US20190286597A1 - System, electronic device, and connection control method - Google Patents
System, electronic device, and connection control method Download PDFInfo
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- US20190286597A1 US20190286597A1 US16/143,056 US201816143056A US2019286597A1 US 20190286597 A1 US20190286597 A1 US 20190286597A1 US 201816143056 A US201816143056 A US 201816143056A US 2019286597 A1 US2019286597 A1 US 2019286597A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 12
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 46
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/40—Bus structure
- G06F13/4004—Coupling between buses
- G06F13/4022—Coupling between buses using switching circuits, e.g. switching matrix, connection or expansion network
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/42—Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshake; Synchronisation
- G06F13/4282—Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshake; Synchronisation on a serial bus, e.g. I2C bus, SPI bus
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F2213/0042—Universal serial bus [USB]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R29/00—Coupling parts for selective co-operation with a counterpart in different ways to establish different circuits, e.g. for voltage selection, for series-parallel selection, programmable connectors
Definitions
- Embodiments described herein relate generally to a system, an electronic device, and a connection control method.
- USB universal serial bus
- a connector (a plug) of a cable can be inserted into a connector (a receptacle) of the electronic device in whichever orientation of regular (normal) and reverse (flipped).
- a connection surface of the connector (arrangement of contact pins) has a shape of point symmetry, which is referred to as symmetry or a reversible configuration. More specifically, the connection surface has such a shape that the contact pins are arranged symmetrical with respect to a central point of the connection surface in a longitudinal direction.
- the electronic device When two electronic devices are connected via a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard, these two electronic devices must each comprise a mechanism for enabling data transmission and reception without a problem in whichever orientation of normal and flipped the Type-C connector (plug) of the cable is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) of the corresponding device. More specifically, the electronic device must be equipped with a switch that switches allocation of signal lines to the contact pins of the Type-C connector (receptacle). Accordingly, in order to enable an extension unit, which is referred to as a dock, for example, to be connected to a body apparatus by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard, the aforementioned switch must also be incorporated in the extension unit. In other words, the demerits were caused in terms of the cost and layout.
- the extension unit is structured in such a way that a USB Type-C connector (receptacle) is not provided, and a cable is connected directly and fixedly, mounting the aforementioned switch is not required.
- a USB Type-C connector receptacle
- FIG. 1A is a first diagram (Normal-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a system of an embodiment.
- FIG. 1B is a second diagram (Flipped-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the system of the embodiment.
- FIG. 1C is a third diagram (Normal-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the system of the embodiment.
- FIG. 1D is a fourth diagram (Flipped-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the system of the embodiment.
- FIG. 2A is a first diagram (Normal-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a first comparative example.
- FIG. 2B is a second diagram (Flipped-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the first comparative example.
- FIG. 2C is a third diagram (Normal-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the first comparative example.
- FIG. 2D is a fourth diagram (Flipped-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the first comparative example.
- FIG. 3A is a first diagram (Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a second comparative example.
- FIG. 3B is a second diagram (Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the second comparative example.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram showing, as a list, switching patterns of switches in each of the system of the embodiment, the first comparative example, and the second comparative example.
- FIG. 5 is a table showing the switching patterns of the switch when allocation of signal lines to contact pins at a USB dock side in the system of the embodiment is changed.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a host system (a connection control circuit) of the system of the embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a USB dock (a connection control circuit) of the system of the embodiment.
- a system in general, includes a first device and a second device which are mutually connectable via a cable comprising first connectors at first and second ends of the cable.
- Each of the first connectors includes a connection surface of a point-symmetrical configuration.
- Each of the first device and the second device includes a second connector.
- Each of the first connectors is connectable to the second connector in a first state or a second state in which a first connector is reversed in a longitudinal direction of the connection surface from the first state.
- the first device includes a switch, a first detector, a receiver and a controller. The switch switches allocation of signal lines to contact pins of the second connector.
- the first detector detects whether the first connector at the first end is connected to the second connector of the first device in the first state or the second state.
- the receiver receives, from the second device via the cable, status information indicative of whether the first connector at the second end is connected to the second connector of the second device in the first state or the second state.
- the controller controls the switch, based on a connection state of the first connector at the first end with respect to the second connector of the first device detected by the first detector, and a connection state of the first connector at the second end with respect to the second connector of the second device indicated by the status information that is received by the receiver.
- the second device includes a second detector and a transmitter. The second detector detects whether the first connector at the second end is connected to the second connector of the second device in the first state or the second state.
- the transmitter transmits, to the first device via the cable, a result of detection by the second detector as the status information.
- FIGS. 1A to 1D are diagrams showing examples of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a system of the present embodiment.
- the system of the present embodiment relates to a system constituted of a host system (first device) 1 and a USB doc (second device) 2 .
- the host system 1 and the USB dock 2 are electronic devices to which the USB Type-C DisplayPort ALT Mode specification is applied, and are connected by a cable 3 conforming to the USB Type-C standard.
- the USB Type-C DisplayPort ALT Mode specification is the specification for diverting part of signals lines (R ⁇ 2 and T ⁇ 2) defined according to the USB Type-C to the DisplayPort standard data transmission and reception.
