Abstract:
A triple-mode connectivity apparatus for enabling interoperability between a multimedia display interface and a data interface. The apparatus comprises a universal connector installed in a first device and structured to enable connectivity between the multimedia display interface and the data interface of a second device, the first device is connected to the second device using a cable having a first connector compliant with the universal connector and a second connecter compliant with the data interface of the second device; a physical layer interface for processing signals compliant with the multimedia display interface and the data interface; and a detector for detecting an interface type of the second device and setting the apparatus to process signals according to the determined interface type.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/425,546, filed on Dec. 21, 2010 and U.S. provisional application No. 61/448,489 filed Mar. 2, 2011. This application is also a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 12/558,673 filed Sep. 14, 2009. The above-referenced applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all that they contain. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention generally relates to the connectivity of handheld devices and electronic display devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. The HDMI connects a digital multimedia (or audio/video) source (e.g., a set-top box, a DVD player, a personal computer, a video game console, etc.) to a compatible digital sink, such as a digital television. The HDMI is fully described in the HDMI Specification version 1.4a published on Mar. 4, 2010, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety merely for the useful understanding of the background of the invention. 
     A HDMI cable is a transport medium including three transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS®) channels utilized to transfer video, audio, and auxiliary data encapsulated in TDMS characters; the transmission is synchronized using a high-frequency clock signal running over a clock channel. The TDMS and clock channels are differential pairs. A HDMI cable also includes the following channels: a display data channel (DDC_SCL and DDC_SDA), a consumer electronics control (CEC), and a hot-plug detect (HPD) signal which originates at the sink. The HDMI interface is implemented using a HDMI cable and connectors, each of which includes 19 pins. A source and sink connector have the same configuration. Table 1 lists the pins in a type A HDMI connector (either a source or sink). 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pin Number 
                 HDMI_Signal 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 TMDS_Data2+ 
               
               
                 2. 
                 Shield 
               
               
                 3. 
                 TMDS_Data2− 
               
               
                 4. 
                 TMDS_Data1+ 
               
               
                 5. 
                 Shield 
               
               
                 6. 
                 TMDS_Data1− 
               
               
                 7. 
                 TMDS_Data0+ 
               
               
                 8. 
                 Shield 
               
               
                 9. 
                 TMDS_Data0− 
               
               
                 10. 
                 TMDS_Clk+ 
               
               
                 11. 
                 Shield 
               
               
                 12. 
                 TMDS_Clk− 
               
               
                 13. 
                 CEC 
               
               
                 14. 
                 Utility/HEAC+ 
               
               
                 15. 
                 SCL 
               
               
                 16. 
                 SDA 
               
               
                 17. 
                 DDC/CEC/Ground 
               
               
                 18. 
                 +5 V 
               
               
                 19. 
                 HPD/HEAC− 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DisplayPort™ is a standard that defines a digital display interface of a new digital audio/video interconnect. The DisplayPort is intended to be used primarily between a computer and its display monitor, or a computer and a home-theater system. The DisplayPort standard is fully described in the DisplayPort Specification Version 1.2 published Jan. 5, 2010, by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety merely for the useful understanding of the background of the invention. 
     Transport channels of a DisplayPort interface include a main link, an auxiliary channel (AUX), and a hot plug detect (HPD). The main link is a unidirectional channel that allows data transfers over up to 4 lanes that carry clock signals in addition to the video/audio streams. Each lane is an AC-coupled differential pair. The auxiliary channel is a bi-directional half-duplex channel that carries control and management information and the HPD channel is used by a sink device to interrupt a source device when a plug is connected or disconnected. The DisplayPort interface is facilitated using a proprietary cable and connectors, each of which includes 20 pins. The DisplayPort cable is a cross cable, i.e., each of a source and sink connector has a different configuration. Table 2 lists the pins and their signals of source and sink DisplayPort connectors. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 DisplayPort 
                 DisplayPort 
               
               
                 Pin Number 
                 Source 
                 Sink 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 ML_lane0P 
                 ML_lane3N 
               
               
                 2. 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 3. 
                 ML_lane0N 
                 ML_lane3P 
               
