Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories are provided that may communicate over wired communications paths. The electronic devices may be portable electronic devices such as cellular telephones or media players and may have audio connectors such as 3.5 mm audio jacks. The accessories may be headsets or other equipment having mating 3.5 mm audio plugs and speakers for playing audio. Microphones may be included in an accessory to gather voice signals and noise cancellation signals. Analog-to-digital converter circuitry in the accessory may digitize the microphone signals. Digital voice signals and voice noise cancellation signals can be transmitted over the communications path and processed by audio digital signal processor circuitry in an electronic device. Digital-to-analog converter circuitry in the accessory may convert digital audio signals to analog speaker signals.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets are provided. An accessory may include speakers and active noise cancellation circuitry. Microphones may be used to pick up ambient noise signals for implementing noise cancellation for the speakers. The accessory may also include a voice microphone and an ambient noise microphone that picks up ambient noise signals for implementing noise cancellation for the voice microphone. A user input interface may gather user input. Ultrasonic tone generators may transmit data between the device and accessory. The electronic device and accessory may be connected to each other by audio connectors. Hybrid circuits that each include a summer and a transconductance amplifier may be selectively switched into or out of use. When switched into use, paths between the device and accessory can support bidirectional communications such as communications involving the simultaneous flow of analog audio and microphone signals in opposite directions.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a controlled oscillator using a phase-locked loop (PLL) or frequency-locked loop (FLL) having a digital loop filter with programmable filter parameters. An exemplary PLL (or FLL) includes a digital loop filter having one or more of the programmable filter parameters, which are changed by increments during operation in order to minimize disturbances (e.g., settling transients) as the loop bandwidth of the PLL is varied from a narrow loop bandwidth to a wide loop bandwidth, or vice versa. By changing the loop filter parameters in increments the loop bandwidth can be varied with substantially no perturbation. The end result is a much faster frequency switching time, improved settling dynamics, and predictable and stable loop operating performance. According to another aspect of the invention, one or more of the programmable filter parameters are changed in order to oppose a change in tuning sensitivity of the controlled oscillator (e.g.

Abstract: A software application providing system and methods for using Web Services to connect an Analysis calculator, a Recommendations engine, Social Networking, and Knowledge Management technologies in a platform for operationalizing sustainability into Product Life Cycle Management (e.g., conception, design, manufacture, service, end-of-life disposition) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) (including enterprise-wide activities of manufacturing, supply change management, financials, human resources, customer relationship management, and external stakeholder engagement). A Web Service Framework integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software technology with product design, manufacturing, and distribution process design tools. A logic layer can perform sustainability estimates within a Knowledge Management System. A Web Service Framework is utilized for constructing or entering LCA models, methodologies and source data.

Abstract: Handshaking circuits are provided in a communications cable and in a device operable to be mated with the communications cable. Before a device can utilize the power supply signal of such a communications channel, the two handshaking circuits must sufficiently identify one another over a power supply signal with a decreased voltage. The decreased voltage allows for a cable plug to be provided with a safe, protected power that cannot cause harm to a human. The decreased voltage also reduces the chance that a device can receive a primary power supply signal from the cable before the device sufficiently identifies itself. Accordingly, a laptop may be connected to a portable music player, but the voltage of the power supply signal provided by the laptop to the cable may be decreased on-cable until the handshaking circuit of the portable music player sufficiently performs a handshaking operation with a on-cable handshaking circuit.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, achieves noise spreading within a PLL using a dual-modulus prescaler by interleaving the division moduli. Within a given cycle, “ones” and “tens” are not all counted consecutively. Instead, ones and tens are interleaved. In one embodiment of the invention, the R count is doubled and the output of the R counter is toggled between high and low states. (The Q counter may remain unmodified.) In another embodiment of the invention, ones and tens are interleaved in accordance with a ratio q:r. By so interleaving the modulus, the effect is to spread the noise resulting from the output signal of the dual-modulus prescaler over a wider frequency range. The prescaler noise level is greatly reduced, particularly within the frequency band of the reference frequency.

Abstract: A digital circuit and method for forming number streams for frequency and/or phase comparison of digital or digitized signals, referred to herein as clock signals, where typically one of the clock signals is a known clock signal and another of the clock signal is an unknown clock signal. The unknown clock signal may be derived, for example, from a communications signal. The rate of the unknown clock signal may exceed the rate of the known clock signal. In an exemplary embodiment, an “alias” value (e.g., an integer 1, 2, 3, etc.) is applied to the circuit as an indication of the expected frequency range of the unknown clock signal. The number stream is formed accordingly.

Abstract: A promotional tool and a vehicle used to distribute products, information, gift certificates, prepaid phone cards, and coupons for businesses, corporations, retail establishments, universities, and sales personnel. A customized gift card displays professionally created artwork, logos and graphics that best portray the provider's intent for the overall design. The card is folded, die-cut and glued to receive a multimedia disc, gift certificate, coupon or phone card. A Multimedia Disc is included as a gift with each card. It is a digital medium that contains professionally recorded digital music and a variety of audio, video, and graphic information regarding the provider. It is placed in the card so the label which supports the card's overall design, is in view. A gift certificate, coupon, or a prepaid phone card can be placed in the card for easy accessibility and scanning by a retailer.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides for true multi-mode operation enabling mode switching to be done on-the-fly, in real time. Ramping techniques are provided to fully ramp a communications signal down and then back up inside a guard period while switching from one mode to another so that signal glitches occur only while the signal is ramped down and so can be made negligible. In another aspect of the invention, an advantageous multi-mode communications platform having a polar modulation architecture is provided. Preferably, the platform is based on a multi-mode, predominantly digital, single-chip communications signal processor. A digital, phase-stable, frequency lock loop enables versatile, low-power operation.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, achieves noise spreading within a PLL using a dual-modulus prescaler by interleaving the division moduli. Within a given cycle, “ones” and “tens” are not all counted consecutively. Instead, ones and tens are interleaved. In one embodiment of the invention, the R count is doubled and the output of the R counter is toggled between high and low states. (The Q counter may remain unmodified.) In another embodiment of the invention, ones and tens are interleaved in accordance with a ratio q:r. By so interleaving the modulus, the effect is to spread the noise resulting from the output signal of the dual-modulus prescaler over a wider frequency range. The prescaler noise level is greatly reduced, particularly within the frequency band of the reference frequency.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides a digital circuit and method for forming number streams for frequency and/or phase comparison of digital or digitized signals, referred to herein as clock signals, where typically one of the clock signals is a known clock signal and another of the clock signal is an unknown clock signal. The unknown clock signal may e derived from a communications signal, for example. The rate of the unknown clock signal may exceed the rate of the known clock signal. In an exemplary embodiment, an “alias” value (e.g., an integer 1, 2, 3, etc.) is applied to the circuit as an indication of the expected frequency range of the unknown clock signal. The number stream is formed accordingly.