KR102262501B1 - Multiplexer and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the implementation of a technology (a device for multiple communication) capable of supporting mutual communication regardless of whether an interface standard between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device matches.

Description

Multi-communication device and method of operation of multi-communication device {MULTIPLEXER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an interface technology between devices, and more particularly, to a method capable of supporting mutual communication regardless of whether an interface standard between a host device and a peripheral device matches.

Device-to-device interface (or input/output interface) technology is a core technology that enables interworking based on device-to-device communication by interconnecting different independent devices, and the importance of the technology is very high.

Accordingly, new interface standards are continuously being researched and developed by improving communication speed and communication performance.

USB is one of the interface types (standards) described above, and since it is economical and has excellent performance, it can be said to be a representative interface used to connect a host device (eg, a computer) and peripheral devices.

At the top of the USB is the host controller, which provides two USB ports through the root hub. Usually, peripheral devices are connected to this USB port, and if the USB port is insufficient, you can connect a hub to provide more USB ports.

In the case of such a USB, USB-C Connector has been used since USB 3.1 Gen1.

Meanwhile, Thunderbolt is also one of the above-mentioned interface types (standards) for connecting a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device.

Thunderbolt has the advantage of having less overhead compared to USB because high-speed input/output is possible, and it has the characteristic of supporting data/video/audio at the same time.

Because of the advantages and features of Thunderbolt as described above, user needs to use peripheral devices that support Thunderbolt (hereinafter, Thunderbolt equipment) are increasing.

However, since Thunderbolt is a later standard, there are not many host devices (eg computers) that support Thunderbolt, and most host devices (eg computers) still support USB. situation to do

However, since USB and Thunderbolt two interfaces are not compatible with each other, when connecting peripherals to a host device (e.g. computer), users must check whether the host device (e.g. computer) supports USB or Thunderbolt. After checking whether it supports it, there is the inconvenience of having to use the appropriate Thunderbolt device or USB device separately.

Therefore, in the present invention, in order to be free from the inconvenience of having to distinguish and use Thunderbolt equipment/USB equipment, the present invention supports mutual communication regardless of whether the interface standards between the host device (eg, computer) and peripheral devices match. We would like to propose a possible technology (method).

The present invention was created in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology (method) that can support mutual communication regardless of whether an interface standard between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device matches. ) is provided.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a device for multiple communication, comprising: a device connection unit connected to a host device; a device connection unit connected to a peripheral device; a signal checking unit that processes a specific signal as signals of two or more different interface standards, transmits them to the host device, and checks a reply signal returned from the host device; and a communication support unit supporting communication between the peripheral device and the host device irrespective of whether the interface standards match between the peripheral device and the host device based on the interface standard of the host device identified according to the reply signal.

Specifically, the specific signal may be a signal of the peripheral device applied through the device connection unit.

Specifically, the signal check unit processes the specific signal as a signal of a first interface standard and a signal of a second interface standard, and transmits them alternately to the host device, respectively, and sends the signal of the first or second interface standard from the host device. It can be confirmed by receiving the reply signal.

Specifically, a first processing unit having a MAC (Medium Access Control Layer) layer processing function for processing a signal according to a first interface standard, and a second processing unit having a MAC layer processing function for processing a signal according to a second interface standard , a first mux selectively connecting the device connection unit and the first processing unit or the second processing unit, and a second mux selectively connecting the device connection unit and the first processing unit or the second processing unit and; The signal check unit controls at least one of the first mux and the second mux to alternately process the specific signal into a signal of a first interface standard and a signal of a second interface standard in the first processing unit and the second processing unit and may be alternately transmitted to the host device, respectively.

Specifically, when the communication support unit receives a reply signal of the first or second interface standard from the first processing unit or the second processing unit, the interface standard of the host device is changed to the first interface based on the reply signal. Whether the standard or the second interface standard is identified, the first mux and the second mux are controlled, and the processing unit matches the interface standard of the identified host device among the first processing unit and the second processing unit. A communication path may be formed so that the device connection unit and the device connection unit are connected.

Specifically, the reply signal may include link information generated during a connection process with the host device performed based on the MAC layer processing function of the first processing unit or the second processing unit.

Specifically, the device connection unit may have a structure including a plurality of connection ports supporting different interface standards, and a connection bus for transmitting signals of peripheral devices applied through each of the plurality of connection ports to the second mux have.

According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a method of operating a device for multiple communication, comprising: a device connection step in which a host device is connected; a device connection step in which peripheral devices are connected; a signal checking step of processing a specific signal as a signal of two or more different interface standards, transmitting them to the host device, and checking a reply signal returned from the host device accordingly; and a communication support step of supporting communication between the peripheral device and the host device irrespective of whether the interface standards match between the peripheral device and the host device based on the interface standard of the host device identified according to the reply signal.

