Techniques for establishing an external interface and a network interface within a connector

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to connectors in general, and particularly to a technique for establishing an external interface and a network interface within a connector.

2. Description of Related Art

A portable electronic device, such as a laptop personal computer (PC) or a tablet PC, can be used by itself in a mobile environment, and by connecting a peripheral device in an office environment. The peripheral device, such as an external display or a printer, may be connected, wirelessly or connected by, cable to a connector provided in a chassis of the portable electronic device. However, it is difficult to provide many connectors in the chassis of the portable electronic device. In addition, connecting multiple peripheral devices by cable on a case-by-case basis is cumbersome work for a user. Also, when many interfaces between a portable electronic device and a function extender or a peripheral device needs to be established, each connector grows in size or the number of connectors increases, which makes it difficult to mount the connectors.

Consequently, it would be desirable to provide a technique for establishing as many interfaces as possible in one single connector that is included in a portable electronic device.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a device controller, a first receptacle and a crossbar switch. The device controller includes a data channel for an external interface with a peripheral device and a data channel for a network interface with a network device. The first receptacle can simultaneously establish the data channel for the external interface and the data channel for the network interface. The crossbar switch can switch between the two data channels of the device controller in order to establish the external interface and the network interface in the first receptacle.

All features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed written description.

The disclosure itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing multiple devices being connected to a laptop PC;

FIGS. 2A-2C show a normal pin configuration as defined in the USB standard for a Type-C connector;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal computer;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure for inhibiting the reverse connection of a plug to a receptacle;

FIGS. 5A-5B show pin configurations in a USB 3.1 mode;

FIGS. 6A-6B show pin configurations in a USB 3.1+DP mode;

FIGS. 7A-7B show pin configurations in a USB 2+DP mode;

FIGS. 8A-8B show pin configuration in a USB 3.1+Ethernet mode;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a function extender;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing an operating procedure of a personal computer; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a personal computer and a function extender connected to each other via two Type-C connectors.

I. Definition

The term electronic device corresponds to an information terminal device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal or a smart phone.

The term function extender is a device connected to an electronic device to extend the function of the electronic device. The function extender may also be called a docking station, a port replicator, or a dangle. The function extender is provided with at multiple connectors for establishing data channels between peripheral devices and the electronic device.

Each peripheral device can be used by connecting to a connector provided in a chassis of an electronic device or function extender, including a specific function to communicate with the electronic device so as to perform recording, printing, displaying, or the like. A hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, a printer, a display, and a Human Interface Device (HID) are examples of peripheral devices.

The term connector is a device capable of being removed without using any tool. A connector means a complex of a plug corresponding to a male device and a receptacle (also called a jack) corresponding to a female device, or either of them. Typically, the receptacle is connected to the electronic device and the plug is connected to a cable, but the mounting positions are not necessarily limited to particular positions in the present, invention. Applying the present invention makes it possible to connect devices to each other directly via a receptacle mounted in an electronic device and a plug mounted in the peripheral device.

The term external interface is the logical and physical existence that meets predetermined standards to establish a data channel between devices connected by cable. The external interface may establish the data channel inside the devices at the same time. A controller, a connector, a cable, and the like are included in a physical layer of the external interface. Examples of the external interface can include universal serial bus (USB), display port (DP), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), and PCIe.

The term network interface is the logical and physical existence that meets predetermined standards to establish a data channel with a network device connected by cable. The network interface includes a controller having roles as a physical layer and a data link layer, a connector, a cable, and the like. As an example of the network interface, there is the Ethernet.

Universal Serial Bus Type-C Cable and Connector Specification, Revision 1.1, Apr. 3, 2015, USB Implementers Forum, Inc. defines an universal serial bus (USB) connector called Type-C connector. A Type-C connector can establish USB 3.1 connection even if a plug is inserted upside down. Signals to some pins of a Type-C connector is routed to operate in an alternate mode. When a dock adopting the alternate mode, PCIe transmission is performed simultaneously with USB 3.1 transmission via the Type-C connector.

