WO2016122672A1 - Connection type detection circuit - Google Patents

Connection type detection circuit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016122672A1
WO2016122672A1 PCT/US2015/014001 US2015014001W WO2016122672A1 WO 2016122672 A1 WO2016122672 A1 WO 2016122672A1 US 2015014001 W US2015014001 W US 2015014001W WO 2016122672 A1 WO2016122672 A1 WO 2016122672A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
diagnostic
interface
detection circuit
protocol
connection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2015/014001
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dave PRESTON
Benjamin Thomas GAIDE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
Original Assignee
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP filed Critical Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
Priority to PCT/US2015/014001 priority Critical patent/WO2016122672A1/en
Publication of WO2016122672A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016122672A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/07—Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
    • G06F11/0703—Error or fault processing not based on redundancy, i.e. by taking additional measures to deal with the error or fault not making use of redundancy in operation, in hardware, or in data representation
    • G06F11/0706—Error or fault processing not based on redundancy, i.e. by taking additional measures to deal with the error or fault not making use of redundancy in operation, in hardware, or in data representation the processing taking place on a specific hardware platform or in a specific software environment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/07—Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
    • G06F11/0703—Error or fault processing not based on redundancy, i.e. by taking additional measures to deal with the error or fault not making use of redundancy in operation, in hardware, or in data representation
    • G06F11/079—Root cause analysis, i.e. error or fault diagnosis

