Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to audio jacks for portable electronic devices.
Background
[0002] In recent years, the accessibility and affordability of handheld technologies has
made it commonplace for a single consumer to own several different portable electronic
devices. Depending on the type of portable electronic device, accessories such as
battery chargers and head phones, for example, may be provided in the packaging. Whether
replacing a cell phone year after year or adding a portable music player, digital
video camera or portable video game player to one's collection, duplication of accessories
is very common.
[0003] Currently, there are no industry standards in place that dictate audio jack pin-out
configuration for electronic devices having audio input and output capability. Therefore,
the same headset, for example, will generally not work with portable electronic devices
from different manufacturers. In order to avoid this problem, some electronic device
vendors have begun to dictate the audio jack pin-out of the portable electronic devices
that it will sell in order to ensure that the same accessories will work with the
different devices. It is common for vendors in different countries to have different
pin-out preferences, therefore, portable electronic device manufacturers who sell
their devices to more than one vendor must incur additional costs to produce devices
having different audio jack pin-outs.
[0004] One solution to this problem is to sell adapters that enable communication between
incompatible accessories and portable electronic devices. This solution results in
additional costs to the manufacturer and the consumer and also has the added inconvenience
of requiring the consumer to keep track of adapters specific to each accessory. It
is, therefore, desirable to provide an improved solution to the incompatibility of
portable electronic devices and accessories. Document
US 2007/0047745 A1 discloses a portable media player, wherein different types of input/output connector,
such as a USB connector, an earphone or a microphone connector can be inserted in
the same jack. A detection circuit is provided, which send a signal to a processor
based on the connector type. Transmission pins are then switched between signal input
pins and signal output pins depending on the type of connector. Document
US 2007/0104332 A1 discloses a method and a system for performing automatic plug detection. When a plug
is inserted into an audio jack, the plug is detected and a determination is made as
to whether the plug is a stereo plug or a mono plug.
Summary
[0005] The invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred
embodiments can be derived from the dependent claims.
[0006] In one example useful for understanding the invention, there is provided a portable
electronic device including: a processor provided in a housing, a jack provided in
the housing, the jack being sized for receiving a plug of an audio accessory, electrical
connectors provided in the jack for enabling communication between the audio accessory
and the processor, the electrical connectors for contacting corresponding electrical
connectors of the plug and a switching circuit in communication with the processor
and the electrical connectors, the switching circuit for determining a pin-out of
the plug; wherein the switching circuit routes signals between ungrounded ones of
the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor.
[0007] In another example useful for understanding the invention, there is provided a portable
electronic device including: a processor provided in a housing, a jack provided in
the housing, the jack being sized for receiving a plug of an audio accessory, electrical
connectors provided in the jack for enabling communication between the audio accessory
and the processor, each of the electrical connectors for contacting a corresponding
electrical connector of the plug and a switching circuit in communication with the
processor and two of the electrical connectors, the switching circuit for selectively
routing audio signals, such as microphone signals, for example, between a second one
of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor; wherein
the switching circuit routes the audio signals between a second one of the corresponding
electrical connectors of the plug and the processor when a first one of the corresponding
electrical connectors of the plug is electrically grounded.
[0008] In yet another example useful for understanding the invention, there is provided
a method for connecting a plug of an audio accessory to a portable electronic device,
the method including: receiving a plug of the audio accessory in a jack of the portable
electronic device, the jack having electrical connectors for enabling communication
between the audio accessory and a processor of the portable electronic device, the
electrical connectors for contacting corresponding electrical connectors of the plug,
determining a pin-out of the plug and routing signals between ungrounded ones of the
corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor.
[0009] In still another example useful for understanding the invention, there is provided
a method for connecting a plug of an audio accessory to a portable electronic device,
the method including: receiving a plug of the audio accessory in a jack of the portable
electronic device, the jack having electrical connectors for enabling communication
between the audio accessory and a processor of the portable electronic device, each
of the electrical connectors for contacting a corresponding electrical connector of
the plug, determining if a first one of the corresponding electrical connectors of
the plug is electrically grounded and routing audio signals between a second one of
the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor when the first
one of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug is electrically grounded.