               
                 4. 
                 ML_lane1P 
                 ML_lane2N 
               
               
                 5. 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 6. 
                 ML_lane1N 
                 ML_lane2P 
               
               
                 7. 
                 ML_lane2P 
                 ML_lane1N 
               
               
                 8. 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 9. 
                 ML_lane2N 
                 ML_lane1P 
               
               
                 10. 
                 ML_lane3P 
                 ML_lane0N 
               
               
                 11. 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 12. 
                 ML_lane3N 
                 ML_lane0P 
               
               
                 13. 
                 Config1 
                 Config1 
               
               
                 14. 
                 Config2 
                 Config2 
               
               
                 15. 
                 AUX_CHP 
                 AUX_CHP 
               
               
                 16. 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 17. 
                 AUX_CHN 
                 AUX_CHN 
               
               
                 18. 
                 HPD 
                 HPD 
               
               
                 19. 
                 Return 
                 Return 
               
               
                 20. 
                 AUX_PWR 
                 AUX_PWR 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) is a standard that supports an interface for interactive consumer electronics and home networking. The Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) combines a reliable high-speed, bi-directional data channel in addition to an uncompressed video and audio channel over a single interface. The DiiVA™ interface allows users to connect, configure, and control various home consumer electronic devices (e.g., Blueray player, a game console, etc.) from their Digital TVs. The Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) is primarily intended to be for connectivity of consumer electronic devices in the home. The Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) standard is fully described in the “DiiVA Specification Release Candidate”, version 1.1 published on Oct. 5, 2010, by the China Video Industry Association, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety merely for the useful understanding of the background of the invention. 
     Transport channels of the Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) interface include a main link and a hybrid link. The main link is a unidirectional channel that allows data transfers over 3 lanes that carry clock signals in addition to the video streams. Each lane is an AC-coupled differential pair. The hybrid channel is a bi-directional high speed channel that carries an audio packet, and a control and data packet, such as Ethernet and USB, over both the video and hybrid channels. The Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) includes a Power over Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) (PoD) mechanism that enables a device-to-device charging power. The Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) interface is facilitated using a standard twisted pair cable, such as a CAT6, CAT 6A and CAT 7 and the Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) specific connectors. Each Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) connector includes 13 pins. Source and sink connectors have the same configuration. Table 3 lists pins in a type A Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™) connector (either a source or sink). 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 DiiVA 
               
               
                 Pin Number 
                 Source/Sink 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 GND 
               
               
                 2. 
                 VL2+ 
               
               
                 3. 
                 VL2− 
               
               
                 4. 
                 GND 
               
               
                 5. 
                 VL1+ 
               
               
                 6. 
                 VL1− 
               
               
                 7. 
                 GND 
               
               
                 8. 
                 VL0+ 
               
               
                 9. 
                 VL0− 
               
               
                 10. 
                 GND 
               
               
                 11. 
                 GND 
               
               
                 12. 
                 HL+ 
               
               
                 13. 
                 HL− 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard was designed to establish communication between devices and a host controller of a PC. The USB can connect computer peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, digital cameras, printers, personal media players, flash drives, network adapters, external hard drives, and the like. The USB was designed for personal computers, but it has become commonplace on handheld devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, tablet computers, and video game consoles. The USB can also serve as a power cord for charging such devices. For many types of handheld devices, the USB has become the only standard interface. The USB 2 standard for Low Speed (1.5M), Full Speed (12M) and High Speed (480M) over D± is fully described in the USB 2.0 Specification Revision 2.0 published Apr. 27, 2000. USB 3 standard, which adds Super Speed (5 Gbps) over USB 2, is fully described in the USB 3.0 Specification Revision 1.0 published Nov. 12, 2008. 
     There are several types of USB connectors; the most common are Standard-A plugs and receptacles. The data connectors in the Standard-A plug are recessed in the plug as compared to the outside power connectors. This permits the power to connect first, thus preventing data errors by allowing the device to power up first and then transfer data. The pinout of a Standard-A plug and receptacle as defined in the USB 3.0 specification is detailed in Table 4. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pin Number 
                 Pin Name 
                 Function 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 VBUS 
                 Power 
               
