third device (neckband) 130 and can connect a USB Type-C communication module, and the first device (cradle) 110 and the third device ( The neck band) 130 may be connected to enable communication.

The first device (cradle) 110 may receive power from an adapter, and may transmit data of the third device (neckband) 130 to the outside through an Ethernet port.

The third device (neck band) 130 can perform independent operations without the second device (brick) 120 except for functions provided by the second device (brick) 120 .

The third device (neck band) 130 can perform normal functions (charging through a travel adapter, connection to a PC, etc.) through a USB Type-C connector.

The second device (brick) 120 may perform an operation of a communication module conforming to the USB 3.x protocol, and a USB hub for in charge of Ethernet transmission of the first device (cradle) 110 may be built-in. can In addition, a circuit for supplying power to the third device (neck band) 130 is configured. And it may include a MICOM (control unit) for controlling the situation of the second device (brick) (120).

The first device (cradle) 110 receives power from an external power adapter and receives a charging circuit and a protection circuit for charging a brick battery, and an integrated circuit (IC) that transmits data received through USB to ethernet ) has

In the method of using an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention, device-to-device communication may be performed by securing an unused USB pin (or lane) as a communication channel. A communication channel based on an unused USB pin may be expressed as an unused USB channel, and a communication based on an unused USB pin may be expressed as an unused USB channel communication.

Specifically, a communication module connected to the second device (brick) 120, a USB 3 Ethernet controller of the first device (cradle) 110, and the like may exchange data as a USB 3.x protocol.

The second device (brick) 120 according to the embodiment of the present invention displays the state (eg, WiFi connection, camera operation, etc.) of the third device (neckband) 130 to the second device (brick) 120 . ) may have an indicator panel displayed on it. The transfer of status information (neckband) of the third device (neckband) 130 between the second device (brick) 120 and the third device (neckband) 130 may be performed through unused USB channel communication. have.

In addition, the third device (neckband) 130 and the second device (brick) similarly capable of transmitting information on the remaining battery level of the second device (brick) 120 to the third device (neckband) 130 . The transfer of state information (bricks) between 120 may be performed through unused USB channel communication.

In addition to this, depending on the implementation of the interface, a button is placed on the second device (brick) 120 to power on/off the third device (neck band) 130 may be performed, such Power control can also be performed through unused USB channel communication.

That is, data between these devices may be exchanged based on the unused USB channel communication through the unused USB channel.

2A and 2B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a connector pin map of USB Type-C according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , the USB Type-C may be inserted in both directions without distinction of an insertion direction.

DP(data plus) and DM(data minus) of HS(high speed) PHY(220) are ports for USB 2.0 standard, SS(super speed)0 PHY(210), SS1 PHY(230) are USB 3.0 standard It may be a port for DP_AUX_N and DP_AUX_P 240 connected to the DP controller may be ports for checking whether a DP is connected.

Specifically, in USB Type C, the CC_OUT pin 250 of the PMIC informs the insertion direction of the USB Type C, and when the insertion direction of the USB Type C is the first direction, the SS0 PHY 210 is connected and the USB Type C is inserted. When the direction is the second direction, the SS1 PHY 230 may be connected.

That is, the SS0 PHY 210 or the SS1 PHY 230 may selectively operate according to the insertion direction of the USB Type-C. A channel connected according to the insertion direction of the USB Type-C may be expressed as a main channel.

Unused USB channel communication according to an embodiment of the present invention may be selectively performed according to an operation mode of USB Type-C.

The operation mode of USB Type C can be classified as follows.

1. USB Type C operation mode 1: USB 3-only

In the USB 3-only mode, a Tx/Rx pair is allocated, but one Tx/Rx pair out of two Tx/Rx pairs can be used.

2. USB Type C operation mode 2: DP-only

In the DP-only mode, four lanes may be allocated as a display port (DP).

3. USB Type C operation mode 3: concurrent USB 3-only

In the concurrent USB 3-only mode, two lanes may be allocated as USB, and two lanes may be allocated as a display port (DP).

