阅读说明：本技术 USB 2.0转接驱动器和eUSB2中继器中的功耗降低 (Power consumption reduction in USB 2.0 Transmit drivers and eUSB2 repeaters ) 是由 S·M·瓦伊宁 D·E·温特 W·N·貌 J·M·尼尔奇 于 2020-02-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种方法包括检测数据总线(208)上的微帧起始包(pSOF)。如果在pSOF之后的第一阈值时段期间至少一个数据包包含在微帧中,则发射器(212、228)保持在活动状态。如果在pSOF之后的第一阈值时段期间没有数据包包含在微帧中,则发射器(212、228)从活动状态转换为关闭状态。该方法还包括在微帧结束之前的切回时段之前将发射器(212、228)从关闭状态转换到活动状态。该方法还包括如果在关闭状态下接收到数据包,则将发射器(212、228)从关闭状态转换到活动状态。该方法还包括丢弃在关闭状态下接收的数据包并且当数据包被丢弃时从关闭状态转换到活动状态。(A method includes detecting a micro-start-of-frame packet (pSOF) on a data bus (208). The transmitter (212, 228) remains in an active state if at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after pSOF. The transmitter (212, 228) transitions from an active state to an off state if no data packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after pSOF. The method also includes transitioning the transmitter (212, 228) from the off state to the active state prior to a switch back period prior to an end of the micro-frame. The method also includes transitioning the transmitter (212, 228) from the off state to an active state if the data packet is received in the off state. The method also includes discarding packets received in the off state and transitioning from the off state to the active state when packets are discarded.)

1. A method of operating a high speed data communications device, the method comprising:

detecting a micro-frame start packet (μ SOF) on a data bus, wherein the μ SOF indicates a start of a micro-frame;

determining whether any data packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold after the μ SOF;

maintaining one or more transmitters in an active state if at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period after the μ SOF;

transitioning the transmitter from the active state to an off state if no data packets are contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period after the μ SOF; and

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state prior to a switch back period prior to an end of the micro-frame.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state if a data packet is received in the off state.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the switch-back period is greater than a maximum time required for the transmitter to transition from the off state to the active state.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the length of the micro-frame is 125 μ β.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a data packet in the off state;

discarding the data packet received in the off state; and

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state when the packet is dropped.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

setting a timer having at least a first expiration time, a second expiration time, and a third expiration time, wherein the first expiration time is the length of the micro-frame, the second expiration time is the first threshold period, and the third expiration time is the switch-back period; and

operating the high speed data communication device using the timer.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting the data packet received in the active state.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the high speed data communication device is an eUSB2 repeater.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-speed data communication device is a USB 2.0 re-driver.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is deactivated in the off state.

11. A method of operating a high speed data communications apparatus, comprising:

detecting a micro-frame start packet (μ SOF) on a data bus, wherein the μ SOF indicates a start of a micro-frame;

determining whether any data packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold after the μ SOF;

transitioning one or more transmitters from the active state to an off state if no data packets are contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period after the μ SOF;

maintaining the transmitter in the active state for a second threshold period of time if at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period of time after the μ SOF;

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state if a data packet is received in the off state; and

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state prior to a switch back period prior to an end of the micro-frame.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the length of the second threshold period is twice the length of the first threshold period.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the switch-back period is greater than a time required for the transmitter to transition from the off state to the active state.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

receiving a data packet in the off state;

discarding the data packet received in the off state; and

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state when the packet is dropped.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

setting a timer having at least a first expiration time, a second expiration time, a third expiration time, and a fourth expiration time, wherein the first expiration time is the length of the micro-frame, the second expiration time is the first threshold period of time, and the third expiration time is the second threshold time, the fourth expiration time is the switch-back period of time; and

operating the high speed data communication device using the timer.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising transmitting the data packet received in the active state.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the high speed data communication device is an eUSB2 repeater.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the high-speed data communication device is a USB 2.0 re-driver.