[0010] The embodiments provided herein allow audio accessories having pin-outs that do not
match a pin-out of the portable electronic device to be operated therewith. The inclusion
of a switching circuit in the portable electronic device may reduce or eliminate the
need for separate adapter components.
Drawings
[0011] The following figures set forth embodiments in which like reference numerals denote
like parts. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation
in the accompanying figures.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device according to an embodiment;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the portable electronic device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic side view of an audio jack of the portable electronic device
of Figure 1 in section and a side view of a plug of an audio accessory for use with
the audio jack;
Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a switching circuit of the portable electronic device
of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a state diagram corresponding to the circuit diagram of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a plug and headset for use with the portable
electronic device of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a side view of a plug for use with the portable electronic device of Figure
1;
Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a plug and headset for use with the portable
electronic device of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a side view of a plug for use with the portable electronic device of Figure
1;
Figure 10 is a side view of a plug for use with the portable electronic device of
Figure 1;
Figure 11 is a flowchart depicting a method for connecting a plug of an audio accessory
to the portable electronic device of Figure 1 according to an embodiment; and
Figure 12 is a flowchart depicting a method for connecting a plug of an audio accessory
to the portable electronic device of Figure 1 according to another embodiment.
Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0012] Referring now to Figure 1, components of a portable electronic device 10 according
to an embodiment are generally shown. The portable electronic device 10 includes data
communication capabilities and may communicate with other electronic devices directly
or through a wireless network. The portable electronic device 10 is based on the computing
environment and functionality of a handheld computer, such as a wireless personal
digital assistant (PDA), for example. It will be understood, however, that the portable
electronic device 10 is not limited to a wireless personal digital assistant. Other
portable electronic devices are possible, such as cellular telephones, smart telephones,
portable music players and laptop computers.
[0013] The portable electronic device 10 includes a number of components including processor
14, which controls the overall operation of the device 10. A communication subsystem
40 controls data and voice communication functions, such as email, PIN (Personal Identification
Number) message functions, SMS (Short Message Service) message functions and cellular
telephone functions, for example. The communication subsystem 40 is in communication
with a wireless network 12, which may be a data-centric wireless network, a voice-centric
wireless network or a dual-mode wireless network.
[0014] In Figure 1, the communication subsystem 40 is a dual-mode wireless network that
supports both voice and data communications. The communication subsystem 40 is configured
in accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and General Packet
Radio Services (GPRS) standards. The communication subsystem 40 may alternatively
be configured in accordance with Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) or Universal
Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) standards. Other wireless networks may also
be associated with the portable electronic device 10, including Code Division Multiple
Access (CDMA) or CDMA2000 networks. Some other examples of data-centric networks include
WiFi 802.11, Mobitex™ and DataTAC™ network communication systems. Examples of other
voice-centric data networks include Personal Communication Systems (PCS) networks
like GSM and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems.
[0015] The wireless network 12 includes base stations (not shown) that provide a wireless
link to the portable electronic device 10. Each base station defines a coverage area,
or cell, within which communications between the base station and the portable electronic
device 10 can be effected. It will be appreciated that the portable electronic device
10 is movable within the cell and can be moved to coverage areas defined by other
cells. Data is delivered to the portable electronic device 10 via wireless transmission
from base station. Similarly, data is sent from the portable electronic device 10
via wireless transmission to the base station.
[0016] The communication subsystem 40 further includes a short range communications function,
which enables the device 10 to communicate directly with other devices and computer
systems without the use of the network 106 through infrared or Bluetooth™ technology,
for example.
[0017] Prior to the portable electronic device 10 being able to send and receive communication
signals over the wireless network 12, network registration or activation procedures
must have been completed. In order to enable network communication, a SIM (Subscriber
Identity Module) card 24 is inserted into a card interface 26. The SIM card, or Removable
User Identity Module card, is used to identify the user of the mobile device, store
personal device settings and enable access to network services, such as email and
voice mail, for example, and is not bound to a particular portable electronic device
10.
