WO2015065736A1

WO2015065736A1 - Connector test and monitoring system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2015065736A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/061216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Howard H. Roberts; James Allen Andrews; Chris D. Eckhoff; Randal A. Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-17
Filing date: 2014-10-17
Publication date: 2015-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2016-04-17

Abstract

A circuit for testing a series-connected chain of audio circuitry. A power source provides a first differential signal, a second differential signal and a ground. The circuit includes a first male differential signal source connector connected to the first differential signal of the power source, a second male differential signal source connector connected to the second differential signal of the power source, a male ground connector connected to the ground of the power source, a first female differential signal connector connected to the first male differential signal source connector, a female ground connector connected to the male ground connector, an LED connected to the female ground connector, and a second female differential signal connector connected to the female ground connector. The series-connected chain terminally shorts between the first differential signal and the second differential signal.

Description

CONNECTOR TEST AND MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a continuation and has priority of:

U.S. Patent Application No. 13/964,821, titled "Electrical Connector System and Method", filed August 12, 2013 (which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/348,618, titled "Connector System and Method", filed January 11, 2012, and which is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/431,565, titled "Analog Audio Connector System and Method", filed January 11, 2011); and

is a conversion and has priority of:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/892,219, titled "Connector Test and Monitoring System and Method", filed October 17, 2013;

which applications are co-pending and have at least one same inventor of the present application and each such application is herein incorporated by this reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to connectors, such as for audio connections, and more particularly relates to connectors for analog connections for real-time testing and monitoring as an audio or other electronics system is assembled and while it is in operation.

Background

Most analog audio connectors, both balanced and unbalanced, suffer a common problem. When connection is either made or broken between a source and a receiver, an unpleasant and potentially system damaging noise transient is generated on the connection path. This noise transient sounds like a pop or short duration burst of noise. The pop or noise burst is not only a very unpleasant audible sound, it can damage an attached amplification system amplifying the signal when the transient noise occurs. Similar concerns of transient spikes or bursts are experienced m connecting many other analog source and receiver devices, including mission critical systems. These spikes or bursts can damage equipment and at least momentarily affect signals. The typical connector has provided an instantaneous physical and electrical make or break of connection between devices when the connector is physically connected or disconnected, respectively, to a corresponding mate connector. This instantaneous make or break of connection of physical and electrical connection creates transient noise, spikes, or bursts of signal.

In addition to problems of the actual setting up of connections by connectors, many audio installations, for example, professional audio systems, are complex with hundreds and sometimes thousands of connection points. Conventionally, the respective connection points have not been testable apart from testing of the system as a whole (or with significant numbers of connections being made). A failure condition, for example, may not be detected until the entire or significant part of the system is connected and tested in use. Additionally, failure conditions may occur during use of the system once connected.

The ability to detect a connection problem as soon as it happens (whether at assembly of the system or thereafter) would significantly reduce the time to detection (TTD) and time to repair (TTR), saving precious minutes when time matters.

There are two basic time periods when connection problems typically occur. The first is when the system is being assembled or during what is commonly referred to as "set-up." Conventionally, any problem of a connection would go undetected until the system is fully assembled and undergoing complete system check. This means that the connection problem could be one of any along a chain of connection(s) for the particular channel.

The second time period is after the system passes complete system check. During this period, the system is either waiting to be used or is in use. There are many contributors to failure of connections during this period of time, including, for example, that personnel may continue to move around the cabling and equipment. This activity can sometimes have the unintended consequence of breaking a connection. Additionally, during use, connections can be intentionally changed or modified. An example would be at a live performance venue where multiple acts are performing. Often, the equipment and connections are changed to accommodate the different requirements of the multiple performing acts. As can be understood, any failure condition may not be detected until the system is in use. This can represent the worst time to detect a problem.

It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide real-time test and monitoring systems and methods for substantially eliminating TTD and substantially reducing TTR. It would further be desirable to provide such systems and methods that eliminate or reduce instance of transient noise. It would also be advantageous to provide such solutions that are widely compatible and desirable in design and operation, at reasonable cost and economy of size and adaptability.

Summary

According to certain embodiments, a test and monitor circuit is connected in series with a described XLR-configured system (i.e., the "SXLR" connector), such as that of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/964,821, titled "Electrical Connector System and Method", filed August 12, 2013, incorporated herein by this reference. Phantom power may be employed for testing or monitoring. When phantom power is turned on, an LED illuminates if there is a complete circuit from the source of phantom power to the last component in the chain of connected cables and devices. The electrical circuit is made complete by the short on each unconnected female SXLR connector in the chain of connected components. Since the output impedance of source components (microphones, direct-boxes, etc) are low impedance, these terminating devices also appear as shorts to the test circuit. The LED illuminates in all cases except where there is a faulty connection and the round-trip circuit is broken. This condition is immediately detected by the monitoring system and corrective action can be taken. The system can identify the exact location of the source during assembly and the exact channel after assembly and during use.

According to other embodiments, active source power may be employed for testing and monitoring in an SXLR-configured system.