19. A method for operating a high speed data communication device, comprising:

detecting a micro-frame start packet (μ SOF) on a data bus, wherein the μ SOF indicates a micro-frame start of 125 μ s in length;

setting a timer having at least a first expiration time, a second expiration time, a third expiration time, and a fourth expiration time, wherein the first expiration time is 125 μ s, the second expiration time is a first threshold period of time, the third expiration time is a second threshold time, and the fourth expiration time is a switch-back period of time;

determining whether any data packets are contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period after the μ SOF;

transitioning one or more transmitters from the active state to the off state if no data packets are contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period after the μ SOF;

maintaining the transmitter in the active state for the second threshold period if at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period after the μ SOF;

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state if a data packet is received in the off state; and

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state prior to a switch back period prior to an end of the micro-frame.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the length of the second threshold period is twice the length of the first threshold period.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

receiving a data packet in the off state;

discarding the data packet received in the off state; and

transitioning the transmitter from the off state to the active state when the data packet is dropped.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the high speed data communication device is an eUSB2 repeater.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the high-speed data communication device is a USB 2.0 re-driver.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to reducing power consumption in USB 2.0 re-drivers and embedded USB 2.0(eUSB2) repeaters.

Background

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard that establishes protocols for connection, communication, and power supply of computers, peripherals, and communication devices. The expansion of USB has led to the development of various USB devices with different power requirements. As power efficiency becomes critical in computers, peripherals and communication devices, embedded USB 2.0(eUSB2) devices are used as a low voltage solution for traditional USB 2.0 devices.

To extend the link distance on the USB bus and improve signal quality, a USB 2.0 re-driver is used, while an eUSB2 repeater is used to transition signals between eUSB2 and USB 2.0. Typically, USB 2.0 re-drivers and eUSB2 repeaters regenerate signals using equalizers and amplifiers to allow longer channel transmission and reduce bit error rates. The bypass signal is also conditioned to remove jitter.

According to the protocol, the USB 2.0 re-driver and eUSB2 repeater need to repeat High Speed (HS) packets within 4 HS Unit Intervals (UIs) of the received packet. Furthermore, the protocol requires that the peripheral device transmit to the host only after receiving a packet from the host, and that the peripheral device transmit within 192 UIs after receiving a packet from the host. To comply with the protocol, the transmitter typically operates in two states: an active state and a standby state. In the active state, the transmitter transmits a packet at full power by driving a current to the load. In the standby state, while the transmitter remains idle, current is shunted to ground to keep the internal node and bias loop at normal levels, allowing for a fast transition to the active state. When the transmitter transitions from the standby state to the active state, the current is simply switched back to the load. As a result, the power consumption in the standby state is the same as that in the active state. It is desirable to reduce power consumption in USB 2.0 re-drivers and eUSB2 repeaters.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the present description relate to methods for reducing power consumption in USB 2.0 re-drivers and embedded USB 2.0(eUSB2) repeaters.

In one aspect, a method includes detecting a micro start of frame packet (μ SOF) on a data bus. μ SOF indicates the start of a micro-frame. The method also includes determining whether any data packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after the μ SOF. The one or more transmitters remain in an active state if at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after the μ SOF. The transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state if no data packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after the μ SOF. The method also includes transitioning the transmitter from an off state to an active state prior to a switch back period prior to an end of the micro-frame. The method also includes transitioning the transmitter from an off state to an active state if the data packet is received in the off state. The method also includes receiving a packet in the off state and discarding the packet received in the off state. The method also includes transitioning the transmitter from an off state to an active state when the packet is dropped.

In another aspect of the specification, the method includes setting a timer having at least a first expiration time, a second expiration time, and a third expiration time, wherein the first expiration time is a length of the micro-frame, the second expiration time is a first threshold period, and the third expiration time is a switch-back period. The method also includes operating the communication device using the timer.

In another aspect of the description, a method includes detecting a micro-start of frame packet (μ SOF) on a data bus. The method also includes determining whether any data packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after the μ SOF. The transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state if no data packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after the μ SOF. If at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after the μ SOF, the transmitter remains active for a second threshold period. The method also includes transitioning the transmitter from an off state to an active state if the data packet is received in the off state. The method also includes transitioning the transmitter from an off state to an active state prior to a switch back period prior to an end of the micro-frame.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a peripheral device connected to a host.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an eUSB2 peripheral repeater.