Specifically, a first processing unit having a MAC layer processing function for processing a signal according to a first interface standard, a second processing unit having a MAC layer processing function for processing a signal according to a second interface standard, and the host device are connected A first mux selectively connecting the device connection unit to be connected to the first processing unit or the second processing unit, and a second mux selectively connecting the device connection unit to which the peripheral device is connected and the first processing unit or the second processing unit further comprising; The signal checking step may include controlling at least one of the first mux and the second mux so that the specific signal is converted into a signal of a first interface standard and a signal of a second interface standard in the first processing unit and the second processing unit. Alternate processing may be performed so that each is alternately transmitted to the host device.

Specifically, in the communication support step, when the first processing unit or the second processing unit receives a reply signal of the first or second interface standard, the interface standard of the host device is set to the first interface standard based on the reply signal. The interface standard or the second interface standard is identified, the first mux and the second mux are controlled, and the processing unit matching the interface standard of the identified host device among the first processing unit and the second processing unit is performed. A communication path may be formed so that the device connection unit and the device connection unit are connected.

Accordingly, according to the device for multi-communication and the method of operating the device for multi-communication according to the present invention, it is possible to support mutual communication regardless of whether an interface standard between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device match.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the host device (eg, computer) and the host device (eg, computer) and It is possible to derive the effect that can be used by connecting peripheral devices.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating an interface environment to which a multi-communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
2 is a configuration diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a multi-communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a configuration diagram showing in more detail the configuration of an apparatus for multi-communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a multi-communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an interface environment to which a multi-communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the interface environment according to an embodiment of the present invention interconnects different independent devices, that is, a host device 50 and peripheral devices 10, 20, 30, ... to communicate between devices. It is an environment that enables interworking based on

In this case, the host device 50 may be, for example, a computer such as a desktop or a notebook computer, and the peripheral device may be equipment such as a mouse, a display device, and a keyboard.

In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, each peripheral device (10, 20, 30, ...) is illustrated as an interface standard supported by the corresponding peripheral device.

Accordingly, according to FIG. 1 , the peripheral device 20 means a device for Thunderbolt that supports Thunderbolt, and the peripheral device 30 means a device for USB that supports USB (eg, USB 3.x). .

And, the peripheral device 10 refers to a device for USB Power Delivery, which will be described later.

Thunderbolt has the advantage of having less overhead compared to USB because high-speed input/output is possible, and it has the characteristic of supporting data/video/audio at the same time.

Because of the advantages and features of Thunderbolt, user needs to use peripheral devices that support Thunderbolt, that is, equipment for Thunderbolt, are increasing.

However, since Thunderbolt is a later standard, there are not many host devices (eg computers) that support Thunderbolt, and most host devices (eg computers) still support USB. situation to do

However, since USB and Thunderbolt two interfaces are not compatible with each other, when connecting peripherals to a host device (e.g. computer), users must check whether the host device (e.g. computer) supports USB or Thunderbolt. After checking whether it supports it, there is the inconvenience of having to use the appropriate Thunderbolt device or USB device separately.

Therefore, in the present invention, in order to be free from the inconvenience of having to distinguish and use Thunderbolt equipment/USB equipment, the present invention supports mutual communication regardless of whether the interface standards between the host device (eg, computer) and peripheral devices match. We would like to propose a possible technology (method).

More specifically, the present invention intends to propose a multi-communication device 100 as a separate device that can support mutual communication regardless of whether an interface standard between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device matches.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the multi-communication device 100 proposed by the present invention and the function of each configuration will be described.

2 schematically shows the configuration of a multi-communication apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the apparatus 100 for multiple communication according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a device connection unit 110 , a device connection unit 120 , a signal check unit 130 , and a communication support unit 140 . can have a configuration that

All or at least part of the configuration of the multi-communication device 100 may be implemented in the form of a hardware module or a software module, or may be implemented in a form in which a hardware module and a software module are combined.

Here, the software module may be understood as, for example, instructions executed by a processor that controls operations in the device for multiple communication 100, and these instructions may have a form mounted in a memory in the device for multiple communication 100. will be.

As a result, the multi-communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a technology capable of supporting mutual communication regardless of whether the interface standard between the host device (eg, a computer) and the peripheral device matches through the above-described configuration. In the following, each configuration in the multi-communication device 100 for realizing this will be described in more detail.

The device connection unit 110 is a part to which a host device is connected among peripheral devices and host devices that are mutually communicating objects.

That is, the device connection unit 110 includes at least one connection port, and the host device 50 can be connected through the connection port.