- the host system 1 includes a USB Type-C connector (receptacle) (second connector) 11
- the USB dock 2 also includes a USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 .
- a USB Type-C connector (plug) (first connector) 31 is provided at each end (first and second ends) of the cable 3 .
- the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on one end of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1
- the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on the other end of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USB dock 2 .
- the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on one end of the cable 3 can be inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1 in whichever orientation of normal (first state) and flipped (second state).
- USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on the other end of the cable 3 can be inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USB dock 2 in whichever orientation of normal and flipped.
- contact pins are arranged in point symmetry with respect to a central point of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 in a longitudinal direction (i.e., a vertical direction of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 in FIGS. 1A to 1D ).
- FIG. 1A shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on the host system 1 side) and normal (on the USB dock 2 side), FIG.
- FIG. 1B shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on the host system 1 side) and normal (on the USB dock 2 side)
- FIG. 1C shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on the host system 1 side) and flipped (on the USB dock 2 side)
- FIG. 1D shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on the host system 1 side) and flipped (on the USB dock 2 side).
- the host system 1 includes a connection control circuit 12 (including a first detector, a receiver and a controller), a switch 13 , an embedded controller (EC) 14 , a graphics processing unit (GPU) 15 , and a USB controller 16 .
- a connection control circuit 12 including a first detector, a receiver and a controller
- a switch 13 including a switch, an embedded controller (EC) 14 , a graphics processing unit (GPU) 15 , and a USB controller 16 .
- EC embedded controller
- GPU graphics processing unit
- USB controller 16 USB controller
- the connection control circuit 12 is an electronic circuit comprising at least a connection configuration (CC) logic and a USB power delivery (PD) engine.
- the CC logic performs control for establishing a communication channel when the host system 1 and the USB dock 2 are connected by the cable 3 .
- the CC logic can detect connection of the host system 1 and the USE dock 2 via the cable 3 by monitoring a CC1 pin and a CC2 pin, and also detect in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1 .
- the CC logic can execute communication using a CC signal line with a CC logic at a connection destination (i.e., a CC logic in a connection control circuit 22 to be described later of the USE dock 2 ).
- the USB PD engine performs control for supplying and receiving power via the cable 3 .
- the side which supplies power is referred to as a source, and the side which receives the power is referred to as a sink.
- the host system 1 and the USB dock 2 are connected via the cable 3 , it is assumed that the host system 1 is set to the source, and the USB dock 2 is set to the sink.
- the switch 13 is a switch for switching allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 . More specifically, the switch 13 selectively applies either (a): allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 that is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is normal or (b): allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 that is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is flipped.
- the switch 13 is controlled by the connection control circuit 12 comprising the CC logic capable of detecting the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 .
- the EC 14 controls supply and interruption of power to each component in the host system 1 in cooperation with a power supply controller (PSC) not shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D . Further, the EC 14 communicates with the connection control circuit 12 equipped with the USB PD engine via an I 2 C cable not shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D , and controls supply and interruption of power to the USB dock 2 via the cable 3 .
- PSC power supply controller
- the GPU 15 renders an image to be displayed on a display device connected to a DisplayPort (DP) connector 25 of the USB dock 2 , and outputs an image signal of the image from a predetermined port (a port associated with Lane0 and Lane1) in steps conforming to the DisplayPort standard.
- the image signal output from the GPU 15 is guided to the USE Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 by an RX2 signal line and a TX2 signal line defined according to the USE Type-C standard via the switch 13 , and is transferred to the USB dock 2 via the cable 3 .
- the USB controller 16 executes communication with a USB device (not shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D ) connected to a USE connector 24 of the USB dock 2 .
- the switch 13 is also involved for the communication between the USB controller 16 and the USB device in the host system 1 . More specifically, by way of the switch 13 , control is performed so that a Tx1 signal line and an Rx1 signal line defined according to the USB Type-C standard are used.
- the USB dock 2 includes the connection control circuit 22 (including a second detector and a transmitter), a USB r3.1 hub 23 , a plurality of USB connectors 24 , and a DisplayPort (DP) connector 25 .
- the connection control circuit 22 including a second detector and a transmitter
- a USB r3.1 hub 23 a USB r3.1 hub 23 , a plurality of USB connectors 24 , and a DisplayPort (DP) connector 25 .
- DP DisplayPort
- the connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 is also an electronic circuit comprising at least a CC logic and a USB PD engine, likewise the connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 .
- the connection control circuit 22 can detect in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USE Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USE dock 2 . Further, the connection control circuit 22 can execute communication with the connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 by the CC logic.
- the USB r3.1 hub 23 performs control for sharing a single signal line (each of Tx1 and Rx1) among USB devices connected to the USB connectors 24 .
- the USE connector 24 is a connector (receptacle) for connecting the USB device.
- the USB connector 24 has a shape conforming to a standard other than the USB Type-C standard whereby a connector (plug) is to be inserted in a predetermined orientation.
- the DP connector 25 is a connector for connecting the display device. It should be noted that although the USB dock 2 is provided with the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 , a switch corresponding to the switch 13 of the host system 1 is not provided.