Fig. 3A-3D and fig. 4A-4D show timing diagrams of data packets and transmitter states according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a block diagram 100 illustrating a peripheral device 104 connected to a host 106, according to an example embodiment. The peripheral device 104 includes an eUSB2 peripheral repeater 108 connected to a peripheral system on a chip (SoC)112 via an eUSB2 bus 116. The peripheral SoC112 may be a processor, controller, or the like.

Referring to fig. 1, the host 106 includes a host repeater 120 interconnected with a host SoC124 via an eUSB2 bus 128. Host 106 is connected to peripheral 104 via USB 2.0 bus 132. Thus, the USB 2.0 bus serves as an external connection between the host 108 and the peripheral devices, while the eUSB2 bus 116 is used for inter-chip interconnects (e.g., interconnects the eUSB2 peripheral repeater 108 and the peripheral SoC 112).

In operation, host 106 transmits downstream packets to peripheral device 104 over USB 2.0 bus 132. The peripheral repeater 108 converts the downstream packets in the form of received USB 2.0 signals to downstream signals in the form of eUSB2 signals and sends the downstream packets to the peripheral SoC112 over the eUSB2 bus 116. The peripheral SoC112 may respond to the host with upstream packets transmitted to the peripheral repeater 108 over the eUSB2 bus 116. The peripheral repeater 108 converts the upstream packets in the form of eUSB2 signals to upstream packets in the form of USB 2.0 signals and transmits the upstream packets to the host 106 over the USB 2.0 bus 132. Thus, the peripheral repeater 108 converts the USB 2.0 signal to the enUSB2 signal and vice versa.

Although the example embodiments are described herein with reference to an eUSB2 repeater, the description is also applicable to USB 2.0 and eUSB2 redrives. The techniques described herein may be used to reduce the power consumption of the eUSB2 repeater, the USB 2.0 redriver, and the eUSB2 redriver. The description applies to a repeater that may reside within a peripheral device or within a host device.

Fig. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the eUSB2 peripheral repeater 108, according to an example embodiment. The eUSB2 peripheral repeater 108 includes a USB 2.0 port 204 configured to interface with a USB 2.0 bus 208. The USB 2.0 bus 208 provides a connection to external devices, such as the host 106 (shown in FIG. 1). The USB 2.0 port 204 includes a USB transmitter 212 and a USB receiver 216. The eUSB2 peripheral repeater 108 receives downstream packets from the host over the USB 2.0 bus 208 through the USB receiver 216 and transmits upstream packets to the host over the USB 2.0 bus 208 through the USB transmitter 212.

With continued reference to fig. 2, the eUSB2 peripheral repeater 108 also includes an eUSB2 port 220 configured to interface with the eUSB2 bus 224. The eUSB2 bus 224 provides inter-chip interconnection with the peripheral SoC112 (as shown in fig. 1). The eUSB2 port 224 includes an eUSB2 transmitter 228 and an eUSB2 receiver 232. The eUSB2 peripheral repeater 108 receives upstream data packets from the peripheral SoC112 or another device over the eUSB2 bus 224 through the eUSB2 receiver 232 and transmits downstream data packets to the peripheral SoC112 (shown in fig. 1) or another device over the eUSB2 bus 224 through the eUSB2 transmitter 228.

In one aspect, a micro start of frame packet (μ SOF) is used to calibrate the eUSB2 repeater 108 (or USB 2.0 re-driver). μ SOF indicates the start of a micro-frame of length 125 μ s. The μ SOF is broadcast periodically on the USB 2.0 bus 208 every 125 μ s.

In an example embodiment, the μ SOF is detected on a data bus (e.g., USB 2.0 bus 208 or eUSB2 bus 224), and a timer is set with a number of threshold periods for controlling (i.e., deactivating and enabling) one or more transmitters. Depending on the type of device used in the connection, various transmitter combinations may be used: USB 2.0 and USB 2.0; eUSB2 and eUSB 2; and eUSB2 and USB 2.0. In these combinations, one or both transmitters may be controlled. In one example embodiment, one or both of the 2 USB 2.0 transmitters may be controlled. In another example embodiment, one or both of the 2 eUSB2 transmitters may be controlled. In yet another example embodiment, one or both of the eUSB2 transmitter or the USB 2.0 transmitter may be controlled.

