Switchable-Impedance Audio Cable Connector for Headset Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Current military and civilian audio communication equipment use different impedance systems, making them incompatible, and users must carry multiple headsets to communicate effectively across both systems.

Innovation Solution

An audio cable connector with internal circuitry that allows users to switch between high-impedance and low-impedance configurations, enabling a single headset to be compatible with both military and civilian communication systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a common audio plug/audio jack combination is used for compatibility within a system, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the two systems (military and civilian) are not compatible with each other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The audio cable incorporates a switchable impedance circuit that allows dynamic changing of electrical impedance between high-impedance and low-impedance modes. This dynamic adjustment enables the same audio cable to adapt to different impedance systems (military low-impedance vs. civilian high-impedance) while maintaining a common plug/jack interface, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate headsets are carried for different impedance systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio cable is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a switchable impedance circuit that enables it to operate with both high-impedance and low-impedance systems. This universal design eliminates the need for users to carry multiple specialized headsets, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different communication systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If impedance-matched headsets are used for each system, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to carry and switch between multiple headsets

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The audio cable incorporates a switchable impedance circuit that allows dynamic changing of electrical impedance between high-impedance and low-impedance modes. This dynamic adjustment enables the same audio cable to adapt to different impedance systems (military low-impedance vs. civilian high-impedance) while maintaining a common plug/jack interface, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250030207A1Audio cable connector with selectable impedance

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 ATLANTIC SIGNAL LLC

AI summary

An audio cable connector with selectable impedance includes low impedance interface circuitry and high impedance interface circuitry, and a user-operable switch to allow a user to select either of the two impedances to connect to a headset microphone. With the audio cable connector in communication between a headset and equipment, the user may select the appropriate impedance interface circuitry to allow the headset to operate properly with the equipment.