II. Outline

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a state where devices are connected to a laptop PC 100 that is an example of the electronic device. The PC 100 has a receptacle 101 a mounted in a chassis thereof. Although the PC 100 may further have other receptacles mounted therein, it would be convenient to reduce the number of receptacles if many external interfaces and network interfaces can be established through the receptacle 101 a . The receptacle 101 a can be connected to a function extender 200 through a cable 102 via plugs 101 b and 201 b connected to both ends thereof.

In one example, the receptacle 101 a can be a USB Type-C connector. However, the connector standard is not necessarily limited to the USB standard in the present invention. The plug can be connected to the receptacle 101 a by such a flippable method or reversible method that, does not restrict the vertical direction at the connection, or by such an oriented method that restricts the vertical direction.

The function extender 200 can be connected to the receptacle 101 a via the oriented Type-C plug 101 b , and a peripheral device 51 can be connected via an oriented Type-C plug 51 b . A peripheral device 53 can be connected to the receptacle 101 a via a flippable Type-C plug 53 b . In the oriented Type-C plugs 101 b and 51 b , not only a USB data channel but also a data channel for another external interface or a data channel for a network interface can be established at the same time. In the flippable plug 53 b , only the USB data channel can be established.

Receptacles 201 a to 209 a and a power supply jack 211 a are mounted in the function extender 200 . Here, the receptacle 201 a and the plug 201 b constitute a USB Type-C connector. The receptacle 201 a and the plug 201 b may also be fixedly connected at both terminals as long as the data channel corresponding to the plug 101 b can be established.

In one example, the receptacles 203 a and 205 a comply with the USB 3.1 standard, and the receptacle 207 a complies with the DP standards. In one example, the receptacle 209 a can be an RJ-45 that complies with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standards. USB devices such as an HDD 15 and a printer 17 are connected to the receptacles 203 a and 205 a . A display 19 is connected to the receptacle 207 a , and a network device such as a router or a hub is connected to the receptacle 209 a . In the receptacle 207 a , a four-lane data channel can be established to connect a 4K display 19 , or a two-lane data channel can be established to connect a 2K display 19 . The HDD 15 , the printer 17 , and the display 19 correspond to peripheral devices.

An AC/DC adapter 13 is connected to the power supply jack 211 a . The function extender 200 can supply power to the PC 100 through the cable 102 . When not connected to the function extender 200 , the PC 100 can receive power from an AC/DC adapter, not illustrated. The PC 100 connected to the function extender 200 can use the HDD 15 , the printer 17 , and the display 19 as peripheral devices, and can attach to a network, such as the Internet or an intranet, through a network device 21 , according to a procedure to be described later while receiving the supply of power from the function extender 200 .

III. Type-C Connector

FIGS. 2A-2C show a normal pin configuration as defined for a Type-C connector in the USB standard. FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the receptacle 101 a and the flippable plug 53 b , where 24 pins with pin numbers A 1 to A 12 , and B 1 to B 12 , and the intended uses defined for the pins are indicated by symbols. The receptacle 101 a has 12 pins in each of upper and lower stages, respectively. Pins that define differential transmission Tx 1 +/−, Rx 1 +/−, Tx 2 +/−, and Rx 2 +/− are used for USB 3.1 data transmission.

Pins that define differential transmission D+/− are used for USB 2.0 data transmission. When USB 3.1 data transmission is performed, it is supposed to support USB 2.0 data transmission as well. CC 1 and CC 2 pins are used to detect the insertion direction of the plug 53 b , detect a parameter for the supply of power through a V bus, identify the port of a peripheral device, perform communication, and the like. SBU 1 and SBU 2 pins are used for data transmission in an alternate mode alternative to normal USB 3.1 data transmission.

In the USB 3.1 data transmission, since only one differential transmission pair Tx/Rx of two differential transmission pairs Tx 1 /Rx 1 and Tx 2 /Rx 2 are used, and only one of the two differential transmission D+/− is used, the connection can be established even if the plug 53 b is inserted upside down (and hence right side left). This connection corresponds to flippable connection as previously described. The PC 100 monitors the CC 1 pin and the CC 2 pin periodically, and when a peripheral device 51 is connected, determines the vertical direction of the plug to configure the receptacle 101 a to be able to perform data transmission correctly.

