Headset Charge Node for Simultaneous UE Charging and ANC Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern headphones, such as those employing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), require additional power beyond what is needed for speaker operation, leading to a situation where attaching them to a User Equipment (UE) for power leaves no mechanism to charge the UE.
Innovation Solution
A headset design that includes a charge node capable of simultaneously powering ANC earphones and charging an attached UE, utilizing a single connector to couple with the UE and incorporating a control node for audio data conversion and ANC processes, while also allowing for data transfer between a charge source and the UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If ANC headphones draw power from UE via UE port, then headphones can operate with active noise cancellation, but UE cannot be charged simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three distinct power delivery paths: (1) charge source to UE via charge node, (2) UE to headphones via connector, and (3) charge source to headphones via charge node. The charge node segments the power distribution function, allowing independent control of charging and power delivery to headphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge node serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a power source for the UE, a power source for the headphones, and a routing hub for data traffic. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both charging and headphone operation through a single device.
2Device complexity
If a single connector is used to couple headset to UE, then device complexity is reduced, but power and data routing becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The charge node acts as an intermediary device between the UE and the headphones. It receives power and data from the UE through a single connector, then distributes power to both the UE and headphones while routing data traffic appropriately. This intermediary approach simplifies the connector interface while maintaining efficient power and data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge node contains nested functional components including a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) for power distribution, a data processing unit for traffic routing, and control logic for coordinating operations. This nested architecture allows multiple functions to be integrated within a compact form factor, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes a headset including one or more earphones and a connector configured to couple data and charge between the headset and a user equipment (UE). The headset also includes a charge node. The charge node includes a charge port for receiving UE charge from a charge source. The charge node also includes a downstream port for coupling audio data toward the earphones. The charge node further includes an upstream port for coupling the audio data toward the earphones via the downstream port and coupling UE charge from the charge port toward the UE via the connector.