User configurable audio loudspeaker

Abstract

To provide a user configurable audio loudspeaker.SOLUTION: A configurable loudspeaker uses a user orientable routing card 120 that allows for multiple electrical drive modes in a non-powered loudspeaker system. The speaker has one or more drivers 126, 128 mounted in enclosure 124, an audio input interface coupled to an audio source through one or more amplifiers 127, 129, and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card 120. The routing card is configured to be inserted in a first orientation to connect the audio input interface in a first operating mode, and a second orientation to connect the audio input interface in a second operating mode, with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 067,563, and European Patent Application No. 20191732.5, both filed on August 19, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field One or more implementations relate generally to configurable audio speakers, and more specifically to a user orientable routing card for switching between multiple operating modes in a speaker. [Background technology]

[0003] It is often desirable to design a loudspeaker that can be configured in different operating modes. Such modes allow for different amplifier drive configurations. For example, in a low-frequency dual-woofer loudspeaker cabinet, two drive configurations (or "modes") are possible: (1) a single amplifier drives both woofers, which are electrically connected in parallel, or (2) two amplifiers drive each woofer independently. Another common use case for a configurable loudspeaker is the traditional two-way speaker, which has a low / mid-frequency transducer and a high-frequency transducer in a single cabinet. For this speaker, the two possible modes are: (1) a passive mode, in which a single amplifier drives both transducers, and a passive crossover circuit is included within the loudspeaker cabinet to split the single drive signal into low and high frequencies to drive each transducer, or (2) a bi-amp or (active) mode, in which two amplifiers drive each transducer independently without the use of an internal passive crossover in the loudspeaker enclosure.

[0004] Other types or speaker configurations may have different operating modes that allow the same speaker to be operated differently based on the connections between the external amplifiers, the internal drivers, and any optional internal audio processing circuitry.

[0005] Current systems use complex terminal block configurations, jumper wires, rotary switches, or other similar patch cable type solutions to configure the speaker to operate in one of several possible different operating modes. Still other systems require the user to open the system and disconnect and reconnect the internal wiring, while others may not have this feature at all. As can be seen, configuring passive loudspeakers for different amplifier connections can be complicated, difficult, or simply impossible. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An embodiment includes a user-configurable speaker having one or more drivers mounted within an enclosure forming an at least partially enclosed volume, an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source through one or more amplifiers, and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card. The routing card is insertable in a first orientation for connecting the audio input interface to the audio source in a first mode of operation with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and a second orientation for connecting the audio input interface to the audio source in a second mode of operation with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers (e.g., the second mode of operation differs from the first mode of operation with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers). Thus, the first mode of operation may include a first driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and the second mode of operation may include a second driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers. The routing card may be a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on a connector interface. The routing card has a set of conductive traces, a first orientation of the traces coupling the set of connectors together in a first routing scheme for a first mode of operation, and a second orientation of the traces coupling the set of connectors together in a second routing scheme for a second mode of operation. The set of connectors on the PCB may include two rows of connectors disposed proximate opposing edges of the connector side and disposed on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB. The first orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis. The speaker may have a receptacle formed in a surface of the enclosure.The receptacle provides access to the connector interface for coupling a connector side of the routing card to a corresponding connector set on the connector interface. The receptacle may be of a suitable size to allow a user to reach in and grasp the routing card for insertion into and removal from the corresponding connector set on the connector interface. The connector interface may include two sets of connections between the audio interface, the one or more drivers, and one or more audio processing circuits of a speaker. Inserting the routing card in a first orientation selects a first set of connections for audio signals between the audio interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuit, and inserting the routing card in a second orientation selects a second set of connections for audio signals between the audio interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuit.

[0007] The one or more drivers may include two woofers, and the audio input interface is coupled to at least two amplifiers, a first mode including each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and a second mode including each of the two woofers being independently driven by a respective amplifier.

[0008] The one or more drivers may include a woofer and a tweeter, and the audio input interface is coupled to at least two amplifiers, a first mode including both the woofer and the tweeter being driven by a single amplifier and a crossover circuit directing appropriate audio frequency signals to the woofer and the tweeter, and a second mode including each of the woofer and the tweeter being driven independently by a respective amplifier without a crossover circuit.

[0009] When the routing card is inserted / accepted into the connector interface in a first orientation, the speaker can be operated in a first mode of operation by providing a first routing of audio signals (e.g., as received by the audio input interface) between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers through the connector interface and the routing card. When the routing card is inserted / accepted into the connector interface in a second orientation, the speaker can be operated in a second mode of operation by providing a second routing of audio signals (e.g., as received by the audio input interface) between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers through the connector interface and the routing card. In other words, embodiments may include a user-configurable speaker having one or more drivers mounted within an enclosure forming an at least partially enclosed volume; an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source through one or more amplifiers (e.g., to receive audio signals); and a connector interface configured to accept a routing card. wherein the routing card is insertable in a first orientation to operate the speaker in a first mode of operation by providing a first routing of audio signals (e.g., received by the audio input interface) between an audio input interface and the one or more drivers through a connector interface and the routing card, and a second orientation to operate the speaker in a second mode of operation by providing a second routing of audio signals (e.g., received by the audio input interface) between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers through the connector interface and the routing card. A connector interface may be coupled between the one or more drivers and the audio input interface.

[0010] In embodiments in which the routing card includes or is a PCB, the PCB may include a set of conductive traces that couple together a set of connectors on a connector side of the PCB, such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a first orientation, the traces (and the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB) couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a first routing manner, thereby operating the speaker in a first mode of operation, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a second orientation, the traces (and the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB) couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a second routing manner, thereby operating the speaker in a second mode of operation.

[0011] The set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB may include a first row and a second row of connectors, and a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface may include a first row and a second row of connectors. When the routing card / PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is mated to the first row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is mated to the second row of connectors on the connector interface (thereby operating the speaker in a first mode of operation). When the routing card / PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is mated to the second row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is mated to the first row of connectors on the connector interface (thereby operating the speaker in a second mode of operation). The first and second rows of connectors on the connector side of the PCB may be located proximate opposing edges of the connector side and on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB.

