Audio Jack Detector Using Dual Current Sources for Foreign Particle Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio jack detection methods can incorrectly determine the connection state due to foreign particles, such as moisture, causing erroneous operations like blocking the speaker function in smartphones.
Innovation Solution
An audio jack detector system that uses a first and second current source, along with a buffer and controller, to differentiate between the connection state of an audio jack and foreign particles by changing the detecting current and sensing the voltage levels, ensuring accurate detection by maintaining the detecting signal at the combination starting point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single current source is used to detect jack connection, then the detection method is simple, but foreign particles like moisture cause false positive detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into multiple stages using two separate current sources (first current source for initial detection, second current source for confirmation detection). This segmentation allows the system to first identify potential connections and then verify them with a different current level, preventing false positives from foreign particles while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter by using two different current levels (first detecting current and second detecting current). The first current source uses a lower current for initial detection, while the second current source uses a higher current for confirmation. This parameter change enables the system to distinguish between foreign particles (which conduct at low current but not high current) and actual jack connections (which conduct at both current levels)
2Reliability
If multiple current sources are used to improve detection accuracy, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the first current source to perform initial detection and identify potential connection points before engaging the second current source. This preliminary step filters out obvious false positives and reduces the need for complex continuous monitoring, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the switching between first and second current sources based on detection signals. This intermediary component coordinates the complex multi-stage detection process, making the system more manageable and easier to control despite using multiple current sources
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
The system effectively differentiates between an actual audio jack connection and foreign particles, preventing erroneous operations and ensuring correct audio signal delivery.
Implementation Method 1
When the audio jack is combined with the audio socket, the detecting pin and the signal pin are electrically connected so that a current may flow between the two pins
Implementation Method 2
a buffer configured to generate a detecting signal in accordance with a detecting pin voltage input from the detecting pin
Data Source
AI summary
A jack detector detects a combination state between a socket including a detecting pin and a first signal pin and a jack. The jack detector includes a first current source for supplying a first detecting current, a second current source for supplying a second detecting current larger than the first detecting current, and a buffer for generating a detecting signal in accordance with a detecting pin voltage input from the detecting pin. The second current source instead of the first current source is connected to the detecting pin in synchronization with a combination starting point when the detecting pin and the first signal pin are electrically connected to each other and it is determined that the jack is combined with the socket when the detecting signal is maintained at a state of the combination starting point.