- FIGS. 2A to 2D FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B , FIG. 2C , and FIG. 2D .
- FIGS. 2A to 2D a first comparative example will be explained.
- the same reference numbers are used for constituent elements that are the same as those of the system of the present embodiment for convenience.
- a USB dock 2 A further comprises a switch 26 corresponding to the switch 13 of a host system 1 A, as compared to the USB dock 2 of the system of the present embodiment.
- FIG. 2A shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on the host system 1 A side) and normal (on the USB dock 2 A side)
- FIG. 2B shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on the host system 1 A side) and normal (on the USB dock 2 A side)
- FIG. 2C shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on the host system 1 A side) and flipped (on the USB dock 2 A side)
- FIG. 2D shows the state in which the cable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on the host system 1 A side) and flipped (on the USB dock 2 A side).
- connection control circuit 12 A of the first comparative example controls the switch 13 by a rule different from that applied to the connection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment.
- the rule by which the connection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment controls the switch 13 will be described later.
- a connection control circuit 22 A of the first comparative example controls the switch 26 , on the basis of the orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, in which the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USB dock 2 A.
- each of the host system 1 A and the USB dock 2 A switches the allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 or the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 , in accordance with the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 .
- pattern 1 ′ is applied in the USE dock 2 A.
- pattern 1 is applied as in the case of normal and normal (Normal-Normal) orientations shown in FIG. 2A .
- pattern 2 is applied as in the case of flipped and normal (Flipped-Normal) orientations shown in FIG. 2B .
- pattern 2 ′ is applied in the USB dock 2 A, as in the case of orientations of normal and flipped (Normal-Flipped) shown in FIG. 2C .
- pattern 1 is applied if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 in the normal orientation
- pattern 2 is applied if the USE Type-C connector (plug) 31 is inserted into the flipped orientation.
- pattern 1 ′ is applied if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 in the normal orientation
- pattern 2 ′ is applied if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is inserted into the flipped orientation.
- the host system 1 A and the USB dock 2 A are equipped with the switches ( 13 and 26 ) which switch the allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the Type-C connectors (receptacles) ( 11 and 21 ), respectively.
- the USB dock 2 A since the USB dock 2 A also needs to be equipped with the switch 26 , the first comparative example has the demerits in terms of the cost and layout.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B a second comparative example will be explained.
- the same reference numbers are used for constituent elements that are the same as those of the system of the present embodiment for convenience.
- a USB dock 2 B does not include a USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 , as compared to the USB dock 2 of the system of the present embodiment.
- the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is deleted from the USB dock 2 of the system of the present embodiment.
- an end of a cable 3 B is connected directly and fixedly to the USB dock 2 B.
- a connection control circuit 12 B of the second comparative example also controls the switch 13 by a rule different from that applied to the connection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment. Note that the rule by which the connection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment controls the switch 13 will be described later.
- FIG. 3A shows the state in which the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 B is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of a host system 1 B in the normal orientation
- FIG. 3B shows the state in which the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 B is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1 B in the flipped orientation.
- the connection control circuit 12 B of the host system 1 B of the second comparative example controls the switch 13 such that pattern 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C of the first comparative example is applied, if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 B is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 in the normal orientation.
- the second comparative example only one connector (plug), which is the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 B to be inserted into the USE Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1 B, is provided.
- the connection control circuit 12 B of the host system 1 B of the second comparative example controls the switch 13 such that pattern 2 shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D related to the first comparative example is applied. Needless to say, pattern 3 is applied in the USB dock 2 B.
- the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 can be deleted from the USB dock 2 B, and the switch 26 can also be deleted. Accordingly, the second comparative example has the merit in terms of the cost and layout.
- the form that the cable 3 B extends from the USB dock 2 B may decrease the convenience as the storage or carrying becomes inconvenient. Further, because the cable 3 B is not removed from the USE dock 2 B when it is caught on something, safety may be lowered.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 can detect in which orientation i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1 .
- connection control circuit 22 of the USE dock 2 can detect in which orientation i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USB dock 2 .
- the connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 and the connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 can communicate with each other.
- the connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 transmits, to the connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 , information regarding the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the USB dock 2 side, as status information.
- the connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 , based on both of the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the host system 1 side, and the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the USB dock 2 side, corresponding to information received as the status information from the connection control circuit 22 of the USE dock 2 .
- FIGS. 1A to 1D it is assumed that pattern 1 ′ shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B related to the first comparative example is fixedly applied at the USB dock 2 side.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2A of the first comparative example, more specifically, pattern 1 is applied.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2B of the first comparative example, more specifically, pattern 2 is applied.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2B of the first comparative example, more specifically, pattern 2 is applied, although the host system 1 side corresponds to the normal orientation.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2A of the first comparative example, more specifically, pattern 1 is applied, although the host system 1 side corresponds to the flipped orientation.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that pattern 1 , which is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is normal, is applied in a case where the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the host system 1 side matches with the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the USB dock 2 side, and such that pattern 2 , which is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is flipped, is applied in a case where the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the host system 1 side does not match with the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the USB dock 2 side.