Definitions

  • a computing device such as server computer, may include a plurality of electronic components.
  • an electronic component may be a storage controller.
  • Some electronic components may include self- debugging capabilities.
  • Some electronic components may be debugged via another device.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device with a detection circuit to detect a universal serial bus (USB) connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example;
  • USB universal serial bus
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device with a detection circuit to detect a serial connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation at an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to another example, according to an example.
  • Some electronic components of an electronic device may be debugged via a diagnostic device external to the electronic device, such as a notebook computer.
  • the electronic device may include a diagnostic interface to establish a connection with a diagnostic device so that an electronic component may communicate with the diagnostic device during debugging.
  • the diagnostic interface may be a serial interface.
  • Some diagnostic devices may use a more recently developed communication interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, for debugging.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • an electronic device may include a plurality of diagnostic interfaces. However, the electronic device may have room on the chassis or enclosure to support a single diagnostic interface due to space restrictions. Thus, design complexity of the electronic device may be increased.
  • Examples described herein provide an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic interface via a diagnostic interface.
  • an electronic device may include a diagnostic interface to establish a connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable.
  • the electronic device may also include a detection circuit coupled to the diagnostic interface.
  • the detection circuit may determine a connection type of the connection based on a detection of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable.
  • the detection circuit may also select, based on the connection type, a data communication path between the electronic component and the diagnostic interface to route a diagnostic command received from the diagnostic device. In this manner, examples described herein may reduce design complexity of an electronic device.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example.
  • Electronic device 100 may be a web-based server, a local area network server, a cloud-based server, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, an all- in-one system, a tablet computing device, a mobile phone, an electronic book reader, or any other electronic device suitable for interfacing with a diagnostic interface to debug an electronic component internal to electronic device 100.
  • Electronic device 100 may include a diagnostic interface 102, a detection circuit 104, a protocol conversion circuit 106, and an electronic component 108.
  • Diagnostic interface 102 may be a universal serial bus (USB) connector.
  • Diagnostic interface 1 02 may be a USB connector compatible any of the USB specifications.
  • diagnostic interface 102 may be a USB connector compatible with the USB 2.0 specification.
  • diagnostic interface 102 may be a USB connector compatible with the USB 3.1 specification.
  • Detection circuit 104 may be coupled to diagnostic interface 1 02 via an electrical connection 1 10. As described in more detail below, detection circuit 104 may detect a presence of a power signal in a pin of diagnostic interface 1 02. Based on the detected power signal, detection circuit 104 may set up a data communication path between diagnostic interface 102 and electronic component 108. Detection circuit 104 may be implemented as a switch using at least one logic gate.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 1 06 may be coupled to electronic component 108 via an electrical connection 1 12.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may be a circuit or device that converts data received from the USB protocol to a serial protocol, such as the Recommend Standard (RS)-232 protocol.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may be implemented using a processor or a microcontroller.
  • Electronic component 108 may be coupled to protocol conversion circuit 106 via an electrical connection 1 14.
  • Electronic component 1 08 may a device or a circuit that can be debugged using a diagnostic device external to electronic device 100.
  • electronic component 108 may be a storage array controller.
  • electronic component 108 may be an enclosure management controller.
  • Electronic component 108 may also be coupled to detection circuit 1 04 via an electrical connection 1 16.
  • Electrical connections 1 10-1 1 6 may be implemented using metal wires or metal traces.
  • electronic device 1 00 may establish a connection with a diagnostic device 1 18 via diagnostic interface 102.
  • Diagnostic interface 102 may receive a host cable 1 20 is that coupled to diagnostic device 1 18.
  • Host cable 120 may include a first end 122 and a second end 124.
  • diagnostic device 1 1 8 may
  • first end 122 may be a USB connector and second end 124 may be a serial connector, such as a RS-232 connector.
  • diagnostic device 1 18 may communicate with electronic component 108 via a USB interface (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of diagnostic device 1 18.
  • first end 122 and second end 124 may both be USB connectors.
  • detection circuit 1 04 may detect a presence of a power signal 126 at diagnostic interface 102 to determine a connection type of the connection.
  • the connection type may be a USB connection or a serial connection.
  • diagnostic device 1 18 may assert power signal 126 to diagnostic interface 102 via host cable 120.
  • Power signal 126 may correspond to a voltage signal having a particular voltage value.
  • power signal 126 may be a direct current voltage signal of at least 5 volts.
  • at least 5 volts may be 5 volts +/- 0.25 volt or 5 volts + 0.25 volt/-0.55 volt. It should be understood that power signal 126 may be a voltage signal having a non-zero voltage value.
  • detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a USB connection. Detection circuit 104 may select a first data
  • the first data communication path may include protocol conversion circuit 106 during routing of the data.
  • diagnostic device 1 18 may transmit a diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 108 based on the USB protocol.
  • Electronic device 1 00 may receive diagnostic command 128 via diagnostic interface 1 02.
  • Detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 128 from diagnostic interface 102 to protocol conversion circuit 1 06 via electrical connections 1 10 and 1 12.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may receive diagnostic command 1 28 based on the USB protocol.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may convert a transmission protocol of diagnostic command 128 from the USB protocol to the serial protocol.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 108 using a serial protocol, such as the RS-232 protocol, via electrical connection 1 14.
  • electronic component 108 may generate diagnostic data 130. Diagnostic data 130 may correspond to an operational status of electronic component 108, configuration information of electronic component 108, or a combination thereof.
  • Electronic component 108 may transmit diagnostic data 1 30 to diagnostic device 1 18 via the first data path.
  • electronic component 108 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to protocol conversion circuit 106 using the serial protocol.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may convert a transmission protocol from the serial protocol to the USB protocol.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to detection circuit 104 using the USB protocol.
  • Detection circuit 1 04 may route diagnostic data 130 to diagnostic device 1 18 via diagnostic interface 102 and host cable 120.
  • detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a serial connection. For example, detection circuit 104 may detect a voltage signal of at least 5 volts at pin 1 of diagnostic interface when the connection type is the USB connection. Detection circuit 104 may not detect the voltage signal at pin 1 of diagnostic interface. Instead, detection circuit 104 may detect a grounded connection.
  • Detection circuit 104 may select a second data communication path between electronic component 108 and diagnostic interface 1 02 to route data to and from electronic component 1 08.
  • the second data communication path may bypass conversion circuit 106 during routing of diagnostic command 128.
  • detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 1 28 from diagnostic interface 1 02 to electronic device via electrical connections 1 10 and 1 16.
  • detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic data 1 30 from electronic component 108 to diagnostic interface 102 via electrical connections 1 10 and 1 16.
  • diagnostic command 128 nor diagnostic data 130 may not be routed through protocol conversion circuit 106 when the connection type is the serial connection.
  • electronic device 100 may use a single diagnostic interface (e.g., diagnostic interface 102) to communicate with diagnostic devices with different communication interfaces (e.g., a USB interface or a serial interface) for debugging.
  • diagnostic interface 102 e.g., diagnostic interface 102