[0018] The processor 14 is also connected to a Random Access Memory (RAM) 16 and a flash
memory 18. An operating system and device software are typically stored in flash memory
18 and are executable by the processor 14. Some device software components may alternatively
be stored in RAM 16. Software applications that control basic device operation, such
as voice and data communication, are typically installed during manufacture of the
device 10. For devices that do not include a SIM card 24, user identification information
may be programmed into the flash memory 18. The flash memory 18 may alternatively
be a persistent storage, a Read-Only Memory (ROM) or other non-volatile storage.
[0019] The processor 14 receives input from various input devices including a keypad 38
and other input devices 36. The other input devices 36 typically complement the keypad
38 to facilitate input and may include devices such as: single or multi-function buttons,
a touch screen, a mouse, a trackball, a capacitive touch sensor or a roller wheel
with dynamic button pressing capability.
[0020] The processor 14 outputs to various output devices including an LCD display screen
20. A microphone 32 and speaker 22 are connected to the processor 14 for cellular
telephone functions. A data port 34 is connected to the processor 14 for enabling
data communication between the portable electronic device 10 and another computing
device. The data port 34 may include data lines for data transfer and a supply line
for charging a battery 30 of the portable device 10. Battery interface 28 is provided
for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 30. Jack 42 is provided for receiving
an audio accessory such as headphones, a headset, amplified speakers or amplified
headphones, for example. Jack 42 may also receive other accessories such as a multi-media
accessory including play, pause, stop and rewind buttons or a TV-out accessory that
allows for connection of the portable electronic device to a TV, for example.
[0021] Only a limited number of device subsystems have been described. It will be appreciated
by a person skilled in the art that additional subsystems corresponding to additional
device features may also be connected to the processor 14.
[0022] Referring also to Figure 2, the portable electronic device 10 includes a housing
44 in which the display 20 and keypad 38 are mounted. The jack 42 is provided in an
opening 43 in a side surface 46 of the housing 44. It will be appreciated by a person
skilled in the art that the arrangement of Figure 2 is provided by way of example.
The display 20, the keypad 38, the jack 42 and also other input devices 36 may be
provided in any arrangement that allows the user to interact with the portable electronic
device 10.
[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the jack 42 includes a sleeve 70 having a closed end 86 and
four electrical connectors 72, 74, 76 and 78. A plug-receiving cavity 82 of the jack
42 is generally defined by an inner surface 84 of the sleeve 70 and is sized to receive
a plug 48 of a headset (not shown). The electrical connectors 72, 74, 76, 78 each
include a conductive surface 80 that extends into the plug-receiving cavity 82. When
the plug 48 of the headset is received in the jack 42, the conductive elements 80
of the electrical connectors 72, 74, 76, 78 mate with corresponding conductive surfaces
of electrical connectors 58, 60, 62 and 64 of the plug 48, respectively, to provide
an electrical path between headset components, which include a microphone, a left
speaker and a right speaker, and matching ports of the processor 14.
[0024] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that rather than including
the sleeve 70, the plug-receiving cavity 82 may be defined by the housing 44 or one
or more other components of the portable electronic device 10.
[0025] Electrical connectors 58, 60, 62 and 64 are provided in order between a base 66 and
a tip 68 of the plug 48. Therefore, when the plug 48 is received in the jack 42, electrical
connector 72 of the jack 42 mates with electrical connector 58 of the plug 48, electrical
connector 74 of the jack 42 mates with electrical connector 60 of the plug 48, electrical
connector 76 of the jack 42 mates with electrical connector 62 of the plug 48 and
electrical connector 78 of the jack 42 mates with electrical connector 64 of the plug
48.