In one example embodiment, μ SOF may be detected using a squelch circuit (not shown in fig. 2). By locking μ SOF and turning off (i.e., disabling) one or both of eUSB2 and USB 2.0 transmitters 228, 212 when USB 2.0 bus 208 is idle, power consumption is reduced.

In one example embodiment, the eUSB2 repeater 108 repeats isochronous data packets (i.e., time critical data) and asynchronous data packets (i.e., bulk data) by relying on multiple threshold periods to simultaneously reduce power consumption. Because the synchronization packets are bundled at the beginning of the micro-frame, one or both of the transmitters 212, 228 are turned off after the synchronization data is transmitted. Isochronous data packets are transmitted by keeping the transmitters 212, 228 active at the beginning of the micro-frame and by selecting a turn-off threshold that is greater than the normal inter-packet gap. The transmitters 212, 228 are deactivated during the idle portion of the micro-frame and re-activated before the next μ SOF.

In an example embodiment, asynchronous packets are dropped if they arrive late in a micro-frame after the transmitter 212, 228 is deactivated. However, because the host must support retries of dropped asynchronous packets, the transmitter 212, 228 is re-enabled to the active state and remains in the active state for the next 8 micro-frames to allow the maximum number of retries.

The transmitters 212, 228 are active until μ SOF is imminent. When a μ SOF is detected on a bus (e.g., USB 2.0 bus 208), it is determined whether any packets are contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after the μ SOF. The first threshold period may be set as a percentage of the length of the micro-frame. In one example embodiment, the first threshold period may be 31.25 μ s. The first threshold period is also referred to as a toff period and may be, for example, 31.25 μ β. In another example embodiment, the first threshold is updated after receiving μ SOF for continuous calibration.

If at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after μ SOF, the transmitter 212, 228 remains in an active state to allow the transmitter 212, 228 to transmit the data packet. However, if no data packet is contained in the micro-frame during the first threshold period after μ SOF, the transmitter 212, 228 transitions from the active state to the off state. In the off state, the transmitters 212, 228 are deactivated. The transmitters 212, 228 remain in the off state until before the switch back period before the end of the micro-frame. The transmitter 212, 228 transitions from the off state to the active state before the switch back period before the end of the micro-frame to ensure that the transmitter 212, 228 is ready for the next micro-frame. The switch back period is greater than the maximum time required for the transmitter to transition to the active state. However, if a data packet is received at any time during the off state, the transmitter 212, 228 transitions from the off state to the active state.

If a packet arrives while the transmitter is in the off state, the packet will be dropped. However, if the data packet is dropped, the transmitter 212, 228 transitions from the off state to the active state. Because the dropped packet is retried, the transmitter 212, 228 transitions to the active state for transmission when the packet is retried.

When a data packet arrives while the transmitters 212, 228 are disabled, the transmitters 212, 228 are enabled in the normal order. Since it takes 1.4 mus to fully re-enable the repetition, the extra packets received during this period will be discarded. In an example embodiment, if the packet is dropped, the transmitter 212, 228 transitions to the active state and remains in the active state for the next 8 micro-frames.

Variations are possible within the scope of the description. In an example embodiment, the transmitters 212, 228 may be in a standby state rather than an active state until μ SOF is imminent. In the standby state, the current is shunted to ground instead of being driven to the load. The transmitters 212, 228 transition from the standby state to the active state to transmit the data packets.

Although the transmitter remains idle in the standby state, current is shunted to ground to keep the internal node and bias loop at normal levels, allowing for a fast transition to the active state. When the transmitter transitions from the standby state to the active state, the current will simply switch back to the load. As a result, the power consumption of the transmitter in the standby state is approximately equal to the power consumption in the active state.

Fig. 3A-3D illustrate timing diagrams of various packet structures and various states of a transmitter on the USB 2.0 bus 208, according to an example embodiment. For example, the transmitter may be a USB 2.0 transmitter 212 or an eUSB2 transmitter 228.

Referring to fig. 3A, initially the transmitter is active and μ SOF is detected on the USB 2.0 bus 208. During a first threshold period after μ SOF, the transmitter remains active. The transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state due to the absence of a data packet within the first threshold period of time. The transmitter transitions from the off state to the active state before a switch back period before the end of the micro-frame to prepare for the arrival of the next μ SOF. The switch back period is greater than the maximum time required for the transmitter to transition to the active state.