               
                 2. 
                 D− 
                 USB 2 Diff pair 
               
               
                 3. 
                 D+ 
               
               
                 4. 
                 GND 
                 Ground for power return 
               
               
                 5. 
                 StdA_SSRX− 
                 Super speed RX diff pair 
               
               
                 6. 
                 StdA_SSRX+ 
               
               
                 7. 
                 GND_Drain 
                 Ground for signal return 
               
               
                 8. 
                 StdA_SSTX− 
                 Super speed TX diff pair 
               
               
                 9. 
                 StdA_SSTX+ 
               
               
                 10. 
                 Shield 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Multimedia interfaces that allow dual connectivity of both HDMI and DisplayPort have been recently developed. Such interfaces can process data compliant with the HDMI and DisplayPort. An example for an interface that allows interoperability between HDMI and DisplayPort multimedia interfaces can be found in a co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/558,673 (hereinafter the &#39;673 application), assigned to the common assignee and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety merely for the useful understanding of the related art. 
     However, existing solutions do not support interoperability between data and multimedia interfaces (e.g., USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI). As mentioned above, handheld devices are typically equipped only with a USB connector, thus connecting such devices to a multimedia device may require a special adapter, and in many cases, such connectivity may not be feasible. For example, connecting a smartphone equipped with a USB connector to a projector having a HDMI connector currently is not feasible. Another example is that a smartphone equipped with an HDMI connector, which is used to transmit video/audio to an external display, cannot transmit or receive data, and thus an additional connector of a USB type is required for that purpose. Thus, a solution that would enable interoperability between data and multimedia interfaces, can provide great flexibility and benefit to users of at least handheld devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain embodiments disclosed herein include a triple-mode connectivity apparatus for enabling interoperability between a multimedia display interface and a data interface. The apparatus comprises a universal connector installed in a first device and structured to enable connectivity between the multimedia display interface and the data interface of a second device, the first device is connected to the second device using a cable having a first connector compliant with the universal connector and a second connecter compliant with the data interface of the second device; a physical layer interface for processing signals compliant with the multimedia display interface and the data interface; and a detector for detecting an interface type of the second device and setting the apparatus to process signals according to the determined interface type. 
     Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a triple-mode connectivity apparatus for enabling interoperability between a multimedia display interface and a data interface. The apparatus comprises a universal connector installed in a first device and structured to enable connectivity between the triple-mode connectivity apparatus and a multimedia interface of a second device, the first device is connected to the second device using a cable having a first connector compliant with the universal connector and a second connecter compliant with a multimedia interface type of the second device, wherein the universal connector supports a plurality of multimedia display interfaces and the at least one data interface; a physical layer interface for processing signals compliant with the plurality of multimedia display interfaces and the data interface; and a detector for detecting an interface type of the second device and setting the apparatus to process signals according to the detected interface type. 
     Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a multimedia-data interface cable. The cable comprises a universal connector including a plurality of contact pins providing connectivity for multimedia display interface signals and data interface signals; a second multimedia connector including a plurality of contact pins providing connectivity for any one of multimedia display interface signals and data interface signals; and a plurality of conducting wires for coupling the plurality of contact pins of the universal connector to the plurality of contact pins of the second multimedia connector to enable interoperability between a multimedia display interface and a data interface. 
     Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a universal connector for enabling interoperability between a multimedia display interface and a data interface. The connector includes a housing; and a plurality of contact pins arranged in the housing, wherein the plurality of pins provide connectivity for multimedia display interface signals and data interface signals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a USB device and a DisplayPort device using a cable designed according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are schematic diagrams illustrating the connection between a UNICONN device and a DisplayPort device using a cable designed according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic diagrams illustrating the connection between a UNICONN device and a HDMI device using a cable designed according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic diagrams illustrating the connection between a UNICONN device and a USB device using a cable designed according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a triple-mode connectivity interface adapted to perform source recognition in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It is important to note that the embodiments disclosed by the invention are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts through several views. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments, complete interoperability can be achieved between data interfaces, such as USB connectors, and multimedia interfaces such as HDMI and DisplayPort. That is, a device having a USB connector can be connected to a device having a USB, DisplayPort, Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™), or HDMI connector. In addition, a device having a HDMI connector can be connected to a device having a USB, DisplayPort or HDMI connector, and a device having a DisplayPort connector can be connected to a device having a USB, DisplayPort, or HDMI connector. The interoperability between DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces is described in detail in the &#39;673 patent application referenced above. 
     In another embodiment, a special type of connector is defined, hereinafter the “Unified/Universal Connector” or UNICONN connector. According to this embodiment, a connection between a device having a UNICONN connector to a device having a USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, or UNICONN can be achieved using a data-multimedia cable. 
     One embodiment of the invention, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , includes a data-multimedia interface cable  100  that enables a proper connection between a USB compliant device  110  and a DisplayPort (DP) compliant device  120  that includes a triple-mode connectivity interface  122 . The devices  110  and  120  respectively include a USB and DisplayPort connector  115  and  125 . 
     The triple-mode connectivity interface  122  is a physical layer interface capable of processing HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB signals. In accordance with an embodiment, the triple-mode connectivity interface can be programmed manually to HDMI, DisplayPort or USB mode of operation. According to another embodiment, the triple-mode connectivity interface implements an automatic recognition mechanism for determining the type of the multimedia interface connected at the other end of the cable  100 , and configuring the respective device accordingly. For example, if the device  110  supports a USB, the triple-mode connectivity interface  122  recognizes that USB data is transmitted by the device  110 , and sets the sink device  110  to process such type of data. The automatic recognition mechanism is described in more detail below. It should be noted that the USB compliant devices  110  and  130  can function as either a USB host or a USB device as defined in the USB 3.0 specification. 
     The data-multimedia interface cable  100  provides a transport medium between two different types of interfaces: USB and DisplayPort. The cable  100  comprises a USB connector including 9 pins and a DisplayPort connector with 20 pins. The wiring between the USB and DisplayPort connectors is listed in Table 5. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 DP connector 
                 USB connector 
               