[0026] In order for the left speaker, the right speaker, the microphone and a ground of
the headset to operate as expected, a pin-out of the plug 48 and a pin-out of the
jack 42 should match. The term pin-out is well known in the art and describes the
purpose of each connector, which is commonly referred to as a pin, in a connecting
device, such as a jack or a plug, for example. The pin-out of the jack 42 of the portable
electronic device 10 of Figure 1 is as follows:
Electrical connector 72 |
Microphone |
Electrical connector 74 |
Ground |
Electrical connector 76 |
Right Audio channel |
Electrical connector 78 |
Left Audio Channel |
[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the electrical connectors 72, 74, 76, 78 are electrically coupled
to the processor 14 via a switching circuit 88, which is shown in Figure 4. In general,
the switching circuit 88 is provided to determine the pin-out of the plug 48 and swap
microphone and ground signals when the pin-out of the plug 48 does not match the pin-out
of the jack 42. Specifically, the switching circuit 88 determines if electrical connector
58 is electrically grounded and, if so, routes audio signals from electrical connector
60 of the plug 48, if ungrounded, through electrical connector 72 of the jack 42 to
the processor 14. The switching circuit 88 uses impedance testing to determine the
pin-out of the plug 48.
[0028] Voltages are measured with respect to some sort of reference voltage, which is called
the ground. In some cases, the voltage of the Earth itself serves as the reference,
or ground. On a portable electronic device that is not electrically connected by a
wire to the Earth, one electrical node is selected to be the "ground node," and it
is with reference to the voltage of this node that other voltages are measured. To
say that a connector is "electrically grounded" can be to mean that the connector
is electrically coupled to, or is at substantially the same electric potential as,
that ground node. As a practical matter, the voltage of a grounded connector has substantially
zero difference in voltage with the ground node, and so would be measured as having
a substantially constant voltage of about zero volts. Since typical electrical signals
involve voltage changes, a connector that is electrically grounded typically is carrying
no signal.
[0029] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the switching circuit 88 includes a normally closed
switch 98 between electrical connector 78 of the jack 42, which corresponds to the
left audio channel, and an accessory detection circuitry 92. At state 100, the switching
circuit 88 is in an idle mode when no plug 48 is received in the jack 42. When a plug
48 is received in the jack 42, the normally closed switch 98 opens and a signal interrupt
is sent to the processor 14 to notify the processor 14 that an audio accessory has
been inserted into the jack 42. When the audio accessory is detected, at state 102,
the processor 14 performs a test to determine if the electrical connector 58 of the
plug 48 is electrically grounded. The test is an impedance test that the processor
14 performs by: 1) applying a voltage to a microphone bias connector 94 to bias the
electrical connector 72; 2) reading a direct current (dc) voltage at a microphone
detection connector 96; and 3) comparing the dc voltage reading to a predetermined
threshold value, Vth. At state 102, a switch 90 of the switching circuit is in a first
position, which is the default position, to route audio signals from electrical connectors
58 and 60 of the plug 48 to mating electrical connectors 72 and 74 of the jack 42.
A dc voltage reading that is high indicates that the electrical connector 58 is not
electrically grounded. Therefore, it follows that the electrical connector 58 is connected
to a microphone and the audio accessory is a headset, as indicated at state 104.
[0030] A four pole stereo headset plug is shown in Figure 6 and a four pole mono headset
plug is shown in Figure 7. When headset plugs of Figures 6 and 7 are inserted into
the jack 42, the switching circuit 88 determines that the electrical connector 58
is not electrically grounded and the processor 14 operates the audio accessory with
the adapter switch 90 in the first position.
[0031] A dc voltage reading from the impedance test that is low indicates that the electrical
connector 58 is electrically grounded, and therefore, the accessory is either a headset
or headphones. In response to the outcome of the test, at state 106, the switch 90
is changed to a second position in which the electrical connector 72 of the jack 42
is in communication with the electrical connector 60 of the plug 48. The processor
14 then performs a second test in order to determine if the electrical connector 60
of the plug 48 is electrically grounded. If the dc voltage reading of the second test
is high, the electrical connector 60 is not electrically grounded. Therefore, it follows
that the electrical connector 60 is connected to a microphone and the audio accessory
is a headset, as indicated at state 108.
[0032] A stereo headset plug having the microphone and ground connectors reversed, when
compared to the jack 42, is shown in Figure 8. This pin-out configuration is often
found in headphones and headsets that are manufactured in China. When the headset
plug of Figures 8 is inserted into the jack 42, the switching circuit 88 allows the
processor 14 to operate the audio accessory with the switch 90 in the second position.
