ETHERNET OVER USB INTERFACES WITH FULL-DUPLEX DIFFERENTIAL PAIRS

摘要

A system and method are disclosed that allow a host device to communicate with an external device using either Ethernet communications or USB communications provided via a USB port and a USB connection (e.g., a USB cable). The host device may include a processor, an Ethernet media access control (MAC) circuit coupled to the processor, a USB controller coupled to the processor, a USB port to couple to the external device via the USB connection, and a transceiver coupled between the USB port and either the Ethernet MAC circuit or the USB controller in response to a mode select signal. The host device may also include a detection circuit that generates the mode select signal in response to determining whether the external device is a USB device or an Ethernet device.

主权项

1. A host device for facilitating either Ethernet communications or universal serial bus (USB) communications with an external device over a USB connection, the host device comprising:
a processor for generating data to be transmitted to the external device; an Ethernet media access control (MAC) circuit coupled to the processor; a USB controller coupled to the processor; a USB port to couple to the external device via the USB connection; and a transceiver including:
first terminals coupled to the USB port; andsecond terminals coupled to either the Ethernet MAC circuit or to the USB controller in response to a mode select signal.