[0012] The speaker may also include a speaker configurator for routing audio signals in a speaker including one or more drivers, the speaker configurator including a printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of traces laid out such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a first mode by routing audio signals within the speaker to a first routing between the driver and one or more amplifiers external to the speaker and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a second mode by routing the audio signals to a second routing between the driver and the one or more amplifiers, and a connector interface configured to connect the driver to the PCB in the first orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the first mode and to connect the driver to the PCB in the second orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the second mode.

[0013] Embodiments may further include a method of changing an operational mode of a configurable speaker having one or more drivers by providing a printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of traces laid out such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a first mode by routing an audio signal within the speaker to a first routing between the driver and one or more amplifiers external to the speaker and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a second mode by routing the audio signal to a second routing between the driver and the one or more amplifiers, and providing a connector interface configured to connect the driver to the PCB in the first orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the first mode and to connect the driver to the PCB in the second orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the second mode.

[0014] An embodiment may further include a method for changing an operational mode of a configurable speaker having one or more drivers, an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source through one or more amplifiers, and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card.

[0015] Inserting a printed circuit board (PCB) into the connector interface in a first orientation or a second orientation, the PCB having a set of conductive traces laid out such that inserting the PCB into the connector interface in the first orientation causes the speaker to operate in a first mode by routing audio signals in the speaker to a first routing between the one or more drivers and the one or more amplifiers, and inserting the PCB into the connector interface in the second orientation causes the speaker to operate in a second mode by routing the audio signals to a second routing between the driver and the one or more amplifiers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] In the following drawings, like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements. The following figures show various examples, however, one or more implementations are not limited to the examples shown in the figures.

[0017] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates an exemplary two-woofer loudspeaker with a routing card that selects between jump and non-jump modes of operation, under some embodiments.

[0018] [Figure 1B] Under some embodiments, an exemplary 2-way loudspeaker with a routing card that selects between passive crossover and active / bi-amp modes is shown.

[0019] [Diagram 2] In some embodiments, a routing card for use with a configurable multi-way loudspeaker is shown.

[0020] [Diagram 3] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams illustrating the orientation of a routing card in two different orientations for configuring a loudspeaker in one of two different modes, under some embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 4] In some embodiments, insertion of a routing card into a speaker receptacle is shown.

[0022] [Figure 5A] 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of the orientation of a routing card between non-jump and jump modes for the dual woofer speaker of FIG. 1A, under some embodiments.

[0023] [Figure 5B] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of the orientation of a routing card between a passive crossover mode and an active / bi-amp mode for a two-way loudspeaker, under some embodiments.

[0024] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an electrical schematic for a dual woofer speaker in single drive jump mode, under some embodiments.

[0025] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an electrical schematic for a dual woofer speaker in dual drive non-jump mode, under some embodiments.

[0026] [Figure 8] 1 shows an electrical schematic for a two-way speaker in passive mode, under some embodiments.

[0027] [Figure 9] 1 shows an electrical schematic for a two-way speaker in bi-amp active mode, under some embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 10A] Under various embodiments, FIGS. 6 and 7 show detailed wiring diagrams of the routing card for jump and non-jump dual woofer modes.

[0029] [Figure 10B] Under various embodiments, Figures 8 and 9 show detailed wiring diagrams of the routing card for passive and active 2-way speaker modes.

[0030] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating the equivalent switching functionality of a routing card for changing the operating mode in a two-way speaker between passive and bi-amp modes, under some embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 12] 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating the equivalent switching function of a routing card for changing the operating mode of a dual woofer speaker between jump mode and non-jump mode, under some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The embodiments are directed to a configurable audio speaker with a user-orientable routing card for selecting one of multiple electrical drive modes and / or audio processing configurations. Any of the described embodiments may be used alone or with each other in any combination. The various embodiments may be motivated by various deficiencies of current and known solutions that may be discussed herein, although the embodiments do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. Different embodiments may address different deficiencies, and some may only be partially addressed.

[0033] The term "speaker" or "loudspeaker" refers to an audio reproducing speaker having a cabinet enclosing one or more drivers, and the term "driver" refers to an individual audio transducer that converts an electrical audio signal into sound waves, and may be implemented as a cone, horn, microspeaker, or planar driver, and may be a full-range driver or may be configured to reproduce a certain frequency range, such as a tweeter, midrange driver, woofer, subwoofer, etc. The driver may be mounted within a cabinet or on an open backed baffle. The term "cabinet" refers to a speaker enclosure or box that houses a transducer or transducers (or drivers), and may be fully enclosed to acoustically isolate the transducers, or may be vented or partially open if necessary for certain audio response characteristics.

[0034] Used with a rotatable routing card, the loudspeakers can be configured in a variety of operating modes, with various types of cabinet shapes and sizes, drivers (tweeter, midrange, woofer) in two-way or multi-way speakers, and passive / active operation.

[0035] A speaker may be configurable to operate in one of several different drive settings based on the operation of the various drivers in the speaker and / or the operation of one or more amplifiers driving the various drivers in the speaker. FIG. 1A shows an exemplary audio speaker 122 having a cabinet 124 that holds two woofers 126 and 128. For this direct drive embodiment, two amplifiers 127 and 129 each drive the respective woofers 126 and 128. For this embodiment, the speaker system 122 is a passive speaker that does not include internal amplifiers or power supplies. It simply receives an amplified audio signal from an amplifier(s) for playback through the woofers. The woofers may each be directly driven by their own amplifier or may be driven by a single amplifier such as amplifier 127. For this embodiment, an insertable routing card 120 may be used to set the appropriate amplifier and driver connections for the direct drive mode or the single drive mode. For example, inserting the routing card 120 in a first orientation (labeled "Mode 1") can connect both woofers to one amplifier (single drive), while inserting the card in a second (rotated) orientation (labeled "Mode 2") can connect each woofer to its own amplifier (dual drive or direct drive).