The plug 53 b with the CC 1 pin terminated by termination resistance is connected in either of the vertical directions illustrated in FIG. 2B or FIG. 2C . The plug 53 b uses pin numbers A 2 , A 3 , B 10 , and B 11 for USB 3.1 data transmission, and uses either a pair of pin numbers A 6 and A 7 or a pair of pin numbers B 6 and B 7 for USB 2.0 data transmission. When the termination resistance is recognized at the A 5 pin of the receptacle 101 a , the PC 100 recognizes that the plug 53 b is connected in the vertical direction (normal direction) of FIG. 2B . When the termination resistance is recognized at the B 5 pin of the receptacle 101 a , the PC 100 recognizes that the plug 53 b is connected in the vertical direction (reverse direction) of FIG. 2C .

When the plug 53 b is connected in the normal direction, pins with the same pin numbers as those of the receptacle 101 a are connected to one another. The PC 100 establishes USB 3.1 data channels via the pin numbers A 2 , A 3 , B 10 , and B 11 of the plug 53 b , and establishes USB 2.0 data channels via the pin numbers A 6 and A 7 . When the plug 53 b is connected in the normal direction, the peripheral device 53 does not use the pin numbers B 6 and B 7 . The PC 100 uses the pin number A 5 (CC 1 ) of the receptacle 101 a for communication, and configures the pin number B 5 (CC 2 ) as Vconn to supply power to the electronic device accommodated via the cable 102 .

When the plug 53 b is connected in the reverse direction, the pins with the pin numbers B 1 to B 12 , and A 1 to A 12 of the plug 53 b are connected to the pins with the pin numbers A 1 to A 12 , and B 1 to B 12 of the receptacle 101 a . The PC 100 establishes USB 3.1 data channels via the pin numbers A 10 , A 11 , B 2 , and B 3 , and establishes USB 2.0 data channels via the pin numbers A 6 and A 7 .

When predetermined termination resistance is recognized at the pin number A 5 of the plug 53 b , the PC 100 uses the pin number B 5 (CC 2 ) of the receptacle 101 a for communication, and configures the pin number A 5 (CC 1 ) as Vconn of the cable 102 to supply power to the electronic device. Thus, the PC 100 performs routing processing for selecting a pin used for a USB 3.1 data channel and a CC pin depending on the insertion direction of the flappable plug 53 b.

IV. PC Configuration

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 100 . The PC 100 includes a host system 111 , a device controller 113 , crossbar switch 115 , a PD (power delivery) controller 117 , and the receptacle 101 a . The host system 111 is connected to the device controller 113 through a data bus 110 .

The host system 111 includes hardware resources such as a CPU, a system memory, an I/O chipset, and a non-volatile memory, and software resources such as application programs, an operating system (OS), and device drivers. The device controller 113 includes device drivers and firmware to control communication with peripheral devices and network devices according to instructions from the host system 111 .

In one example, the device controller 113 includes a USB host controller 113 a , a DP controller 113 b , and an Ethernet controller 113 c . The device controller 113 may further include any other controller such as PCIe or HDMI so that a data channel therefor can be established in the receptacle 101 a . The USB host controller 113 a , the DP controller 113 b , and the Ethernet controller 113 c may be separated in terms of hardware.

Each of the USB host controller 113 a , the DP controller 113 b , and the Ethernet controller 113 c converts data received from the host system 111 into a format that complies with the external interface standard, respectively, and outputs the data to the crossbar switch 115 and the receptacle 101 a . The USB host controller 113 a and the Ethernet controller 113 c convert the format of data received from a peripheral device connected to the function extender 200 or the peripheral device 51 , 53 directly connected to the receptacle 101 a , and send the data to the host system 111 .

The USB host controller 113 a includes data channels for differential transmission Tx+/−, Rx+/−, and D+/−. The DP controller 113 b includes data channels for differential transmission ML 0 +/−, ML 1 +/−, ML 2 +/−, ML 3 +/−, and AUX+/−. The Ethernet controller 113 c includes data channels for differential transmission of MDI 0 +/−, MDI 1 +/−, MDI 2 +/−, and MDI 3 +/−.

