USB Type-C Ground Pin Antenna Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

USB type-C plug-packed earphones lack antenna functionality, preventing the use of applications that require antenna signals, such as radio or DMB applications, despite being connected to electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a USB type-C receptacle configures at least two ground pins as antenna pins when connected to an audio-purpose external electronic device, allowing the reception of frequency modulation (FM) and digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) signals by activating a communication circuit and connecting these ground pins to the antenna unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If USB type-C plug-packed earphones are used for audio output, then audio signal transmission is enabled, but antenna functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio signal transmissionVSAvoidantenna functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB type-C connector is designed to serve multiple functions: audio signal transmission through dedicated audio pins and antenna signal reception through ground pins. By configuring different pins for different purposes based on the connected device type, the connector achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector dynamically reconfigures its pin functions based on the type of device connected. When an audio-purpose device is detected, ground pins are reassigned to serve as antenna pins. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical connector to adapt its functionality according to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If ground pins are reused as antenna pins, then antenna signal reception is enabled, but ground functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna signal receptionVSAvoidground connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector includes multiple ground pins (at least two) that can be selectively configured. When antenna functionality is needed, specific ground pins are segmented and reassigned as antenna pins, while other ground pins maintain their original grounding function. This segmentation allows simultaneous maintenance of ground stability and antenna functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different pins within the same connector are assigned different functions based on local requirements. Specifically, certain ground pins are locally reconfigured as antenna pins when needed, while maintaining the overall ground reference through remaining ground pins. This local quality differentiation resolves the conflict between ground stability and antenna functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11327709B2Electronic device, audio-purpose external electronic device, and method of receiving signal by electronic device connected with audio-purpose external electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a connector and a communication circuit configured to receive a frequency modulation (FM) and/or a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), wherein at least two ground pins for antenna signal reception among a plurality of ground pins included in the connector are set as pins positioned to contact at least one antenna pin included in a connector of an audio-purpose external electronic device based on the connector of the electronic device being connected with the connector of the audio-purpose external electronic device including an audio codec.