For example, in the case of USB, the USB-C connector is used from USB 3.1 Gen1 and later, and in the case of Thunderbolt, the USB-C connector is currently used in the same way, so the device connection unit 110 is a USB-C connector. It may be provided with one connection port of

Of course, if different types of connectors are used in interface standards that the host device 50 can support, such as USB and Thunderbolt, the device connection unit 110 may include a connection port for each type of connector. .

The device connection unit 120 is a part to which the peripheral devices are connected among the peripheral devices and the host devices that are mutual communication targets.

That is, the device connection unit 120 includes a plurality of connection ports, and peripheral devices may be connected to each of the connection ports provided.

As such, the plurality of connection ports provided in the device connection unit 120 may support different interface standards, and the shape of the connection port may be a type defined in the interface standard supported by the corresponding connection port.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it is assumed that a peripheral device supporting Thunderbolt, that is, the device 20 for Thunderbolt is connected to the device connection unit 120 .

The signal check unit 130 processes a specific signal as a signal of two or more different interface standards and transmits each to the host device 50 connected to the device connection unit 110, which is returned from the host device 50 accordingly. Check the reply signal.

In the present invention, USB and Thunderbolt will be referred to and described as two or more different interface standards.

According to one embodiment, the signal check unit 130, when the peripheral device, for example, the Thunderbolt device 20 is newly connected to the multi-communication device 100, generates a specific signal generated by itself as a signal of two or more different interface standards. That is, the USB standard signal and the Thunderbolt standard signal may be processed and transmitted to the host device 50 , respectively.

According to another embodiment, the signal check unit 130, when a peripheral device, for example, the Thunderbolt device 20 is newly connected to the multi-communication device 100 , the Thunderbolt device 20 applied through the device connection unit 120 . ) as a specific signal, the signal of the Thunderbolt device 20 may be processed as a USB standard signal and a Thunderbolt standard signal and transmitted to the host device 50 , respectively.

Then, the signal check unit 130 checks a reply signal returned from the host device 50 with respect to the previously transmitted USB standard signal and Thunderbolt standard signal.

At this time, the signal check unit 130, a specific signal (self-generated signal, or a signal of a peripheral device) the signal of the first interface standard (hereinafter referred to as the USB standard) and the second interface standard (hereinafter referred to as the Thunderbolt standard) can be processed as a signal of , and transmitted to the host device 50 alternately, and accordingly, a reply signal of the first or second interface standard from the host device 50, that is, a USB standard reply signal or a Thunderbolt standard reply signal You can check it by receiving it.

The multi-communication device 100 of the present invention can identify whether the interface standard supported by the host device 50 is USB or Thunderbolt from the reply signal returned from the host device 50 as described above. have.

A method of identifying the interface standard supported by the host device 50 from the reply signal will be described in detail later.

The communication support unit 140, based on the interface standard of the host device 50 identified according to the reply signal returned from the host device 50, connects the peripheral device, for example, the Thunderbolt device 20 and the host device 50 this time. Communication can be supported irrespective of whether the interface specification is consistent or not.

That is, the communication support unit 140, when it is identified that the host device 50 supports USB, the interface standard between the currently connected Thunderbolt device 20 and the host device 50 does not match. Support functions that make this possible can be performed.

In addition, that is, when the communication support unit 140 identifies that the host device 50 supports Thunderbolt, the interface standard between the connected Thunderbolt device 20 and the host device 50 is consistent. Accordingly, a support function that enables communication between devices can be performed.

On the other hand, the functions of the signal check unit 130 and the communication support unit 140 described above, or some of them, may be implemented in the form of a computer program coupled to the multi-communication device 100 .

As described above, the device 100 for multi-communication of the present invention is implemented as a separate device between the host device (eg, a computer) and the peripheral device, regardless of whether the interface standard between the host device (eg, computer) and the peripheral device matches. It supports mutual communication.

Meanwhile, since the configuration of the apparatus 100 for multi-communication has been conceptually described in the above description with reference to FIG. 2 , the configuration and structure of the apparatus 100 for multi-communication will be described in more detail below in FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the multi-communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a device connection unit 110 to which a host device 50 is connected, and a device connection unit 120 to which peripheral devices are connected. .

In the case of USB, the USB-C connector is used from USB 3.1 Gen1 and later, and in the case of Thunderbolt, the USB-C connector is currently used in the same way. It is shown as a connector connection port.

Meanwhile, the device connection unit 120 includes a plurality of connection ports (Port1,2,3,...) capable of supporting different interface standards, respectively, and a plurality of connection ports (Port1,2,3,.. .) It may have a structure including a connection bus 122 for transmitting signals of peripheral devices applied through each to the second mux 180 .

A plurality of connection ports (Port 1, 2, 3, ...) may support different interface standards, and the type of connection port will be the type defined in the interface standard supported by the corresponding connection port.