The device controller 113 and the crossbar switch 115 are connected through data channels 114 a to 114 c . The device controller 113 and the receptacle 101 a are connected through data channels 114 d and 114 e . The crossbar switch 115 and the receptacle 101 a are connected through data channels 116 a to 116 e . The PD controller 117 is connected to the host system 111 through a serial bus 120 , and connected to the crossbar switch 115 through a serial bus 122 .

The PD controller 117 is connected to the receptacle 101 a through a power line 118 a , a CC line 118 b , and a ground line 118 c . The data channel 114 a transmits USB 3.1 differential transmission signals Tx+/− and Rx+/−. The data channel 114 b transmits differential transmission signals ML 0 +/−, ML 1 +/−, ML 2 +/−, ML 3 +/−, and AUX+/−. The data channel 114 c transmits differential transmission signals MDI 0 +/− and MDI 1 +/−, an MDI 2 + signal configuring differential transmission signals MDI 2 +/−, and an MDI 3 + signal configuring differential transmission signals MDI 3 +/−.

The data channel 114 d transmits, to the B 6 pin and the B 5 pin, an MDI 2 − signal configuring differential transmission signals MDI 2 +/−, and an MDI 3 − signal configuring differential transmission signals MDI 3 +/−. The data channel 114 e transmits D+/− signals to the A 6 and A 7 pins. The PD controller 117 monitors the A 5 pin and the B 5 pin periodically to recognize the direction of the flippable plug 53 b connected to the receptacle 101 a in order to configure either one of the pins as a CC signal transmission path and the other as the power supply (Vconn).

With regard to the function extender 200 and the peripheral device 51 connected via the oriented plug 101 b , 51 b , for example, the PD controller 117 always uses the A 5 pin for CC signals, and uses the B 5 pin for Vconn power. The PD controller 117 recognizes the function extender 200 or the peripheral device 51 , 53 connected to the receptacle 101 a by a CC signal. When the peripheral device 53 is connected to the receptacle 101 a , the PD controller 117 controls the action of the crossbar switch 115 to establish the data channel described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C . When the function extender 200 operating with plural external interfaces or the peripheral device 51 is connected to the receptacle 101 a , the PD controller 117 can control the crossbar switch 115 according to an instruction from the host system 111 .

In one example, the host, system 111 instructs the PD controller 117 of either of four output modes, namely a USB 3.1 mode, a USB 3.1+DP mode, a USB 2+DP mode, and a USB 3.1+Ethernet mode. According to the instructed output mode, the crossbar switch 115 switches (routes) the data channels 114 a to 114 c to establish the data channels 116 a to 116 e so as to configure the receptacle 101 a . When the output mode is the USB 3.1+Ethernet mode, the host system 111 instructs the device controller 113 to establish MDI 2 - and MDI 3 -data channels in the data channel 114 d.

FIG. 4 is a diagram shows a structure for inhibiting the reverse connection of the oriented plug 1011 , 51 b . The plug 101 b , 51 b has a lock pin 153 for connection to the receptacle 101 a only in a predetermined vertical direction. The lock pin 153 is fitted into an opening 151 formed in the chassis of the PC 100 . Therefore, the plug 101 b cannot be connected upside down to the receptacle 101 a.

This connection corresponds to the oriented connection previously described. The oriented connection uses the receptacle 101 a to establish data channels in other standards in addition to the USB data channels. Since the opening 151 does not function as the reverse connection inhibiting structure for the flippable plug 53 without the lock pin 153 , the plug 53 b can be connected to the receptacle 101 a.

V. Output Mode and Pin Configuration

FIGS. 5A-5B show a pin configuration in the USB 3.1 mode, FIGS. 6A-6B sho a pin configuration in the USB 3.1+DP mode. FIGS. 7A-7B show a pin configuration in the USB 2+DP mode. FIGS. 8A-8B show a pin configuration in the USB 3.1+Ethernet mode. FIGS. 5A-5B , FIGS. 6A-6B , FIGS. 7A-7B and FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a correspondence relationship among signals output to the receptacle 101 a in each output mode, the kind of signal received by the plug 101 b accordingly, and the pin number. Note that the pin configuration of the plug 51 b can be understood from the following description depending on the function of the peripheral device 51 .