  • different communication interfaces e.g., a USB interface or a serial interface
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device 200 with a detection circuit to detect a USB connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example.
  • Electronic device 200 may be used to implement electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • Electronic device 200 may include diagnostic interface 1 02, detection circuit 104, protocol conversion circuit 1 06, electronic component 108, and an electronic component 202. Although two electronic components are shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that electronic device 200 may include any number of electronic components that may be tested via an external diagnostic device.
  • Diagnostic interface 102 may include a plurality of pins, such as pins 204-212.
  • Detection circuit 104 may connect particular pins of diagnostic interface 1 02 to distinct electrical contacts of detection circuit 104 to determine a data communication path for electronic component 108 and/or 202.
  • diagnostic interface 102 may receive a host cable 214 to establish a USB connection with diagnostic device 216 that is similar to diagnostic device 1 1 8 of FIG. 1 .
  • Diagnostic device 216 may include a USB interface 21 8 to receive host cable 214.
  • USB interface 218 may be implemented using a USB connector.
  • Diagnostic device 216 may assert power signal 126 to pin 204 of diagnostic interface 102 via USB interface 218.
  • Detection circuit 104 may detect power signal 126 at pin 204.
  • detection circuit 1 04 may determine that the connection with diagnostic device 216 is a USB connection.
  • detection circuit 104 may connect pins 206 and 208 to electrical contacts 220 and 222 of detection circuit 104, respectively.
  • Detection circuit 104 may also connect pins 210 and 212 to electrical contacts 224 and 226 of detection circuit, respectively.
  • Electrical contacts 220, 222, 224, 226 may be coupled to protocol conversion circuit 106 via electrical connections 228, 230, 240, 242, respectively.
  • Diagnostic device 216 may transmit diagnostic command 1 28 to electronic component 108 as a differential signal using the USB protocol via USB interface 21 8.
  • Detection circuit 1 04 may route diagnostic command 128 from pins 206 and 208 to protocol conversion circuit 106 via electrical contacts 220 and 222.
  • a USB interface 232 of protocol conversion circuit 1 06 may receive diagnostic command 1 28 via electrical connections 228 and 230.
  • USB interface 232 may be implemented using a USB connector.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 1 06 may transmit diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 108 via a serial interface 234 of protocol conversion circuit.
  • Serial interface 234 may be implemented using a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART).
  • Electronic component 1 08 may receive diagnostic command 1 28 via an electrical connection 236 and/or an electrical connection 238 that are coupled to protocol conversion circuit 106.
  • Electronic component 108 may generate diagnostic data 130 in response to receiving diagnostic command 128.
  • Electronic component 1 08 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to serial interface 234 using the serial protocol via electrical connection 236 and/or electrical connection 238.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to detection circuit 104 via USB interface 232 using the USB protocol.
  • Detection circuit 104 may receive diagnostic data 1 30 via electrical connections 228 and.
  • Detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic data 130 to diagnostic device 216 via pins 206 and 208.
  • diagnostic command 128 when diagnostic command 128 is destined for electronic component 202, diagnostic command 1 28 may be routed from pins 210 and 212 to USB interface 232 via electrical connections 240 and 242, respectively.
  • Serial interface 234 may transmit diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 202 via electrical connections 244 and 246.
  • Electronic component 202 may generate diagnostic data 248 in response to receiving diagnostic command 128.
  • Electronic component 202 may transmit diagnostic data 248 to serial interface 234 using the serial protocol via electrical connections 244 and/or 246.
  • Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic data 248 to detection circuit 104 using the USB protocol via USB interface 232.
  • Detection circuit 104 may receive diagnostic data 248 via electrical connections 240 and 242.
  • Detection circuit 1 04 may route diagnostic data 248 to USB interface 21 8 via pins 210 and 212 and host cable 214.
  • Diagnostic device 216 may receive diagnostic data 248 via USB interface 218.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 with detection circuit 104 to detect a serial connection with a diagnostic device, according to another example.
  • electronic device 200 may establish a serial connection with a diagnostic device 302 via a host cable 304.
  • Diagnostic interface 102 and a serial interface 306 of diagnostic device 302 may receive a respective end of host cable 304.
  • Serial interface 306 may be implemented using a RS-232 connector.
  • a particular pin of serial interface 306 that is coupled to pin 204 via host cable 304 may be grounded.
  • Detection circuit 104 may detect a grounded connection at pin 204.
  • the grounded connection may indicate the absence of power signal 126 of FIGs. 1 -2.
  • detection circuit 1 04 may determine that the connection type of the connection with diagnostic device 302 is a serial connection.
  • detection circuit 104 may connect pins 206 and 208 to electrical contacts 308 and 310 of detection circuit 1 04, respectively. Electrical contacts 308 and 310 may be coupled to electronic component 108 via electrical connections 316 and 318, respectively. Detection circuit 104 may also connect pins 210 and 21 2 to electrical contacts 312 and 314 of detection circuit 104, respectively. Electrical contacts 312 and 314 may be coupled to electronic component 202 via electrical connections 320 and 322,
  • Diagnostic device 302 may transmit diagnostic command 1 28 to electronic component 108 and/or electronic component 202.
  • detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 1 28 from pin 206 and/or pin 208 to electronic component 108 via electrical contact 308 and/or 310.
  • Detection circuit 104 may also route diagnostic data 130 from electronic component 108 to diagnostic device 216 via the same data communication path (e.g., electrical contact 308 and/or 31 0).
  • detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 1 28 from pin 210 and/or pin 212 to electronic component 202 via electrical contact 312 and/or 314. Detection circuit 104 may also route diagnostic data 248 from electronic component 202 to diagnostic device 21 6 via the same data communication path (e.g., electrical contact 312 and/or 314).
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 of operation at an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to another example, according to an example.
  • Method 400 may be implemented using electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 and/or electronic device 200 of FIGs. 2-3.
  • Method 400 includes establishing, at a diagnostic interface of an electronic device, a connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable connected to the diagnostic interface, at 402.
  • electronic device 100 may establish a connection with a diagnostic device 1 18 via diagnostic interface 102.
  • Diagnostic interface 102 may receive a host cable 120 is that coupled to diagnostic device 1 1 8.
  • Method 400 also includes detecting, at a detection circuit of an electronic device, a presence of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable, at 404.
  • diagnostic device 1 18 when diagnostic device 1 18 is to communicate with electronic component with the USB interface, diagnostic device 1 18 may assert power signal 1 26 to diagnostic interface 102 via host cable 120.
  • detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a USB connection.
  • Method 400 further includes receiving, at the diagnostic interface, a diagnostic command from the diagnostic device via the connection, at 406.
  • electronic device 100 may receive diagnostic command 128 via diagnostic interface 102.
  • Method 400 further includes in response to detecting that the power signal is absent, routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to an electronic component of the electronic device via the detection circuit, at 408.
  • detection circuit 104 in response to detecting power signal 126 is absent at diagnostic interface 1 02, detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a serial connection. Detection circuit 104 may select a second data communication path between electronic component 108 and diagnostic interface 1 02 to route data to and from electronic component 108.
  • Method 400 further includes in response to detecting that the power signal is present, routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to a protocol conversion circuit of the electronic device via the detection circuit, at 41 0.
  • detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a USB connection.
  • Detection circuit 104 may select a first data communication path between electronic component 108 and diagnostic interface 102 to route data to and from electronic component 108.
  • the first data communication path may include protocol conversion circuit 1 06 during routing of the data.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Systems (AREA)

