Type-c connector and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a Type-C connector and an electronic device. The Type-C connector comprises a Type-C plug. The Type-C plug comprises two columns of pins. Among a first column of pins, a first differential signal pin and a second differential signal pin, or a third differential signal pin and a fourth differential signal pin are used for outputting an audio signal. Among a second column of pins, a fifth differential signal pin and a sixth differential signal pin, or a seventh differential signal pin and an eighth differential signal pin are used for outputting an audio signal, wherein the differential signal pins among the two columns of pins used for outputting the audio signals are centrally symmetric about the geometric center of the Type-C plug. The first column of pins and the second column of pins each include two grounding pins, one of the grounding pins serves as a detection pin, the detection pin is configured to be connected to a processor, and the processor is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin and determine, on the basis of a level detection result, whether an accessory has been inserted. By means of the described method, functions such as high-power audio output and accessory insertion detection are achieved.

Description

A Type-C connector and electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411721038.8, filed on November 27, 2024, entitled "A Type-C Connector and Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic circuits, specifically to a Type-C connector and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] The Type-C interface, due to its slim size (only 8.3mm x 2.5mm), reversible plug design, high data transfer rates up to 10Gbps, powerful power delivery (USB PD supports up to 100W charging), and versatile expansion features (such as USB Audio and Alt mode), has been widely used in consumer electronics. The European Commission has announced that from 2024, USB Type-C will become a mandatory standard for electronic devices in the European Union.

[0004] Traditionally, communication products have mostly used contact-based accessory interfaces, paired with self-developed accessories. In recent years, product designs have trended towards thinner and lighter designs, and there's a need for more universal accessory interfaces (to meet users' needs for portable charging and using standard audio accessories). Therefore, Type-C interfaces have been introduced into product designs. However, the standard Type-C interface is not entirely suitable for dedicated terminal products such as walkie-talkies, and cannot meet the specific requirements of these products: such as high-power audio output, special industry applications (such as emergency alarm buttons), security encryption of self-developed accessories, secondary product development and debugging, and deep interface protection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a Type-C connector and electronic device that achieves high-power audio output, accessory insertion detection, and deep interface protection through the aforementioned methods.

[0006] One technical solution adopted in this application is: providing a Type-C connector, the Type-C connector including a Type-C male connector, the Type-C male connector including two columns of pins, the first column of pins including a first differential signal pin, a second differential signal pin, a third differential signal pin and a fourth differential signal pin, the second column of pins including a fifth differential signal pin, a sixth differential signal pin, a seventh differential signal pin and an eighth differential signal pin; the first differential signal pin and the second differential signal pin, or the third differential signal pin and the fourth differential signal pin, are used to output audio signals, the fifth differential signal pin and the sixth differential signal pin, or the seventh differential signal pin and the eighth differential signal pin, are used to output audio signals, wherein the differential signal pins used to output audio signals in the two columns of pins are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector; both the first column of pins and the second column of pins include two ground pins, one of which serves as a detection pin, the detection pin is used to connect to a processor, the processor is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin and determine whether an accessory is inserted based on the level detection result.

[0007] In one embodiment, the Type-C connector includes: a first resistor, a first end of which is connected to a detection pin, and a second end of which is configured to receive an input power supply voltage; and a second resistor, a first end of which is connected to the detection pin, and a second end of which is connected to a processor; wherein the resistance value of the first resistor is greater than the resistance value of the second resistor.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first channel configuration pin and the second channel configuration pin in the two columns of pins are used to transmit a first detection signal or a second detection signal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the Type-C connector includes: a first switching module, connecting a first channel configuration pin and a first detection interface and a second detection interface of the processor, the first switching module being configured to: activate the first channel configuration pin and the first detection interface for detection in an initial state, and activate the first channel configuration pin and the second detection interface when detection fails; and a second switching module, connecting a second channel configuration pin and a third detection interface and a fourth detection interface of the processor, the second switching module being configured to: activate the second channel configuration pin and the third detection interface for detection in an initial state, and activate the second channel configuration pin and the fourth detection interface when detection fails.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first auxiliary communication pin and the second auxiliary communication pin in the two columns of pins are used to transmit a first signal or a second signal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the Type-C connector includes: a third switching module connecting a first auxiliary communication pin and a first auxiliary interface and a second auxiliary interface of the processor, the third switching module being configured to: activate the first auxiliary communication pin and the first auxiliary interface in an initial state, and activate the first auxiliary communication pin and the second auxiliary interface when a second signal needs to be transmitted; and a fourth switching module connecting a second auxiliary communication pin and a third auxiliary interface and a fourth auxiliary interface of the processor, the fourth switching module being configured to: activate the second auxiliary communication pin and the third auxiliary interface in an initial state, and activate the second auxiliary communication pin and the fourth auxiliary interface when a second signal needs to be transmitted.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ninth and tenth differential signal pins in the two columns of pins are used for USB 2.0 communication or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication.