- the connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 detects the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the host system 1 side, and also acquires information regarding the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the USB dock 2 side from the connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 . Further, by controlling the switch 13 based on both the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the host system 1 side and the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the USB dock 2 side, the switch 26 that was required in the first comparative example can be eliminated from the USB dock 2 comprising the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 .
- a switch for signal switching can be omitted in one of the two electronic devices without impairing the convenience and safety.
- FIG. 4 shows, as a list, a summary of switching patterns of each of the switches ( 13 and 26 ) in the system of the present embodiment (A), the first comparative example (B), and the second comparative example (C).
- pattern 1 ′ shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B of the first comparative example is fixedly applied at the USB dock 2 side.
- pattern 2 ′ shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D related to the first comparative example may be fixedly applied at the USB dock 2 side.
- FIG. 5 shows switching patterns of the switch 13 of the system of the present embodiment in this case.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2D related to the first comparative example, more specifically, pattern 2 is applied, although the host system 1 side corresponds to the normal orientation.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2C related to the first comparative exorable, more specifically, pattern 1 is applied, although the host system 1 side corresponds to the flipped orientation.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2C related to the first comparative example, more specifically, pattern 1 is applied.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown in FIG. 2D related to the first comparative example, more specifically, pattern 2 is applied.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the host system 1 (the connection control circuit 12 ) of the system of the present embodiment.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 detects in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1 (step A 1 ).
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 receives information as to which of a normal orientation and a flipped orientation the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USB dock 2 from the connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 (step A 2 ).
- steps A 1 and A 2 may be executed in parallel or executed by exchanging the order of steps.
- connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 controls the switch 13 , based on both of the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the host system 1 side, and the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the USB dock 2 side (information of the orientation is received from the connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 ) (step A 3 ).
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the USB dock 2 (the connection control circuit 22 ) of the system of the present embodiment.
- connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 detects in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of the cable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USB dock 2 (step B 1 ).
- connection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 transmits, to the connection control circuit 12 of the host system 1 , information regarding the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on the USB dock 2 side (step B 2 ).
- omitting a switch for signal switching can be realized in one of the two electronic devices without impairing the convenience and safety.
Abstract
Description
- This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-046916, filed Mar. 14, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Embodiments described herein relate generally to a system, an electronic device, and a connection control method.
- In recent years, various electronic devices such as notebook PCs (personal computers), tablet PCs, and smartphones have become widespread. Generally, the electronic devices of the above type comprise an interface function for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices. As one of interface standards, the universal serial bus (USB) standard is known.
- In the USB Type-C devices implemented according to the USB standard, a connector (a plug) of a cable can be inserted into a connector (a receptacle) of the electronic device in whichever orientation of regular (normal) and reverse (flipped). In other words, in a Type-C connector, a connection surface of the connector (arrangement of contact pins) has a shape of point symmetry, which is referred to as symmetry or a reversible configuration. More specifically, the connection surface has such a shape that the contact pins are arranged symmetrical with respect to a central point of the connection surface in a longitudinal direction.
- When two electronic devices are connected via a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard, these two electronic devices must each comprise a mechanism for enabling data transmission and reception without a problem in whichever orientation of normal and flipped the Type-C connector (plug) of the cable is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) of the corresponding device. More specifically, the electronic device must be equipped with a switch that switches allocation of signal lines to the contact pins of the Type-C connector (receptacle). Accordingly, in order to enable an extension unit, which is referred to as a dock, for example, to be connected to a body apparatus by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard, the aforementioned switch must also be incorporated in the extension unit. In other words, the demerits were caused in terms of the cost and layout.
- Meanwhile, if the extension unit is structured in such a way that a USB Type-C connector (receptacle) is not provided, and a cable is connected directly and fixedly, mounting the aforementioned switch is not required. However, the convenience and safety may be impaired.
- A general architecture that implements the various features of the embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate the embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.
-
FIG. 1A is a first diagram (Normal-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a system of an embodiment. -
FIG. 1B is a second diagram (Flipped-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the system of the embodiment. -
FIG. 1C is a third diagram (Normal-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the system of the embodiment. -
FIG. 1D is a fourth diagram (Flipped-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the system of the embodiment. -
FIG. 2A is a first diagram (Normal-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a first comparative example. -
FIG. 2B is a second diagram (Flipped-Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the first comparative example. -
FIG. 2C is a third diagram (Normal-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the first comparative example. -
FIG. 2D is a fourth diagram (Flipped-Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the first comparative example. -
FIG. 3A is a first diagram (Normal) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a second comparative example. -
FIG. 3B is a second diagram (Flipped) showing an example of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in the second comparative example. -
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing, as a list, switching patterns of switches in each of the system of the embodiment, the first comparative example, and the second comparative example. -
FIG. 5 is a table showing the switching patterns of the switch when allocation of signal lines to contact pins at a USB dock side in the system of the embodiment is changed. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a host system (a connection control circuit) of the system of the embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a USB dock (a connection control circuit) of the system of the embodiment. - Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- In general, according to one embodiment, a system includes a first device and a second device which are mutually connectable via a cable comprising first connectors at first and second ends of the cable. Each of the first connectors includes a connection surface of a point-symmetrical configuration. Each of the first device and the second device includes a second connector. Each of the first connectors is connectable to the second connector in a first state or a second state in which a first connector is reversed in a longitudinal direction of the connection surface from the first state. The first device includes a switch, a first detector, a receiver and a controller. The switch switches allocation of signal lines to contact pins of the second connector. The first detector detects whether the first connector at the first end is connected to the second connector of the first device in the first state or the second state. The receiver receives, from the second device via the cable, status information indicative of whether the first connector at the second end is connected to the second connector of the second device in the first state or the second state. The controller controls the switch, based on a connection state of the first connector at the first end with respect to the second connector of the first device detected by the first detector, and a connection state of the first connector at the second end with respect to the second connector of the second device indicated by the status information that is received by the receiver. The second device includes a second detector and a transmitter. The second detector detects whether the first connector at the second end is connected to the second connector of the second device in the first state or the second state. The transmitter transmits, to the first device via the cable, a result of detection by the second detector as the status information.