[0036] FIG. 1B illustrates a different two-way speaker that uses a rotatable routing card under some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1B, the two-way speaker 102 includes a cabinet 104 that holds a tweeter 108 and a woofer 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the drivers are aligned along the axis of the cabinet 104, e.g., along the vertical axis of the cabinet for an upright speaker. The driver composition and configuration of the speaker 102 are shown by way of example only, and any size or orientation of the speaker 102 may be used, such as a horizontal speaker, a soundbar, a cube speaker, a bookshelf or tabletop speaker, etc. Similarly, any number, arrangement, and type of drivers may be used, such as tweeters, additional midrange drivers, etc. In some embodiments, a passive crossover circuit 112 is provided to route the different audio signal components to the appropriate speakers. In the two-way speaker 102, low frequency signals (e.g., below 1 kHz to 2 kHz) may be sent to the woofer 110, and higher frequencies may be sent to the driver (e.g., tweeter) 108. The insertable routing card 116 can be used to configure the appropriate speaker connections with respect to the crossover 112 and / or other processing circuitry within the speaker 102. For example, inserting the routing card 116 in a first orientation (labeled "Mode 1") can include the crossover 112 in the audio path to the drivers 108 and 110, while inserting the card in a second (rotated) orientation (labeled "Mode 2") can remove the crossover from the audio path and provide an individually amplified signal to each driver.

[0037] As previously mentioned, the routing card is configured to select between two operating modes for any appropriately configured speaker. Thus, Figures 1A and 1B each show a speaker that can be configured to operate in one of two operating modes by inserting a routing card into the speaker in either of two different possible orientations.

[0038] FIG. 1A shows a first use case 122 in which the speaker is a dual woofer speaker with a cabinet 124 enclosing two woofers 126 and 128. Depending on the mode configuration of the speaker, one or two amplifiers 127 and 129 may be provided to drive the woofers. The speaker also includes an interface for connecting a rotatable routing card 120 in one of two different orientations to select one of the two modes. The first mode (mode 1) is a configuration in which a single amplifier 127 drives both woofers 126 and 128 in parallel. This is called the single drive jumped mode for the speaker and is selected by inserting the routing card 120 into the interface in the first orientation. The second mode (mode 2) is a configuration in which a second amplifier 129 is provided in addition to the amplifier 127, and each woofer 126, 128 is driven by a separate amplifier. This mode is referred to as the dual drive (or direct drive) non-jump mode and is selected by inserting the routing card 120 into the interface in a second orientation.

[0039] FIG. 1B shows a second use case 102 in which the speaker is a two-way speaker with a cabinet 104 enclosing two different drivers, such as a midrange or woofer 110 and a tweeter 108. Depending on the mode configuration of the speaker, one or two amplifiers 107 and 109 may be provided to drive the two drivers. The speaker also includes an interface for connecting a rotatable routing card 116 in one of two different orientations to select one of the two modes. The first mode (mode 1) is a configuration in which a single amplifier 107 drives both drivers 126 and 128 in parallel through a crossover circuit 112. This is called the passive mode for the two-way speaker and is selected by inserting the routing card 116 into the interface in the first orientation. The second mode (mode 2) is a configuration in which a second amplifier 109 is provided in addition to the amplifier 107, and each driver 110 and 108 is driven by a separate amplifier. This mode is called the bi-amp active mode and is selected by inserting the routing card 116 into the interface in a second orientation.

[0040] Both use cases (FIGS. 1A and 1B) are representative of common use cases in professional loudspeaker design in general, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Any configuration of amplifier and driver configurations and connectivity, and audio signal routing from the amplifier(s) to the different drivers may be used. Detailed wiring connections for the routing card speaker interface for different use cases and modes for the example of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are provided in more detail below.

[0041] Table 1 shows the two use cases of Figures 1A and 1B in tabular form, along with the corresponding operating modes and routing card configurations, and the number of amplifiers used for each mode. It should be noted that there can be any number of use cases that can be used based on the speaker configuration (number of drivers, type of drivers), associated audio processing (crossover, filters, EQ, etc.), amplifiers, etc. For each use case or speaker configuration, a different routing card may be provided to easily select between the two different operating modes. [Table 1]

[0042] The use of a routing card (120 or 116) generally simplifies and makes the process of switching between multiple speaker system modes for different use cases easily repeatable. In one embodiment, the routing card is implemented as a printed circuit board PCB that the user can install in one of two different orientations corresponding to one of two different operating modes, such as single drive or dual drive for a dual woofer use case, or passive crossover or active / bi-amp mode for a two-way use case. To change the operating mode of a speaker, the PCB can be easily rotated and reinserted, thus allowing for quick reconfiguration of the electrical drive of the speaker in terms of amplifiers and audio circuitry (e.g., crossover).

[0043] 1A and 1B show one speaker coupled to one or more amplifiers, it should be noted that the overall audio system may include any number of speakers in a stereo, multi-channel, surround sound, cinema, or similar environment, some or all of which may be configurable speakers such as those shown as speaker 102 or 122.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a routing card for use with a configurable multi-way speaker, under some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the routing card 202 is provided in the form of a PCB with two separate rows of connectors 204 and 206. The PCB 202 is wired to be symmetrical about a common central (e.g., vertical or horizontal) axis 208. Inside the loudspeaker, there is a separate PCB interface circuit to provide a mating connector for the routing PCB card and to provide any required internal signals. The internal PCB and the external routing PCB are designed with symmetric mating connectors so that the routing PCB can be mated to the internal PCB at different rotation angles. The user can switch between the two operating modes by rotating the routing PCB card 180 degrees and re-installing it into the speaker.

[0045] To achieve proper routing control and current handling, the routing PCB card is designed with symmetric mirrored layout copper layers. FIG. 3 shows the orientation of the routing card in two different orientations to configure the loudspeaker into one of two different modes, under some embodiments. FIG. 3 shows the card in a first orientation 302 where a first mode (mode 1) is selected when the card is inserted or attached to the speaker. After a rotation or "flip" operation 306, the card is rotated 180 degrees and mode 2 is selected instead of mode 1. The routing PCB card is simply rotated 180 degrees to change the signal routing between the two rows of mating connectors in the speaker.

