Contactless replacement for cabled standards-based interfaces

摘要

A contactless, electromagnetic (EM) replacement (substitute, alternative) for cabled (electric) Standards-based interfaces (such as, but not limited to USB) which effectively handles the data transfer requirements (such as bandwidth, speed, latency) associated with the Standard, and which is also capable of measuring and replicating relevant physical conditions (such as voltage levels) on data lines so as to function compatibly and transparently with the Standard. A contactless link may be provided between devices having transceivers. A non-conducting housing may enclose the devices. Some applications for the contactless (EM) interface are disclosed. A dielectric coupler facilitating communication between communications chips which are several meters apart. Conductive paths may provide power and ground for bus-powered devices.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
establishing an emulated communications link between first and second devices, the establishing comprising:
receiving a sequence of electrical signaling conditions from first circuitry associated with the first device, wherein the first circuitry is designed to communicate with second circuitry associated with the second device over a physical interface coupling the first and second devices, wherein the first and second circuitry operate within fixed timing constraints that govern a negotiation of the sequence of electrical signaling conditions between the first and second circuitry to establish a physical communications link;converting the received sequence of electrical signals into electromagnetic signals; andcontactlessly transmitting the electromagnetic signals to the second device to enable the second circuitry to receive a replication of the received sequence of electrical signaling conditions and establish the emulated communications link even though the physical communications link does not exist between the first and second devices,wherein establishment of the emulated communications link enables the first and second circuitry to operate as if they established the physical communications link.