-
FIGS. 1A to 1D (FIG. 1A ,FIG. 1B ,FIG. 10 , andFIG. 1D ) are diagrams showing examples of a structure regarding connection by a cable conforming to the USB Type-C standard in a system of the present embodiment. - The system of the present embodiment relates to a system constituted of a host system (first device) 1 and a USB doc (second device) 2. The
host system 1 and theUSB dock 2 are electronic devices to which the USB Type-C DisplayPort ALT Mode specification is applied, and are connected by acable 3 conforming to the USB Type-C standard. The USB Type-C DisplayPort ALT Mode specification is the specification for diverting part of signals lines (R×2 and T×2) defined according to the USB Type-C to the DisplayPort standard data transmission and reception. As shown inFIG. 1A , thehost system 1 includes a USB Type-C connector (receptacle) (second connector) 11, and theUSB dock 2 also includes a USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21. At each end (first and second ends) of thecable 3, a USB Type-C connector (plug) (first connector) 31 is provided. The USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on one end of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of thehost system 1, and the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on the other end of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of theUSB dock 2. The USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on one end of thecable 3 can be inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of thehost system 1 in whichever orientation of normal (first state) and flipped (second state). Further, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 that is provided on the other end of thecable 3 can be inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of theUSB dock 2 in whichever orientation of normal and flipped. In the normal/flipped connection, contact pins are arranged in point symmetry with respect to a central point of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 in a longitudinal direction (i.e., a vertical direction of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 inFIGS. 1A to 1D ).FIG. 1A shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on thehost system 1 side) and normal (on theUSB dock 2 side),FIG. 1B shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on thehost system 1 side) and normal (on theUSB dock 2 side),FIG. 1C shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on thehost system 1 side) and flipped (on theUSB dock 2 side), andFIG. 1D shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on thehost system 1 side) and flipped (on theUSB dock 2 side). - Apart from the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 described above, the
host system 1 includes a connection control circuit 12 (including a first detector, a receiver and a controller), aswitch 13, an embedded controller (EC) 14, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 15, and aUSB controller 16. - The
connection control circuit 12 is an electronic circuit comprising at least a connection configuration (CC) logic and a USB power delivery (PD) engine. The CC logic performs control for establishing a communication channel when thehost system 1 and theUSB dock 2 are connected by thecable 3. The CC logic can detect connection of thehost system 1 and theUSE dock 2 via thecable 3 by monitoring a CC1 pin and a CC2 pin, and also detect in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of thehost system 1. Further, the CC logic can execute communication using a CC signal line with a CC logic at a connection destination (i.e., a CC logic in aconnection control circuit 22 to be described later of the USE dock 2). The USB PD engine performs control for supplying and receiving power via thecable 3. The side which supplies power is referred to as a source, and the side which receives the power is referred to as a sink. Here, when thehost system 1 and theUSB dock 2 are connected via thecable 3, it is assumed that thehost system 1 is set to the source, and theUSB dock 2 is set to the sink. - The
switch 13 is a switch for switching allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11. More specifically, theswitch 13 selectively applies either (a): allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 that is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is normal or (b): allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 that is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is flipped. Theswitch 13 is controlled by theconnection control circuit 12 comprising the CC logic capable of detecting the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31. - The
EC 14 controls supply and interruption of power to each component in thehost system 1 in cooperation with a power supply controller (PSC) not shown inFIGS. 1A to 1D . Further, theEC 14 communicates with theconnection control circuit 12 equipped with the USB PD engine via an I2C cable not shown inFIGS. 1A to 1D , and controls supply and interruption of power to theUSB dock 2 via thecable 3. - The
GPU 15 renders an image to be displayed on a display device connected to a DisplayPort (DP)connector 25 of theUSB dock 2, and outputs an image signal of the image from a predetermined port (a port associated with Lane0 and Lane1) in steps conforming to the DisplayPort standard. The image signal output from theGPU 15 is guided to the USE Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 by an RX2 signal line and a TX2 signal line defined according to the USE Type-C standard via theswitch 13, and is transferred to theUSB dock 2 via thecable 3. - The
USB controller 16 executes communication with a USB device (not shown inFIGS. 1A to 1D ) connected to aUSE connector 24 of theUSB dock 2. Theswitch 13 is also involved for the communication between theUSB controller 16 and the USB device in thehost system 1. More specifically, by way of theswitch 13, control is performed so that a Tx1 signal line and an Rx1 signal line defined according to the USB Type-C standard are used. - Apart from the above-mentioned USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21, the
USB dock 2 includes the connection control circuit 22 (including a second detector and a transmitter), a USB r3.1hub 23, a plurality ofUSB connectors 24, and a DisplayPort (DP)connector 25. - The
connection control circuit 22 of theUSB dock 2 is also an electronic circuit comprising at least a CC logic and a USB PD engine, likewise theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1. In other words, by the CC logic, theconnection control circuit 22 can detect in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USE Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of theUSE dock 2. Further, theconnection control circuit 22 can execute communication with theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 by the CC logic. - The USB r3.1