[0046] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the card is configured to be inserted into a receptacle in a speaker in the direction of arrow 210, with connector rows (or sets) 204 and 206 contacting or being inserted into corresponding pins or sockets in the receptacle. FIG. 4 illustrates the insertion of a routing card into a speaker receptacle, under some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the routing card 202 is inserted into a receptacle 402 that is attached to an interface card 404 that couples to a driver connection in the speaker. The interface card 404 may be a separate PCB connected to the speaker or may be integrally formed in a cabinet panel. The receptacle 402 may be located or formed in the speaker cabinet in any suitable location, such as the back panel, top panel, front panel, etc., as desired. Typically, the receptacle is in a format large enough to allow a user to easily grasp, remove, and insert the card 202 in the cabinet panel.

[0047] The interface card 404 has a set of connectors 406 that mate with corresponding connectors 203 in rows 204 and 206 on the back of the routing card 202. For the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the interface card 404 has two rows of male pin header connectors 406 (e.g., a first row of connectors 406a and a second row of connectors 406b) and the routing PCB card has two rows of female pin sockets 203 (e.g., a first row 204 and a second row 206), although the embodiment is not limited thereto as any type and configuration of mating connectors or contacts may be used. As shown in FIG. 3, to switch between the two modes (mode 1 and mode 2), the routing card 202 is removed from the receptacle 402, flipped over (rotated 180 degrees), and reinserted into the receptacle so that the opposite set of connectors 203 is coupled to the set of connectors 406 in the speaker (e.g., 204 to 406b, 206 to 406a).

[0048] In one embodiment, the routing card is simply an arrangement of symmetrical copper wires, and the internal interface card 404, in conjunction with rotational insertion of the routing card (302 or 304), can ultimately determine the operating mode of the speaker in any particular use case. In one embodiment, the routing card includes a set of conductive traces, a first orientation of the traces coupling together a set of connectors in a first routing scheme for a first operating mode, and a second orientation of the traces coupling together the set of connectors in a second routing scheme for a second operating mode. As shown in FIG. 2, the set of connectors includes two rows of connectors disposed adjacent opposing edges of the connector side of the PCB and disposed on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB. As shown in FIG. 3, the first orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis.

[0049] 2 and 4, the routing card 202 is shown as a rectangular PCB with terminals arranged in rows on the same side of the PCB, located along the long edge of the connector side of the PCB, and configured to mate with corresponding connector rows 406 on the internal connector card 404 by first inserting the connector side of the routing card into the receptacle 402.

[0050] It should be noted that any size and shape of routing card may be used, given the same configuration as the internal connector card. For example, the routing card may be square, have connectors along adjacent edges rather than opposite edges, or any other configuration as long as symmetry about the axis of rotation is maintained and mates with a corresponding set of connectors on the internal connector card. The mating connectors between the routing card 202 and the internal connector card 404 are shown as pin and socket type connections. Other connection means may be used, such as surface mount connections where traces on the routing card slide into corresponding slots on the internal connector card or vice versa. For purposes of description, the routing card is described as having a connector side with terminals located on opposite edges of that side of the routing card, such that the connectors can be swapped for reinsertion by rotating the card 180 degrees, but it should be noted that other configurations are possible.

[0051] The different modes, Mode 1 and Mode 2, in FIG. 3 represent any two different operating modes of a configurable loudspeaker. As previously mentioned, there are two main use cases where configurability of speaker drive is desired: (1) switching a multi-woofer, low frequency cabinet between single or multiple amplifier (e.g., bi-amp) drive (FIG. 1A) and (2) switching a two-way speaker between a single amplifier, passive crossover mode and a multiple amplifier active drive mode (FIG. 1B). FIG. 5A shows a schematic of the orientation of the routing card 120 for a dual woofer use case configured between jump mode (single amplifier) ​​and dual mode (dual amplifier). As shown in FIG. 5A, the first mode orientation of the routing card 120 places the dual woofer speaker in a jump mode configuration for use with one amplifier. The second mode orientation is achieved by removing the card and reinserting it after a 180 degree rotation 501 to place the speaker in a jump mode configuration for use with two separate amplifiers. 5B shows a schematic of the orientation of the routing card 116 for a two-way speaker use case configured between a passive mode (with crossover) and an active bi-amp mode (without crossover). As shown in FIG. 5B, the first mode orientation of the routing card 116 places the two-way speaker in a passive mode configuration for use with one amplifier with a crossover. The second mode orientation is achieved by removing the card and reinserting it after a 180 degree rotation 506 to place the speaker in an active / bi-amp mode configuration for use with two separate amplifiers without a crossover.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1A, the routing card 120 can be used to select between a single drive jump mode or a dual drive non-jump mode for a dual woofer speaker. Figures 6 and 7 show the circuit connections for the amplifiers, drivers, interfaces, and routing card for each of these two modes, labeled Mode 1 and Mode 2 in Figure 1A.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates an electrical schematic for a dual woofer speaker in single drive jumped mode, under some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6, drawing 600 illustrates a single amplifier 602 coupled to dual woofers 604 and 606 through speaker input terminal 608, which is typically a back panel plug, screw, or other similar wiring interface for connecting an amplifier cable to the speaker. Within the speaker, conductor 601 sends an amplified audio signal to drivers 604 and 606. The audio signal is routed through routing card 610 and can be directed in one of two ways within the speaker. For the embodiment of FIG. 6, routing card 610 is routed to allow a single amplifier 602 connected to terminal 608 to drive both drivers 604 and 606 in parallel. This is the single drive jumped mode for the dual woofer speaker.

[0054] Routing card 610 has two separate rows of connectors for mating with receptacle interface card 404. These connectors (labeled rows JP1 and JP2) may be provided as rows of pins or other contacts located on different (e.g., opposite) sides of the routing card. For the example of FIG. 6, routing card 610 is shown oriented with connector JP2 above connector JP1.

[0055] When the routing card 610 is rotated (flipped) and inserted into the speaker in the opposite orientation, different operating modes of the speaker system 600 are selected, such as single drive and dual drive using two amplifiers. FIG. 7 shows an electrical schematic for a dual woofer speaker in dual drive non-jump mode, under some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, drawing 700 shows two amplifiers 602 coupled to dual woofers 604 and 606 through speaker input terminals 608. Inside the speaker, as in drawing 600, conductors 601 route the amplified audio signal to drivers 604 and 606. The audio signal is routed through the routing card 610 inserted in the opposite orientation to drawing 600. For the embodiment of FIG. 7, the routing card 610 is routed to allow each amplifier 602 and 603 connected to terminals 608 to separately drive a different respective driver 604 and 606. This is a dual drive non-jumped mode for dual woofer speakers. For the example of Figure 7, routing card 610 is shown oriented with connector JP1 above connector JP2.

