USB and Wireless Audio Adapter for 3.5 mm Earphone Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in connecting devices with USB ports to earphones with 3.5 mm audio plugs, as adapters are often required, and using digital to analog converters to convert digital audio signals into analog signals for proper functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first connector for external devices, a second connector for audio plugs, and a wireless communication circuit that converts digital audio signals into analog signals, allowing for direct connection and output to audio output devices, either through wired or wireless means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a USB port is used instead of a 3.5 mm earphone jack for miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but compatibility with traditional earphones requires additional adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device incorporates a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that enables the USB port to function both as a data/power interface and as an audio output interface, eliminating the need for separate adapter hardware and allowing direct connection of traditional 3.5 mm earphones
2Ease of operation
If a digital to analog converter is integrated into the earphone to eliminate adapters, then adapter requirement is eliminated, but the earphone becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DAC function from the earphone into the electronic device itself, allowing the earphone to remain a simple analog audio output device while the host device provides the digital-to-analog conversion capability, thus simplifying the earphone structure
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device acts as an intermediary between the digital audio source (USB port) and the analog audio output (earphone), performing the conversion function in the host device rather than in the earphone
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for audio transmission, then connection convenience is improved, but power consumption increases and audio quality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between wired and wireless connection modes based on user needs, allowing the electronic device to adapt its power consumption and connection type in real-time, using wired connection for low-power scenarios and wireless for convenience-oriented scenarios
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances convenience by eliminating the need for adapters and efficient power management by charging the device when connected via wire and reducing power consumption during wireless communication.
Implementation Method 1
when the electronic device is connected to the external electronic device through the wireless communication circuit
Implementation Method 2
converts the received first digital audio signal into a first analog audio signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, disclosed is an electronic device that includes a first connector electrically connectable to an external electronic device, a second connector electrically connectable to an external audio plug, a wireless communication circuit, and at least one processor. When the electronic device is connected to the external electronic device through the first connector, the at least one processor may receive a first digital audio signal from the external electronic device through the first connector, convert the received first digital audio signal into a first analog audio signal, and output the converted first analog audio signal through the second connector. When the electronic device is connected to the external electronic device through the wireless communication circuit, the at least one processor may receive a second digital audio signal from the external electronic device through the wireless communication circuit, convert the received second digital audio signal into a second analog audio signal having a sound quality lower than that of the first analog audio signal, and output the converted second analog audio signal through the second connector.