hub 23 performs control for sharing a single signal line (each of Tx1 and Rx1) among USB devices connected to theUSB connectors 24. TheUSE connector 24 is a connector (receptacle) for connecting the USB device. TheUSB connector 24 has a shape conforming to a standard other than the USB Type-C standard whereby a connector (plug) is to be inserted in a predetermined orientation. TheDP connector 25 is a connector for connecting the display device. It should be noted that although theUSB dock 2 is provided with the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21, a switch corresponding to theswitch 13 of thehost system 1 is not provided. - Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the system of the present embodiment, by referring to
FIGS. 2A to 2D (FIG. 2A ,FIG. 2B ,FIG. 2C , andFIG. 2D ) first, a first comparative example will be explained. Of the constituent elements shown inFIGS. 2A to 2D , the same reference numbers are used for constituent elements that are the same as those of the system of the present embodiment for convenience. - As shown in
FIG. 2A , in the first comparative example, aUSB dock 2A further comprises aswitch 26 corresponding to theswitch 13 of ahost system 1A, as compared to theUSB dock 2 of the system of the present embodiment.FIG. 2A shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on thehost system 1A side) and normal (on theUSB dock 2A side),FIG. 2B shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on thehost system 1A side) and normal (on theUSB dock 2A side),FIG. 2C shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal (on thehost system 1A side) and flipped (on theUSB dock 2A side), andFIG. 2D shows the state in which thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped (on thehost system 1A side) and flipped (on theUSB dock 2A side). - Further, a
connection control circuit 12A of the first comparative example controls theswitch 13 by a rule different from that applied to theconnection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment. The rule by which theconnection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment controls theswitch 13 will be described later. - Furthermore, likewise the
connection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1, aconnection control circuit 22A of the first comparative example controls theswitch 26, on the basis of the orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, in which the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of theUSB dock 2A. - That is, in the first comparative example, each of the
host system 1A and theUSB dock 2A switches the allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 or the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21, in accordance with the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31. - More specifically, as shown in
FIG. 2A , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal and normal (Normal-Normal), in thehost system 1A, theconnection control circuit 12A controls theswitch 13 such that the allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins represented as “Tx (signal line)=TX1 (contact pin)”, “Rx=RX1”, “Lane®=RX2”, and “Lane1=TX2” is applied (hereinafter referred to as pattern 1). Meanwhile, in theUSB dock 2A, theconnection control circuit 22A controls theswitch 26 such that the allocation represented as “Tx=TX1”, “Rx=RX1”, “Lane0=TX2”, and “Lane1=RX2” is applied (hereinafter referred to aspattern 1′). - Further, as shown in
FIG. 2B , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped and normal (Flipped-Normal), in thehost system 1A, theconnection control circuit 12A controls theswitch 13 such that the allocation represented as “Tx=TX2”, “Rx=RX2”, “Lane®=RX1”, and “Lane1=TX1” is applied (hereinafter referred to as pattern 2). In theUSE dock 2A, as in the case of orientations of normal and normal (Normal-Normal) shown inFIG. 2A ,pattern 1′ is applied. - As shown in
FIG. 2C , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal and flipped (Normal-Flipped), in thehost system 1A,pattern 1 is applied as in the case of normal and normal (Normal-Normal) orientations shown inFIG. 2A . In theUSB dock 2A, theconnection control circuit 22A controls theswitch 26 such that the allocation represented as “Tx=TX2”, “Rx=RX2”, “Lane0=TX1”, and “Lane1=RX1” is applied (hereinafter referred to aspattern 2′). - As shown in
FIG. 2D , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped and flipped (Flipped-Flipped), in thehost system 1A,pattern 2 is applied as in the case of flipped and normal (Flipped-Normal) orientations shown inFIG. 2B . In theUSB dock 2A, as in the case of orientations of normal and flipped (Normal-Flipped) shown inFIG. 2C ,pattern 2′ is applied. - In other words, in the case of the first comparative example, in the
host system 1A,pattern 1 is applied if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 in the normal orientation, andpattern 2 is applied if the USE Type-C connector (plug) 31 is inserted into the flipped orientation. Also, in theUSB dock 2A,pattern 1′ is applied if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 in the normal orientation, andpattern 2′ is applied if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is inserted into the flipped orientation. - In the first comparative example, the
host system 1A and theUSB dock 2A are equipped with the switches (13 and 26) which switch the allocation of the signal lines to the contact pins of the Type-C connectors (receptacles) (11 and 21), respectively. In other words, since theUSB dock 2A also needs to be equipped with theswitch 26, the first comparative example has the demerits in terms of the cost and layout. - Next, referring to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , a second comparative example will be explained. Of the constituent elements shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , the same reference numbers are used for constituent elements that are the same as those of the system of the present embodiment for convenience. - As shown in
FIG. 3A , in the second comparative example, aUSB dock 2B does not include a USB Type-C connector (plug) 31, as compared to theUSB dock 2 of the system of the present embodiment. In other words, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is deleted from theUSB dock 2 of the system of the present embodiment. Further, an end of acable 3B is connected directly and fixedly to theUSB dock 2B. In other words, in the case of the second comparative example, there is no need to consider in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3B is inserted, in theUSB dock 2B. Accordingly, there is no need to mount aswitch 26 illustrated inFIGS. 2A to 2D related to the first comparative example. In this comparative example, it is assumed that the end of thecable 3B is connected directly and fixedly to theUSB dock 2B as if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted in the normal orientation. - A