In the USB 3.1 mode, the crossbar switch 115 configures the A 2 and A 3 pins as data channels for Tx+/− signals, and configures the B 10 and B 11 pins as data channels for Rx 1 +/− signals. In the USB 3.1+DP mode, the crossbar switch 115 configures the A 2 and A 3 pins as data channels for Tx+/− signals, and configures the B 10 and B 11 pins as data channels for Rx 1 +/− signals. The crossbar switch 115 also configures the A 10 and A 11 pins as data channels for ML 0 +/− signals, and configures the B 2 and B 3 pins as data channels for ML 1 +/− signals. Further, the crossbar switch 115 configures the A 8 and B 8 pins as data channels for AUX+/− signals.

In the USB 2+DP mode, the crossbar switch 115 configures the A 2 and A 3 pins as data channels for ML 2 +/− signals, and configures the B 10 and B 11 pins as data channels for ML 3 +/− signals. The crossbar switch 115 also configures the A 10 and A 11 pins as data channels for ML 0 +/− signals, and configures the B 2 and B 3 pins as data channels for ML 1 +/− signals. Further, the crossbar switch 115 configures the A 8 and B 8 pins as data channels for AUX+/− signals. In the USB 2+DP mode, although USB 3.1 SuperSpeed or SuperSpeedPlus communication cannot be performed, each speed mode in the USB 2.0 standards is maintained.

In the USB 3.1+ Ethernet mode, the crossbar switch 115 configures the A 2 and A 3 pins as data channels for Tx+/− signals, and configures the B 10 and B 11 pins as data channels for Rx+/− signals. The crossbar switch 115 also configures the A 10 pin and the A 11 pin as data channels for MDI 0 +/− signals, and configures the B 2 pin and B 3 pin as data channels for MDI 1 +/− signals.

Further, the crossbar switch 115 configures the A 8 pin as a data channel for MDI 2 + signal, and configures the B 8 pin as a data channel for MDI 3 + signal. The device controller 113 configures the B 6 pin as a data channel for MDI 2 − signal, and configures the B 7 pin as a data channel for MDI 3 − signal. The reconfiguration of the pins described above are just an illustrative example, and any other configuration can be adopted for pins other than the Vbus pin, a GND pin, and the CC pin.

VI. Function Extender

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the function extender 200 . The function extender 200 includes the receptacle 201 a , a crossbar switch 251 , a USB hub 253 , a PD controller 257 , a voltage regulator 259 , and receptacles 203 a to 211 a . The same pin number as the plug 101 b is assigned to the receptacle 201 a.

The receptacle 201 a and the crossbar switch 251 are connected through data channels corresponding to the data channels 116 a to 116 e and the data channels 114 d and 114 e in the PC 100 . The receptacle 201 a and the PD controller 257 are connected through transmission paths corresponding to the power line 118 a , the CC line 118 b , and the ground line 118 c in the PC 100 . The PD controller 257 communicates with the PD controller 117 through the CC line to notify the PD controller 117 of supported external interfaces and network interfaces, and further to receive an instruction of the output mode. The PD controller 257 controls the action of the crossbar switch 251 depending on the output mode.

In the USB 3.1 mode, the crossbar switch 251 establishes data channels for Tx+/− signals, Rx+/− signals, and D+/− signals to the USB hub 253 . In the USB 3.1+DP mode, the crossbar switch 251 establishes data channels for Tx+/− signals, Rx+/− signals, and D+/− signals to the USB hub 253 , and establishes data channels for ML 0 +/− signals, ML 1 +/− signals, and AUX+/− signals to the receptacle 207 a . In the USB 2+DP mode, the crossbar switch 251 establishes data channels for D+/− signals to the USB hub 253 , and establishes data channels for ML 0 +/− signals, ML 1 +/− signals, ML 2 +/− signals, ML 3 +/− signals, and AUX+/− signals to the receptacle 207 a.

