Audio Jack Kernel Debugging via Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile phones often lack the ability to obtain kernel debugging messages after the serial console is removed during assembly, hindering production personnel's debugging efforts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile phone design incorporating an audio jack, level converter, audio chip, multiplexer, and CPU, where the CPU controls the multiplexer to convert and output kernel debugging messages to the audio jack using debugging message output commands, allowing for kernel debugging even without a serial console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the serial console is removed during assembly to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to obtain kernel debugging messages is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The audio jack, originally designed solely for audio functions, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also output kernel debugging messages. The multiplexer allows the audio jack to switch between audio signals and debugging messages, making a single component serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for a separate serial console interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary component that enables the audio jack to transmit debugging messages. It switches the connection between the audio chip and the level converter based on the type of signal being transmitted, allowing the audio jack to serve as a mediator for both audio and debugging functions.
2Ease of operation
If the audio jack is used to output debugging messages instead of a serial console, then the ease of operation for debugging is improved, but the device requires additional components such as multiplexer and level converter
Solution Approach 1:
The audio jack is given dual functionality by enabling it to output both audio signals and kernel debugging messages. This eliminates the need for a separate serial console interface, as the same physical jack handles both types of output through the multiplexer's switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The debugging message output function is merged with the existing audio output function. By combining these two functions into a single interface (the audio jack), the patent reduces the overall number of physical interfaces needed while adding the debugging capability without requiring a completely separate system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage level conversion is implemented to adapt kernel debugging messages to audio jack requirements, then the adaptability of the debugging interface is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level converter changes the voltage level parameter of the debugging messages to make them compatible with the audio jack's electrical requirements. Kernel debugging messages typically operate at different voltage levels than audio jack specifications, so this parameter transformation enables interface compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The level converter serves as an intermediary device between the kernel debugging message source and the audio jack. It performs the necessary voltage level adaptation, allowing messages from the kernel space to be properly transmitted through the audio interface without direct electrical connection issues.
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 the retrieval of kernel debugging messages through the audio jack, enhancing research and development convenience by providing an alternative method for debugging in the absence of a serial console.
Implementation Method 1
The level converter converts a voltage level of the first kernel debugging message to output a second kernel debugging message
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile phone and a method for outputting a kernel debugging message are provided. The mobile phone comprises an audio jack, a level converter, an audio chip, a multiplexer and a central process unit (CPU). The level converter converts a voltage level of the first kernel debugging message to output a second kernel debugging message. The multiplexer comprises an output port, a first input port and a second input port. The output port is connected to the audio jack. The first input port is connected to the level converter. The second input port is connected to the audio chip. After receiving a debugging message output command, the CPU controls the output port to be electrically connected to the first input port to output the second kernel debugging message to the audio jack according to the debugging message output command.