Abstract:
An interface includes a port and a port control module. The port control module detects whether a remote device communicating with the port is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a satellite digital transceiver (DT) device. The port control module selectively generates one of a USB configure signal and a satellite DT configure signal. A USB control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the USB device when the USB configure signal is received. A satellite control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the satellite DT device when the satellite DT configure signal is received.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/818,602, filed on Jul. 5, 2006, 60/812,452, filed on Jun. 9, 2006, and 60/811,065, filed on Jun. 6, 2006. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to transceiver ports, and more particularly to a multi-mode transceiver port. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The Background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , host devices  20  such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players and other similar devices typically include Universal Serial Bus (USB) port  24 . The USB port  24  typically includes four conductors including a VBUS, D+, D− and GND conductors. The USB port  24  may optionally include a fifth conductor for an ID signal. The USB port  24  may operate at various speeds including 1.5 Mb/s (or low speed), 12 Mb/s (or full speed), or 480 Mb/s (or high speed). Low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) signaling may be used on the D+ and D− conductors. 
     A digital transceiver (DT) connector  44  may be used to connect a DT port  46  of a combined satellite receiver and antenna  48  to a DT port  50  of a satellite-ready device such as the host device  20 . The satellite DT connector  44  typically includes four conductors including a VBUS, D+, D− and GND connectors. Low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) signaling is also used on the D+ and D− conductors. The satellite DT connector  44  operates at a different speed (typically 3.0 Mb/s) than USB devices and transmits both data and control signals. Therefore, the host device  20  has separate USB and satellite DT connector ports  24  and  50 , respectively, as shown. 
     SUMMARY 
     An interface includes a port and a port control module. The port control module detects whether a remote device communicating with the port is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a satellite digital transceiver (DT) device. The port control module selectively generates one of a USB configure signal and a satellite DT configure signal. A USB control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the USB device when the USB configure signal is received. A satellite control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the satellite DT device when the satellite DT configure signal is received. 
     In other features, the interface comprises a satellite DT analog transceiver, a car kit analog transceiver, and a USB on-the-go (OTG) analog transceiver. The port control module selectively configures the interface by selecting one of the satellite DT analog transceiver, the car kit analog transceiver, and the USB OTG analog transceiver. A multiplexer communicates with the port. The port control module selectively outputs a select signal to the multiplexer to connect the one of the satellite DT analog transceiver, the car kit analog transceiver, and the USB OTG analog transceiver to the port. 
     In other features, the port control module initially defaults to at least one of the satellite DT analog transceiver, the car kit analog transceiver, and the USB OTG analog transceiver. The port control module determines that the USB device is present when at least one conductor communicating with the port is pulled high. The port control module determines that the satellite DT device is present by transmitting a command to the satellite DT device and determining whether a response has been received within a predetermined period. The command comprises a mute command. 
     In other features, a method for controlling an interface includes detecting whether a remote device communicating with a port is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a satellite digital transceiver (DT) device. The method also includes selectively generating one of a USB configure signal and a satellite DT configure signal. The method also includes selectively configuring the interface to communicate with the USB device when the USB configure signal is received. 
     In other features, the method includes selectively configuring the interface to communicate with the satellite DT device when the satellite DT configure signal is received. The method further includes selectively configuring the interface by selecting one of a satellite DT analog transceiver, a car kit analog transceiver, and a USB OTG analog transceiver. The method further includes selectively outputting a select signal to a multiplexer that communicates with the port to connect the one of the satellite DT analog transceiver, the car kit analog transceiver, and the USB OTG analog transceiver to the port. 
     In other features, the method includes initially defaulting to at least one of the satellite DT analog transceiver, the car kit analog transceiver, and the USB OTG analog transceiver. The method further includes determining that the USB device is present when at least one conductor communicating with the port is pulled high. The method further includes determining that the satellite DT device is present by transmitting a command to the satellite DT device and determining whether a response has been received within a predetermined period. The command comprises a mute command. 
     In other features, an interface includes port means for connecting. Port control means for controlling detects whether remote means for communicating is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a satellite digital transceiver (DT) device. The port control means selectively generates one of a USB configure signal and a satellite DT configure signal. USB control means for controlling selectively configures the interface to communicate with the USB device when the USB configure signal is received. Satellite control means for controlling selectively configures the interface to communicate with the satellite DT device when the satellite DT configure signal is received. 
     In other features, the interface includes satellite analog means for transmitting and receiving, car kit analog means for transmitting and receiving, and USB on-the-go (OTG) analog means for transmitting and receiving. The port control means selectively configures the interface by selecting one of the satellite analog means, the car kit analog means, and the USB OTG analog means. Means for multiplexing communicates with the port means. The port control means selectively outputs a select signal to the means for multiplexing to connect the one of the satellite DT analog means, the car kit analog means, and the USB OTG analog means to the port means. The port control means initially defaults to at least one of the satellite DT analog means, the car kit analog means, and the USB OTG analog means. 
     In other features, the port control means determines that the USB device is present when at least one means for conducting that communicates with the port is pulled high. The port control means determines that the satellite DT device is present by transmitting a command to the satellite DT device and determining whether a response has been received within a predetermined period. The command comprises a mute command. 