               
                 Wire 
                 Pin number 
                 Pin number 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  1) 
                  1 
                 9 
               
               
                  2) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
                 7 
               
               
                  3) 
                  3 
                 8 
               
               
                  4) 
                  4 
                 6 
               
               
                  5) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
                 7 
               
               
                  6) 
                  6 
                 5 
               
               
                  7) 
                 Not connected (NC) 
                 NC 
               
               
                  8) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
                 7 
               
               
                  9) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 10) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 11) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
                 7 
               
               
                 12) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 13) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 14) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 15) 
                 15 
                 3 
               
               
                 16) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
                 7 
               
               
                 17) 
                 17 
                 2 
               
               
                 18) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 19) 
                 19 
                 4 
               
               
                 20) 
                 20 
                 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It should be noted that the indicated pin numbers are only examples used for ease of understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the pin assignments may be designed to be in any location based on design expediency. It should be further noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the embodiment described in  FIG. 1  and Table 4 can be adapted to other types of USB connectors, for example, USB 1.0 and 2.0 connector types. 
     The UNICONN connector is structured, in one embodiment, to include a plurality of contact pins and a housing (chassy) in which the pins are arranged. The pins, at one end, are connected to the triple-mode connectivity interface  120 , and at another end to a contact plate into which a receptacle connector is inserted. In another embodiment, the UNICONN connector is structured to include a housing where the pins are arranged. The pins at one end are connected to the data-multimedia cable  100 , and at another end, to the receptacle connector. The housing may be formed from a conductive material covered by a plastic cover. 
     The UNICONN connector, designed in accordance with an embodiment, includes 23 pins to transfer signals defined at least by any one of the HDMI, DisplayPort, Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™), and USB interfaces. Specifically, each pin in the UNICONN connector serves a different function depending on the type of the connectivity of the device in which the UNICONN connector is installed. Table 6 lists the pins of the UNICONN and their signals of HDMI, USB, and DisplayPort interfaces. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 DiiVA 
               
               
                 Pin 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 STP 
               
               
                 Num- 
                 HDMI 
                   
                   
                   
                 type 
               
               
                 ber 
                 (Source/Sink) 
                 DP Source 
                 DP Sink 
                 USB 
                 cable 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 Not 
                 NC 
                 NC 
                 USB3 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
                 connected (NC) 
                   