Abstract

An example electronic device includes a diagnostic interface to establish a connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable. The electronic device also includes a detection circuit coupled to the diagnostic interface. The electronic device further includes a protocol conversion circuit coupled to the detection circuit to convert a transmission protocol of data received via the diagnostic interface. The electronic device further includes an electronic component coupled to the detection circuit and coupled to the protocol conversion circuit. The detection circuit is to determine a connection type of the connection based on a detection of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable and to select, based on the connection type, a data communication path between the electronic component and the diagnostic interface to route a diagnostic command.

Description

CONNECTION TYPE DETECTION CIRCUIT
BACKGROUND
[0001] A computing device, such as server computer, may include a plurality of electronic components. For example, an electronic component may be a storage controller. Some electronic components may include self- debugging capabilities. Some electronic components may be debugged via another device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] Some examples of the present application are described with respect to the following figures:
[0003] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example;
[0004] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device with a detection circuit to detect a universal serial bus (USB) connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example;
[0005] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device with a detection circuit to detect a serial connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example; and
[0006] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation at an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to another example, according to an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] Some electronic components of an electronic device may be debugged via a diagnostic device external to the electronic device, such as a notebook computer. The electronic device may include a diagnostic interface to establish a connection with a diagnostic device so that an electronic component may communicate with the diagnostic device during debugging. As an example, the diagnostic interface may be a serial interface. Some diagnostic devices may use a more recently developed communication interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, for debugging. To accommodate different diagnostic devices with different communication interfaces for debugging, an electronic device may include a plurality of diagnostic interfaces. However, the electronic device may have room on the chassis or enclosure to support a single diagnostic interface due to space restrictions. Thus, design complexity of the electronic device may be increased.
[0008] Examples described herein provide an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic interface via a diagnostic interface. For example, an electronic device may include a diagnostic interface to establish a connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable. The electronic device may also include a detection circuit coupled to the diagnostic interface. The detection circuit may determine a connection type of the connection based on a detection of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable. The detection circuit may also select, based on the connection type, a data communication path between the electronic component and the diagnostic interface to route a diagnostic command received from the diagnostic device. In this manner, examples described herein may reduce design complexity of an electronic device.
[0009] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example. Electronic device 100, for example, may be a web-based server, a local area network server, a cloud-based server, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, an all- in-one system, a tablet computing device, a mobile phone, an electronic book reader, or any other electronic device suitable for interfacing with a diagnostic interface to debug an electronic component internal to electronic device 100.
[0010] Electronic device 100 may include a diagnostic interface 102, a detection circuit 104, a protocol conversion circuit 106, and an electronic component 108. Diagnostic interface 102 may be a universal serial bus (USB) connector. Diagnostic interface 1 02 may be a USB connector compatible any of the USB specifications. In some examples, diagnostic interface 102 may be a USB connector compatible with the USB 2.0 specification. In some examples, diagnostic interface 102 may be a USB connector compatible with the USB 3.1 specification.
[0011] Detection circuit 104 may be coupled to diagnostic interface 1 02 via an electrical connection 1 10. As described in more detail below, detection circuit 104 may detect a presence of a power signal in a pin of diagnostic interface 1 02. Based on the detected power signal, detection circuit 104 may set up a data communication path between diagnostic interface 102 and electronic component 108. Detection circuit 104 may be implemented as a switch using at least one logic gate.
[0012] Protocol conversion circuit 1 06 may be coupled to electronic component 108 via an electrical connection 1 12. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may be a circuit or device that converts data received from the USB protocol to a serial protocol, such as the Recommend Standard (RS)-232 protocol. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may be implemented using a processor or a microcontroller.
[0013] Electronic component 108 may be coupled to protocol conversion circuit 106 via an electrical connection 1 14. Electronic component 1 08 may a device or a circuit that can be debugged using a diagnostic device external to electronic device 100. For example, electronic component 108 may be a storage array controller. As another example, electronic component 108 may be an enclosure management controller. Electronic component 108 may also be coupled to detection circuit 1 04 via an electrical connection 1 16. Electrical connections 1 10-1 1 6 may be implemented using metal wires or metal traces.
[0014] During a diagnostic operation, electronic device 1 00 may establish a connection with a diagnostic device 1 18 via diagnostic interface 102.
Diagnostic interface 102 may receive a host cable 1 20 is that coupled to diagnostic device 1 18. Host cable 120 may include a first end 122 and a second end 124. In some examples, diagnostic device 1 1 8 may
communicate with electronic component 108 via a serial interface (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of diagnostic device 1 18. Thus, first end 122 may be a USB connector and second end 124 may be a serial connector, such as a RS-232 connector. In some examples, diagnostic device 1 18 may communicate with electronic component 108 via a USB interface (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of diagnostic device 1 18. Thus, first end 122 and second end 124 may both be USB connectors.