     In still other features, the systems and methods described above are implemented by a computer program executed by one or more processors. The computer program can reside on a computer readable medium such as but not limited to memory, non-volatile data storage and/or other suitable tangible storage mediums. The computer program includes detecting whether a remote device communicating with a port is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a satellite digital transceiver (DT) device. The computer program also includes selectively generating one of a USB configure signal and a satellite DT configure signal. 
     In other features, the computer program includes selectively configuring the interface to communicate with the USB device when the USB configure signal is received. The computer program further includes selectively configuring the interface to communicate with the satellite DT device when the satellite DT configure signal is received. The computer program further includes selectively configuring the interface by selecting one of a satellite DT analog transceiver, a car kit analog transceiver, and a USB OTG analog transceiver. 
     In other features, the computer program includes selectively outputting a select signal to a multiplexer that communicates with the port. The select signal connects the one of the satellite DT analog transceiver, the car kit analog transceiver, and the USB OTG analog transceiver to the port. The computer program further includes initially defaulting to at least one of the satellite DT analog transceiver, the car kit analog transceiver, and the USB OTG analog transceiver. 
     In other features, the computer program includes determining that the USB device is present when at least one conductor communicating with the port is pulled high. The computer program further includes determining that the satellite DT device is present by transmitting a command to the satellite DT device. The computer program further includes determining whether a response has been received within a predetermined period. The command comprises a mute command. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a satellite receiver and antenna module that is connected by a satellite DT connector to a host device including separate USB and satellite DT port connectors according to the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a satellite receiver and antenna module connected by a satellite DT connector to a host device including a dual mode USB/satellite DT port connector according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary combined USB/satellite DT port according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  is a functional block diagram of another exemplary combined USB/satellite DT port according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by the combined USB/satellite DT port of  FIGS. 3A and 3B ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a functional block diagram of a digital versatile disc (DVD) including a combined USB/satellite DT port; 
         FIG. 5B  is a functional block diagram of a high definition television including a combined USB/satellite DT port; 
         FIG. 5C  is a functional block diagram of a vehicle control system including a combined USB/satellite DT port; 
         FIG. 5D  is a functional block diagram of a cellular phone including a combined USB/satellite DT port; 
         FIG. 5E  is a functional block diagram of a set top box including a combined USB/satellite DT port; and 
         FIG. 5F  is a functional block diagram of a media player including a combined USB/satellite DT port. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module, circuit and/or device refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a satellite receiver and antenna module  48  is connected by a satellite DT connector  44  to a host device  100  including a dual mode USB/satellite DT port  104 . In other words, both a USB connector and the satellite DT connector  44  are connected to the same port. The port  104  automatically detects whether a remote device that is being connected to the host device  100  is a USB device or satellite device and selectively configures the port  104  to handle the USB signal or satellite DT signal, as will be described below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , an exemplary combined USB/satellite DT port  104  is shown in further detail. The port  104  includes a combined USB/satellite DT connector  154 , a multiplexer  158 , a satellite DT analog transceiver (ATX)  164 , a car kit analog transceiver  166 , and a USB On-The-Go (OTG) analog transceiver  170 . A control module  174  communicates with the transceivers  164 ,  166  and  170  and selectively outputs a signal to the multiplexer  158  to connect one of the transceivers  164 ,  166  and  170  to the combined USB/satellite DT port  154 . In this implementation, the combined USB/satellite DT port  154  includes four conductors including a VBUS, D+, D− and GND conductors. 
     The control module  174  selects the transceivers and determines the type of remote device (if any) that is connected. Based on the type of remote device that is connected, a USB or satellite control module  176  or  178  is enabled. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , another exemplary combined USB/satellite DT port  180  is shown. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A . However, the combined USB/satellite DT connector  154  of  FIG. 3B  includes conductors including a VBUS, D+, D−, and GND instead of the VBUS, D+, D−, GND and ID conductors of  FIG. 3A . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a flowchart illustrates steps performed by the combined USB/satellite DT ports  104 ,  180  of  FIGS. 3A and 38 . Control begins in step  200 . In step  202 , control determines whether a remote USB device is connected. The control module  174  may initially select the USB transceiver  170  using the multiplexer  158 . Then, the control module  174  determines whether a USB device is present. This can be done, for example, by sensing whether one or both of the D+ and D− conductors is pulled high. Typically if a remote USB device is present, one or both conductors may be pulled high. Other methods of sensing a remote USB device may be used. 
     If a remote USB device is detected in step  202 , the USB mode is enabled by the control module  174  in step  210 . If step  202  is false, the control module  174  selects the satellite transceiver  164  and sends a satellite command in step  212 . For example, the control module  174  may trigger the satellite transceiver  164  to send a satellite mute command. Other commands and/or handshake can be used to detect the remote satellite DT. A timer may be set to detect a response. If a response is received in step  220 , the satellite mode is enabled in step  224 . If a response is not received and the timer is not up in step  226 , control returns to step  220 . If the timer is up, control returns to step  202 . 