Operation mode 2 of USB Type-C (DP-only) and Operation Mode 3 of USB Type-C (concurrent USB 3-only) can be used to transfer large amounts of data (eg, 4k video data) through a DisplayPort connection. have.

The method of using an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be performed in a USB 3-only mode. Accordingly, it is determined whether the device is in the USB 3-only mode when connecting devices to use an additional interface channel on the system, and in the case of the USB 3-only mode, unused USB channel communication may be performed.

Specifically, when operating in USB 3-only mode, only one of SuperSpeed (SS) TX/RX 0 and 1 is used as the main channel, and in DP support mode (DP-only mode and Concurrent USB 3-DP mode), SuperSpeed TX/RX/ Both RX 0 and 1 can be used. Specifically, when a device capable of DP-only mode and concurrent USB 3-DP mode is connected, the USB operation mode may be determined through a check process.

Hereinafter, a method of using an additional interface channel on a specific device according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

An operation for communication of such a main channel and/or an unused USB channel may be controlled based on a processor, and a USB port for USB type-C-based connection may be expressed as a communication unit.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 discloses a method for connecting an additional interface channel in a device that does not support DP. In the case of a device that does not support DP, since it operates only in the USB 3-only mode, the determination of a separate USB operation mode may not be performed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the insertion direction of USB Type-C is determined (step S300 ).

The USB Type-C plug may be inserted in the first insertion direction or the second insertion direction, and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) may determine an insertion direction of the USB Type-C plug.

One of the USB3 switch A or the USB3 switch B is determined as the connection USB3 switch according to the insertion direction of the USB type C (step S310).

Depending on the insertion direction determined by the PMIC, a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) can configure either USB3 switch A or USB3 switch B as a connecting USB3 switch via a select pin. Depending on the insertion direction, either the unconnected USB3 switch A or USB3 switch B may be expressed in terms of a connected USB3 switch.

An unused USB channel is set for additional communication based on the connected USB3 switch (step S320).

When the connected USB3 switch and SS0 PHY are connected as main channels, the unconnected USB3 switch and SS1 PHY are set as unused USB channels, so that unused USB channel communication can be performed. Conversely, when the connected USB3 switch and SS1 PHY are connected as main channels, the unconnected USB3 switch and SS0 PHY are set as unused USB channels, so that unused USB channel communication can be performed.

4A and 4B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4A and 4B, a method for connecting an additional interface channel in a device that does not support DP on a specific circuit block is disclosed.

4A and 4B , in the case of a device that does not support DP, the device operates only in the USB 3-only mode. Accordingly, an unused USB communication channel can be determined without a separate check for the DP-only mode and concurrent USB 3-only.

First of all, when a USB Type C plug is inserted, the PMIC informs the direction, and the control GPIO (general-purpose input/output) sends a USB3 switch A (410) or USB3 switch B ( 420) can be selected.

4A is a case in which the USB Type-C plug is inserted in the first insertion direction.

In FIG. 4A , when the USB Type-C plug is inserted in the first insertion direction, the USB3 switch A 410 may be selected. Each of SS0_A, HS_A, and SS1_A of the USB3 switch A 410 may be connected to each of the SSO PHY, HS PHY, and GPIO (I2C/UART) of the processor. In this case, only Tx0 and Rx0 are used, and Tx1 and Rx1 may be unused. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, an unused USB communication channel is set for additional communication by connecting the SS1 PHY of the processor and SS1_B of the USB3 switch B 420, and the unused USB channel communication is performed through the unused USB communication channel. can be

4B is a case in which the USB Type-C plug is inserted in the second insertion direction.

In FIG. 4B , when the USB Type-C plug is inserted in the second insertion direction, the USB3 switch B 420 may be selected. Each of SS0_B, HS_B, and SS1_B of the USB3 switch B 420 may be connected to an SS1 PHY, HS PHY, and GPIO (I2C/UART) of the processor. In this case, only Tx1 and Rx1 are used, and Tx0 and Rx1 may be unused. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, an unused USB communication channel is set for additional communication by connecting the SS0 PHY of the processor and SS1_A of the USB3 switch B 420, and the unused USB channel communication can be performed through the unused USB communication channel. have.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, a method for connecting an additional interface channel in a device supporting DP is disclosed. In the case of a device supporting DP, the first USB3 switch and the second USB3 switch may be used.