[0033] A dc voltage reading from the second test that is low indicates that the electrical
connector 60 is electrically grounded, and therefore, the accessory is a set of headphones,
as indicated at state 110. Plugs for stereo headphones and mono headphones are shown
in Figures 9 and 10, respectively.
[0034] Once the pin-out of two of the electrical connectors of the plug 48 has been determined,
a further detection scheme may be performed in order to determine the entire pin-out
of the plug 48, as indicated in Figure 5. Detection schemes for determining whether
a headset or headphones is mono or stereo are known in the art and therefore will
not be described further.
[0035] Referring to Figure 11, a method for connecting the plug 48 of an audio accessory
to a portable electronic device is generally shown. At step 112, the plug 48 is received
in the jack 42 of the portable electronic device. The pin-out of the plug 48 is then
determined at step 114, as has been previously described, and audio signals from electrically
ungrounded electrical connectors of the plug 48 are routed to matching ports of the
processor 14 at step 116.
[0036] Referring to Figure 12, another method for connecting a plug of an audio accessory
to a portable electronic device is generally shown. At step 118, the plug 48 is received
in the jack 42 of the portable electronic device. At steps 120 and 122, it is determined
if a first electrical connector of the plug 48 is electrically grounded and, if so,
audio signals are routed between a second electrical connector of the plug 48 and
the processor 14.
[0037] The jack 42 shown in Figure 3 is sized to receive a 3.5 mm plug, however, it will
be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the jack 42 may alternatively be
sized to receive a 2.5 mm plug or another size of plug.
[0038] In another embodiment, the jack 42 includes a pin-out of:
Electrical connector 72 |
Ground |
Electrical connector 74 |
Microphone |
Electrical connector 76 |
Right Audio channel |
Electrical connector 78 |
Left Audio Channel |
In this embodiment, the switching circuit 88 is modified to first test if electrical
connector 60 of the plug 48 is electrically grounded and, if not, change switch 90
to the second position and re-test.
[0039] The switching circuit 88 of the described embodiments is suitable for use with plugs
having microphone and ground electrical connectors that are located adjacent to one
another at the base of the plug and in which at least one of the two connectors located
adjacent to the tip of the plug are speaker electrical connectors. Plug pin-outs having
this general configuration are shown in Figures 6-10 and are the most common pin-out
configurations of headset and headphone accessories. It will, however, be appreciated
by a person skilled in the art that a modified switching circuit including additional
switches and further impedance testing could be provided to allow for pin-out determination
of any pin-out configuration. The modified switching circuit would route audio signals
between ungrounded ones of the electrical connectors of the plug and matching ports
of the processor.
[0040] In another embodiment, the processor 14 executes software that is stored on the device
10 to allow a user to select different pin-out options via the keypad 38, display
20 or other input devices 36. In this embodiment, the processor 14 would not perform
a test to determine the pin-out of the audio accessory. Instead, when the switching
circuit 88 detects that an audio accessory has been inserted into the jack 42, the
user would be prompted to select the type of audio accessory. The user would be able
to select the type of audio accessory from a drop-down list, for example, which could
include a list of pin-outs, product manufacturers, product serial numbers or a list
of countries corresponding to where the accessory was manufactured.
[0041] Specific embodiments have been shown and described herein. However, modifications
and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and variations
are believed to be within the scope and sphere of the present embodiments.
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention may relate to one or more of the following enumerated
example embodiments.
- 1. A portable electronic device comprising:
a processor provided in a housing;
a jack provided in the housing, the jack being sized for receiving a plug of an audio
accessory;
electrical connectors provided in the jack for enabling communication between the
audio accessory and the processor, each of the electrical connectors for contacting
a corresponding electrical connector of the plug;
a switching circuit in communication with the processor and two of the electrical
connectors, the switching circuit for selectively routing audio signals between a
second one of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor;
wherein the switching circuit routes the audio signals between a second one of the
corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor when a first one
of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug is electrically grounded.