The connection bus 122 is a communication path between a peripheral device connected through each of a plurality of connection ports (Port 1, 2, 3, ...) and a communication path with the device connection unit 110 formed/connected through the second mux 180 . It may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus through which signals may be transmitted, or it may be a PCIe bus.

And, as shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 for multiple communication of the present invention includes a first processing unit 160 having a MAC (Medium Access Control Layer) layer processing function for processing a signal according to a first interface standard. , and a second processing unit 150 having a MAC layer processing function for processing a signal according to the second interface standard.

In the present invention, USB will be referred to as the first interface standard and Thunderbolt will be referred to as the second interface standard.

The first processing unit 160 is a functional unit having a MAC (Medium Access Control Layer) layer processing function that processes a signal according to the first interface standard, that is, a USB MAC layer processing function, and as shown in FIG. 3 , the USB MAC A USB to PCIe Bridge function for transmitting and receiving signals between the connection bus 122 and the PCIe bus of the device connection unit 120 and the hierarchical processing function may be provided.

The second processing unit 150 is a functional unit having a MAC layer processing function that processes a signal according to the second interface standard, that is, a Thunderbolt MAC layer processing function, and as shown in FIG. 3 , a Thunderbolt MAC layer processing function and a device connection unit A Thunderbolt to PCIe Bridge function for transmitting and receiving signals between the connection bus 122 and the PCIe bus of 120 may be provided.

In addition, the multi-communication device 100 of the present invention includes a first mux 170 selectively connecting the device connection unit 110 and the first processing unit 160 or the second processing unit 150 , the device connection unit 120 and the A second mux 180 selectively connecting the first processing unit 160 or the second processing unit 150 may be included.

The first mux 170 is a device connection unit 110, that is, a first processing unit 160 having a USB connector connection port and a USB MAC layer processing function/USB to PCIe Bridge function or a Thunderbolt MAC layer processing function/Thunderbolt to PCIe Bridge As a functional unit for selectively connecting the second processing unit 150 having a function, it is shown as a Connector Signal MUX in FIG. 3 .

The second mux 180 is more precisely the first processing unit 160 having a connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 120 and a USB MAC layer processing function/USB to PCIe Bridge function rather than the device connection unit 120 . Alternatively, as a functional unit for selectively connecting the second processing unit 150 having a Thunderbolt MAC layer processing function/Thunderbolt to PCIe Bridge function, it is illustrated as a PCIe Bus MUX in FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the apparatus 100 for multiple communication of the present invention includes a first processing unit 160 , a second processing unit 150 , a first mux 170 ( Connector Signal MUX), a second mux 180 , It contains a Micom (190) that controls the PCIe Bus MUX).

The Micom 190 performs the functions of the signal confirmation unit 130 and the communication support unit 140 shown in FIG. 2 , and may be implemented to include the signal confirmation unit 130 and the communication support unit 140 .

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it is assumed that a peripheral device supporting Thunderbolt, that is, the Thunderbolt device 20 is connected to the connection port (Port2) of the device connection unit 120 .

The signal check unit 130 more accurately than the Micom 190 controls at least one of the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) and the second mux 180 (PCIe Bus MUX) so that a specific signal is transmitted to the first processing unit 160 . ) and the second processing unit 150 may be alternately processed as a USB standard signal and a Thunderbolt standard signal to be alternately transmitted to the host device 50 , respectively.

According to an embodiment, when a peripheral device, such as a Thunderbolt device 20, is newly connected to the multi-communication device 100, the signal check unit 130 causes the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) to cause the device connection unit ( 110) that is, control to connect between the USB connector connection port and the first processing unit 160, and then connect the device connection unit 110, that is, between the USB connector connection port and the second processing unit 150, in the device 100 for multiple communication. The specific signal generated by itself is processed as a USB standard signal in the first processing unit 160 and then transmitted to the host device 50 , and then the specific signal is processed as a Thunderbolt standard signal in the second processing unit 150 . Then, it can be transmitted to the host device 50 .

According to another embodiment, when a peripheral device, for example, the Thunderbolt device 20 is newly connected to the multi-communication device 100 , the signal check unit 130 causes the first mux 170 ( Connector Signal MUX) to connect to the device connection unit. (110) that is, control to connect between the USB connector connection port and the first processing unit 160, and then connect between the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector connection port and the second processing unit 150, and a second mux 180, PCIe Bus MUX), while the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) connects between the device connection unit 110 , that is, the USB connector connection port and the first processing unit 160 , the connection bus 122 of the device connection unit 120 , PCIe bus) and the first processing unit 160, and while the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) connects between the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector connection port and the second processing unit 150, the device connection unit ( 120) by controlling the connection between the connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) and the second processing unit 120 so that a specific signal, that is, a signal of the Thunderbolt device 20, is processed as a USB standard signal in the first processing unit 160 After being transmitted to the host device 50 , a specific signal may be processed by the second processing unit 150 and then transmitted to the host device 50 .