Referring to FIG. 5 , when USB Type-C is inserted, a connection state may be determined by checking according to the following procedure.

The connection direction of the USB type-C is determined (step S500).

The USB Type-C plug may be inserted in the first insertion direction or the second insertion direction, and the PMIC may determine the insertion direction of the USB Type-C plug.

It is determined whether the USB only mode or the DP support mode (DP-only mode or concurrent USB 3-only mode) is (step S510).

The second USB switch and the processor may be directly connected in the DP support mode, and the second USB switch and the processor may be directly connected through the first USB switch in the USB only mode.

A specific method of determining the USB only mode or the DP support mode will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 .

Communication according to the USB only mode or the DP support mode is performed (step S520).

In the USB only mode, communication based on the main communication channel connected and the unused USB channel can be performed depending on the switch insertion direction. In the DP support mode, since there is no idle channel, communication may be performed through all lanes.

6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for connecting an additional interface channel on a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 discloses a method for connecting an additional interface channel in a device supporting DP on a specific circuit block.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in the case of a device supporting DP, the device may operate in a USB 3-only mode or a DP support mode (DP-only mode or concurrent USB 3-only mode). Accordingly, the USB operation mode may be checked, and whether to communicate through an unused USB communication channel may be determined.

In the USB only mode, the processor and the first USB3 switch are connected, and the first USB3 switch and the second USB3 switch are connected to operate. That is, the processor and the second USB2 switch may be indirectly connected through the first USB3 switch.

In the DP support mode, the processor and the second USB3 switch may be directly connected.

First, when a USB Type-C plug is inserted, information on an insertion direction may be provided through the PMIC.

6A and 6B, the control GPIO can connect the USB3 switch B 626 of the second USB3 switch 620 and the switch C 619 of the first USB3 switch 610 through the select pin of the second USB3 switch. have.

3 and 4, according to the insertion direction of the USB type C plug, the USB3 switch A 613 or the USB3 switch B 616 of the first USB3 switch 610 is connected, and an unused USB3 switch An unused USB communication channel may be set based on , and unused USB channel communication may be performed through the unused USB communication channel.

Specifically, FIG. 6A is a case in which the USB3 switch A 613 of the first USB3 switch 610 is connected to the processor, and FIG. 6B is a case in which the USB3 switch B 616 of the first USB3 switch 610 is connected to the processor.

As shown in Figure 6a, when the USB3 switch A 613 of the first USB3 switch 610 and the processor are connected, an unused USB communication channel is set for additional communication by connecting the SS1 PHY of the processor and SS1_B of the USB3 switch B 616. and, the unused USB channel communication may be performed through the unused USB communication channel.

As shown in FIG. 6b, when the USB3 switch B 616 of the first USB3 switch 610 and the processor are connected, an unused USB communication channel is set for additional communication by connecting the SS0 PHY of the processor and SS1_A of the USB3 switch A 613. and, the unused USB channel communication may be performed through the unused USB communication channel.

After connecting as shown in FIG. 6 (a) or 6 (b) according to the insertion direction of the USB Type C plug, the communication counterpart through the GPIO (I2C, UART) 650 in charge of communication Check procedure can be performed.

If a predetermined response is not received within a predetermined period through the GPIO (I2C, UART) 650 , it may be determined that the device-to-device connection is connected in the DP support mode instead of the USB 3-only mode. 6 (c) shows the connection in the DP support mode.

Therefore, when a predetermined response is not received within a certain period of time through the GPIO (I2C, UART) 650 , the control GPIO of the second USB3 switch 620 through the select port of the second USB3 switch 620 . The connection can be switched from USB3 switch B (626) to USB3 switch A (623). The USB3 switch A 623 of the second USB3 switch 620 may be directly connected to the processor.

Specifically, each of SS0_A, HS_A, and SS1_A of the USB3 switch A 623 of the second USB3 switch 620 may be connected to each of the SS0 PHY, HS PHY, and SS1 PHY of the processor to operate.