[0056] It can be seen that the physical wiring between the speaker input terminal 608, the routing card receptacles, and the drivers is the same for both the configurations of Figures 6 and 7. The orientation of the rotatable routing card 610 determines the actual connection of the wiring between the amplifier(s) connected to terminal 608 and the woofers 604 and 606.

[0057] Although Figures 1A, 6 and 7 show a speaker with two woofers, embodiments are not so limited. Any practical number of drivers (e.g., woofers) and amplifiers may be provided. If more than two woofers are provided, a corresponding number of additional amplifiers must also be provided to maintain the independent drive operation of Figure 7. In the jump mode configuration of Figure 6, if more than two woofers are provided, amplifier 602 is wired through terminal 608 to drive those woofers as well.

[0058] Another multi-mode use case for a speaker with a rotatable routing card, as shown in Figure 1B, is when a two-way speaker is configured to either use a crossover in passive mode or drive the drivers directly in bi-amp active mode. A passive crossover implementation requires that the passive crossover network be included in the circuit or removed entirely, depending on the orientation of the routing card. Ensuring that a passive crossover is properly removed from the electrical circuit can be difficult, requiring multiple signals to be "broken" to properly disconnect the crossover from the driving and load circuits.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1B, the routing card 120 can be used to select a passive mode or a bi-amp active mode for the two-way speaker. Figures 8 and 9 show the circuit connections for the amplifiers, drivers, interfaces, and routing card for each of these two modes, labeled Mode 1 and Mode 2 in Figure 1B.

[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates an electrical schematic of a two-way speaker in passive mode under some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 8, drawing 800 illustrates a single amplifier 802 coupled to drivers 804 and 806 through speaker input terminals 808, which again can be back panel plugs, screws, or other similar wiring interfaces for connecting amplifier cables to the speaker. The drivers can include a low or mid frequency driver 804, such as a woofer or midrange driver, and a high frequency driver 806, such as a tweeter or high-mid driver. Within the speaker, conductors 801 route the amplified audio signal to drivers 804 and 806. The audio signal is routed through a routing card 810 that can be directed in one of two ways within the speaker. For the embodiment of FIG. 8, the routing card 810 is routed to allow a single amplifier 802 connected to terminals 808 to drive both drivers 804 and 806 in parallel through crossover circuitry 812. This is a passive crossover mode for a two-way speaker, where the full-band audio signal from the amplifier is separated by the crossover 812 into the appropriate sub-bands and sent to the appropriate drivers, i.e., high frequency audio signals to the tweeter 806 and mid / low frequency audio signals to the woofer 804. This is a passive mode for a two-way speaker, and for the example of Figure 8, the routing card 810 is shown oriented with connector JP1 above connector JP2.

[0061] When the routing card 810 is rotated (flipped) and inserted into the speaker in the opposite orientation, a different operating mode of the speaker system 800 is selected, such as a bi-amp mode versus a passive mode. FIG. 9 illustrates an electrical schematic for a two-way speaker in a bi-amp active mode, under some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, the drawing 900 illustrates two amplifiers 802 and 803 coupled to drivers 804 and 806 through speaker input terminals 808. The audio signals are routed through the routing card 810 inserted in the opposite orientation to drawing 800. For the embodiment of FIG. 9, the routing card 810 is routed to allow each amplifier 802 and 803 connected to terminals 808 to drive different respective drivers 804 and 806 separately without the use of a crossover 812. For this configuration, the appropriate audio signal frequency bands are sent separately by each amplifier to the appropriate driver, and thus no internal speaker crossover function is required. For the example of FIG. 9, routing card 810 is shown oriented with connector JP2 above connector JP1.

[0062] As discussed above with respect to Figures 6 and 7, and similarly with respect to Figures 8 and 9, it can be seen that the physical wiring between the speaker input terminal 808, the routing card receptacles, and the drivers is the same in both configurations of Figures 8 and 9. The orientation of the rotatable routing card 810 determines the actual connection of the wiring between the amplifier(s) connected to terminal 808 and the drivers 804 and 806.

[0063] In one embodiment, the routing card in any use case (e.g., FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) is a PCB with specific wiring connections between two sets of terminals arranged along different (e.g., opposite) sides of the card. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, a routing card 202 with connectors 203 is inserted into corresponding mating terminals 406 of an internal interface card 404 in a speaker receptacle 402. In this manner, the routing card is simply a symmetrical copper wiring arrangement, and the different operating modes are determined by the configuration of the interface card 404 and the orientation of the routing card 202 when connected.

[0064] FIG. 10A shows detailed wiring diagrams of the routing card for the jump and non-jump dual woofer modes of FIGS. 6 and 7, under embodiments. As shown in FIG. 10A, the routing card 1000 has a series of connectors arranged in rows on both sides of the PCB. In this example, the connectors are labeled +1, -1, +2, -2, etc. to correspond to the internal interface card connections. The labeled terminal assignments for these connectors are symmetrical along a particular axis of the card (e.g., the vertical axis). Different static traces are provided between the two rows of connectors, and rotating the card around the axis of symmetry and reinserting it selects an opposite set of connections between the two terminals, thus resulting in two different operating modes when the routing card is connected to the interface card.

[0065] Table 2 shows an example function of each connector of the routing card 1000, under some embodiments. [Table 2]

[0066] When the routing card is mated with the internal connector card at a rotation angle that results in non-jump mode 1002, the signals are not cross connected and 1+ is connected to 1+, 2+ is connected to 2+, 1- is connected to 1-, and 2- is connected to 2-. Woofer 1 is always connected to 1+ and 1-, and woofer 2 is always connected to 2+ and 2-, so that each woofer can be driven independently with two separate audio amplifiers. When the routing card is mated with a rotation angle that results in jumped mode 1004 (so called because the input pins are "jumped" together), 1+ is jumped to 2+ and 1- is jumped to 2-. Woofer 1 is always connected to 1+ and 1-, and woofer 2 is always connected to 2+ and 2-, so that in this case both woofers are jumped together and a single audio amplifier can be used to drive the speaker system. Thus, by a simple rotation of the routing PCB card, the user can externally configure the electrical configuration of the internal speaker wiring.

