USB power saving protocol and controller

An apparatus comprising:

• a means for communicating in a first communication mode or a second communication mode;
• and
• a means for sending receiver detection signals to a peripheral device using the means for communicating, wherein the receiver detection signals are to determine whether the peripheral device is capable of communicating in the first communication mode, wherein the first communication mode comprises a USB 3 protocol, wherein the second communication mode comprises a USB 2 protocol;
• a means for sending an initial signal of the receiver detection signals to the peripheral device;
• and
• a means for refraining from sending subsequent ones of the receiver detection signals to the peripheral device if a response to the initial signal of the receiver detection signals indicates that the peripheral device is incapable of operating in the first communication mode.

A non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

• send receiver detection signals to a peripheral device over a communication interface to determine whether the peripheral device is capable of communicating in a first universal serial bus (USB) communication mode or a second USB communication mode, wherein the first USB communication mode comprises a USB 3 protocol, wherein the second USB communication mode comprises a USB 2 protocol;
• send an initial signal of the receiver detection signals to the peripheral device;
• and
• refrain from sending subsequent ones of the receiver detection signals if a response to the initial signal of the receiver detection signals indicates that the peripheral device is incapable of operating in the first USB communication mode.