In the USB 3.1+Ethernet mode, the crossbar switch 251 establishes data channels for Tx+/− signals, Rx+/− signals, and D+/− signals to the USB hub, and establishes data channels for MDI 0 +/− signals, MDI 1 +/− signals, MDI 2 +/− signals, and MDI 3 +/− signals to the receptacle 209 a . The PD controller 257 supplies power to the PC 100 through the A 4 pin, the A 9 pin, the B 4 pin, and the B 9 pin (Vbus). The PD controller 257 supplies power of a predetermined voltage to the USB hub 253 and the receptacle 207 a . The PD controller 257 can detect, through an HPD line, the display 19 connected to the receptacle 207 a to inform the PC 100 thereof through the CC line.

The function extender 200 may have a function as a peripheral device such as an HDD, a display, and a network device. The peripheral device 51 ( FIG. 1 ) directly connected to the receptacle 101 a via the oriented Type-C plug 51 b can be configured to include the crossbar switch 251 and the PD controller 257 in order to include the function of a peripheral device, such as an HDD or a display, working in response to the output of the crossbar switch 251 , and the receptacle 209 a.

VII. Operating Procedure

FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing an operating procedure of the PC 100 . In block 401 , any one of the function extender 200 , the peripheral device 51 , and the peripheral device 53 is connected to the receptacle 101 a , of the PC 100 . In block 403 , the PC 100 recognizes, through the CC line periodically monitored, the connection to an electronic device and an interface for supporting the connection. When either of the peripheral device 51 or the peripheral device 53 is recognized, the procedure moves to block 451 .

When recognizing the peripheral device 53 , the PC 100 sets the crossbar switch 115 to the USB 3.1 mode in block 451 . When recognizing the peripheral device 51 , the PC 100 recognizes, through the CC line 118 b , an interface supported by the peripheral device 51 to give an instruction of an output mode. When recognizing the function extender 200 , the procedure moves to block 405 .

In block 405 , the host system 111 of the PC 100 recognizes peripheral devices connected to the receptacles 203 a to 207 a . In block 407 , the host system 111 instructs the device controller 113 and the PD controller 117 to set the crossbar switch 115 to any one of the USB 3.1 mode, the USB 3.1+DP mode, and the USB 2+DP mode.

The function extender 200 receiving the instruction of an output mode from the PD controller 117 changes the output mode of the crossbar switch 251 . In block 407 , the host system 111 instructs the device controller 113 and the PD controller 117 to attach to a network. In block 411 , the PD controller 117 sets the crossbar switch 115 to the USB 3.1+Ethernet mode, and the PD controller 257 sets the crossbar switch 251 to the USB 3.1+Ethernet mode.

VIII. System Using Two Receptacles

Although such an example that one Type-C connector is mounted in each of the PC 100 and the function extender 200 , respectively, is described so far, mounting of plural Type-C connectors will be able to increase the number of peripheral devices and network devices connectable at the same time. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a PC 500 and a function extender 600 connected via two Type-C connectors.

Among components configuring the PC 500 and the function extender 600 , components easily understood from the same components as, or components corresponding to, those of the PC 100 ( FIG. 3 ) and the function extender 200 ( FIG. 9 ) are given the same reference numerals to omit the description thereof. The PC 500 has Type-C receptacles 505 and 507 . As an example, a PD controller 503 can control a crossbar switch 501 to configure the receptacle 505 in the USB 2+DP mode or the USB 3.1+DP mode, and configure the receptacle 507 in the USB 3.1+Ethernet mode.

The function extender 600 has Type-C receptacles 601 and 603 . The receptacle 601 is connected to the receptacle 505 via an oriented plug. The receptacle 603 is connected to the receptacle 507 via an oriented plug. A PD controller 607 controls a crossbar switch 605 to route the data channel of the receptacle 601 to a USB hub 253 and the receptacle 207 a according to an instruction from the PC 500 . The PD controller 607 also controls the crossbar switch 605 to route the data channel of the receptacle 603 to the USB hub 253 and the receptacle 209 a.

The use of the function extender 600 enables a four-lane DP data channel to be established in the receptacle 207 a to connect the 4K display 19 and to connect the network device 21 to the receptacle 209 a at the same time merely by providing the receptacles 505 and 507 . Further, USB devices can be connected to the receptacles 203 a and 205 a to perform USB 3.1 data transmission. Note that three or more Type-C receptacles may be provided.

As has been described, the present disclosure provides a technique for connecting as many interfaces as possible to one single connector that is included in a portable electronic device.

While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.