                   
                 RXP 
               
               
                 2. 
                 NC 
                 NC 
                 NC 
                 GND 
                 NC 
               
               
                 3. 
                 NC 
                 NC 
                 NC 
                 USB3 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 RXN 
               
               
                 4. 
                 TMDS_Data2+ 
                 ML_lane0P 
                 ML_lane3N 
                 USB3 
                 HL+ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 TXP 
               
               
                 5. 
                 Shield 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Drain 
               
               
                 6. 
                 TMDS_Data2− 
                 ML_lane0N 
                 ML_lane3P 
                 USB3 
                 HL− 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 TXN 
               
               
                 7. 
                 TMDS_Data1+ 
                 ML_lane1P 
                 ML_lane2N 
                 NC 
                 VL0+ 
               
               
                 8. 
                 Shield 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Drain 
               
               
                 9. 
                 TMDS_Data1− 
                 ML_lane1N 
                 ML_lane2P 
                 NC 
                 VL0− 
               
               
                 10. 
                 TMDS_Data0+ 
                 ML_lane2P 
                 ML_lane1N 
                 NC 
                 VL1+ 
               
               
                 11. 
                 Shield 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Drain 
               
               
                 12. 
                 TMDS_Data0− 
                 ML_lane2N 
                 ML_lane1P 
                 NC 
                 VL1− 
               
               
                 13. 
                 TMDS_Clk+ 
                 ML_lane3P 
                 ML_lane0N 
                 NC 
                 VL2+ 
               
               
                 14. 
                 Shield 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Drain 
               
               
                 15. 
                 TMDS_Clk− 
                 ML_lane3N 
                 ML_lane0P 
                 NC 
                 VL2− 
               
               
                 16. 
                 CEC 
                 Config1 
                 Config1 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 17. 
                 Utility 
                 Config2 
                 Config2 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 18. 
                 SCL 
                 AUX_CHP 
                 AUX_CHP 
                 D+ 
                 D+ 
               
               
                 19. 
                 SDA 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Drain 
               
               
                 20. 
                 DDC/CEC/ 
                 AUX_CHN 
                 AUX_CHN 
                 D− 
                 D− 
               
               
                   
                 Ground 
               
               
                 21. 
                 +5 V 
                 HPD 
                 HPD 
                 VBUS 
                 VBUS 
               
               
                 22. 
                 HPD 
                 Return 
                 Return 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 23. 
                 NC 
                 AUX_PWR 
                 AUX_PWR 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Because the connectivity of sink and source DisplayPort connectors is not the same, the UNICONN connector supports both configurations. It should be noted that the indicated pin numbers are only examples used for ease of understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the pin assignments may be designed to be in any location based on design expediency. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the UNICONN connector includes 19 pins. Table 7 lists the pins of the UNICONN and their signals of HDMI, Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™), USB, and DisplayPort interfaces. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pin 
                   
                   
                   
                 DiiVA 
               
               
                 Number 
                 HDMI 
                 DisplayPort 
                 USB 
                 (STP) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 TMDS_Data2+ 
                 ML_lane3N 
                 stdX_SSRX− 
                 HL+ 
               
               
                 2. 
                 Shield 
                 GND 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 3. 
                 TMDS_Data2− 
                 ML_lane3P 
                 stdX_SSRX+ 
                 HL− 
               
               
                 4. 
                 TMDS_Data1+ 
                 ML_lane2N 
                 stdX_SSTX− 
                 VL0+ 
               
               
                 5. 
                 +5 V 
                 DP_PWR 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 6. 
                 TMDS_Data1− 
                 ML_lane2P 
                 stdX_SSTX+ 
                 VL0− 
               
               
                 7. 
                 TMDS_Data0+ 
                 ML_lane1N 
                 Not 
                 VL1+ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 connected (NC) 
               