[0013] In one embodiment, one of the differential signal pins (first, second, third, and fourth) that is not used for outputting audio signals is used as a PTT signal pin, and one of the differential signal pins (fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth) that is not used for outputting audio signals is used as a PTT signal pin. The PTT signal pin is configured to connect the PTT button and the processor, wherein the differential signal pins that serve as PTT signal pins in the two columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0014] In one embodiment, one of the differential signal pins among the first, second, third, and fourth differential signal pins that is not used for outputting audio signals is used to transmit an emergency signal; and one of the differential signal pins among the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth differential signal pins that is not used for outputting audio signals is used to transmit an emergency signal. The differential signal pins used for transmitting emergency signals in the two columns of pins are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0015] This application also provides an electronic device that includes the Type-C connector as described above.

[0016] One technical solution adopted in this application is: providing a Type-C connector, the Type-C connector including a Type-C male connector, the Type-C male connector including two columns of pins, the first column of pins including a first differential signal pin, a second differential signal pin, a third differential signal pin and a fourth differential signal pin, the second column of pins including a fifth differential signal pin, a sixth differential signal pin, a seventh differential signal pin and an eighth differential signal pin; the first differential signal pin and the second differential signal pin, or the third differential signal pin and the fourth differential signal pin, are used to output audio signals, the fifth differential signal pin and the sixth differential signal pin, or the seventh differential signal pin and the eighth differential signal pin, are used to output audio signals, wherein the differential signal pins used to output audio signals in the two columns of pins are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector; both the first column of pins and the second column of pins include two ground pins, one of which serves as a detection pin, the detection pin is used to connect to a processor, the processor is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin and determine whether an accessory is inserted based on the level detection result. By redefining the pins of the Type-C connector, the application scope of the Type-C connector has been expanded without affecting the user's need for general accessories, enabling the Type-C connector to be used for high-power audio output and accessory testing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electronic device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all structures. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but in some embodiments includes steps or units not listed, or in some embodiments includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0025] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application, the Type-C connector 100 includes a Type-C male connector, which includes two rows of pins.

[0027] The first column of pins includes the first differential signal pin RX2+, the second differential signal pin RX2-, the third differential signal pin TX1-, and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+. The second column of pins includes the fifth differential signal pin TX2+, the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, the seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+.

[0028] Among them, the first differential signal pin RX2+ and the second differential signal pin RX2-, or the third differential signal pin TX1- and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+ are used to output audio signals, and the fifth differential signal pin TX2+ and the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, or the seventh differential signal pin RX1- and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+ are used to output audio signals. The differential signal pins used to output audio signals in the two columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0029] The first and second column pins each include two ground pins GND, one of which serves as a detection pin DP. The detection pin DP is used to connect to the processor, which is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin DP and determine whether an accessory has been inserted based on the level detection result.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first column of pins is ordered as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, and the second column of pins is ordered as B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12, with pins A1 to A12 and B1 to B12 being centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector. Pin A11 is assigned to the first differential signal pin RX2+, pin A10 to the second differential signal pin RX2-, pin A3 to the third differential signal pin TX1-, pin A2 to the fourth differential signal pin TX1+, pin B2 to the fifth differential signal pin TX2+, pin B3 to the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, pin B10 to the seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and pin B11 to the eighth differential signal pin RX1+.

