USB UART Common Communication System for Audio Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional car and home audio systems require separate connectors for USB, UART, and audio connections, leading to space inefficiencies and limited compatibility with devices like Apple i-POD, which can only connect through dedicated interfaces, restricting utilization.
Innovation Solution
A USB/UART common communication system that uses a single USB connector to detect and switch between USB and UART signals, allowing selective communication and outputting audio signals through a common audio line, eliminating the need for multiple connectors and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connectors are provided for USB, UART, and audio connections, then each connection can be established reliably, but the device complexity increases and space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines USB, UART, and audio connections into a single integrated connector. The connector includes multiple signal lines that can simultaneously or selectively establish USB data transmission, UART serial communication, and audio signal transmission through one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector is designed to support multiple communication protocols and functions simultaneously. It can detect and switch between USB mode, UART mode, and audio mode, allowing a single connector to universally interface with various external devices including mobile phones, tablets, and computers regardless of their specific connection type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are installed for different communication protocols, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but the area occupied by connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication interfaces into a single physical connector structure. The connector integrates USB data lines, UART signal lines, and audio signal lines within one unified interface, reducing the total connector area while maintaining compatibility with various communication protocols through selective signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector is designed with multi-functional capability to interface with different device types. It includes detection circuits that automatically identify the connection type (USB, UART, or audio) and switch accordingly, providing universal compatibility without requiring multiple dedicated connectors for different protocols.
3Reliability
If separate cables are used for USB, UART, and audio connections, then each signal transmission is reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions into a single cable interface. The cable includes integrated conductors for USB data transmission, UART serial communication, and audio signal transmission, allowing all connections to be established through one plug-and-play operation rather than multiple separate cable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable is designed to handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously or selectively. It includes detection and switching mechanisms that automatically route signals according to the active protocol, providing universal compatibility and operational simplicity while maintaining reliable signal transmission for each function.
4Reliability
If dedicated interfaces are required for specific devices like Apple i-POD, then device-specific performance is optimized, but the adaptability to other devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal integrated connector that can adapt to various device-specific interfaces including Apple i-POD connections. The connector includes detection circuits that automatically identify the device type and switch to the appropriate communication mode (UART for i-POD, USB for modern devices, or audio mode), providing both device-specific optimization and broad compatibility through a single interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic switching capability that automatically detects the connected device type and reconfigures the signal routing in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical connector to optimize performance for specific devices like i-POD while simultaneously maintaining compatibility with other device types through automatic protocol detection and switching.
Data Source
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AI summary
An audio system sets a signal line path between the medium of an audio device and an external device and uploads a digital audio file from the external device to the audio device according to a user's manipulation of the audio. In addition, a communication system selectively uses USB and UART communications by commonly using a single USB connector and connects a connector of an external device and an audio/USB/UART common connector through a single cable, so that audio/USB or audio/UART signals are selectively outputted through a common audio signal line. Accordingly, the audio system can interface with various kinds of external devices without external modification or additional installation of a dedicated interface in the audio device with a USB connector. In addition, the USB/UART common communication system can commonly use the USB connector without regard to USB and UART connection signals and can selectively output the audio/USB or audio/UART signals through the single cable in the audio device.