USB Audio Path Switching with a 5-Pin Mini USB Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile phones require a 10-pin USB connector for both data and audio signal transmission, occupying more space and limiting available space, as they need to accommodate both USB and audio modes simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a 5-pin mini USB connector that uses a USB switch and audio path selector controlled by the central processing unit to selectively route data or audio signals, allowing operation in either USB mode or audio mode by generating appropriate selection signals based on connection types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 10-pin USB connector is used to support both USB data transmission and audio signal transmission, then both USB mode and audio mode can be accommodated, but the connector occupies more space in the mobile device
Solution Approach 1:
The 5-pin mini USB connector is designed to serve multiple functions by sharing pins between USB data transmission and audio signal transmission. Specifically, pins 3 and 4 are used for USB differential data signals (D+ and D-) while also serving as audio output channels, allowing the same physical connector to support both USB mode and audio mode operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between USB mode and audio mode based on detection signals. The central processing unit detects the connection type through voltage level detection on the detect pin, and the USB switch dynamically routes signals accordingly - connecting pins 3 and 4 to USB data processing circuitry in USB mode, or to audio output circuitry in audio mode, thereby adapting the connector's function in real-time
2Adaptability or versatility
If a 10-pin USB connector is used for simultaneous USB and audio functions, then both functions are available, but the device has less available space
Solution Approach 1:
The mini USB connector with 5 pins is designed to perform multiple functions - USB data transmission and audio signal transmission - by having pins 3 and 4 serve dual purposes. This eliminates the need for separate connectors for USB and audio functions, thereby reducing the overall space required in the mobile device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the USB data transmission function and audio signal transmission function into a single 5-pin connector structure. By combining these functions that were previously required separate 10-pin connectors, the overall device volume is reduced while maintaining both functional capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a central processing unit, a USB connector, a USB switch, and an audio path selector. The USB switch has a data transmission path and an audio signal transmission path for signal transmission between the central processing unit and the USB connector. The USB switch selects the data transmission path for data transmission according to a first selection signal from the central processing unit, and selects the audio signal transmission path for audio signal transmission according to a second selection signal from the central processing unit. The audio path selector interconnects the central processing unit and the USB switch, and has a first audio path for output of audio signals from the central processing unit to the audio signal transmission path, and a second audio path for output of audio signals from the audio signal transmission path to the central processing unit.