3.5 mm Jack Power and Data Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3.5 mm jack interface is insufficient for powering intelligent accessory devices, which require more than a few milliwatts and lacks a mechanism for transferring coded communication data, necessitating the use of batteries and alternative connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power transmitting controller device and an electrical power receiving controller device that utilize the 3.5 mm jack interface to provide power and bidirectional communication, detecting the accessory device's requirements and capabilities to generate the necessary voltage and current, and encode/decode data signals using protocols like I2C, Manchester, or Hammond coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the 3.5 mm jack interface is used to connect host device and accessory device, then backward compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the power delivery capability deteriorates (limited to a few milliwatts which is insufficient for intelligent accessories)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the 3.5 mm jack interface to perform both its traditional audio signal transmission function and a new power delivery function. The AUX-pole is repurposed to carry both audio signals and power delivery, allowing the same connector to serve multiple purposes - maintaining backward compatibility with legacy audio devices while providing sufficient power (up to 500 mW) for intelligent accessories with power management capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the 3.5 mm jack interface is used, then device complexity is reduced (using existing connector), but the capability to transfer coded communication data deteriorates (lacks mechanism for data communication)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends multi-functionality to include data communication by enabling the AUX-pole to carry coded communication data in addition to audio signals and power. The host device and accessory device with power management capability exchange data words coded in a specific format through the AUX-pole, allowing the same connector to simultaneously handle audio, power, and bidirectional data communication without requiring additional connections.
3Use of energy by moving object
If intelligent accessory devices are powered by batteries, then power independence is improved, but device complexity and loss of substance (battery waste) worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the host device to provide power to the accessory device, eliminating the need for the accessory to carry its own battery. The accessory device with power management capability can receive power through the 3.5 mm jack interface from the host device, which acts as a power source. This transfers the power provision responsibility from the accessory to the host, reducing accessory complexity and eliminating battery waste.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
A host device (10) may comprise an electrical power transmitting controller device (100), and an accessory device (20) may comprise an electrical power receiving controller device (200). After an identification and handshaking process to determine power requirements the power transmitting controller device (100) provides electrical power to the electrical power receiving controller device (200) to operate the accessory device. Coded communication data is transferred between the host device (10) and the accessory device (20) by a communication link. Power and communication are transferred over a single wire, such as an auxiliary pole (AUX) of a 3.5 mm jack interface (1020).