     There are a number of additional ways to detect remote USB and/or satellite devices in addition to those described above. Furthermore, the satellite transceiver  164  may be initially selected as a default. USB A, USB B and/or USB mini A/B connectors can be used to connect both USB and satellite DT devices. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a combined USB/satellite DT port  300  can be implemented in a digital versatile disc (DVD) drive  410 . The signal processing and/or control circuit  412  and/or other circuits (not shown) in the DVD  410  may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, and/or format data that is read from and/or data written to an optical storage medium  416 . In some implementations, the signal processing and/or control circuit  412  and/or other circuits (not shown) in the DVD  410  can also perform other functions such as encoding and/or decoding and/or any other signal processing functions associated with a DVD drive. 
     The DVD drive  410  may communicate with an output device (not shown) such as a computer, television or other device via one or more wired or wireless communication links  417 . The DVD  410  may communicate with mass data storage  418  that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage  418  may include a hard disk drive (HDD). The DVD  410  may be connected to memory  415  such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , the combined port  300  can be implemented in a high definition television (HDTV)  420 . The HDTV  420  receives HDTV input signals in either a wired or wireless format and generates HDTV output signals for a display  426 . In some implementations, signal processing circuit and/or control circuit  422  and/or other circuits (not shown) of the HDTV  420  may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format data and/or perform any other type of HDTV processing that may be required. 
     The HDTV  420  may communicate with mass data storage  427  that stores data in a nonvolatile manner such as optical and/or magnetic storage devices. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″. The HDTV  420  may be connected to memory  428  such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The HDTV  420  also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface  425 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5C , the combined port  300  may implement and/or be implemented in a control system of a vehicle  430 . In some implementations, the device implement a powertrain control system  432  that receives inputs from one or more sensors such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, rotational sensors, airflow sensors and/or any other suitable sensors and/or that generates one or more output control signals such as engine operating parameters, transmission operating parameters, and/or other control signals. 
     The device may also be implemented in other control systems  440  of the vehicle  430 . The control system  440  may likewise receive signals from input sensors  442  and/or output control signals to one or more output devices  444 . In some implementations, the control system  440  may be part of an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a navigation system, a telematics system, a vehicle telematics system, a lane departure system, an adaptive cruise control system, a vehicle entertainment system such as a stereo, DVD, compact disc and the like. Still other implementations are contemplated. 
     The powertrain control system  432  may communicate with mass data storage  446  that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage  446  may include optical and/or magnetic storage devices for example hard disk drives HDD and/or DVDs. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″. The powertrain control system  432  may be connected to memory  447  such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The powertrain control system  432  also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface  448 . The control system  440  may also include mass data storage, memory and/or a WLAN interface (all not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5D , the combined port  300  can be implemented in a cellular phone  450  that may include a cellular antenna  451 . In some implementations, the cellular phone  450  includes a microphone  456 , an audio output  458  such as a speaker and/or audio output jack, a display  460  and/or an input device  462  such as a keypad, pointing device, voice actuation and/or other input device. The signal processing and/or control circuits  452  and/or other circuits (not shown) in the cellular phone  450  may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format data and/or perform other cellular phone functions. 
     The cellular phone  450  may communicate with mass data storage  464  that stores data in a nonvolatile manner such as optical and/or magnetic storage devices for example hard disk drives HDD and/or DVDs. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″. The cellular phone  450  may be connected to memory  466  such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The cellular phone  450  also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface  468 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5E , the combined port  300  can be implemented in a set top box  480 . The set top box  480  receives signals from a source such as a broadband source and outputs standard and/or high definition audio/video signals suitable for a display  488  such as a television and/or monitor and/or other video and/or audio output devices. The signal processing and/or control circuits  484  and/or other circuits (not shown) of the set top box  480  may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format data and/or perform any other set top box function. 
     The set top box  480  may communicate with mass data storage  450  that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage  450  may include optical and/or magnetic storage devices for example hard disk drives HDD and/or DVDs. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″. The set top box  480  may be connected to memory  454  such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The set top box  480  also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface  456 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5F , the combined port  300  can be implemented in a media player  500 . In some implementations, the media player  500  includes a display  507  and/or a user input  508  such as a keypad, touchpad and the like. In some implementations, the media player  500  may employ a graphical user interface (GUI) that typically employs menus, drop down menus, icons and/or a point-and-click interface via the display  507  and/or user input  508 . The media player  500  further includes an audio output  505  such as a speaker and/or audio output jack. The signal processing and/or control circuits  504  and/or other circuits (not shown) of the media player  500  may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format data and/or perform any other media player function. 
     The media player  500  may communicate with mass data storage  510  that stores data such as compressed audio and/or video content in a nonvolatile manner. In some implementations, the compressed audio files include files that are compliant with MP3 format or other suitable compressed audio and/or video formats. The mass data storage may include optical and/or magnetic storage devices for example hard disk drives HDD and/or DVDs. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″. The media player  500  may be connected to memory  514  such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The media player  500  also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface  516 . Still other implementations in addition to those described above are contemplated. 
     Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.