Accordingly, a specific signal (a self-generated signal or a signal of a peripheral device) is alternately processed into a USB standard signal and a Thunderbolt standard signal by the first processing unit 160 and the second processing unit 150 to the host device 50, respectively. may be transmitted alternately.

In addition, the signal confirmation unit 130 more accurately than the Micom 190 checks a reply signal returned from the host device 50 with respect to the USB standard signal and the Thunderbolt standard signal that are alternately transmitted earlier.

Accordingly, the multi-communication device 100 of the present invention identifies whether the interface standard supported by the host device 50 is USB or Thunderbolt from the reply signal returned from the host device 50 as described above. can do.

Specifically, the reply signal may include link information generated during a connection process with the host device 50 performed based on the MAC layer processing function of the first processing unit 160 or the second processing unit 150 . .

In this way, the Link information in the process of connecting the MAC layer processing functions of USB and Thunderbolt with the host device 50 includes information that allows the host device 50 to identify the interface standard supported, For example, link time information is included.

Link time information included in link information is expressed in different formats depending on which interface standard the host device 50 supports.

More precisely, when the communication support unit 140 receives a USB or Thunderbolt standard reply signal from the first processing unit 160 or the second processing unit 150, the communication support unit 140 interfaces with the host device 50 based on the reply signal. It can identify whether the specification is USB or Thunderbolt.

More specifically, the communication support unit 140 checks the format of the link time information in the reply signal, particularly the Link information, to identify whether the interface standard supported by the host device 50 is USB or Thunderbolt. can

In addition, the communication support unit 140 more accurately than the Micom 190 controls the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) and the second mux 180 (PCIe Bus MUX) to control the first processing unit 160 and the second processing unit. Communication so that the connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector connection port and the device connection unit 120, is connected through the processing unit matching the interface standard of the host device 50 identified above among (150). path can be formed.

Previously, it was assumed that the device 20 for Thunderbolt was connected to the connection port (Port2) of the device connection unit 120 .

Under the above assumption, when the host device 50 is identified as supporting USB, the communication support unit 140 causes the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) to cause the device connection unit 110 , that is, the USB connector connection port and the first Control to connect between the processing units 160, and control the second mux 180 (PCIe Bus MUX) to connect between the connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 120 and the first processing unit 160 , the interface standard of the host device 50, that is, the connection bus 122, PCIe bus-Port2, of the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector connection port and the device connection unit 120 through the first processing unit 160 that matches the USB A communication path may be formed to be connected.

As such, in the multi-communication device 100 of the present invention, when the host device 50 is identified as supporting USB, the interface standard between the connected Thunderbolt device 20 and the host device 50 does not match, so it is suitable By forming a communication path, it is possible to perform a support function for enabling communication between devices.

Under the above assumption, when it is identified that the host device 50 supports Thunderbolt, the communication support unit 140 causes the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) to connect the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector. Control to connect between the port and the second processing unit 150 , and cause a second mux 180 ( PCIe Bus MUX) to connect between the connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 120 and the second processing unit 150 . The connection bus 122, PCIe bus of the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector connection port and the device connection unit 120, through the second processing unit 120 matching the interface standard of the host device 50, that is, Thunderbolt by controlling the connection. - A communication path can be formed so that Port2) is connected.

As such, in the multi-communication device 100 of the present invention, when the host device 50 is identified as supporting Thunderbolt, the interface standard between the connected Thunderbolt device 20 and the host device 50 matches this time. Therefore, it is possible to form a communication path suitable for this and perform a support function to enable communication between devices.

As described above, the device 100 for multi-communication of the present invention is implemented as a separate device between the host device (eg, a computer) and the peripheral device, regardless of whether the interface standard between the host device (eg, computer) and the peripheral device matches. It supports mutual communication.

In particular, the multi-communication device 100 of the present invention provides an interface of a preceding host device (eg, a computer) in order to support mutual communication irrespective of whether the interface standard between the host device (eg, a computer) and peripheral devices is consistent. When identifying standards, by using link information in the connection process between the MAC and the host device, it is possible to efficiently identify the interface standard of the host device.

On the other hand, in recent USB technology, USB Power Delivery has been announced as an interface standard that enables fast charging and large power supply of peripheral devices (eg cell phones). According to this, it is possible to supply power to the USB-C connector without a separate DC-In terminal. can

The multi-communication device 100 of the present invention may include at least one of the multiple connection ports of the device connection unit 120 as a port to which a peripheral device supporting USB Power Delivery is connected.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 1 , the peripheral device 10 means a device for Power Delivery that supports USB Power Delivery.