An embodiment of the invention is a system for testing integrity of connectivity of a series-connected chain of audio circuitry. The system includes a power source of two differential signal connectors and one ground signal connector, a tester including two male differential signal connectors respectively connected to the two differential signal connectors of the power source and one male ground connector connected to the one ground signal connector of the power source, two female differential signal connectors and one female ground connector, one of the male differential signal connectors is connected to one of the female differential signal connectors, the male ground connector is connected to the female ground connector, and an LED is connected to the other of the female differential signal connectors and female ground connector, a terminating connector of the series-connected chain is connected to the two female differential signal connectors and the one female ground connector of the tester, and shorts between the two differential signal connectors.

Another embodiment of the invention is a circuit for testing a series-connected chain of audio circuitry. A power source provides a first differential signal, a second differential signal and a ground. The circuit includes a first male differential signal source connector connected to the first differential signal of the power source, a second male differential signal source connector connected to the second differential signal of the power source, a male ground connector connected to the ground of the power source, a first female differential signal connector connected to the first male differential signal source connector, a female ground connector connected to the male ground connector, an LED connected to the female ground connector, and a second female differential signal connector connected to the female ground connector. The series-connected chain terminally shorts between the first differential signal and the second differential signal.

In further aspects, the circuit includes a first relay connected to the first male differential signal source connector and the second male differential signal source connector, a second relay connected to the second male differential signal source connector and the second female differential signal source connector, and a third relay connected to the LED and the second female differential signal source connector. The first relay and the third relay are open when the second relay is closed. During testing via the circuit, the first relay is first controlled to close, then the second relay and the third relay are second controlled to open and close, respectively.

Another embodiment of the invention is a system for testing integrity of connectivity of a series-connected chain of audio circuitry. The system includes a power source of two differential signal connectors and one ground signal connector connected to the series- connected chain of audio circuitry, a tester terminally connected to the series-connected chain of audio circuitry opposite the power source, includes two male differential signal connectors respectively communicatively connected by the audio circuitry to the two differential signal connectors of the power source and one male ground connector communicatively connected by the audio circuitry to the one ground signal connector, a first LED connected to one of the two differential signal connectors and the ground signal connector, a second LED connected to the other of the two differential signal connectors and the ground connector.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a circuit for testing a series-connected chain of audio circuitry. A power source provides a first differential signal, a second differential signal and a ground connected to the audio circuity. The circuit includes a first male differential signal source connector communicatively connected to the first differential by the audio circuitry opposite the power source, a second male ditterentiai signal source connector communicatively connected to the second differential signal of the power source by the audio circuitry opposite the power source, a male ground connector communicatively connected to the ground of the power source by the audio circuity opposite the power source, a first LED connected to the first male differential signal source connector and the male ground connector, and a second LED connected to the second male differential signal source connector and the male ground connector.

Another embodiment of the invention is a system for monitoring a series-connected chain of audio circuitry. The series-connected chain of audio circuitry terminates in a communicatively connected audio device, a power source provides a first differential signal, a second differential signal and a ground connected to the audio circuitry. The system includes a first differential signal source connector connected to the first differential signal of the power source, a second differential signal source connector connected to the second differential signal of the power source, a ground connector connected to the ground of the power source, a first LED connected to the first differential signal source connector, the second differential source connector and the ground connector, a second LED, and a mixer connected to the first differential signal source connector, the second differential signal source connector and the first LED. The audio device, in operation, communicatively connects between the first differential signal and the second differential signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example audio mixing console and inputs to the console;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example audio snake; FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a typical audio hardware setup as may be employed for live performance sound control;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an SXLR passive circuit tester (@Source) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit implementation of an SXLR passive circuit tester

(@Source) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an SXLR active circuit tester (@Source) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a circuit implementation of an SXLR active circuit tester (@Source) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of another SXLR passive circuit tester

(@Terminus) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a circuit implementation of another SXLR passive circuit tester (@Terminus) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of another SXLR active circuit monitor (@Source) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a circuit implementation of another SXLR active circuit monitor (@Source) according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a block Diagram of yet another SXLR active circuit test and monitor (Software) according to certain embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a circuit implementation of yet another SXLR active circuit test and monitor (Software) according to certain embodiments of the invention.

Description

Disclosed are certain embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, of a test and monitoring system for analog connectors. U.S. Patent Application No. 13/964,821, titled "Electrical Connector System and Method", tiled August 12, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference. References to SXLR mean the embodiments of XLR connectors disclosed in the incorporated application, as well as any other XLR type connector having the features and operation described herein.

Fig. 1 shows a typical audio mixer and the connections on the rear panel. Audio mixers come in a wide range of sizes and features. The point of this drawing is to show that there is a plurality of connections. Each connection point is an opportunity for a failure in the signal path. Most XLR and TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) type connections each represent three individual opportunities for failure: two differential signal connections and one ground connection.