[0031] Of these, the differential signal pins used for audio signal output in the two columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector. In one application scenario, when pins A11 and A10 are used to output audio signals, pins B11 and B10 are also used to output audio signals. These four pins are used to support high-power differential audio output. In another application scenario, when pins A3 and A2 are used to output audio signals, pins B3 and B2 are also used to output audio signals.

[0032] In one embodiment, pins A1, A12, B1, and B12 are designated as ground pins (GND), and one of these ground pins (GND) is used as a detection pin (DP). The detection pin (DP) is connected to a processor, which is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin (DP). In one application scenario, as shown in Figure 1, pin A1 is defined as the detection pin (DP), and pins B1, A12, and B1 are defined as ground pins (GND). Pin A1 is connected to a processor, which can be an MCU (Microcontroller Unit). The MCU includes GPIO (General-Purpose Input / Output) ports for receiving signals from or sending signals to external devices. In another embodiment, pins A12, B1, or B12 can also be defined as the detection pin (DP); examples of these configurations are not provided here.

[0033] For example, the detection pin DP is connected to a GPIO port on the processor (not shown in the figure), and the ground pin GND corresponding to the accessory connector is grounded. When the Type-C connector 100 on the terminal device is not inserted with an accessory, the level of the detection pin DP is high. When an accessory is inserted, the detection pin DP is connected to the ground pin GND of the accessory connector and then grounded. The detection pin DP is pulled low from high level, and the processor detects the level change through the GPIO port, thus recognizing the access of the accessory. When the accessory is removed, the level of the detection pin DP returns to high level, and the processor detects the level change through the GPIO port, thus recognizing the removal of the accessory. The accessory can be a general-purpose accessory, such as headphones, or a custom accessory; there are no restrictions here.

[0034] Understandably, by redefining the differential signal pins, high-power differential audio output can be achieved; by detecting changes in the DP pin level, accurate identification of accessory insertion and removal can be achieved; and while expanding the functionality of the Type-C connector 100, the reversible physical characteristics of the Type-C connector 100 are retained.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, which is a structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application, the Type-C connector 100 includes a Type-C male connector, which includes two rows of pins.

[0036] The first column of pins includes the first differential signal pin RX2+, the second differential signal pin RX2-, the third differential signal pin TX1-, and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+. The second column of pins includes the fifth differential signal pin TX2+, the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, the seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+.

[0037] Among them, the first differential signal pin RX2+ and the second differential signal pin RX2-, or the third differential signal pin TX1- and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+ are used to output audio signals, and the fifth differential signal pin TX2+ and the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, or the seventh differential signal pin RX1- and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+ are used to output audio signals. The differential signal pins used to output audio signals in the two columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0038] The first and second column pins each include two ground pins GND, one of which serves as a detection pin DP. The detection pin DP is used to connect to the processor, which is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin DP and determine whether an accessory has been inserted based on the level detection result.

[0039] In some embodiments, the Type-C connector 100 includes: a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. The first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to a detection pin DP, and the second end of the first resistor R1 is configured to receive an input power supply voltage VDD. The first end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the detection pin DP, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is connected to a processor. The resistance value of the first resistor R1 is greater than the resistance value of the second resistor R2.

[0040] For example, the first resistor R1 pulls the level of the detection pin DP high. The detection pin DP is connected to the processor's GPIO port through the second resistor R2. When the accessory is inserted, the level of the detection pin DP is pulled low. When the accessory is removed, the level of the detection pin DP is pulled high by the first resistor R1.

[0041] For example, when the metal pins of the Type-C connector 100 are exposed to a humid or electrolyte-containing environment for a long time, electrochemical corrosion may occur due to potential differences, leading to pin surface oxidation, poor contact, or even short circuits. Adjusting the resistance value of the first resistor R1 can change the voltage distribution on the detection pin DP. When the resistance value of the first resistor R1 connected to the detection pin DP increases, the current on that pin will decrease accordingly. When the Type-C connector 100 is not connected to an accessory or is not used for a long time, the reduced current helps to reduce the electrochemical reaction caused by the potential difference, thereby delaying the corrosion process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first resistor R1 is selected as a resistor with a relatively large resistance value, which is generally not less than 22KΩ. In one application scenario, adjusting the resistance value of the first resistor R1 to 22KΩ can ensure a stable level state of the detection pin DP, ensure the stability of the level signal when the accessory is plugged in or out, and also achieve corrosion prevention.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second channel configuration pin CC2 in the two columns of pins are used to transmit a first detection signal or a second detection signal.

[0043] For example, the first detection signal is the CC communication function, and the second detection signal is the custom single-bus communication function. That is, the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second channel configuration pin CC2 are configured to be compatible with both the CC communication function and the custom single-bus communication function, so as to achieve a design that is compatible with both standard and custom functions.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first column of pins is ordered as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, and the second column of pins is ordered as B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12, with pins A1 to A12 and pins B1 to B12 being centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector. Pin A5 is assigned to the first channel configuration pin CC1, and pin B5 is assigned to the second channel configuration pin CC2.

[0045] In some embodiments, the Type-C connector 100 includes a first switching module 10 and a second switching module 20. The first switching module 10 connects a first channel configuration pin CC1 to a first detection interface MCC1 and a second detection interface MHASI1 of the processor. The first switching module 10 is configured to: initially enable the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the first detection interface MCC1 for detection, and enable the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second detection interface MHASI1 when detection fails. The second switching module 20 connects a second channel configuration pin CC2 to a third detection interface MCC2 and a fourth detection interface MHASI2 of the processor. The second switching module 20 is configured to: initially enable the second channel configuration pin CC2 and the third detection interface MCC2 for detection, and enable the second channel configuration pin CC2 and the fourth detection interface MHASI2 when detection fails.

[0046] For example, the first switching module 10 and the second switching module 20 can be analog switches or digital switches, such as USB switches. When an accessory is inserted, the processor controls the first switching module 10 to connect the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the processor's first detection interface MCC1, and the second switching module 20 to connect the second channel configuration pin CC2 and the processor's third detection interface MCC2. At this time, the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second channel configuration pin CC2 have CC communication functions, and the processor can use the first channel configuration pin CC1 or the second channel configuration pin CC2 to perform functions such as detecting the insertion direction of the accessory and power management. When the processor detects a CC communication failure, it controls the first switching module 10 to connect the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the processor's second detection interface MHASI1, and the second switching module 20 to connect the second channel configuration pin CC2 and the processor's fourth detection interface MHASI2. At this time, the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second channel configuration pin CC2 have custom single-bus communication functions.

[0047] For example, the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second channel configuration pin CC2 can also be connected to an anti-counterfeiting chip (not shown). When the inserted accessory supports anti-counterfeiting verification, when the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second channel configuration pin CC2 are switched to a custom single-bus communication function, anti-counterfeiting detection of the accessory can be realized, ensuring the security of accessory use.

[0048] Understandably, by detecting the first resistor R1 connected to the DP pin, the identification of the accessory product's plug-in / plug-out status and the anti-corrosion function of the Type-C connector 100 are realized; by defining the compatibility between the first channel configuration pin CC1 and the second channel configuration pin CC2, the switching between CC communication and custom communication functions can be realized.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3, which is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application, the Type-C connector 100 includes a Type-C male connector, which includes two rows of pins.

[0050] The first column of pins includes the first differential signal pin RX2+, the second differential signal pin RX2-, the third differential signal pin TX1-, and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+. The second column of pins includes the fifth differential signal pin TX2+, the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, the seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+.

[0051] Among them, the first differential signal pin RX2+ and the second differential signal pin RX2-, or the third differential signal pin TX1- and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+ are used to output audio signals, and the fifth differential signal pin TX2+ and the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, or the seventh differential signal pin RX1- and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+ are used to output audio signals. The differential signal pins used to output audio signals in the two columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0052] The first and second column pins each include two ground pins GND, one of which serves as a detection pin DP. The detection pin DP is used to connect to the processor, which is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin DP and determine whether an accessory has been inserted based on the level detection result.

[0053] The main difference between the Type-C connector 100 shown in Figure 3 and the Type-C connector 100 shown in Figure 2 is the addition of a description of the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2. Therefore, the following mainly describes the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2. For other pins in the Type-C connector 100, please refer to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. For example, the first channel configuration pin CC1 in Figure 3 can be found in the description of the first channel configuration pin CC1 in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first column of pins is ordered as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, and the second column of pins is ordered as B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12, with pins A1 to A12 and pins B1 to B12 being centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector. Pin A8 is designated as the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1, and pin B8 is designated as the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 in the two columns of pins are used to transmit a first signal or a second signal.

[0056] For example, the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 is defined to be compatible with both SBU and microphone input functions, and the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 is defined to be compatible with both SBU and microphone input functions. When the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 or the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 implements the SBU function, it is used to transmit the first signal. When the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 or the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 implements the microphone input function, it is used to transmit the second signal.

[0057] In some embodiments, the Type-C connector 100 includes a third switching module 30 and a fourth switching module 40. The third switching module 30 connects a first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 to a first auxiliary interface MSBU1 and a second auxiliary interface MMIC1 of the processor. The third switching module 30 is configured to: turn on the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the first auxiliary interface MSBU1 in an initial state, and turn on the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the second auxiliary interface MMIC1 when a second signal needs to be transmitted. The fourth switching module 40 connects a second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 to a third auxiliary interface MSBU2 and a fourth auxiliary interface MMIC2 of the processor. The fourth switching module 40 is configured to: turn on the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 and the third auxiliary interface MSBU2 in an initial state, and turn on the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 and the fourth auxiliary interface MMIC2 when a second signal needs to be transmitted.

[0058] For example, the third switching module 30 and the fourth switching module 40 can be analog switches or digital switches. When an accessory is inserted, the processor controls the third switching module 30 to connect the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the processor's first auxiliary interface MSBU1, and controls the fourth switching module 40 to connect the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 and the processor's third auxiliary interface MSBU2. At this time, the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 have SBU communication functions, and the processor can transmit auxiliary data and perform other functions through the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 or the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2.

[0059] Simultaneously, when an accessory is inserted, the first channel configuration pin CC1 or the second channel configuration pin CC2 defaults to SBU communication. The processor identifies the inserted accessory through the first channel configuration pin CC1 or the second channel configuration pin CC2. When it detects that the SBU function is not being used or that CC communication is abnormal, it controls the third switching module 30 to connect the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the processor's second auxiliary interface MMIC1, and controls the fourth switching module 40 to connect the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 and the processor's fourth auxiliary interface MMIC2. At this time, the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2 have microphone input functionality. The microphone's single-ended and differential modes can be switched as needed.

[0060] Understandably, compatibility between standard Type-C analog headphones and customized differential audio accessories can be achieved by defining the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 and the second auxiliary communication pin SBU2.

[0061] Referring to Figure 4, which is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the Type-C connector provided in this application,

[0062] The Type-C connector 100 includes a Type-C male connector, which has two rows of pins.

[0063] The first column of pins includes the first differential signal pin RX2+, the second differential signal pin RX2-, the third differential signal pin TX1-, and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+. The second column of pins includes the fifth differential signal pin TX2+, the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, the seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+.

[0064] Among them, the first differential signal pin RX2+ and the second differential signal pin RX2-, or the third differential signal pin TX1- and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+ are used to output audio signals, and the fifth differential signal pin TX2+ and the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, or the seventh differential signal pin RX1- and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+ are used to output audio signals. The differential signal pins used to output audio signals in the two columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0065] The first and second column pins each include two ground pins GND, one of which serves as a detection pin DP. The detection pin DP is used to connect to the processor, which is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin DP and determine whether an accessory has been inserted based on the level detection result.

[0066] The main difference between the Type-C connector 100 shown in Figure 4 and the Type-C connector 100 shown in Figure 3 is the addition of descriptions for the ninth differential signal pin D+ and the tenth differential signal pin D-. Therefore, the following mainly describes the ninth differential signal pin D+ and the tenth differential signal pin D-. For other pins in the Type-C connector 100, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. For example, the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 in Figure 4 can be found in the description of the first auxiliary communication pin SBU1 in Figure 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first column of pins is ordered as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, and the second column of pins is ordered as B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12, and the pins A1 to A12 and B1 to B12 are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0068] In some embodiments, the ninth differential signal pin D+ and the tenth differential signal pin D- in the two columns of pins are used for USB 2.0 communication functions or UART communication functions.

[0069] For example, pins A6 and B6 are assigned to the ninth differential signal pin D+, and pins A7 and B7 are assigned to the tenth differential signal pin D-, forming two sets of low-speed differential signal pairs. UART is a commonly used serial communication protocol, and UART communication is implemented through the RXD (Receive Data) pin and the TXD (Transmit Data) pin. In one application scenario, pins A6 and B6 can be defined as RXD pins, and pins A7 and B7 as TXD pins. Furthermore, the functions defined for pins A6, A7, B6, and B7 can be reduced according to the specific needs of the terminal device, thus meeting the device's requirements while conserving hardware and software resources.

[0070] In some embodiments, one of the differential signal pins not used for outputting audio signals among the first differential signal pin RX2+, the second differential signal pin RX2-, the third differential signal pin TX1-, and the fourth differential signal pin TX1+ is used as a PTT signal pin, and one of the differential signal pins not used for outputting audio signals among the fifth differential signal pin TX2+, the sixth differential signal pin TX2-, the seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and the eighth differential signal pin RX1+ is used as a PTT signal pin. The PTT signal pin is configured to connect the PTT button and the processor, wherein the differential signal pins serving as PTT signal pins in the two columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0071] For example, pin A2 in the first column and pin B2 in the second column are designated as PTT pins. The PTT pins are configured to connect the PTT button and the processor, and in response to the PTT button operation, the terminal switches to transmit mode. In other application scenarios, other differential signal pins not used for audio signal output can also be selected as PTT signal pins.

[0072] In some embodiments, one of the differential signal pins (first differential signal pin RX2+, second differential signal pin RX2-, third differential signal pin TX1-, and fourth differential signal pin TX1+) that is not used for outputting audio signals is used to transmit the emergency signal SOS. Another differential signal pin (fifth differential signal pin TX2+, sixth differential signal pin TX2-, seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and eighth differential signal pin RX1+) that is not used for outputting audio signals is used to transmit the emergency signal SOS. The differential signal pins used for transmitting the emergency signal SOS in the two columns of pins are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

[0073] For example, pin A3 in the first column and pin B3 in the second column are designated as SOS pins for transmitting the emergency signal SOS. The SOS pins are configured to connect the SOS button and the processor; in response to the SOS button press, the processor triggers the emergency distress signal function. In other applications, other differential signal pins not used for audio signal output can also be selected as pins for transmitting the emergency signal SOS.

[0074] For example, pins A4, B4, A9, and B9 are mapped to VBUS pins, which together ensure the reliability and stability of the Type-C connector 100 in terms of power transmission.

[0075] Understandably, by defining the ninth differential signal pin D+ and the tenth differential signal pin D- compatiblely, USB 2.0 communication and UART communication functions can be realized; by redefining the differential signal pins, one-button communication function, one-button alarm and emergency call functions can be realized; and the VBUS pin can ensure power transmission.

[0076] One technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a Type-C connector 100, which includes a Type-C male connector. The Type-C male connector includes two columns of pins. The first column of pins includes a first differential signal pin RX2+, a second differential signal pin RX2-, a third differential signal pin TX1-, and a fourth differential signal pin TX1+. The second column of pins includes a fifth differential signal pin TX2+, a sixth differential signal pin TX2-, a seventh differential signal pin RX1-, and an eighth differential signal pin RX1+. The first differential signal pin RX2+ and the second differential signal pin RX2-, or the third differential signal pin TX1-... The first and fourth differential signal pins, TX1+ and TX2+, are used to output audio signals. The fifth differential signal pin, TX2+, and the sixth differential signal pin, TX2-, or the seventh differential signal pin, RX1-, and the eighth differential signal pin, RX1+, are also used to output audio signals. The differential signal pins used for audio signal output in both columns are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector. Both the first and second columns of pins include two ground pins, GND. One of these ground pins serves as a detection pin, DP, which is used to connect to the processor. The processor is configured to perform level detection on the DP pin and determine whether an accessory is inserted based on the level detection result.

[0077] The redefinition of the Type-C connector 100 pins through the above methods expands the application areas of the Type-C connector 100; the multi-pin multiplexing scheme can meet various development application requirements, making the design of terminal devices more flexible; the implementation of compatible designs for standard and custom applications does not affect the user's need for general accessories (such as USB 2.0 communication, fast charging, and Type-C analog headphones).

[0078] Referring to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electronic device provided in this application, the electronic device 1000 includes a Type-C connector 100, which is the same as described above and will not be repeated here. The electronic device 1000 can be a walkie-talkie, mobile phone, or other terminal device, which will not be repeated here.

[0079] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0080] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0081] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0082] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A Type-C connector, characterized in that, The Type-C connector includes a Type-C male connector, which includes two columns of pins. The first column of pins includes a first differential signal pin, a second differential signal pin, a third differential signal pin, and a fourth differential signal pin. The second column of pins includes a fifth differential signal pin, a sixth differential signal pin, a seventh differential signal pin, and an eighth differential signal pin. The first differential signal pin and the second differential signal pin, or the third differential signal pin and the fourth differential signal pin, are used to output audio signals. The fifth differential signal pin and the sixth differential signal pin, or the seventh differential signal pin and the eighth differential signal pin, are used to output audio signals. The differential signal pins used to output audio signals in the two columns of pins are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector. Both the first column of pins and the second column of pins include two ground pins, one of which serves as a detection pin. The detection pin is used to connect to a processor, which is configured to perform level detection on the detection pin and determine whether an accessory has been inserted based on the level detection result.

2. The Type-C connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Type-C connector includes: A first resistor, the first end of which is connected to the detection pin, and the second end of which is configured to input power supply voltage; A second resistor, the first end of which is connected to the detection pin, and the second end of which is connected to the processor; wherein the resistance value of the first resistor is greater than the resistance value of the second resistor.

3. The Type-C connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first channel configuration pin and the second channel configuration pin in the two columns of pins are used to transmit the first detection signal or the second detection signal.

4. The Type-C connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The Type-C connector includes: A first switching module is connected to the first channel configuration pin and the first detection interface and the second detection interface of the processor. The first switching module is configured to: conduct detection by turning on the first channel configuration pin and the first detection interface in the initial state, and turn on the first channel configuration pin and the second detection interface when the detection fails. The second switching module connects the second channel configuration pin to the third detection interface and the fourth detection interface of the processor. The second switching module is configured to: conduct detection by turning on the second channel configuration pin and the third detection interface in the initial state, and turn on the second channel configuration pin and the fourth detection interface when the detection fails.

5. The Type-C connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first auxiliary communication pin and the second auxiliary communication pin in the two columns of pins are used to transmit a first signal or a second signal.

6. The Type-C connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The Type-C connector includes: A third switching module is connected to the first auxiliary communication pin and the first auxiliary interface and the second auxiliary interface of the processor. The third switching module is configured to: turn on the first auxiliary communication pin and the first auxiliary interface in the initial state, and turn on the first auxiliary communication pin and the second auxiliary interface when the second signal needs to be transmitted. The fourth switching module connects the second auxiliary communication pin to the third auxiliary interface and the fourth auxiliary interface of the processor. The fourth switching module is configured to: turn on the second auxiliary communication pin and the third auxiliary interface in the initial state, and turn on the second auxiliary communication pin and the fourth auxiliary interface when the second signal needs to be transmitted.

7. The Type-C connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ninth and tenth differential signal pins in the two columns of pins are used for USB 2.0 communication or UART communication.

8. The Type-C connector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, One of the differential signal pins (first, second, third, and fourth) that is not used for outputting audio signals serves as a PTT signal pin; one of the differential signal pins (fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth) that is not used for outputting audio signals serves as a PTT signal pin; the PTT signal pin is configured to connect the PTT button and the processor, wherein the differential signal pins that serve as PTT signal pins in the two columns of pins are centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

9. The Type-C connector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, One of the differential signal pins (first, second, third, and fourth) that is not used for outputting audio signals is used to transmit an emergency signal. One of the differential signal pins (fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth) that is not used for outputting audio signals is used to transmit an emergency signal. The differential signal pin used to transmit the emergency signal in the two columns of pins is centrally symmetrical about the geometric center of the Type-C male connector.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a Type-C connector as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images