[0015] In response to establishing the connection with diagnostic device 1 18, detection circuit 1 04 may detect a presence of a power signal 126 at diagnostic interface 102 to determine a connection type of the connection. The connection type may be a USB connection or a serial connection.
[0016] When diagnostic device 1 18 is to communicate with electronic component with the USB interface, diagnostic device 1 18 may assert power signal 126 to diagnostic interface 102 via host cable 120. Power signal 126 may correspond to a voltage signal having a particular voltage value. For example, power signal 126 may be a direct current voltage signal of at least 5 volts. As used herein, at least 5 volts may be 5 volts +/- 0.25 volt or 5 volts + 0.25 volt/-0.55 volt. It should be understood that power signal 126 may be a voltage signal having a non-zero voltage value.
[0017] In response to detecting power signal 1 26 is present at diagnostic interface 1 02, detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a USB connection. Detection circuit 104 may select a first data
communication path between electronic component 108 and diagnostic interface 1 02 to route data to and from electronic component 108. The first data communication path may include protocol conversion circuit 106 during routing of the data.
[0018] For example, diagnostic device 1 18 may transmit a diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 108 based on the USB protocol. Electronic device 1 00 may receive diagnostic command 128 via diagnostic interface 1 02. Detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 128 from diagnostic interface 102 to protocol conversion circuit 1 06 via electrical connections 1 10 and 1 12. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may receive diagnostic command 1 28 based on the USB protocol. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may convert a transmission protocol of diagnostic command 128 from the USB protocol to the serial protocol. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 108 using a serial protocol, such as the RS-232 protocol, via electrical connection 1 14. In response to receiving diagnostic command 128, electronic component 108 may generate diagnostic data 130. Diagnostic data 130 may correspond to an operational status of electronic component 108, configuration information of electronic component 108, or a combination thereof.
[0019] Electronic component 108 may transmit diagnostic data 1 30 to diagnostic device 1 18 via the first data path. For example, electronic component 108 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to protocol conversion circuit 106 using the serial protocol. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may convert a transmission protocol from the serial protocol to the USB protocol. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to detection circuit 104 using the USB protocol. Detection circuit 1 04 may route diagnostic data 130 to diagnostic device 1 18 via diagnostic interface 102 and host cable 120.
[0020] In response to detecting power signal 1 26 is absent at diagnostic interface 1 02, detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a serial connection. For example, detection circuit 104 may detect a voltage signal of at least 5 volts at pin 1 of diagnostic interface when the connection type is the USB connection. Detection circuit 104 may not detect the voltage signal at pin 1 of diagnostic interface. Instead, detection circuit 104 may detect a grounded connection.
[0021] Detection circuit 104 may select a second data communication path between electronic component 108 and diagnostic interface 1 02 to route data to and from electronic component 1 08. The second data communication path may bypass conversion circuit 106 during routing of diagnostic command 128. For example, detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 1 28 from diagnostic interface 1 02 to electronic device via electrical connections 1 10 and 1 16. Similarly, detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic data 1 30 from electronic component 108 to diagnostic interface 102 via electrical connections 1 10 and 1 16. Thus, diagnostic command 128 nor diagnostic data 130 may not be routed through protocol conversion circuit 106 when the connection type is the serial connection.
[0022] By automatically detecting the connection type upon receiving host cable 1 20, electronic device 100 may use a single diagnostic interface (e.g., diagnostic interface 102) to communicate with diagnostic devices with different communication interfaces (e.g., a USB interface or a serial interface) for debugging. Thus, design complexity of electronic device 1 00 may be reduced.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device 200 with a detection circuit to detect a USB connection with a diagnostic device, according to an example. Electronic device 200 may be used to implement electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 . Electronic device 200 may include diagnostic interface 1 02, detection circuit 104, protocol conversion circuit 1 06, electronic component 108, and an electronic component 202. Although two electronic components are shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that electronic device 200 may include any number of electronic components that may be tested via an external diagnostic device.
[0024] Diagnostic interface 102 may include a plurality of pins, such as pins 204-212. Detection circuit 104 may connect particular pins of diagnostic interface 1 02 to distinct electrical contacts of detection circuit 104 to determine a data communication path for electronic component 108 and/or 202.
[0025] As an example, during a diagnostic operation, diagnostic interface 102 may receive a host cable 214 to establish a USB connection with diagnostic device 216 that is similar to diagnostic device 1 1 8 of FIG. 1 .
Diagnostic device 216 may include a USB interface 21 8 to receive host cable 214. USB interface 218 may be implemented using a USB connector.
[0026] Diagnostic device 216 may assert power signal 126 to pin 204 of diagnostic interface 102 via USB interface 218. Detection circuit 104 may detect power signal 126 at pin 204. In response to detecting power signal 126, detection circuit 1 04 may determine that the connection with diagnostic device 216 is a USB connection. In response to determining that the connection type is a USB connection, detection circuit 104 may connect pins 206 and 208 to electrical contacts 220 and 222 of detection circuit 104, respectively. Detection circuit 104 may also connect pins 210 and 212 to electrical contacts 224 and 226 of detection circuit, respectively. Electrical contacts 220, 222, 224, 226 may be coupled to protocol conversion circuit 106 via electrical connections 228, 230, 240, 242, respectively.
