US 6,308,215 B1Granted

Extender apparatus for USB connection of computer units

OwnerRobert J. Kolbet, Michael O. Inghaminventors

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Abstract

An apparatus for extending USB linkage between a host computer and a peripheral unit includes a first extender port, a second extender port, a first extender cable connected to transmit signals from the first to the second port, and a second extender cable connected to transmit signals from the second port to the first, such that outgoing USB signals from each port are identical to incoming USB signals into the other port. Each port is formed of a driver circuit connected to one extender cable, a receiver circuit connected to the other cable, and an interface circuit including a USB transceiver connected by USB cable to the transceiver of the host or peripheral. A logic device connected between the circuits selectively effects outgoing signals on a USB or extender cable. The extender cables are bundled in a combined cable that includes a power line and a line for speed signals.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An apparatus for extending USB linkage between a first computer unit and a second computer unit respectively having a first USB port and a second USB port for the linkage, wherein the apparatus comprises a first extender port having first connection means for connecting with the first USB port to pass USB signals therebetween, a second extender port having second connection means for connecting with the second USB port to pass USB signals therebetween, a first extender cable for connection to carry first extender signals from the first extender port to the second extender port, and a second extender cable for connection to carry second extender signals from the second extender port to the first extender port;

the first extender port being receptive of first incoming USB signals from the first USB port to effect the first extender signals as representative of the first USB signals, the second extender port being receptive of the first extender signals to effect first outgoing USB signals to the second USB port, and the first outgoing USB signals being representative of the first extender signals, such that the first outgoing USB signals are substantially identical to the first incoming USB signals;
and
the second extender port being receptive of second incoming USB signals from the second USB port to effect the second extender signals as representative of the second USB signals, the first extender port being receptive of the second extender signals to effect second outgoing USB signals to the first USB port, and the second outgoing USB signals being representative of the second extender signals, such that the second outgoing USB signals are substantially identical to the second incoming USB signals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.