Earbud Two-Pin Communication via Voltage Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication standards/interfaces for portable electronic devices, such as ear bud devices, require three pins (power supply, ground, and data) which are not suitable for smaller devices, failing to meet user needs.

Innovation Solution

A controlling circuit in ear bud devices that uses a voltage detection circuit and a processing circuit to detect voltage levels and generate digital signals for bi-directional communication via only two pins (power input and ground), eliminating the need for a separate data pin by converting analog power supply signals into digital and current signals for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional three-pin communication interface is used, then reliable data communication is achieved, but the device size increases and pin quantity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication reliabilityVSAvoidpin quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the data communication function with the existing power supply pins. The power input pin and ground pin are used for both power delivery and bidirectional data communication by modulating voltage levels and detecting current changes, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated data pin while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: power delivery, bidirectional data communication, and device identification. The same two pins that provide power also carry modulated signals for data exchange, making the interface universal and reducing overall pin count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate data pin is added for communication, then communication capability is improved, but the device becomes larger and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidinterface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data communication channel with the power supply channel by using voltage modulation on the power input pin and current detection through the ground pin, allowing full bidirectional communication without adding any separate data transmission pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the ground pin as an intermediary for bidirectional communication. The earbud device communicates by controlling current flow through the ground pin, while the charging device detects these current changes to receive data, enabling communication without a dedicated data pin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient charging and data communication between ear bud devices and charging devices using only two pins, facilitating automatic charging and bidirectional data exchange without additional pins, thus addressing the limitations of conventional three-pin interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage detection circuit coupled to a power input pin of a communication interface between the ear bud device and the charging device and used for detecting a voltage level of an analog power supply signal at the power input pin to generate a digital input signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage level detection: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

a current generating circuit coupled to a power input pin of a communication interface between the ear bud device and the charging device and coupled to a ground pin of the communication interface... generating and transmitting an analog current signal corresponding to a digital output signal to the charging device via the ground pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCurrent signal generation: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS11355946B2Communication architecture between ear bud device and charging device based on fewer pins

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 AIROHA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

AI summary

A controlling circuit, utilized in an ear bud device which can be charged by a charging device, includes a voltage detection circuit and a processing circuit. The voltage detection circuit is coupled to a power input pin of a communication interface between the ear bud device and the charging device and used for detecting a voltage level of an analog power supply signal at the power input pin to generate a digital input signal. The processing circuit is coupled to the voltage detection circuit and used for receiving the digital input signal to obtain data information carried by the analog power supply signal outputted from the charging device.