[0027] Diagnostic device 216 may transmit diagnostic command 1 28 to electronic component 108 as a differential signal using the USB protocol via USB interface 21 8. Detection circuit 1 04 may route diagnostic command 128 from pins 206 and 208 to protocol conversion circuit 106 via electrical contacts 220 and 222. A USB interface 232 of protocol conversion circuit 1 06 may receive diagnostic command 1 28 via electrical connections 228 and 230. USB interface 232 may be implemented using a USB connector. Protocol conversion circuit 1 06 may transmit diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 108 via a serial interface 234 of protocol conversion circuit. Serial interface 234 may be implemented using a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART). Electronic component 1 08 may receive diagnostic command 1 28 via an electrical connection 236 and/or an electrical connection 238 that are coupled to protocol conversion circuit 106.
[0028] Electronic component 108 may generate diagnostic data 130 in response to receiving diagnostic command 128. Electronic component 1 08 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to serial interface 234 using the serial protocol via electrical connection 236 and/or electrical connection 238.
Electrical connections 236 and 238 may be coupled to electronic component 108. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic data 130 to detection circuit 104 via USB interface 232 using the USB protocol. Detection circuit 104 may receive diagnostic data 1 30 via electrical connections 228 and. Detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic data 130 to diagnostic device 216 via pins 206 and 208.
[0029] As another example, when diagnostic command 128 is destined for electronic component 202, diagnostic command 1 28 may be routed from pins 210 and 212 to USB interface 232 via electrical connections 240 and 242, respectively. Serial interface 234 may transmit diagnostic command 128 to electronic component 202 via electrical connections 244 and 246.
[0030] Electronic component 202 may generate diagnostic data 248 in response to receiving diagnostic command 128. Electronic component 202 may transmit diagnostic data 248 to serial interface 234 using the serial protocol via electrical connections 244 and/or 246. Protocol conversion circuit 106 may transmit diagnostic data 248 to detection circuit 104 using the USB protocol via USB interface 232. Detection circuit 104 may receive diagnostic data 248 via electrical connections 240 and 242. Detection circuit 1 04 may route diagnostic data 248 to USB interface 21 8 via pins 210 and 212 and host cable 214. Diagnostic device 216 may receive diagnostic data 248 via USB interface 218.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 with detection circuit 104 to detect a serial connection with a diagnostic device, according to another example. During a diagnostic operation, electronic device 200 may establish a serial connection with a diagnostic device 302 via a host cable 304. Diagnostic interface 102 and a serial interface 306 of diagnostic device 302 may receive a respective end of host cable 304. Serial interface 306 may be implemented using a RS-232 connector.
[0032] A particular pin of serial interface 306 that is coupled to pin 204 via host cable 304 may be grounded. Detection circuit 104 may detect a grounded connection at pin 204. The grounded connection may indicate the absence of power signal 126 of FIGs. 1 -2. Thus, detection circuit 1 04 may determine that the connection type of the connection with diagnostic device 302 is a serial connection.
[0033] In response to determining that the connection type is a serial connection, detection circuit 104 may connect pins 206 and 208 to electrical contacts 308 and 310 of detection circuit 1 04, respectively. Electrical contacts 308 and 310 may be coupled to electronic component 108 via electrical connections 316 and 318, respectively. Detection circuit 104 may also connect pins 210 and 21 2 to electrical contacts 312 and 314 of detection circuit 104, respectively. Electrical contacts 312 and 314 may be coupled to electronic component 202 via electrical connections 320 and 322,
respectively.
[0034] Diagnostic device 302 may transmit diagnostic command 1 28 to electronic component 108 and/or electronic component 202. When diagnostic command 128 is destined for electronic component 108, detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 1 28 from pin 206 and/or pin 208 to electronic component 108 via electrical contact 308 and/or 310. Detection circuit 104 may also route diagnostic data 130 from electronic component 108 to diagnostic device 216 via the same data communication path (e.g., electrical contact 308 and/or 31 0).
[0035] When diagnostic command 128 is destined for electronic component 202, detection circuit 104 may route diagnostic command 1 28 from pin 210 and/or pin 212 to electronic component 202 via electrical contact 312 and/or 314. Detection circuit 104 may also route diagnostic data 248 from electronic component 202 to diagnostic device 21 6 via the same data communication path (e.g., electrical contact 312 and/or 314).
[0036] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 of operation at an electronic device with a detection circuit to determine a connection type of a connection with a diagnostic device, according to another example, according to an example. Method 400 may be implemented using electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 and/or electronic device 200 of FIGs. 2-3. Method 400 includes establishing, at a diagnostic interface of an electronic device, a connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable connected to the diagnostic interface, at 402. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , during a diagnostic operation, electronic device 100 may establish a connection with a diagnostic device 1 18 via diagnostic interface 102. Diagnostic interface 102 may receive a host cable 120 is that coupled to diagnostic device 1 1 8.
[0037] Method 400 also includes detecting, at a detection circuit of an electronic device, a presence of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable, at 404. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , when diagnostic device 1 18 is to communicate with electronic component with the USB interface, diagnostic device 1 18 may assert power signal 1 26 to diagnostic interface 102 via host cable 120. In response to detecting power signal 126 is present at diagnostic interface 102, detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a USB connection.
[0038] Method 400 further includes receiving, at the diagnostic interface, a diagnostic command from the diagnostic device via the connection, at 406. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , electronic device 100 may receive diagnostic command 128 via diagnostic interface 102. Method 400 further includes in response to detecting that the power signal is absent, routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to an electronic component of the electronic device via the detection circuit, at 408. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , in response to detecting power signal 126 is absent at diagnostic interface 1 02, detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a serial connection. Detection circuit 104 may select a second data communication path between electronic component 108 and diagnostic interface 1 02 to route data to and from electronic component 108.
