Audio Port Digital Command Transmission via Analog Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices often have a limited number of serial interfaces, making it difficult to communicate with and control peripheral devices that use simple serial interfaces like I2C, SMBus, or 1-Wire, and audio ports are typically configured for analog audio transmission, not digital command signaling.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a computing device converts digital command and clock signals into analog signals and transmits them through an audio port using a standard audio jack, which are then converted back to digital signals at the peripheral device for control and response, allowing control of devices like LED displays via existing audio ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If computing devices use a limited number of serial interfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to communicate with and control peripheral devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The audio port, traditionally designed for analog audio transmission, is made multi-functional by enabling it to transmit digital command signals and clock signals for controlling peripheral devices. The audio jack and port hardware remains the same, but its functionality is expanded to serve both audio and device control purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated serial interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary conversion process is introduced where digital command signals from the computing device are converted to analog signals for transmission through the audio port, and then converted back to digital signals at the peripheral device. This intermediary analog signal format enables communication through the audio infrastructure without requiring modifications to the physical audio port or jack.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio ports are configured for analog audio transmission, then audio functionality is optimized, but digital command signaling capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The signal format parameter is changed from purely digital to analog for transmission through the audio port. Digital command signals and clock signals are converted to analog form, transmitted through the audio infrastructure, and then converted back to digital at the destination. This parameter change allows the audio port to carry control information while maintaining its analog transmission characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital signal transmission mechanism is replaced with an analog signal transmission mechanism for the control path. Instead of using dedicated digital serial interfaces, the system substitutes analog audio transmission infrastructure to carry the control signals, leveraging existing hardware resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed for transmitting a command to control a peripheral device through an audio port. In some examples, the peripheral device may be coupled to a computing device via an interconnect. The interconnect may have an audio jack to couple with the computing device through an audio port and a connector to couple with a serial interface at the peripheral device. For these examples, elements of the computing device may receive a command to control the peripheral device and may generate analog signals including the command and a clock signal. The analog signals may then be transmitted through the audio port. The interconnect may be capable of converting the analog signals to a digital signal that includes the command and clock signal then provide the digital signal to the serial interface at the peripheral device. Other examples are described and claimed.