The embodiments according to the present invention described above may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer components and recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable recording medium may be specially designed and configured for the present invention or may be known and used by those skilled in the computer software field. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include hard disks, magnetic media such as floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magneto-optical media such as floppy disks. medium), and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. A hardware device may be converted into one or more software modules to perform processing in accordance with the present invention, and vice versa.

In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to specific matters such as specific components and limited embodiments and drawings, but these are provided to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications and changes from these descriptions.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the scope of the present invention. will be said to belong to

Claims (6)

To use additional interface channels:
determining, by the processor, an insertion direction of a universal serial bus (USB) type C plug on the device;
connecting, by the processor, a main channel according to the insertion direction; and
Comprising the step of the processor connecting an unused USB channel according to the insertion direction,
The main channel and the unused USB channel are switched according to the insertion direction,
the processor determines the USB operating mode of the device;
The unused USB channel is selectively used according to the USB operation mode,
The USB operation mode includes a USB 3-only mode, a DP-only mode and a concurrent USB 3-only mode,
The USB 3-only mode allocates one Tx/Rx pair of two Tx/Rx pairs to the unused USB channel for unused USB channel communication,
The DP-only mode allocates the two Tx/Rx pairs to the unused USB channel as a DP (display port),
The concurrent USB 3-only mode allocates one Tx/Rx pair of the two Tx/Rx pairs to the unused USB channel for the unused USB channel communication, and allocates the remaining one Tx/Rx pair to the DP A method characterized in that According to claim 1,
The USB 3-only mode connects the processor and the first USB3 switch, and connects the first USB3 switch and the second USB3 switch,
In the DP support mode, the processor and the second USB3 switch are directly connected without connection of the first USB3 switch,
The DP support mode includes the DP-only mode and the concurrent USB 3-only mode. 3. The method of claim 2,
If a predetermined response is not received within a predetermined time through the GPIO (I2C, UART), the processor determines that the device-to-device connection is connected in the DP support mode rather than the USB 3-only mode,
When the device-to-device connection is connected in the DP support mode, the processor establishes a connection on the second USB3 switch from a USB3 switch B to a USB3 switch A through the select port of the second USB3 switch based on a control GPIO. , and directly connecting the processor and the second USB3 switch. Devices using additional interface channels are
USB Type-C port implemented to communicate with other devices; and
A processor connected to the USB Type-C port,
The processor determines the insertion direction of the USB (universal serial bus) type C plug on the device,
Connecting the main channel according to the insertion direction,
It is implemented to connect an unused USB channel according to the insertion direction,
The main channel and the unused USB channel are switched according to the insertion direction,
the processor determines the USB operating mode of the device;
The unused USB channel is selectively used according to the USB operation mode,
The USB operation mode includes a USB 3-only mode, a DP-only mode and a concurrent USB 3-only mode,
The USB 3-only mode allocates one Tx/Rx pair of two Tx/Rx pairs to the unused USB channel for unused USB channel communication,
The DP-only mode allocates the two Tx/Rx pairs to the unused USB channel as a DP (display port),
The concurrent USB 3-only mode allocates one Tx/Rx pair of the two Tx/Rx pairs to the unused USB channel for the unused USB channel communication, and allocates the remaining one Tx/Rx pair to the DP Device characterized in that. 5. The method of claim 4,
The USB 3-only mode connects the processor and the first USB3 switch, and connects the first USB3 switch and the second USB3 switch,
In the DP support mode, the processor and the second USB3 switch are directly connected without connection of the first USB3 switch,
The DP support mode device, characterized in that it includes the DP-only mode and the concurrent USB 3-only mode. 6. The method of claim 5,
If a predetermined response is not received within a predetermined time through the GPIO (I2C, UART), the processor determines that the device-to-device connection is connected in the DP support mode rather than the USB 3-only mode,
When the device-to-device connection is connected in the DP support mode, the processor establishes a connection on the second USB3 switch from a USB3 switch B to a USB3 switch A through the select port of the second USB3 switch based on a control GPIO. and to directly connect the processor and the second USB3 switch.

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