[0039] Method 400 further includes in response to detecting that the power signal is present, routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to a protocol conversion circuit of the electronic device via the detection circuit, at 41 0. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , in response to detecting power signal 126 is present at diagnostic interface 1 02, detection circuit 104 may determine that the connection type is a USB connection.
Detection circuit 104 may select a first data communication path between electronic component 108 and diagnostic interface 102 to route data to and from electronic component 108. The first data communication path may include protocol conversion circuit 1 06 during routing of the data.
[0040] The use of "comprising", "including" or "having" are synonymous and variations thereof herein are meant to be inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:
1 . An electronic device comprising:
a diagnostic interface to establish a connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable;
a detection circuit coupled to the diagnostic interface;
a protocol conversion circuit coupled to the detection circuit to convert a transmission protocol of data received via the diagnostic interface; and
an electronic component coupled to the detection circuit and coupled to the protocol conversion circuit, wherein the detection circuit is to: determine a connection type of the connection based on a
detection of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable; and
select, based on the connection type, a data communication path between the electronic component and the diagnostic interface to route a diagnostic command received from the diagnostic device.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the connection type is a universal serial bus (USB) connection or a serial connection.
3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic interface is a universal serial bus (USB) connector.
4. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the detection circuit is to: in response to determining that the connection is a universal serial bus
(USB) connection, route the diagnostic command to the protocol conversion circuit; and
in response to determining that the type the host cable is a serial
connection, route the diagnostic command to the electronic component, wherein the protocol conversion circuit is bypassed during routing of the diagnostic command.
5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic component is to:
receive, during a diagnostic operation, the diagnostic command from the diagnostic device via the diagnostic interface; and in response to the diagnostic command, transmit diagnostic data using a serial protocol.
6. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the protocol conversion circuit includes:
a serial interface; and
a universal serial bus (USB) interface.
7. A method comprising:
establishing, at a diagnostic interface of an electronic device, a
connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable connected to the diagnostic interface;
detecting, at a detection circuit of the electronic device, a presence of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable;
receiving, at the diagnostic interface, a diagnostic command from the diagnostic device via the connection;
in response to detecting that the power signal is absent, routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to an electronic component of the electronic device via the detection circuit; and
in response to detecting that the power signal is present, routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to a protocol conversion circuit of the electronic device via the detection circuit.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the protocol conversion circuit is bypassed during routing of the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to the electronic component via the detection circuit when the power signal is present.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the power signal corresponds to a voltage signal of at least 5 volts.
10. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
in response to the diagnostic command, generating diagnostic data at the electronic component;
when the power signal is present:
transmitting the diagnostic data from the electronic component to the protocol conversion circuit using a serial protocol; and
transmitting the diagnostic data from the protocol conversion circuit to the diagnostic device via the diagnostic interface using a universal serial bus (USB) protocol; and when the power signal is absent, transmitting the diagnostic data from the electronic component to the diagnostic device via the diagnostic interface using the serial protocol.
1 1 . The method of claim 10, wherein the diagnostic data corresponds to an operational status of the electronic device, configuration information of the electronic device, or a combination thereof.
12. A method comprising:
establishing, at a diagnostic interface of an electronic device, a
connection with a diagnostic device via a host cable connected to the diagnostic interface;
receiving, at the diagnostic interface, a diagnostic command from the diagnostic device via the connection; detecting, at a detection circuit of the electronic device, a presence of a power signal asserted to the diagnostic interface via the host cable;
in response to detecting that the power signal is absent, routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to an electronic component of the electronic device via the detection circuit; and
in response to detecting that the power signal is present:
routing the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to a protocol conversion circuit of the electronic device via the detection circuit;
receiving the diagnostic command at the protocol conversion circuit using a first protocol; and
transmitting the diagnostic command from the conversion circuit to the electronic component using a second protocol different from the first protocol.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the protocol conversion circuit is bypassed during routing of the diagnostic command from the diagnostic interface to the electronic component when the power signal is present.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first protocol is a universal serial bus (USB) protocol, and wherein the second protocol is a serial protocol.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the power signal corresponds to a voltage signal of at least 5 volts.
PCT/US2015/014001 2015-01-30 2015-01-30 Connection type detection circuit Ceased WO2016122672A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2015/014001 WO2016122672A1 (en) 2015-01-30 2015-01-30 Connection type detection circuit