- 2. A portable electronic device as in enumerated example embodiment 1, wherein no
audio signals are routed to the processor when both the first one of the corresponding
electrical connectors of the plug and the second one of the corresponding electrical
connectors of the plug are electrically grounded.
- 3. A portable electronic device as in enumerated example embodiment 1 or enumerated
example embodiment 2, wherein the audio accessory comprises any of: stereo headsets,
stereo headphones, mono headsets and mono headphones.
- 4. A portable electronic device as in anyone of enumerated example embodiments 1 to
3, wherein the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors and the second
one of the corresponding electrical connectors are located adjacent to one another
at a base of the plug.
- 5. A portable electronic device as in any one of the preceding enumerated example
embodiments, wherein the switching circuit comprises a switch having a default position
and a second position, the audio signals being routed between the first one of the
corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor when the switch
is in the default position.
- 6. A portable electronic device as in enumerated example embodiment 5, wherein the
switch is changed from the default position to the second position based on an outcome
of an impedance test.
- 7. A portable electronic device as in any one of the preceding enumerated example
embodiments, wherein the plug is one of a 2.5 mm plug and a 3.5 mm plug.
- 8. A method for connecting a plug of an audio accessory to a portable electronic device,
the method comprising:
receiving a plug of the audio accessory in a jack of the portable electronic device,
the jack having electrical connectors for enabling communication between the audio
accessory and a processor of the portable electronic device, each of the electrical
connectors for contacting a corresponding electrical connector of the plug;
determining if a first one of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug
is electrically grounded; and
routing audio signals between a second one of the corresponding electrical connectors
of the plug and the processor when the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors
of the plug is electrically grounded.
- 9. A method as in enumerated example embodiment 8, wherein no audio signals are routed
to the processor when both the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors
of the plug and the second one of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug
are electrically grounded.
- 10. A method as in enumerated example embodiment 8 or enumerated example embodiment
9, wherein the audio accessory is any of: stereo headsets, stereo headphones, mono
headsets and mono headphones.
- 11. A method as in any one of enumerated example embodiments 8 to 10, wherein the
first one of the corresponding electrical connectors and the second one of the corresponding
electrical connectors are located adjacent to one another at a base of the plug.
- 12. A method as in any one of enumerated example embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the
audio signals are routed by a switching circuit.
- 13. A method as in enumerated example embodiment 11, wherein the switching circuit
has a switch having a default position and a second position, the audio signals being
routed between the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug
and the processor when the switch is in the default position.
- 14. A method as in any one of enumerated example embodiments 8 to 13, further comprising
performing a test to determine if the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors
in contact with the first one of the electrical connectors of the jack is electrically
grounded.
- 15. A method as in enumerated example embodiment 13, wherein the test is an impedance
test.
- 16. A method as in enumerated example embodiment 15, wherein the impedance test comprises
applying a voltage to a microphone bias connector, reading a voltage at a microphone
detection connector and comparing the voltage reading to a predetermined threshold
value.
[0043] The application further comprises the following aspects:
- 1. A portable electronic device having a connection for a plurality of audio accessories,
comprising:
a processor;
a jack being sized for receiving a plug of an audio accessory of the plurality of
audio accessories;
electrical connectors provided in the jack for enabling communication between the
audio accessory and the processor, each of the electrical connectors for contacting
a corresponding electrical connector of the plug; and
a switching circuit in communication with the processor and two of the electrical
connectors, the switching circuit for selectively routing audio signals between the
corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor,
wherein:
the processor is adapted to perform an impedance test on a first one of the electrical
connectors after insertion of the plug into the jack to determine if a first one of
the corresponding electrical connectors is electrically grounded;
the switching circuit is adapted to route the audio signals between a second one of
the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor, when the first
one of the corresponding electrical connectors is electrically grounded; and
the audio accessory is either a headset or headphones when the first one of the corresponding
electrical connectors is electrically grounded.
- 2. The portable electronic device as described in aspect 1, wherein the plurality
of audio accessories comprises any of: a microphone, stereo headsets, stereo headphones,
mono headsets and mono headphones.