connection control circuit 12B of the second comparative example also controls theswitch 13 by a rule different from that applied to theconnection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment. Note that the rule by which theconnection control circuit 12 of the system of the present embodiment controls theswitch 13 will be described later. -
FIG. 3A shows the state in which the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3B is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of ahost system 1B in the normal orientation, andFIG. 3B shows the state in which the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3B is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of thehost system 1B in the flipped orientation. - As shown in
FIG. 3A , theconnection control circuit 12B of thehost system 1B of the second comparative example controls theswitch 13 such thatpattern 1 shown inFIGS. 2A and 2C of the first comparative example is applied, if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3B is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 in the normal orientation. In the second comparative example, only one connector (plug), which is the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3B to be inserted into the USE Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of thehost system 1B, is provided. Therefore, the signal lines in theUSB dock 2B are assumed to be allocated to the contact pins of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 inserted into the USE Type-C connector (receptacle) 11. More specifically, the allocation is represented as “Tx=RX1”, “Rx=TX1”, “Lane0=RX2”, and “Lane1=TX2”, which will be hereinafter referred to aspattern 3. - As shown in
FIG. 35 , if the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3B is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 in the flipped orientation, theconnection control circuit 12B of thehost system 1B of the second comparative example controls theswitch 13 such thatpattern 2 shown inFIGS. 2B and 2D related to the first comparative example is applied. Needless to say,pattern 3 is applied in theUSB dock 2B. - In the second comparative example, as compared to the first comparative example, the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 can be deleted from the
USB dock 2B, and theswitch 26 can also be deleted. Accordingly, the second comparative example has the merit in terms of the cost and layout. However, the form that thecable 3B extends from theUSB dock 2B may decrease the convenience as the storage or carrying becomes inconvenient. Further, because thecable 3B is not removed from theUSE dock 2B when it is caught on something, safety may be lowered. - Returning to
FIG. 1A , the system of the present embodiment will be continued to be explained based on the above first comparative example and second comparative example. - As described above, the
connection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 can detect in which orientation i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of thehost system 1. Also, theconnection control circuit 22 of theUSE dock 2 can detect in which orientation i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of theUSB dock 2. Further, theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 and theconnection control circuit 22 of theUSB dock 2 can communicate with each other. - Thus, in the system of the present embodiment, the
connection control circuit 22 of theUSB dock 2 transmits, to theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1, information regarding the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on theUSB dock 2 side, as status information. Theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13, based on both of the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on thehost system 1 side, and the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on theUSB dock 2 side, corresponding to information received as the status information from theconnection control circuit 22 of theUSE dock 2. Here, as shown inFIGS. 1A to 1D , it is assumed thatpattern 1′ shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B related to the first comparative example is fixedly applied at theUSB dock 2 side. - As shown in
FIG. 1A , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal and normal (Normal-Normal), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2A of the first comparative example, more specifically,pattern 1 is applied. - As shown in
FIG. 1B , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped and normal (Flipped-Normal), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2B of the first comparative example, more specifically,pattern 2 is applied. - As shown in
FIG. 1C , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of normal and flipped (Normal-Flipped), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2B of the first comparative example, more specifically,pattern 2 is applied, although thehost system 1 side corresponds to the normal orientation. - As shown in
FIG. 1D , when thecable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped and flipped (Flipped-Flipped), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2A of the first comparative example, more specifically,pattern 1 is applied, although thehost system 1 side corresponds to the flipped orientation. - In other words, the
connection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such thatpattern 1, which is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is normal, is applied in a case where the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thehost system 1 side matches with the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on theUSB dock 2 side, and such thatpattern 2, which is set when the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 is flipped, is applied in a case where the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thehost system 1 side does not match with the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on theUSB dock 2 side. - As described above, in the system of the present embodiment, the
connection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 detects the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thehost system 1 side, and also acquires information regarding the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of theUSB dock 2 side from theconnection control circuit 22 of theUSB dock 2. Further, by controlling theswitch 13 based on both the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thehost system 1 side and the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of theUSB dock 2 side, theswitch 26 that was required in the first comparative example can be eliminated from theUSB dock 2 comprising the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21. - In other words, in the system of the present embodiment, a switch for signal switching can be omitted in one of the two electronic devices without impairing the convenience and safety.