[0067] FIG. 10B illustrates a detailed wiring diagram of a routing card for the passive and bi-amped two-way speaker modes of FIGS. 8 and 9, under embodiments. As shown in FIG. 10B, the routing card 1010 has a series of connectors arranged in rows on both sides of the PCB. In this example, the connectors are labeled as shown, XI, -2, MF, etc., to correspond to the internal interface card connections. As before, the labeled terminal assignments of these connectors are symmetrical along a particular axis of the card (e.g., the vertical axis). Different static traces are provided between the two rows of connectors, and rotating the card around the axis of symmetry and reinserting it selects the opposite set of connections between the two terminals, resulting in two different operating modes when the routing card is connected to the interface card.

[0068] Table 3 shows an example function of each connector of the routing card 1010, under some embodiments. [Table 3]

[0069] When the routing card is rotated to an angle that puts it in passive crossover mode 1014, the following signals are connected: XM to MF: The crossover midrange output is connected to the midrange driver positive terminal. XH to HF: The high frequency output is connected to the high frequency driver positive terminal. 1+ to XI: Input pin 1 positive is connected to the crossover input positive terminal. 1- to 2-: Input pin 1 negative is connected to input pin 2 negative. When the routing card is rotated to an angle that puts it in bi-amp mode 1012, the following signals are connected: XM to XI: Crossover midrange output is connected to crossover input positive (no function here). 1+ to MF: Input pin 1 positive is connected to the midrange driver positive terminal. 2+ to HF: Input pin 2 positive is connected to the high frequency driver positive terminal.

[0070] 10A and 10B are provided for illustrative purposes and any other configurations of routing cards may be used depending on the system configuration and requirements, such as the speaker use case, possible operating modes, amplifier / driver configuration, audio playback requirements, etc.

[0071] The configurable speaker system embodiment essentially uses two PCB circuits: one permanently mounted PCB 404 within the speaker as an internal connector interconnecting (a) the main input connector to the speaker, (b) crossover input / output signals, (c) speaker drive signals, (d) a receptacle for the routing card; and one external / rotatable PCB 202 that is outside the main speaker enclosure but provides at least two different signal routing options (modes) when connected to the permanent internal PCB at various angles (0 or 180). The orientation of the routing card PCB results in a change in the signal routing within the speaker; other than the rotation of the routing PCB traces, all other wiring and PCB traces and circuits are fixed.

[0072] The use of a rotatable routing card with an internal connector PCB allows the configuration of a speaker system to be conveniently and effectively switched between two operating modes by a simple flip of the card. As such, it replaces actual switches and relays through a configurable interface between the routing card connector and the internal connector card terminals. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the equivalent switching function of a routing card for changing the operating mode of a two-way speaker between a passive mode and a bi-amp mode, under some embodiments. As shown in drawing 1100, the card operates to set four switches, shown as S1, S2, S3, and S4, between the connection terminal J1 and a set of speakers, a woofer / midrange 1104, and a tweeter 1106. Drawing 1100 shows how the switches S1-S4 are placed in one of two states by rotating the routing card. It also shows how the use of a routing card simplifies the internal circuitry of the speaker by eliminating actual physical switches and other connection methods such as patch cables.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing the equivalent switching function of a routing card to change the operating mode of a dual woofer speaker between jump and non-jump modes, under some embodiments. As shown in drawing 1200, the card functions as a set of two switches, shown as S1 and S2, between connection terminal J2 and woofers 1204 and 1206 that are driven in parallel or independently. Drawing 1200 shows how switches S1 and S2 are thrown into one of the two modes via rotation of the routing card. Again, this shows the replacement of complex switching circuitry with a simple PCB-based routing card.

[0074] Although the embodiments are described with respect to certain modes of operation, such as single amplifier vs. multi-amplifier and crossover in or out modes, the embodiments are not so limited and any other selectable use cases with different modes of operation may be used depending on the system requirements and transducer / audio processing circuitry. Additionally, although the embodiments are described with respect to separate assemblies of routing PCB cards and internal mating PCBs, the embodiments may include integrated switchable circuitry or incorporate the input connector, routing PCB cards, and internal mating PCBs into a single subassembly.

[0075] Although the embodiments are discussed with respect to mating the routing card within the speaker at two different rotation angles (e.g., 0 degrees and 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 3), other orientation angles are possible. For example, a four-way configuration scheme may be provided in which the speaker card is designed to be four-way symmetrical rather than two-way symmetrical. In this embodiment, the routing card may be symmetrical about the horizontal (x) and vertical (y) axes and may be inserted in any of four orientations with rotation angles of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. A configuration may select one of four operating modes, such as bi-amp only, bi-amp and crossover, crossover only, and no bi-amp or crossover.

[0076] Additionally, although embodiments are described with respect to a speaker with two woofers and a two-way speaker with a low / mid driver and tweeter, the embodiments are not so limited. A speaker may have a single driver with internal or associated audio processing circuitry, and the routing card may be used to switch audio processing functions on or off for the speaker, for example to select direct drive or filtered drive for the speaker, where one mode routes the drive signal through a single internal filter. Similarly, a speaker may include multiple drivers that may be grouped into one or more driver arrays that may be connected differently based on the routing card orientation. Thus, any practical combination of drivers and internal processing circuitry may be used for selection using the routing card systems and methods described herein.