               
                 8. 
                 Shield 
                 GND 
                 GND Drain 
                 GND 
               
               
                 9. 
                 TMDS_Data0− 
                 ML_lane1P 
                 NC 
                 VL1− 
               
               
                 10. 
                 TMDS_Clk+ 
                 ML_lane0N 
                 NC 
                 VL2+ 
               
               
                 11. 
                 Shield 
                 GND 
                 GND Drain 
                 GND 
               
               
                 12. 
                 TMDS_Clk− 
                 ML_lane0P 
                 NC 
                 VL2− 
               
               
                 13. 
                 D− 
                 D− 
                 D− 
                 D− 
               
               
                 14. 
                 D+ 
                 D+ 
                 D+ 
                 D+ 
               
               
                 15. 
                 SDA 
                 AUX_CHP 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 16. 
                 SCL 
                 AUX_CHN 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 17. 
                 DDC/CEC Ground 
                 Return 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 18. 
                 VBUS 
                 VBUS 
                 VBUS 
                 VBUS 
               
               
                 19. 
                 CEC 
                 HPD 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In accordance with another embodiment, the UNICONN connector includes 16 pins. Table 8 lists the pins of the UNICONN and their signals of HDMI, Digital Interactive Interface for Video &amp; Audio (DiiVA™), USB, and DisplayPort interfaces. It should be noted that the pin reduction is due to the use of the body connector (chassy) as the reference Ground conductor. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pin 
                   
                   
                   
                 DiiVA 
               
               
                 Number 
                 HDMI 
                 DP 
                 USB 
                 (STP) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 TMDS_Data2+ 
                 ML_lane3N 
                 stdX_SSRX− 
                 HL+ 
               
               
                 2. 
                 TMDS_Data2− 
                 ML_lane3P 
                 stdX_SSRX+ 
                 HL− 
               
               
                 3. 
                 TMDS_Data1+ 
                 ML_lane2N 
                 stdX_SSTX− 
                 VL0+ 
               
               
                 4. 
                 +5 V 
                 DP_PWR 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 5. 
                 TMDS_Data1− 
                 ML_lane2P 
                 stdX_SSTX+ 
                 VL0− 
               
               
                 6. 
                 TMDS_Data0+ 
                 ML_lane1N 
                 NC 
                 VL1+ 
               
               
                 7. 
                 TMDS_Data0− 
                 ML_lane1P 
                 NC 
                 VL1− 
               
               
                 8. 
                 TMDS_Clk+ 
                 ML_lane0N 
                 NC 
                 VL2+ 
               
               
                 9. 
                 TMDS_Clk− 
                 ML_lane0P 
                 NC 
                 VL2− 
               
               
                 10. 
                 D− 
                 D− 
                 D− 
                 D− 
               
               
                 11. 
                 D+ 
                 D+ 
                 D+ 
                 D+ 
               
               
                 12. 
                 SDA 
                 AUX_CHP 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 13. 
                 SCL 
                 AUX_CHN 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 14. 
                 DDC/CEC Ground 
                 Return 
                 GND 
                 GND 
               
               
                 15. 
                 VBUS 
                 VBUS 
                 VBUS 
                 VBUS 
               
               
                 16. 
                 CEC 
                 HPD 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It should be noted that the indicated pin numbers in tables 6, 7, and 8 are only examples used for ease of understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the pin assignments may be designed to be in any location based on design expediency. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a connectivity connection between a DisplayPort source compliant device  210  and a sink device  220  that includes a triple-mode connectivity interface  222 . The devices  210  and  220  respectively interface using a DisplayPort and UNICONN connector  215  and  225 . The triple-mode connectivity interface  222  operates as the interface  122  mentioned above. 
     A proper connection between devices  210  and  220  is enabled by means of the data-multimedia interface cable  200 , which is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, the cable  200  provides a transport medium between two different types of interfaces: UNICONN and DisplayPort. As shown in  FIG. 2B , the cable  200  can be also utilized to connect a source device  240  that includes a triple-mode connectivity interface  242  to a DisplayPort compliant sink device  250 . The devices  240  and  250  respectively include a UNICONN connector and DisplayPort connector  245  and  255 . 
     The cable  200  comprises, at one end, a UNICONN connector including 23 pins and, at the other end, a DisplayPort connector with 20 pins. The wiring between the UNICONN and DisplayPort connectors is listed in Table 9. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 UNICONN 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Connector 
                 DP Connector 
               
               
                 Wire 
                 Pin Number 
                 Pin Number 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  1) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                  2) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                  3) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                  4) 
                  4 
                  1 
               