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2015/014001 WO2016122672A1 (en) 2015-01-30 2015-01-30 Connection type detection circuit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016122672A1 true WO2016122672A1 (en) 2016-08-04

Family

ID=56544088

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2015/014001 Ceased WO2016122672A1 (en) 2015-01-30 2015-01-30 Connection type detection circuit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016122672A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020156950A1 (en) * 2001-04-12 2002-10-24 Loh Thiam Wah Auto-determination of connection type
US6732301B1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2004-05-04 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Serial bus diagnostic port of a digital system
US20110296060A1 (en) * 2008-06-10 2011-12-01 Paul Mychalowych Apparatus for Monitoring At Least One Gage Device Using USB Virtual COM And Keyboard Emulator
US20120311219A1 (en) * 2011-05-31 2012-12-06 Nellcor Puritan Bennett Llc Patient Monitoring Platform Interface
US20140244869A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-28 Dell Products, Lp Dual Mode USB and Serial Console Port

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6732301B1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2004-05-04 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Serial bus diagnostic port of a digital system
US20020156950A1 (en) * 2001-04-12 2002-10-24 Loh Thiam Wah Auto-determination of connection type
US20110296060A1 (en) * 2008-06-10 2011-12-01 Paul Mychalowych Apparatus for Monitoring At Least One Gage Device Using USB Virtual COM And Keyboard Emulator
US20120311219A1 (en) * 2011-05-31 2012-12-06 Nellcor Puritan Bennett Llc Patient Monitoring Platform Interface
US20140244869A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-28 Dell Products, Lp Dual Mode USB and Serial Console Port

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN109558371B (en) Method for communicating with a microcontroller, and computing system
US7673092B2 (en) PCI Express interface
US9141152B2 (en) Interface card mount
CN106104506A (en) For entering method, device and the computer program of annex joint mode in USB c-type interface
US9330046B2 (en) Portable instrument and docking station with divided universal serial bus communication device
US10074949B1 (en) Electronic device and a method for detecting the connecting direction of two electronic components
CN105824771B (en) Electronic equipment and master-slave switching method and device thereof
CN107391419B (en) Support general sequence busbar concentrator of many host computers and automobile-used host computer
US20170019326A1 (en) Diagnosis of a network adapter during network operation
US20180011809A9 (en) Mobile device and method for reading uart data
CN107959806A (en) A kind of binodal point server KVM switches circuit
US20210318975A1 (en) Providing I3C Communications Of Multiple Data Lines Via A Universal Serial Bus
US20180067884A1 (en) Usb type-c connector with a secondary port
KR102398358B1 (en) switch for reversible interface
US9262358B2 (en) Expresscard adapter and electronic device
WO2016122672A1 (en) Connection type detection circuit
US20230413220A1 (en) Wireless communication module and server with the same
US11334506B2 (en) Interface connection device, system and method thereof
CN218102628U (en) A power supply circuit, expansion equipment and payment equipment
US20140201420A1 (en) Transmission interface system with detection function and method
CN106372017B (en) A kind of embedded device and serial ports receive-transmit system
CN109582620B (en) UART interface conversion device and method
CN109002404B (en) PCIE equipment and monitoring method thereof
CN209017053U (en) A device for testing communication modules
JP7371260B2 (en) Electronic equipment and connection inspection method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15880562

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15880562

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1