As described above, according to the present invention, Thunderbolt supports mutual communication and power delivery between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device, regardless of whether the interface standard between the host device (eg, a computer) and the peripheral device matches. /USB/Power Delivery Multiplexer implements a device (a device for multiple communication).

Accordingly, according to the present invention, even if the cable terminal (eg, USB-C connector) connected to the host device (eg, computer) is the same, in a situation in which the interface specifications of the host device (eg, computer) may be different, the user can use the host device You can freely connect and use a host device (eg, a computer) and peripherals without having to individually identify the interface standards of (eg computer) and use separate devices for Thunderbolt/USB/Power Delivery.

Hereinafter, a method of operating a multi-communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 .

For convenience of description, reference numerals shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be referred to.

In the method of operating a multi-communication device according to the present invention, the multi-communication device 100 may be connected to a host device (eg, a computer) (S10) and to a peripheral device (S20).

That is, the multi-communication device 100 may be a device separately provided between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device, which are mutual communication targets.

In the method of operating a device for multiple communication according to the present invention, the device for multiple communication 100 is, when a new peripheral device (eg, USB device) is connected to the connection port (eg, Port1) of the device connection unit 120 (S20), the It is determined whether the interface standard of the connected host device 50 is checked (identified) (S30).

In the method of operating a multi-communication device according to the present invention, the multi-communication device 100 transmits a specific signal to a different first interface if the interface standard of the host device 50 is not checked (identified) (S30 No). The signal of the standard (hereinafter referred to as the USB standard) and the signal of the second interface standard (hereinafter, the Thunderbolt standard) are processed and transmitted to the host device 50 alternately (S40).

An example is described with reference to FIG. 3 , the multi-communication device 100 causes the first mux 170 ( Connector Signal MUX) to connect between the device connection unit 110 , that is, the USB connector connection port and the first processing unit 160 . After connecting and controlling the connection between the device connection unit 110 , that is, the USB connector connection port and the second processing unit 150 , a specific signal generated by the multi-communication device 100 itself is transmitted to the USB standard by the first processing unit 160 . After being processed as a signal and transmitted to the host device 50 , the specific signal may be processed as a Thunderbolt standard signal in the second processing unit 150 and then transmitted to the host device 50 ( S40 ).

According to another example, the multi-communication device 100 causes the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) to connect between the device connection unit 110 , that is, the USB connector connection port and the first processing unit 160 , and thereafter, the device connection unit (110) that is, control to connect between the USB connector connection port and the second processing unit 150, and cause the second mux 180, PCIe Bus MUX, to cause the first mux 170, Connector Signal MUX, to connect to the device connection unit 110 That is, while the USB connector connection port and the first processing unit 160 are connected, the connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 120 and the first processing unit 160 are connected and the first mux 170, Connector Signal MUX) to connect between the connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 120 and the second processing unit 120 while connecting the device connection unit 110 , that is, the USB connector connection port and the second processing unit 150 . By controlling, a specific signal, that is, a signal of the USB device 30 is processed in the first processing unit 160 and then transmitted to the host device 50 and then the specific signal is transmitted to the second processing unit 150 in the Thunderbolt standard After being processed as a signal, it may be transmitted to the host device 50 (S40).

Accordingly, in the multi-communication device 100 , a specific signal (a self-generated signal or a signal of a peripheral device) is alternated with a USB standard signal and a Thunderbolt standard signal in the first processing unit 160 and the second processing unit 150 . processed and may be alternately transmitted to the host device 50 .

In the method of operating a device for multiple communication according to the present invention, the device for multiple communication 100 receives a reply signal returned from the host device 50 with respect to the USB standard signal and the Thunderbolt standard signal alternately transmitted in step S40 above. Confirm (S50).

In addition, the multi-communication device 100 may identify whether the interface standard supported by the host device 50 is USB or Thunderbolt from the reply signal ( S50 ).

Specifically, the reply signal may include link information generated during a connection process with the host device 50 performed based on the MAC layer processing function of the first processing unit 160 or the second processing unit 150 . .

In this way, the Link information in the process of connecting the MAC layer processing functions of USB and Thunderbolt with the host device 50 includes information that allows the host device 50 to identify the interface standard supported, For example, link time information is included.

Link time information included in link information is expressed in different formats depending on which interface standard the host device 50 supports.

Therefore, the multi-communication device 100 can identify whether the interface standard supported by the host device 50 is USB or Thunderbolt by checking the format of the link time information in the reply signal, particularly the Link information. There is (S50).

In the method of operating a device for multiple communication according to the present invention, when the device for multiple communication 100 identifies (confirms) the interface standard of the host device 50, the first mux 170 (Connector Signal MUX) and the second By controlling the mux 180 (PCIe Bus MUX), the first processing unit 160 and the second processing unit 150 through the processing unit matching the interface standard of the host device 50 identified above, the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB A communication path may be formed so that the connector connection port and the connection bus 122 (PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 120 are connected (S60).