- 3. The portable electronic device as described in any of aspects 1 or 2, wherein the
first one of the corresponding electrical connectors and the second one of the corresponding
electrical connectors are located adjacent to one another at a base of the plug.
- 4. The portable electronic device as described in anyone of the preceding aspects,
wherein the switching circuit comprises a switch having a first position and a second
position, the audio signals being routed between the first one of the corresponding
electrical connectors of the plug and the processor when the switch is in the first
position.
- 5. The portable electronic device as described in anyone of the preceding aspects,
wherein the plug is one of a 2.5 mm plug and a 3.5 mm plug.
- 6. The portable electronic device as described in anyone of the preceding aspects,
wherein for the impedance test, the processor is adapted to configure the switching
circuit to connect:
a first connector of the electrical connectors to a first corresponding electrical
connector of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug; and
a second connector of the electrical connectors to a second corresponding electrical
connector of the corresponding electrical connectors.
- 7. The portable electronic device as described in aspect 6, wherein the impedance
test on the first one of the electrical connectors comprises:
applying a voltage to the second electrical connector;
reading a direct current (dc) voltage at a microphone detection connector connected
to the second electrical connector;
comparing the dc voltage reading to a predetermined threshold value, Vth; and
if the dc voltage reading is below the predetermined threshold value, then the first
one of the corresponding electrical connectors is electrically grounded.
- 8. The portable electronic device as descibed in aspect 6 or 7, wherein after it is
determined that the audio accessory is either the headset or the headphone:
the portable electronic device further changes the switch to a second position in
which the second electrical connector is in communication with the second corresponding
electrical connector; and
the processor performs a second test in order to determine if the second corresponding
electrical connector is electrically grounded;
determines that the audio accessory is the headset when the second corresponding electrical
connector is not electrically grounded; and
determines that the audio accessory is the headphones when the second corresponding
electrical connector is electrically grounded;
the processor optionally
performs a second test in order to determine if the second corresponding electrical
connector is electrically grounded;
performs a third test in order to determine if the first corresponding electrical
connector is electrically grounded; and
determines that the audio accessory is the headset when the second corresponding electrical
connector is electrically grounded and the first corresponding electrical connector
is not electrically grounded,
wherein the headset has a reversed pin-out configuration for the plug;
and
the processor optionally
routes audio signals from ungrounded electrical connectors of the corresponding electrical
connectors of the plug to matching ports of the processor.
- 9. The portable electronic device as described in anyone of the preceding aspects,
wherein the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors is connected to a
microphone of the audio accessory when the first one of the corresponding electrical
connectors is not electrically grounded.
- 10. A method for connecting of an audio accessory of a plurality of audio accessories
to a portable electronic device, the method comprising:
receiving a plug of the audio accessory in a jack of the portable electronic device,
the jack having electrical connectors for enabling communication between the audio
accessory and a processor of the portable electronic device, each of the electrical
connectors for contacting a corresponding electrical connector of the plug;
after receiving of the plug into the jack, conducting an impedance test on the electrical
connectors to determine if a first one of the corresponding electrical connector is
electrically grounded;
routing audio signals between a second one of the corresponding electrical connectors
of the plug and the processor, when the first one of the corresponding electrical
connectors of the plug is electrically grounded; and
determining that the audio accessory is either a headset or headphones, when the first
one of the corresponding electrical connectors is electrically grounded.
- 11. The method as described in aspect 10, wherein the first one of the corresponding
electrical connectors and the second one of the corresponding electrical connectors
are located adjacent to one another at a base of the plug.
- 12. The method as described in aspect 10 or 11, further comprising:
connecting a first connector of the electrical connectors to a first corresponding
electrical connector of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug; and
connecting a second connector of the electrical connectors to a second corresponding
electrical connector of the corresponding electrical connectors.
- 13. The method as described in aspect 12, wherein the impedance test on the electrical
connectors comprises:
applying a voltage to the second electrical connector;
reading a direct current (dc) voltage at a microphone detection connector connected
to the second electrical connector;
comparing the dc voltage reading to a predetermined threshold value, Vth; and
if the dc voltage reading is below the predetermined threshold value, then the first
one of the corresponding electrical connectors is electrically grounded.
