Microphone with automatic mode switching and power gating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless microphones require user intervention to switch modes and consume battery power when used as wired microphones, limiting their functionality as stand-alone passive devices.
Innovation Solution
A microphone system that automatically selects wireless or wired mode based on user action, disabling power to wireless components when used wired, allowing it to operate as a passive device without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wired microphone is converted to wireless mode by attaching a transmitter/antenna, then wireless functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires user intervention to switch modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wired and wireless microphone functionalities into a single integrated device. The microphone housing contains both the wired connection interface and the wireless transmitter/antenna components, eliminating the need for separate devices or accessories. This merging allows the microphone to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless modes without requiring external attachments or increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both wired and wireless modes. The device includes a switch that allows users to select between wired connection mode and wireless transmission mode, making it universally applicable for different usage scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Reliability
If wireless microphone components remain powered when used in wired mode, then the device is always ready for wireless operation, but battery power is drained unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the wireless components (transmitter and antenna) are powered on or off based on the selected mode. When wired mode is selected, the wireless components are deactivated to conserve battery power. When wireless mode is selected, the components are activated. This dynamic switching ensures the device is energy-efficient while maintaining readiness for wireless operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone automatically manages its own power consumption by detecting the selected mode through the switch and accordingly activating or deactivating the wireless components. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual power management intervention while optimizing battery usage based on actual operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional analog wireless technology is used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but digital audio quality and modern functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs digital wireless technology instead of traditional analog wireless, representing a fundamental parameter change in the transmission medium and signal processing. The digital transmitter converts audio signals to digital format for wireless transmission, preserving audio quality and enabling modern digital audio features while maintaining compatibility with standard wireless reception systems through appropriate digital-to-analog conversion at the receiver end.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a microphone that functions as either a digital wireless microphone or a wired passive microphone. The microphone may comprise: a microphone transducer; an analog to digital converter (ADC) coupled to the microphone transducer to convert an analog audio signal from the microphone transducer to a digital audio signal; an antenna coupled to the ADC; and an analog connector coupled to the microphone transducer. In a wireless mode, the antenna transmits the digital audio signal to a digital receiver. Alternatively, in a wired mode, a cable that is coupled to the analog connector transmits the analog audio signal without requiring any power.