-
FIG. 4 shows, as a list, a summary of switching patterns of each of the switches (13 and 26) in the system of the present embodiment (A), the first comparative example (B), and the second comparative example (C). - Further, in the explanation given above of the system of the present embodiment, it is assumed that
pattern 1′ shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B of the first comparative example is fixedly applied at theUSB dock 2 side. However, not limited to the above,pattern 2′ shown inFIGS. 2C and 2D related to the first comparative example may be fixedly applied at theUSB dock 2 side.FIG. 5 shows switching patterns of theswitch 13 of the system of the present embodiment in this case. - In other words, when the
cable 3 is connected in orientations of normal and normal (Normal-Normal), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2D related to the first comparative example, more specifically,pattern 2 is applied, although thehost system 1 side corresponds to the normal orientation. - Further, when the
cable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped and normal (Flipped-Normal), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2C related to the first comparative exorable, more specifically,pattern 1 is applied, although thehost system 1 side corresponds to the flipped orientation. - When the
cable 3 is connected in orientations of normal and flipped (Normal-Flipped), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2C related to the first comparative example, more specifically,pattern 1 is applied. - When the
cable 3 is connected in orientations of flipped and flipped (Flipped-Flipped), theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13 such that the signal lines are allocated as shown inFIG. 2D related to the first comparative example, more specifically,pattern 2 is applied. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the host system 1 (the connection control circuit 12) of the system of the present embodiment. - The
connection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 detects in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 11 of the host system 1 (step A1). - Further, the
connection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 receives information as to which of a normal orientation and a flipped orientation the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of theUSB dock 2 from theconnection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2 (step A2). Note that steps A1 and A2 may be executed in parallel or executed by exchanging the order of steps. - Further, the
connection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1 controls theswitch 13, based on both of the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on thehost system 1 side, and the orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on theUSB dock 2 side (information of the orientation is received from theconnection control circuit 22 of the USB dock 2) (step A3). -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the USB dock 2 (the connection control circuit 22) of the system of the present embodiment. - The
connection control circuit 22 of theUSB dock 2 detects in which orientation, i.e., normal or flipped, the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 of thecable 3 is inserted into the USB Type-C connector (receptacle) 21 of the USB dock 2 (step B1). - Further, the
connection control circuit 22 of theUSB dock 2 transmits, to theconnection control circuit 12 of thehost system 1, information regarding the detected orientation of the USB Type-C connector (plug) 31 on theUSB dock 2 side (step B2). - As described above, in the system of the present embodiment, omitting a switch for signal switching can be realized in one of the two electronic devices without impairing the convenience and safety.
- While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
Claims (17)
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US10855069B2 (en) * | 2018-04-17 | 2020-12-01 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | USB type-C/PD controller having integrated VBUS to CC short protection |
US10969853B2 (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2021-04-06 | Realtek Semiconductor Corp. | USB adapting circuit |
US11688981B2 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2023-06-27 | Nxp B.V. | Redriver to autonomously detect cable orientation |
US11921653B2 (en) * | 2022-05-31 | 2024-03-05 | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. | Data storage device and method for lane detection and configuration |
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JP2002116853A (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2002-04-19 | Tdk Corp | Usb mounted electronic equipment and use cable to be used therefor |
JP2009176543A (en) | 2008-01-24 | 2009-08-06 | Hitachi Software Eng Co Ltd | Double-sided usb connector and double-sided usb adapter |
US9612991B2 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2017-04-04 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Connector interface pin mapping |
US9842076B2 (en) | 2014-05-19 | 2017-12-12 | Microchip Technology Incorporated | Switchless USB C-connector hub |
TWI560551B (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2016-12-01 | Realtek Semiconductor Corp | Universal serial bus converting circuit and related method |
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Cited By (6)
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US10855069B2 (en) * | 2018-04-17 | 2020-12-01 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | USB type-C/PD controller having integrated VBUS to CC short protection |
US11355918B2 (en) | 2018-04-17 | 2022-06-07 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | USB type-C/PD controller having integrated VBUS to CC short protection |
US11848552B2 (en) | 2018-04-17 | 2023-12-19 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | USB type-C/PD controller having integrated VBUS to CC short protection |
US10969853B2 (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2021-04-06 | Realtek Semiconductor Corp. | USB adapting circuit |
US11688981B2 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2023-06-27 | Nxp B.V. | Redriver to autonomously detect cable orientation |
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JP2019159921A (en) | 2019-09-19 |
US10430362B1 (en) | 2019-10-01 |
JP7114286B2 (en) | 2022-08-08 |
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