- 14. The method as described in aspect 12 or 13, further comprising after it is determined
that the audio accessory is either the headset or the headphone:
changing the switch to a second position in which the second electrical connector
is in communication with the second corresponding electrical connector;
performing a second test in order to determine if the second corresponding electrical
connector is electrically grounded;
determining that the audio accessory is the headset when the second corresponding
electrical connector is not electrically grounded; and
determining that the audio accessory is the headphones when the second corresponding
electrical connector is electrically grounded.
- 15. The method as described in any one of aspects 10 to 14, further comprising:
determining that the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors is connected
to a microphone of the audio accessory, when the first one of the corresponding electrical
connectors is not electrically grounded.
1. A portable electronic device comprising:
a processor provided in a housing;
a jack provided in said housing, said jack being sized for receiving a plug of an
audio accessory;
electrical connectors provided in the jack for enabling communication between the
audio accessory and the processor and for contacting corresponding electrical connectors
of the plug; and
a switching circuit in communication with the processor and two of the electrical
connectors, the switching circuit
after insertion of the plug into the jack, conducting a test on the electrical connectors
to determine if a first one of the corresponding electrical connectors is electrically
grounded; and
routing audio signals between a second one of the corresponding electrical connectors
and the processor if the test indicates that the first one of the corresponding electrical
connectors is electrically grounded.
2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the electrical connectors
are for contacting a corresponding electrical connector of the plug; and
wherein the audio accessory is either a headset or headphones, if the first one of
the corresponding electrical connectors is electrically grounded.
3. A portable electronic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein after insertion of the plug
into the jack, the switching circuit further determines that the audio accessory is
a microphone and does not route the audio signals to the processor when the first
one of the corresponding electrical connectors and the second one of the corresponding
electrical connectors are electrically grounded.
4. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the audio accessory
comprises any of: a microphone, stereo headsets, stereo headphones, mono headsets
and mono headphones.
5. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first one of the
corresponding electrical connectors and the second one of the corresponding electrical
connectors are located adjacent to one another at a base of the plug.
6. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switching circuit
comprises a switch having a first position and a second position, the audio signals
being routed between the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors of the
plug and the processor when the switch is in the first position.
7. The portable electronic device of claim 6, wherein the switch is changed from the
first position to the second position based on an impedance test of the first one
of the corresponding electrical connectors.
8. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plug is one of
a 2.5 mm plug and a 3.5 mm plug.
9. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein for the test the switching
circuit connects:
a first connector of the electrical connectors to a first corresponding electrical
connector of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug; and
a second connector of the electrical connectors to a second corresponding electrical
connector of the corresponding electrical connectors.
10. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein it is determined that
the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors is connected to a microphone
of the audio accessory when the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors
is not electrically grounded.
11. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein after insertion of
the plug into the jack, the switching circuit determines the audio accessory is a
microphone, if the first one of the corresponding electrical connectors is not electrically
grounded.
12. A method for connecting a plug of an audio accessory to a portable electronic device,
said method comprising:
receiving a plug of said audio accessory in a jack of said portable electronic device,
said jack having electrical connectors for enabling communication between said audio
accessory and a processor of said portable electronic device, said electrical connectors
each having a contact to corresponding electrical connectors of said plug;
conducting a test on said electrical connectors to determine if a first one of said
corresponding electrical connectors is electrically grounded; and
routing audio signals between a second one of said corresponding electrical connectors
of said plug and said processor if said first one of said corresponding electrical
connectors of said plug is electrically grounded.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein no audio signals are routed to said processor when
both said first one of said corresponding electrical connectors and a second one of
said corresponding electrical connectors are electrically grounded.
14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein said audio accessory is selected from a group
comprising: stereo headsets, stereo headphones, mono headsets and mono headphones.
15. The method of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein said first one of said corresponding
electrical connectors and said second one of said corresponding electrical connectors
are located adjacent to one another at a base of said plug.