[0077] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, words like "having," "including," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense and not in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. Words using the singular or plural also include the plural or singular, respectively. When the word "or" is used in connection with a list of two or more items, the word covers all of the following interpretations of that word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0078] While one or more implementations have been described by way of example and in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the one or more implementations are not limited thereto. This description is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

[0079] Various aspects of the invention can be appreciated from the following enumerated example embodiments (EEE). [EEE1] one or more drivers mounted within an enclosure forming an at least partially enclosed volume; an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source through one or more amplifiers; a connector interface configured to receive a routing card; A user configurable speaker, comprising: the routing card is insertable in a first orientation for connecting the audio input interface to the audio source in a first mode of operation with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and a second orientation for connecting the audio input interface to the audio source in a second mode of operation with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers. speaker. [EEE2] The speaker of claim 8, wherein the routing card includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE3] The speaker of claim 8, wherein the routing card has a set of conductive traces, further comprising a first orientation of the traces coupling the set of connectors together in a first routing scheme for a first mode of operation and a second orientation of the traces coupling the set of connectors together in a second routing scheme for a second mode of operation. [EEE4] The speaker described in EEE3, wherein the set of connectors includes two rows of connectors positioned adjacent opposing edges of the connector side and arranged on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB, and the first orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis. [EEE5] The speaker as described in EEE4, wherein the speaker has a receptacle formed on a surface of the enclosure, the receptacle providing access to the connector interface for coupling the connector side of the routing card to the corresponding connector set on the connector interface. [EEE6] The speaker of claim EEE5, wherein the receptacle is configured to be of a suitable size to allow a user to reach in and grasp the routing card for insertion into and removal from the corresponding connector set on the connector interface. [EEE7] A speaker as described in any one of EEE1 to 6, wherein the connector interface includes two sets of connections between the audio interface, the one or more drivers, and one or more audio processing circuits of the speaker, and wherein inserting the routing card in the first orientation selects a first set of connections for audio signals between the audio interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuit, and inserting the routing card in the second orientation selects a second set of connections for the audio signals between the audio interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuit. [EEE8] A speaker as described in any one of claims EEE1 to 7, wherein the one or more drivers include two woofers, the audio input interface is coupled to at least two amplifiers, the first mode includes each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and the second mode includes each of the two woofers being driven independently by a respective amplifier. [EEE9] 9. The speaker of any one of claims EEE1 to 8, wherein the one or more drivers include a woofer and a tweeter, the audio input interface is coupled to at least two amplifiers, the first mode includes the woofer and tweeter both being driven by a single amplifier and a crossover circuit directing appropriate audio frequency signals to the woofer and the tweeter, and the second mode includes the woofer and tweeter each being driven independently by a respective amplifier without the crossover circuit. [EEE10] 1. A speaker configurator for routing an audio signal in a speaker, the speaker including one or more drivers, the speaker configurator comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of traces, the set of traces laid out such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to operate a speaker in a first mode by routing an audio signal within the speaker to a first routing between the driver and one or more amplifiers external to the speaker, and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a second mode by routing the audio signal to a second routing between the driver and the one or more amplifiers; a connector interface configured to connect the driver to the PCB in the first orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the first mode and to connect the driver to the PCB in the second orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the second mode. Speaker configuration device. [EEE11] The speaker configurator as described in EEE10, wherein the PCB has a connector side, the connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE12] The speaker configurator of claim 3, wherein the PCB has a set of conductive traces, further wherein a first direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together in a first routing scheme for a first mode of operation and a second direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together in a second routing scheme for a second mode of operation. [EEE13] The speaker constructor described in EEE12, wherein the set of connectors includes two rows of connectors arranged adjacent opposing edges of the connector side and arranged on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB, and the first orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis. [EEE14] A speaker constructor as claimed in any one of claims EEE10 to 13, wherein the one or more drivers include two woofers, the first mode including each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and the second mode including each of the two woofers being driven by its own respective amplifier. [EEE15] 15. The speaker construct of any one of claims EEE10 to 14, wherein the one or more drivers include a woofer and a tweeter, the speaker further comprising an internal passive crossover circuit, the first mode comprising a passive mode in which the woofer and tweeter are both driven by a single amplifier and the passive crossover passes high frequency audio signals to the tweeter and low frequency audio signals to the woofer, and the second mode comprising a bi-amp mode in which the woofer and tweeter are each driven by their own respective amplifier and the passive crossover circuit is not used. [EEE16] 1. A method for changing an operational mode of a configurable speaker having one or more drivers, the method comprising: providing a printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of traces, the set of traces laid out such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to operate a speaker in a first mode by routing an audio signal within the speaker to a first routing between the driver and one or more amplifiers external to the speaker, and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a second mode by routing the audio signal to a second routing between the driver and the one or more amplifiers; providing a connector interface configured to connect the driver to the PCB in the first orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the first mode and to connect the driver to the PCB in the second orientation to connect to the one or more amplifiers in the second mode. method. [EEE17] The method of claim 8, wherein the PCB has a set of conductive traces, further wherein a first orientation of the traces couples the set of connectors together in a first routing scheme for a first mode of operation and a second orientation of the traces couples the set of connectors together in a second routing scheme for a second mode of operation. [EEE18] The method of claim 8, wherein the set of connectors includes two rows of connectors positioned adjacent opposing edges of the connector side and arranged on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB, and the first orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface at a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface at a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis. [EEE19] The method of any one of EEE16 to 18, wherein the one or more drivers include two woofers, the first mode including each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and the second mode including each of the two woofers being driven by its own respective amplifier. [EEE20] 20. The speaker construct of any one of claims EEE16 to 19, wherein the one or more drivers include a woofer and a tweeter, the speaker further comprising an internal passive crossover circuit, the first mode comprising a passive mode in which the woofer and tweeter are both driven by a single amplifier and the passive crossover passes high frequency audio signals to the tweeter and low frequency audio signals to the woofer, and the second mode comprising a bi-amp mode in which the woofer and tweeter are each driven by their own respective amplifier and the passive crossover circuit is not used. [EEE21] The speaker of any one of claims EEE1 or 5 to 10, wherein the routing card includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE22] the routing card has a set of conductive traces coupling together the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB, the coupling being such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a first routing manner, thereby causing the speaker to operate in the first mode of operation, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a second routing manner, thereby causing the speaker to operate in the second mode of operation. Speaker as described in EEE21. [EEE23] 8. The speaker of claim 7, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row and a second row of connectors and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row and a second row of connectors, such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the first row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the second row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the first row of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE24] The speaker described in EEE23, wherein the first and second rows of connectors of the PCB are positioned adjacent opposing edges of the connectors and on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB. [EEE25] 16. The speaker of any one of claims 10 or 14-15, wherein the PCB has a connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface, and further wherein the set of conductive traces on the PCB couple together the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB, such that when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a first routing scheme to operate the speaker in the first mode of operation, and when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a second routing scheme to operate the speaker in the second mode of operation. [EEE26] 8. The speaker constructor as described in EEE25, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB comprises a first row and a second row of connectors, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface comprises a first row and a second row of connectors, such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the first row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the second row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the first row of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE27] The method of any one of EEE16 or 19-20, wherein the PCB has a connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface, and further wherein the set of conductive traces on the PCB couple together the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB, such that when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a first routing scheme to operate the speaker in the first mode of operation, and when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a second routing scheme to operate the speaker in the second mode of operation. [EEE28] The method of claim 8, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row and a second row of connectors, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row and a second row of connectors, such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the first row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the second row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates with the first row of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE29] one or more drivers mounted within an enclosure forming an at least partially enclosed volume; an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source (e.g., to receive an audio signal) through one or more amplifiers; a connector interface configured to receive a routing card; A user configurable speaker, comprising: a first orientation, the routing card causing the speaker to operate in a first mode of operation by providing a first routing of audio signals (e.g., received by an audio input interface) between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers through the connector interface and the routing card; and a second orientation that causes the speaker to operate in a second mode of operation by providing a second routing of audio signals (e.g., received by the audio input interface) between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers through the connector interface and the routing card. speaker. [EEE30] A speaker as described in EEE29, wherein the connector interface is coupled between the one or more drivers and the audio input interface. [EEE31] The speaker of any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the routing card includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE32] The speaker as described in EEE31, wherein the routing card has a set of conductive traces coupling together the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB, such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a first routing manner, thereby causing the speaker to operate in the first mode of operation, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple together the set of connectors on the connector interface in a second routing manner, thereby causing the speaker to operate in the second mode of operation. [EEE33] 8. The speaker of claim 7, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row and a second row of connectors and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row and a second row of connectors, when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates to the first row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates to the second row of connectors on the connector interface and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB mates to the first row of connectors on the connector interface. [EEE34] The speaker as described in EEE33, wherein the first and second rows of connectors of the PCB are positioned adjacent opposing edges of the connectors and on opposite sides of a central axis of symmetry of the PCB. [EEE35] A speaker as described in any one of EEE1 to 9, 21 to 24 or 29 to 34, further comprising the routing card removably inserted into the connection interface in the first orientation or the second orientation.