Previously, it was assumed that the USB device 30 is connected to the connection port (Port1) of the device connection unit 120 .

Under the above assumption, when the device 100 for multi-communication is identified as supporting Thunderbolt, the first mux 170, Connector Signal MUX, causes the device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector connection port and the second processing unit. (150) to control the connection, and control the second mux (180, PCIe Bus MUX) to connect between the connection bus (122, PCIe bus) of the device connection unit 120 and the second processing unit 150, The device connection unit 110, that is, the USB connector connection port, and the connection bus 122, PCIe bus-Port1) of the device connection unit 120 are connected through the second processing unit 120 that matches the interface standard of the host device 50, that is, Thunderbolt. A communication path can be formed as much as possible.

As such, in the multi-communication device 100 of the present invention, when the host device 50 is identified as supporting Thunderbolt, the interface standard between the USB device 30 and the host device 50 connected this time matches Therefore, it is possible to form a communication path suitable for this, and perform a support function to enable communication between devices.

On the other hand, in the method of operating the device for multiple communication according to the present invention, the device for multiple communication 100, if the interface standard of the host device 50 is already confirmed (identified) as Thunderbolt (S30 Yes), Steps S40 to S50 for identifying the interface standard of the host device 50 may be skipped.

That is, the multi-communication device 100, if the interface standard of the host device 50 has already been confirmed (identified) as Thunderbolt (S30 Yes), the first mux 170, Connector Signal MUX, and By controlling the second mux 180 (PCIe Bus MUX), the device connection unit 110 , that is, the USB connector connection port and the device connection unit 120 through the second processing unit 120 matching the interface standard of the host device 50 . A communication path may be formed so that the connection bus 122, PCIe bus-Port1 is connected (S60).

And, in the method of operating the device for multiple communication according to the present invention, the device for multiple communication 100 is formed in step S60 with respect to the USB device 30 when the connected peripheral device, for example, the USB device 30 assumed above is separated. One communication path may be initialized (S70).

As described above, according to the present invention, Thunderbolt supports mutual communication and power delivery between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device, regardless of whether the interface standard between the host device (eg, a computer) and the peripheral device matches. /USB/Power Delivery Multiplexer technology (device for multiple communication) is implemented.

Thus, according to the present invention, the user can identify the interface standards of the host device (eg, computer) one by one and separate and use the Thunderbolt device/USB device/Power Delivery device to be free from the inconvenience of using the interface between devices. It can be expected to increase the degree of freedom and increase convenience.

On the other hand, the functional operations and implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are implemented as digital electronic circuits, computer software, firmware or hardware including the structures disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, or at least one of these It can be implemented by combining. Implementations of the subject matter described herein are one or more computer program products, ie, one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible program storage medium for controlling the operation of or for execution by a control system. can be implemented.

The computer-readable medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter that affects a machine-readable radio wave signal, or a combination of one or more thereof.

As used herein, the term “system” or “device” encompasses all instruments, devices and machines for controlling data, including, for example, programmable processors, computers, or multiple processors or computers. The control system may include, in addition to hardware, code forming an execution environment for a computer program upon request, such as, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more thereof. .

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script or code) may be written in any form of any programming language, including compiled or interpreted language or a priori or procedural language, and may be written as a stand-alone program or module; It can be deployed in any form, including components, subroutines, or other units suitable for use in a computer environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be in a single file provided to the requested program, or in multiple interacting files (eg, files that store one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code), or portions of files that hold other programs or data. (eg, one or more scripts stored within a markup language document). The computer program may be deployed to be executed on a single computer or multiple computers located at one site or distributed over a plurality of sites and interconnected by a communication network.

On the other hand, computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROMs, EEPROMs and flash memory devices, such as magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or external disks, magneto-optical disks and CDs. -Can include all types of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated into, special purpose logic circuitry.

An implementation of the subject matter described herein may include a backend component, such as a data server, or a middleware component, such as an application server, or a web browser or graphical user, such as a user capable of interacting with an implementation of the subject matter described herein. It may be implemented in a front-end component, such as a client computer having an interface, or in a computing system including any combination of one or more of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, such as, for example, a communication network.

While this specification contains numerous specific implementation details, they should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or claim, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. should be understood Likewise, certain features that are described herein in the context of separate embodiments may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments, either individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features operate in a particular combination and may be initially depicted as claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excluded from the combination, the claimed combination being a sub-combination. or a variant of a sub-combination.