               
                  5) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
               
               
                  6) 
                  6 
                  3 
               
               
                  7) 
                  7 
                  4 
               
               
                  8) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
               
               
                  9) 
                  9 
                  6 
               
               
                 10) 
                 10 
                  7 
               
               
                 11) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
               
               
                 12) 
                 12 
                  9 
               
               
                 13) 
                 13 
                 10 
               
               
                 14) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
               
               
                 15) 
                 15 
                 12 
               
               
                 16) 
                 16 
                 13 
               
               
                 17) 
                 17 
                 14 
               
               
                 18) 
                 18 
                 15 
               
               
                 19) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 
               
               
                 20) 
                 20 
                 17 
               
               
                 21) 
                 21 
                 18 
               
               
                 22) 
                 22 
                 19 
               
               
                 23) 
                 23 
                 20 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For example, as shown in Table 9, wire number 4) connects pins 4 and 1 in the UNICONN and DP connectors respectively, wire number 5) connects pins 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 (all pins are short-circuit) and pins 2, 5, 8, 11, 16 (pins are short-circuit) in the UNICONN and DP connectors respectively, and so on. It should be noted that the indicated pin numbers are only examples used for ease of understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the pin assignments may be designed to be in any location based on design expediency. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a connection between a HDMI source compliant device  310  and a sink device  320  that includes a triple-mode connectivity interface  322 . The devices  310  and  320  respectively include a HDMI and UNICONN connector  315  and  325 . The triple-mode connectivity interface  322  operates as the interface  122  mentioned above. 
     A proper connection between devices  310  and  320  is enabled by means of the data-multimedia interface cable  300 , constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, the cable  300  provides a transport medium between two different types of interfaces: UNICONN and HDMI. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the cable  300  can be also utilized to connect a source device  340  that includes a triple-mode connectivity interface  342  to a HDMI compliant sink device  350 . The devices  340  and  350  respectively include a UNICONN connector and HDMI connector  345  and  355 . 
     The cable  300  comprises, at one end, a UNICONN connector including 23 pins and a HDMI connector with 19 pins at the other end. The wiring between the UNICONN and HDMI connectors is listed in Table 10. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 UNICONN 
                 HDMI connector 
               
               
                 Wire 
                 Pin number 
                 Pin Number 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  1) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                  2) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                  3) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                  4) 
                  4 
                  1 
               
               
                  5) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11 
               
               
                  6) 
                  6 
                  3 
               
               
                  7) 
                  7 
                  4 
               
               
                  8) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11 
               
               
                  9) 
                  9 
                  6 
               
               
                 10) 
                 10 
                  7 
               
               
                 11) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11 
               
               
                 12) 
                 12 
                  9 
               
               
                 13) 
                 13 
                 10 
               
               
                 14) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11 
               
               
                 15) 
                 15 
                 12 
               
               
                 16) 
                 16 
                 14 
               
               
                 17) 
                 17 
                 13 
               
               
                 18) 
                 18 
                 15 
               
               
                 19) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 2, 5, 8, 11 
               
               
                 20) 
                 20 
                 16 
               
               
                 21) 
                 21 
                 19 
               
               
                 22) 
                 22 
                 17 
               
               
                 23) 
                 23 
                 18 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For example, as listed in Table 10, wire number 20) connects pins 20 and 16 in the UNICONN and HDMI connectors respectively, wire number 21) connects pin 21 and pin 19 in the UNICONN and HDMI connectors respectively, and so on. It should be noted that the indicated pin numbers are only examples used for ease of understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the pin assignments may be designed to be in any location based on design expediency. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a connection between a host  410  equipped with a USB connector  415  and a device  420  that includes a UNICONN connector  425  and a triple-mode connectivity interface  422 . The triple-mode connectivity interface  422  operates as the interface  122  mentioned above. 
       FIG. 4B  shows a connection between a device  440  equipped with a USB connector  445  and a host  450  that includes a UNICONN connector  455  and a triple-mode connectivity interface  452 . The triple-mode connectivity interface  452  operates as the interface  122  mentioned above. 
     A proper connection between the host  410  and device  420  or the host  450  and device  440  is enabled by means of the data-multimedia interface cable  400 , constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, the cable  400  provides a transport medium between two different types of interfaces: UNICONN and USB. The cable  400  comprises, at one end, a UNICONN connector including 23 pins and, at the other end, a USB connector with 9 pins. The wiring between the UNICONN and HDMI connectors is listed in Table 11. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 UNICONN 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Connector 
                 USB Connector 
               