Claims

1. One or more drivers mounted within an enclosure that forms at least a partially enclosed volume; An audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source through one or more amplifiers; A connector interface configured to receive a routing card, A user-configurable speaker, Wherein the routing card is insertable in a first orientation for connecting the audio input interface to the audio source in a first mode of operation with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and a second orientation for connecting the audio input interface to the audio source in a second mode of operation with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers. Speaker.

2. The speaker according to claim 1, wherein the second orientation is rotated about a central axis by a certain rotation angle with respect to the first orientation.

3. The speaker according to claim 2, wherein the rotation angle is about 180 degrees.

4. The routing card includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side that includes a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface, the speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The routing card has a set of conductive traces that together couple the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB, such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors on the connector interface in a first routing pattern, thereby operating the speaker in the first mode of operation, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors (406) on the connector interface in a second routing pattern, thereby operating the speaker in the second mode of operation, the speaker according to claim 4.

6. The set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row and a second row of connectors, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row and a second row of connectors. When the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface. When the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface. The speaker according to claim 5. **Claim 7** The speaker according to claim 6, wherein the first row and the second row of connectors of the PCB are arranged close to opposite edges on the connector side and are arranged on opposite sides of the central axis of symmetry of the PCB. **Claim 8** The speaker has a receptacle formed on the surface of the enclosure, and the receptacle provides access to the connector interface for coupling the connector side of the routing card to the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. Further, the receptacle is configured to be of a size suitable for allowing a user to reach in and grasp the routing card for insertion into and removal from the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. The speaker according to claim 6 or 7. **Claim 9**: The connector interface includes two sets of connections between the audio input interface, the one or more drivers, and one or more audio processing circuits of the speaker. When the routing card is inserted in the first orientation, a first set of connections for audio signals between the audio input interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuit is selected. When inserted in the second orientation, a second set of connections for the audio signals between the audio input interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuit is selected. The speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 8. **Claim 10**: The one or more drivers include two woofers, the audio input interface is configured to be coupled to at least two amplifiers, the first mode includes each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and the second mode includes each of the two woofers being independently driven by a respective amplifier. The speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 9. **Claim 11**: The one or more drivers include a woofer and a tweeter, the audio input interface is configured to be coupled to at least two amplifiers, the first mode includes both the woofer and the tweeter being driven by a single amplifier, and a crossover circuit directing an appropriate audio frequency signal to the woofer and the tweeter. The second mode includes each of the woofer and the tweeter being independently driven by a respective amplifier without the crossover circuit. The speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 10. **Claim 12**: Further having the routing card removably inserted into the connection interface in the first orientation or the second orientation. The speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 11. **Claim 13**: A speaker configurator for routing an audio signal in a speaker, the speaker having one or more drivers, and the speaker configurator comprising: A printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of conductive traces, wherein the set of conductive traces is laid out such that a first orientation of the PCB routes an audio signal within the speaker in a first routing between the driver and one or more amplifiers external to the speaker to operate the speaker in a first mode of operation, and a second orientation of the PCB routes the audio signal in a second routing between the driver and the one or more amplifiers to operate the speaker in a second mode of operation; A connector interface configured to connect to the PCB in the first orientation to connect the driver to the one or more amplifiers in the first mode of operation and to connect to the PCB in the second orientation to connect the driver to the one or more amplifiers in the second mode of operation A speaker configurator having. **Claim 14** The speaker configurator according to claim 13, wherein the second orientation is rotated about a central axis by a certain rotation angle with respect to the first orientation. **Claim 15** The speaker according to claim 2, wherein the rotation angle is about 180 degrees.

Images