Referring to fig. 3B, during a first threshold period after μ SOF, several data packets are contained in the micro-frame. Thus, the transmitter remains in an active state to allow the transmitter to transmit data packets. In this case, the transmitter is not deactivated during the entire micro-frame.

Referring to fig. 3C, during a first threshold period after μ SOF, several data packets are contained in the micro-frame. Thus, the transmitter remains in an active state. After receiving the data packet during the first threshold period, the USB 2.0 bus 208 remains idle for a period of time until the delayed data packet arrives. The delayed packet is a retry packet that is processed and transmitted by the transmitter. In this case, the transmitter is not deactivated during the entire micro-frame.

Referring to fig. 3D, there is no data packet for the first threshold period. Thus, the transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state after a first threshold period of time. However, while the transmitter is in the off state, the arrival of the data packet at the micro-frame is delayed. As delayed packets are received in the off state, the delayed packets are discarded and the transmitter transitions from the off state to the active state. And receiving the retried data packet, and the retried data packet is repeated successfully. Thus, if a data packet is received while the transmitter is disabled, the transmitter is re-enabled. In one example embodiment, if the packet is dropped, the transmitter transitions to the active state and remains in the active state for the next 8 micro-frames to allow the maximum number of retries.

In another example embodiment, the transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state if no data packet is contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after μ SOF. However, if at least one data packet is contained in the micro-frame during a first threshold period after μ SOF, the transmitter remains in the active state for a second threshold period. After a second threshold period of time, the transmitter is allowed to transition from the active state to the off state. The transmitter again transitions from the off state to the active state before the switch back period before the end of the micro-frame. If a packet is received during the off state, the packet is discarded and the transmitter transitions from the off state to an active state to prepare for transmission of the retried packet. In one example embodiment, the length of the second threshold period is twice the length of the first threshold period.

Fig. 4A-4D illustrate timing diagrams of various packet structures and various states of a transmitter on the USB 2.0 bus 208, according to an example embodiment. For example, the transmitter may be a USB 2.0 transmitter 212 or an eUSB2 transmitter 228.

Referring to fig. 4A, initially the transmitter is active and μ SOF is detected on the USB 2.0 bus 208. The transmitter remains active for a first threshold period of time after μ SOF. The transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state after the first threshold period of time due to the absence of data packets during the first threshold period of time. The transmitter transitions from the off state to the active state for the arrival of the next μ SOF before the switch back period before the end of the micro-frame. The switch back period is greater than the maximum time required for the transmitter to transition to the active state.

Referring to fig. 4B, during a first threshold period after μ SOF, several data packets are contained in the micro-frame. Thus, the transmitter remains in an active state to allow the transmitter to transmit data packets. However, if no new data packet is received within a second threshold period of time, the transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state. The transmitter again transitions from the off state to the active state before the switch back period before the end of the micro-frame. In this case, the transmitter remains in the active state because several data packets are received within the first threshold period of time. To reduce power consumption, the transmitter is allowed to transition from the active state to the off state if no new data packet is received within a second threshold period of time.

Referring to fig. 4C, during a first threshold period after μ SOF, several data packets are contained in the micro-frame. Thus, the transmitter remains in an active state to allow the transmitter to transmit data packets. Similar to the scenario in fig. 4B, no new data packet is received for the second threshold period of time. Thus, to reduce power consumption, the transmitter is allowed to transition from the active state to the off state after a second threshold period of time. After a second threshold period of time, the transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state. After the transmitter is deactivated, the arrival of the data packet is delayed and it is discarded. Thus, the transmitter transitions from the off state to the active state to transmit the retried packet.

Referring to fig. 4D, during the first threshold period after μ SOF, no data packet is contained in the micro-frame. Thus, the transmitter transitions from the active state to the off state after a first threshold period of time. Delayed packets arriving while the transmitter is in the off state are discarded. The transmitter transitions from an off state to an active state to transmit the retried packet. The retried packet is repeated successfully.

While using two threshold periods yields higher power efficiency than using only a single threshold period, using two threshold periods also increases the risk of system errors.

Various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described herein in general terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

Modifications in the described embodiments are possible within the scope of the claims, and other embodiments are possible.