               
                 Wire 
                 Pin Number 
                 Pin Number 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  1) 
                  1 
                 6 
               
               
                  2) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 4 
               
               
                  3) 
                  3 
                 5 
               
               
                  4) 
                  4 
                 9 
               
               
                  5) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 4 
               
               
                  6) 
                  6 
                 8 
               
               
                  7) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                  8) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 4 
               
               
                  9) 
                  9 
                 NC 
               
               
                 10) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 11) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 4 
               
               
                 12) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 13) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 14) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 4 
               
               
                 15) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 16) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 17) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                 18) 
                 18 
                 3 
               
               
                 19) 
                 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 
                 4 
               
               
                 20) 
                 20 
                 2 
               
               
                 21) 
                 21 
                 1 
               
               
                 22) 
                 22 
                 4 
               
               
                 23) 
                 NC 
                 NC 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For example, as shown in Table 11, wire number 1) connects pins 1 and 6 in the UNICONN and USB connectors respectively, wire number 5) connects pins 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19 (all pins are short-circuit) and pin 4 in the UNICONN and USB connectors respectively, and so on. It should be noted that the indicated pin numbers are only examples used for ease of understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the pin assignments may be designed to be in any location based on design expediency. It should be further noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the embodiment described in  FIG. 4  and Table 11 can be adapted to other types of USB connectors, for example, USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 connector types. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a data-multimedia interface cable is designed to provide a transport medium between two devices, each of which are equipped with UNICONN connectors. The wiring of such cable may include a connection between the respective pins at each connector. 
       FIG. 5  shows an exemplary diagram illustrating the automatic recognition of a type of an interface connected to the triple-mode connectivity interface  500 . In accordance with this embodiment, the interface  500  is installed in a sink device or USB device and is capable of source or USB host recognition, respectively, by means of sensing the auxiliary channel. 
     Specifically, a detector  510  implements the sensing of an auxiliary channel using a logic circuit (not shown) that generates a decision regarding the type of a source device based on the logic values of the signals AUX_CHP and AUX_CHN (e.g., pins 18 and 20 in the UNICONN connector and pins 15 and 17 in a DP/HDMI connector). The logic circuit in the detector  510  also identifies a specific data pattern transmitted by a USB device. The data pattern is defined in the USB 3.0 specification. Thus, based on the logic values of the both AUX_CHP and AUX_CHN signals and the existence of the USB data pattern, the type of the interface of a source device can be detected. 
     Specifically, if a logic value of both signals AUX_CHP and AUX_CHN is ‘0’ and the USB data pattern is detected, the source device is a USB device; otherwise, the source device is not being powered; if the value of AUX_CHP is ‘0’ and the value of the AUX_CHN is ‘1’ the source is a DisplayPort device; if the logic values of AUX_CHP and AUX_CHN are ‘1’ and ‘0’ respectively, no device is connected at the other end of the cable; and if a logic value of both AUX_CHP and AUX_CHN is ‘1’, the source is a HDMI device. It should be noted that the indicated logic values of ‘1’ and ‘0’ and voltage values of the predefined threshold are only examples used for ease of understanding. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the value may be designed to be any value based on design expediency. 
     Upon recognition of the type of a source device, the triple-mode connectivity interface  500  is set to be compliant with the interface type of the source device. This includes, for example, setting analog circuits of an analog front-end of the interface  500  to a mode of operation compliant with the source device. 
     It should be appreciated that for the data-multimedia interface cables described above, the UNICONN connector and the automatic recognition mechanism provide complete interoperability among at least HDMI, USB, and DisplayPort interfaces. Specifically, the teachings of the invention disclosed herein can be utilized to connect a DisplayPort or HDMI compliant device to a USB compliant device. Therefore, enabling connectivity, for example, between a handheld device with a USB connector and a projector equipped with a DisplayPort connector using the data-multimedia cable  100  is achieved. 
     While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto. All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.