Single Audio Input Connector for Analog-Digital Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic components require separate connectors or manual switching for analog and digital audio inputs due to impedance and frequency differences, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a single audio input connector with low and high impedance filters to split, filter, digitize, and multiplex analog and digital signals, eliminating the need for separate connectors and manual selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connectors are used for analog and digital inputs, then input signal reception reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input connector that can receive both analog and digital audio signals through a single interface. The system includes signal detection circuitry that automatically identifies whether the connected device outputs analog or digital signals, and routes them appropriately through filtering and processing stages. This multi-functional connector eliminates the need for separate analog and digital input jacks, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable signal reception for both types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic signal type detection and routing mechanisms that operate without user intervention. When a device is connected to the universal input connector, the system automatically detects the signal type (analog or digital) based on electrical characteristics such as impedance and frequency response, then automatically configures the appropriate processing path. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual switching or user configuration, simplifying operation while ensuring reliable signal reception.
2Reliability
If manual switching is used for analog and digital inputs, then input signal reception reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic signal type detection and routing mechanisms that operate without user intervention. When a device is connected to the universal input connector, the system automatically detects the signal type (analog or digital) based on electrical characteristics such as impedance and frequency response, then automatically configures the appropriate processing path. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual switching or user configuration, simplifying operation while ensuring reliable signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal detection and control system that mediates between the universal input connector and the analog/digital processing paths. This intermediary layer continuously monitors the input signal characteristics and automatically switches the appropriate signal path without requiring user action. The intermediary controller acts as an intelligent bridge, ensuring that analog signals are routed through analog processing while digital signals are routed through digital processing, all without manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If a single connector is used for analog and digital inputs, then device complexity is reduced, but signal filtering precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing path into separate analog and digital processing chains, each with dedicated filtering stages optimized for their respective signal types. The universal input connector splits the incoming signal into parallel paths: one for analog processing with analog filters, and another for digital processing with digital filters. This segmentation ensures that each filter is designed specifically for its signal type, maintaining high filtering precision despite the unified connector interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic filtering where the filter characteristics are automatically adjusted based on the detected signal type. When an analog signal is detected, analog filters with appropriate cutoff frequencies and impedance matching are activated. When a digital signal is detected, digital filters with corresponding parameters are activated. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal filtering precision for each signal type while using a single universal connector.
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 reliable, automated, and cost-effective reception of both analog and digital audio inputs through a single connector, reducing noise, physical size, and internal circuits, while eliminating the need for duplicate cables.
Implementation Method 1
a high pass filter configured to receive an input signal from the signal input connector. The input signal includes an analog input signal or a digital input signal
Implementation Method 2
a digitizer that digitizes the high impedance filtered analog signal components
Implementation Method 3
a multiplexer that multiplexes the low impedance filtered digital signal components and the digitized high impedance filtered analog signal components
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are provided for receiving analog and digital audio input via a single audio input connector. The method includes receiving an input signal from a single audio input connector, splitting the received input signal into a first input signal and a second input signal, filtering the first input signal to pass a digital signal, filtering the second input signal to pass an analog signal, digitizing the filtered analog signal, and multiplexing the filtered digital signal and the filtered digitized analog signal.