Also, although operations are depicted in the drawings in a specific order herein, it is not to be understood that such operations must be performed in the specific order or sequential order shown or that all illustrated operations must be performed in order to achieve desirable results. Can not be done. In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Further, the separation of the various system components of the above-described embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and the program components and systems described may generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. It should be understood that

As such, this specification is not intended to limit the invention to the specific terminology presented. Accordingly, although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above-described examples, those skilled in the art can make modifications, changes, and modifications to the examples without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims rather than the above detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

According to the device for multi-communication and the method of operating the device for multi-communication according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the point of realizing a technology for enabling mutual communication regardless of whether an interface standard between a host device (eg, a computer) and a peripheral device match or not , it is an invention with industrial applicability because it is not only the use of the related technology, but also the possibility of commercialization or business of the applied device as it goes beyond the limits of the existing technology, as well as the degree to which it can be clearly implemented in reality.

100: multi-communication device
110: device connection unit 120: device connection unit
130: signal confirmation unit 140: communication support unit

Claims (10)

a device connection unit connected to a host device;
a device connection unit connected to a peripheral device;
a signal checking unit which processes a specific signal as signals of two or more different interface standards, transmits them to the host device, and checks a reply signal returned from the host device accordingly; and
and a communication support unit for supporting communication regardless of whether the interface standard between the peripheral device and the host device matches the interface standard between the peripheral device and the host device,
The signal confirmation unit,
processing the specific signal as a signal of a first interface standard and a signal of a second interface standard, alternately transmitting the signal to the host device, and receiving and confirming a reply signal of the first or second interface standard from the host device Multi-communication device characterized. The method of claim 1,
The specific signal is
Multiple communication device, characterized in that the signal of the peripheral device applied through the device connection unit. delete 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
A first processing unit having a MAC (Medium Access Control Layer) layer processing function for processing a signal according to the first interface standard;
a second processing unit having a MAC layer processing function for processing a signal according to a second interface standard;
a first mux selectively connecting the device connection unit and the first processing unit or the second processing unit;
a second mux selectively connecting the device connection unit and the first processing unit or the second processing unit;
The signal confirmation unit,
By controlling at least one of the first mux and the second mux, the specific signal is alternately processed into a signal of a first interface standard and a signal of a second interface standard by the first processing unit and the second processing unit, respectively, to the host device Multiple communication device, characterized in that to be transmitted alternately. 5. The method of claim 4,
The communication support unit,
When the first processing unit or the second processing unit receives a reply signal of the first or second interface standard, based on the reply signal, whether the interface standard of the host device is the first interface standard or the second interface standard identify and recognize
The first mux and the second mux are controlled to establish a communication path so that the device connection unit and the device connection unit are connected through a processing unit matching the interface standard of the identified host device among the first processing unit and the second processing unit. Multi-communication device, characterized in that forming. 5. The method of claim 4,
The reply signal is
and link information generated during a connection process with the host device performed based on the MAC layer processing function of the first processing unit or the second processing unit. 5. The method of claim 4,
The device connection unit,
Multiple connection ports supporting different interface standards,
and a connection bus for transmitting a signal of a peripheral device applied through each of the plurality of connection ports to the second mux. a device connection step in which a host device is connected;
a device connection step in which peripheral devices are connected;
a signal checking step of processing a specific signal as a signal of two or more different interface standards, transmitting them to the host device, and checking a reply signal returned from the host device accordingly; and
a communication support step of supporting communication irrespective of whether an interface standard between the peripheral device and the host device matches the interface standard between the peripheral device and the host device based on the interface standard of the host device identified according to the reply signal;
The signal confirmation step is
processing the specific signal as a signal of a first interface standard and a signal of a second interface standard, transmitting them alternately to the host device, and receiving and confirming a reply signal of the first or second interface standard from the host device A method of operating a device for multi-communication, characterized in that it. 9. The method of claim 8,
A first processing unit having a MAC layer processing function for processing a signal according to a first interface standard, a second processing unit having a MAC layer processing function for processing a signal according to a second interface standard, and a device connection unit to which the host device is connected and a first mux selectively connecting the first processing unit or the second processing unit, and a second mux selectively connecting a device connection unit to which the peripheral device is connected and the first processing unit or the second processing unit and;
The signal confirmation step is
By controlling at least one of the first mux and the second mux, the specific signal is alternately processed into a signal of a first interface standard and a signal of a second interface standard by the first processing unit and the second processing unit, respectively, to the host A method of operating a device for multiple communication, characterized in that it is transmitted alternately to the device. 10. The method of claim 9,
The communication support step is,
When the first processing unit or the second processing unit receives a reply signal of the first or second interface standard, based on the reply signal, whether the interface standard of the host device is the first interface standard or the second interface standard identify and recognize
The first mux and the second mux are controlled to establish a communication path so that the device connection unit and the device connection unit are connected through a processing unit matching the interface standard of the identified host device among the first processing unit and the second processing unit. A method of operating a device for multiple communication, characterized in that forming.

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