Portable Terminal Audio Output Switching for High Power External Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable terminals have limited audio signal output capacity, typically around 2-5 mW, which can result in low audio quality when connected to external devices via an ear jack, unless the external device is equipped with a high power amplifier.
Innovation Solution
A portable terminal apparatus and method that detects the connection type via an ear jack, amplifying audio signals to a high power level (about 1W) when an external apparatus is connected, allowing for high power audio output to a speaker while blocking the ear jack, and low power output for earphones, using a baseband modem, amplifier, and switch to manage signal routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the portable terminal outputs audio signal with small output capacity (2-5 mW) to external apparatus via ear jack, then the audio signal is suitable for earphone output, but the audio quality is low when external device does not have high power amplifier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the output capacity adjustable based on the connected device type. The baseband modem detects whether an earphone or external apparatus is connected and dynamically switches between earphone output mode (2-5 mW) and external apparatus output mode (about 1W), allowing the system to adapt its power output to the specific connected device rather than being fixed at low power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter from a fixed low value (2-5 mW) to a variable parameter that can switch between two states: earphone output power (2-5 mW) and external apparatus output power (about 1W). This parameter change is controlled by the baseband modem based on device detection, enabling high power output when needed while maintaining low power output for earphones
2Reliability
If the portable terminal provides high power audio output to external apparatus, then audio quality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional amplification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the ear jack to serve multiple functions: it can output to earphones with low power (2-5 mW) or to external apparatus with high power (about 1W). The baseband modem detects the connected device type and automatically configures the appropriate output mode, making the same hardware interface universally compatible with both earphones and external apparatus without requiring separate amplification circuits for each device type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by having the baseband modem automatically detect the connected device type and self-configure the audio output parameters without user intervention. The system automatically switches between earphone output mode and external apparatus output mode based on detection results, eliminating the need for manual amplifier configuration or user setup
3Power
If the portable terminal uses speaker output signal for ear jack, then high power audio output is achieved, but the ear jack functionality for earphones is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ear jack output mode switchable between two states: earphone output mode with low power (2-5 mW) and external apparatus output mode with high power (about 1W). The baseband modem detects the connected device and dynamically switches the output configuration, allowing the ear jack to adapt to different device types and maintain compatibility with both earphones and external apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by enabling the ear jack to universally support both earphones and external apparatus. The system detects the connected device type and automatically configures the appropriate output mode, making the ear jack interface compatible with multiple device types without requiring separate hardware configurations or sacrificing functionality for either earphones or external apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and a method for outputting an audio signal in a portable terminal are provided. The portable terminal for outputting an audio signal includes an ear jack, a modem, and an amplifier. The ear jack connects the portable terminal with one of an earphone and an external apparatus. The modem detects whether one of the earphone and the external apparatus is connected to the ear jack. When connection of the external apparatus is detected, the amplifier high power-amplifies the audio signal and outputs the same to the external apparatus according to a control of the modem.