DATA COMMUNICATIONS VIA LIMITED LENGTH AUDIO JACK

摘要

Methods, systems, and apparatus for selectively communicating data and audio over a limited-size audio plug. A host device determines whether an audio accessory or a data communicating accessory is plugged therein via a signal, or lack thereof, communicated to the host device via the audio plug of the accessory. The host device then either communicates audio or data over the audio plug contacts that are typically used only for audio communication based on whether its connected to an audio accessory or data communicating accessory. An audio plug may also include a split-ring contact where multiple, independent contacts are formed in place of a single tip, ring, or sleeve contact. The split-ring contact may be used for communicating audio and/or data.

主权项

1. A method for selectively communicating audio and data over a plug connector, comprising:
detecting, at a receptacle connector of an electronic device including a plurality of receptacle contacts, insertion of a plug connector into the receptacle connector, the plug connector including an insertion element coupled to a base, the insertion element including a plurality of plug contacts arranged linearly between the base and a tip of the insertion element, the plurality of plug contacts including: a tip contact arranged at the tip of the insertion element, and a ring contact arranged between the tip contact and the base; determining whether a signal is communicated to the electronic device via one or more of a first contact of the plurality of receptacle contacts and a second contact of the plurality of receptacle contacts, the first contact being arranged to electrically contact the tip contact of the plug connector upon insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle connector, the second contact being arranged to electrically contact the ring contact upon insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle connector; and selectively communicating one of an audio signal and a data signal via at least one of the first contact or the second contact based on whether it is determined that a signal is communicated to the electronic device via one or more of the first contact and the second contact.