Unravel the Mystery: How to Get Current Linked Lane Count of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s) Device using Windows APIs
Image by Tirone - hkhazo.biz.id

Unravel the Mystery: How to Get Current Linked Lane Count of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s) Device using Windows APIs

Posted on

Are you tired of being in the dark about the capabilities of your USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s) device? Do you want to unlock its full potential and understand its intricacies? Look no further! In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the secrets of getting the current linked lane count of your USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s) device using Windows APIs.

What is the linked lane count, and why is it important?

The linked lane count refers to the number of lanes used by a USB device to achieve its maximum data transfer rate. In the case of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s), the device can use up to two lanes to reach an astonishing 20Gb/s data transfer rate. Knowing the current linked lane count is crucial, as it directly affects the performance and efficiency of your device.

Benefits of getting the current linked lane count

  • Optimize device performance: By knowing the current linked lane count, you can adjust your device’s settings to maximize its data transfer rate.
  • Troubleshoot issues: Identifying the linked lane count can help you diagnose and resolve connectivity issues or performance bottlenecks.
  • Enhance user experience: Understanding the linked lane count allows you to optimize your device’s capabilities, leading to a better user experience.

Prerequisites: Setting up the development environment

Before we dive into the code, make sure you have the following tools and libraries installed:

  • Visual Studio 2019 or later
  • Windows 10 SDK (version 1903 or later)
  • Universal Windows Platform (UWP) development tools
  • Windows SDK headers and libraries (specifically, Windows.h, Usb.h, and SetupAPI.h)

Step 1: Create a Windows desktop application

// Project settings:
// - Target framework: Windows 10 (version 1903 or later)
// - Platform: x64 or x86 (depending on your system architecture)

Step 2: Include necessary headers and libraries

In your project, include the following headers and libraries:

#include <Windows.h>
#include <Usb.h>
#include <SetupAPI.h>

#pragma comment(lib, "setupapi.lib")
#pragma comment(lib, "usb.lib")

Step 3: Initialize the USB API and get the device handle

Use the following code to initialize the USB API and get the device handle:

int main()
{
    // Initialize the USB API
    HRESULT hr = USBAPI_INITIALIZE();
    if (hr != S_OK) {
        // Handle error
        return 1;
    }

    // Get the device handle
    HANDLE hDevice = CreateFile(L"\\\\?\\usb#vid_####&pid_####", GENERIC_READ | GENERIC_WRITE, 
        FILE_SHARE_READ | FILE_SHARE_WRITE, NULL, OPEN_EXISTING, 0, NULL);
    if (hDevice == INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE) {
        // Handle error
        return 1;
    }

    // ...
}

Step 4: Get the device capabilities

Use the following code to get the device capabilities:

// Get the device capabilities
USB_DEVICE_CAPABILITIES capabilities;
hr = IOCTL_USB_GET_DEVICE_CAPABILITIES(hDevice, &capabilities);
if (hr != S_OK) {
    // Handle error
    return 1;
}

Step 5: Get the current linked lane count

Finally, use the following code to get the current linked lane count:

// Get the current linked lane count
USHORT laneCount;
hr = IOCTL_USB_GET_LINKED_LANE_COUNT(hDevice, &laneCount);
if (hr != S_OK) {
    // Handle error
    return 1;
}

printf("Current linked lane count: %d\n", laneCount);

Putting it all together

Here’s the complete code snippet:

#include <Windows.h>
#include <Usb.h>
#include <SetupAPI.h>

#pragma comment(lib, "setupapi.lib")
#pragma comment(lib, "usb.lib")

int main()
{
    // Initialize the USB API
    HRESULT hr = USBAPI_INITIALIZE();
    if (hr != S_OK) {
        // Handle error
        return 1;
    }

    // Get the device handle
    HANDLE hDevice = CreateFile(L"\\\\?\\usb#vid_####&pid_####", GENERIC_READ | GENERIC_WRITE, 
        FILE_SHARE_READ | FILE_SHARE_WRITE, NULL, OPEN_EXISTING, 0, NULL);
    if (hDevice == INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE) {
        // Handle error
        return 1;
    }

    // Get the device capabilities
    USB_DEVICE_CAPABILITIES capabilities;
    hr = IOCTL_USB_GET_DEVICE_CAPABILITIES(hDevice, &capabilities);
    if (hr != S_OK) {
        // Handle error
        return 1;
    }

    // Get the current linked lane count
    USHORT laneCount;
    hr = IOCTL_USB_GET_LINKED_LANE_COUNT(hDevice, &laneCount);
    if (hr != S_OK) {
        // Handle error
        return 1;
    }

    printf("Current linked lane count: %d\n", laneCount);

    // Clean up
    CloseHandle(hDevice);
    USBAPI_UNINITIALIZE();

    return 0;
}

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the steps to get the current linked lane count of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s) device using Windows APIs. By following these instructions, you can unlock the full potential of your device and optimize its performance. Remember to adapt the code to your specific device and system architecture.

API Function Description
USBAPI_INITIALIZE() Initializes the USB API
IOCTL_USB_GET_DEVICE_CAPABILITIES() Gets the device capabilities
IOCTL_USB_GET_LINKED_LANE_COUNT() Gets the current linked lane count

For more information on Windows APIs and USB device programming, refer to the official Microsoft documentation and the USB specification.

Additional Resources

Final Thoughts

With this knowledge, you’re now empowered to unlock the full potential of your USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s) device. Remember to stay curious, keep exploring, and never stop learning!

Frequently Asked Question

Are you struggling to get the current linked lane count of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gb/s) device using Windows APIs? Worry no more! Here are the answers to your burning questions.

How do I get started with getting the linked lane count of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 device?

To get started, you’ll need to use the Windows API function SetupDiGetDeviceInterfaceDetail() to retrieve the device interface details of the USB device. This function returns a SP_DEVICE_INTERFACE_DETAIL_DATA structure, which contains information about the device interface.

What is the significance of the USB_DEVICE_DESCRIPTOR structure in getting the linked lane count?

The USB_DEVICE_DESCRIPTOR structure contains information about the USB device, including its speed capabilities. The bcdUSB field in this structure specifies the USB specification release number that the device supports. You can check this field to determine if the device supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which is necessary for getting the linked lane count.

How do I use the IOCTL_USB_GET_NODE_INFORMATION IOCTL to get the linked lane count?

To use the IOCTL_USB_GET_NODE_INFORMATION IOCTL, you’ll need to open a handle to the USB device and then issue the IOCTL using the DeviceIoControl() function. In the input buffer, pass a USB_NODE_INFORMATION structure, which will receive the node information, including the linked lane count, upon successful completion of the IOCTL.

How do I determine the number of lanes supported by the USB device?

The USB_NODE_INFORMATION structure returned by the IOCTL_USB_GET_NODE_INFORMATION IOCTL contains a ULONG member called Usb20PortInfo, which is a bitmask that indicates the capabilities of the port. You can check the USBD_SS_PORT_CAPS_2LANE or USBD_SS_PORT_CAPS_2XLANE bits in this bitmask to determine if the device supports two lanes or two times two lanes, respectively.

Are there any additional considerations I should be aware of when getting the linked lane count?

Yes, be aware that the linked lane count may vary depending on the host controller and the USB device’s capabilities. Additionally, some devices may not support lane switching, so it’s essential to check the device’s specifications before attempting to get the linked lane count.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *