Audio Codec Integrated Jack Detection Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio jack detection techniques require an additional pin on the audio codec, increasing cost and size, and rely on external mechanical detecting mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An audio codec with integrated jack detection functionality using existing pins to detect plug presence or absence through first-contact and second-contact signals, eliminating the need for external mechanisms and additional pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an independent detecting mechanism is set outside the audio codec, then the audio jack detection function is achieved, but an additional pin is consumed and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio jack detection functionVSAvoidpin consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection mechanism and audio codec into a single integrated device. The detecting mechanism is no longer separate but is combined with the audio codec, eliminating the need for additional pins while maintaining detection functionality. This is achieved by integrating the detection circuitry directly within the audio codec chip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio codec is designed to perform multiple functions: both audio coding/decoding and jack detection. By making the audio codec universal, it can handle detection tasks without requiring dedicated external detection hardware, thereby reducing pin consumption and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an independent detecting mechanism is set outside the audio codec, then the audio jack detection function is achieved, but the size of the audio codec solution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio jack detection functionVSAvoidcircuit board area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection mechanism is merged with the audio codec into a single integrated chip. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external detection components on the circuit board, thereby reducing the overall circuit board area while maintaining full detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection mechanism is nested within the audio codec chip structure. By placing the detection circuitry inside the audio codec, the patent achieves a compact integrated solution that reduces the external space required on the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If an external mechanical detecting device is used, then the plug presence detection is achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug presence detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical detection device is merged with the audio codec into an integrated electronic detection system. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining accurate plug presence detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces external mechanical detection devices with an integrated electronic detection mechanism within the audio codec. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating mechanical components while maintaining detection precision through electronic sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables cost-effective and compact audio jack detection within the audio codec, reducing circuit board area and eliminating the need for external detection mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a plug detecting circuit operable to detect whether a voltage level of the first-contact signal has changed when the plug detecting circuit is coupled to the first-contact signal input end or detect whether a voltage level of the second-contact signal has changed when the plug detecting circuit is coupled to the second-contact signal input end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage level detection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9571916B2Audio codec with audio jack detection function and audio jack detection method

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

The present invention discloses an audio codec with a jack detection function and an audio jack detection method. An embodiment of the audio codec comprises: a first-contact signal input end operable to electrically connect with a sleeve contact of a plug and receive a first-contact signal indicating the presence or absence of the plug; a second-contact signal input end operable to electrically connect with a ring contact or the sleeve contact of the plug and receive a second-contact signal indicating the presence or absence of the plug; a plug detecting circuit coupled to the first-contact or second-contact signal input end and operable to detect whether a voltage level of the first-contact or second-contact signal has changed to thereby generate a plug detection signal; and a control circuit coupled to the plug detecting circuit and operable to determine the presence or absence of the plug according to the plug detection signal.