Fig. 2 shows a commonly used method of connecting the control audio console with the remote location such as a performance stage. The device is commonly referred to as a "snake" and has many audio connections. Snakes typically have incremental channel sizes such as 8, 16, 24, 32, 48, and so on. Each of these has connections at each end of the snake. A 48 channel snake represents 96 possible connection failures. Since each connection has three points of potential signal failure, a 48 channel snake represents a total of 288 potential points of signal failure.

Fig. 3 shows how a mixing console and snake interface with a stage area. As can clearly be seen, many more connections are made between the snake and the stage area. These connections may include, but are not limited to, individual cables, additional mixing consoles, signal duplicating snakes commonly referred to as "splitter snakes," and many other devices, controls, instruments, amplifiers, and so on. The number of potential failure points can be well over a thousand. Managing and monitoring such connections can sometimes overwhelm the technical support and operating staff. Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a passive test mode at the source of the signal path. The source is considered to be the mixer where phantom power is provided. The passive tester can be a single device inserted into the signal path of a single channel or multiple devices inserted into a plurality of channels.

Fig. 5 shows one example of how the block diagram in Fig. 4 can be implemented. Other implementations are contemplated. For example, based on various SXLR design implementations, it is possible to have LEDs for both pin2 and pin3. Although not shown in Fig. 5, these alternative SXLR implementations can also include the ground circuit in the test circuit path.

Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an active test mode at the source of the signal path. The source is considered to be the interface of the mixer. The active tester can be a single device inserted into the signal path of a single channel or multiple devices inserted into a plurality of channels. Switch SI actuates before switches S2 and S3. This has the effect of muting the channel so that no transient popping sounds occur. When the tester is not actuated, the three switches return to their normally relaxed (non-actuated) positions. SI and S3 are open and S2 is closed. This returns the test circuit to a pass-through mode and becomes transparent to the system.

Fig. 7 shows one example of how the block diagram in Fig. 6 can be implemented. Other implementations are contemplated. For example, there are many alternatives to the switch (relay) configuration shown based on commercially available switches and relays. It is contemplated that some relays can use the power available from the phantom power source to actuate. This eliminates the requirement for an external power source. In this respect a hybrid between passive and active configurations is possible.

Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a passive tester at the terminus of the signal path. The terminus can be any connection point using either standard XLR or SXLR connections devices such as cables, snakes, couplers, and adapters. The tester is attached to the terminus of the signal path with phantom power enabled (on). The possible test outcomes are tabulated as follows:

Fig. 9 shows one example of how the block diagram in Fig. 8 can be implemented.

Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of an active monitor circuit at the source of the signal path. The source is considered to be the interface of the mixer, but this monitor can be placed anywhere along the signal path between the mixer and a source feeding the system. The monitor circuit is different from the tester in that it can remain active while the system is in use. The basic implementation of the monitor is that of a highly sensitive threshold sensor. It has a binary functionality with two states: no signal (a resistive short between pins 2 and 3) and an active source delivering some signal, no matter how small, to the mixer input. Fig. 11 shows one example of how the block diagram m Fig. 1U can be implemented. Many other implementations are contemplated. The design criteria is that the monitor be adjustable (it can be calibrated) and that it minimizes loading on the signals pins so that the effects on signal integrity and frequency response are minimized.

Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of how the source testers and monitors can be implemented in software. There are many advantages to providing a software interface and control system to the hardware test and monitoring circuits described herein.

Fig. 13 shows actual software implementations that simulate the operation of the system described in Fig. 12.

A wide variety of alternatives are possible in the embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments of a test and monitoring system only a single channel device is contemplated. This device can be manually inserted in the signal path of an audio channel to check the presence of phantom power and a complete SXLR circuit path to the terminus of the channel. When no external power source (other than phantom power provided by the mixer) is used, this mode is referred to as "passive mode."

In another embodiment, phantom power is replaced by a secondary and external source of power. This mode is referred to as "active mode." The advantages of this method is that the test and monitoring circuits can consume more power than can be provided by phantom power and therefore are not limited in terms of test complexity, features, and sensitivity. Additionally, the test circuit could include an audible test signal that can be exploited for additional uses such as testing and setting a secondary mix such as stage monitors. A further benefit of an external power source would be to provide a more brightly lit panel that could be monitored from a distance and used as a source of diagnostic information for all technical and support staff. This would relieve a single person from having to monitor and relay the information to other members of the crew. In another embodiment, the test and monitoring system is integrated with a sottware system that would allow the status of the system to be shared as data across a computer network. This has the advantage of access to the status anywhere and anytime. System status could then be displayed on a virtual software monitor for multiple persons in multiple locations. This would include display on mobile and hand-held devices.

In another embodiment, the test and monitoring system is integrated into the female end of an SXLR connector. This has the advantage of allowing the person making the electrical connection to observe the test results at the source and in real-time. This would result in both minimum TTD and TTR.

Though the foregoing and other portions of this disclosure reference or identify certain pins, contacts, and the like, as well as function and methods, it is intended and should be understood that these may vary in practice and application, including, for example, according to country or regional standards or customs; therefore, particular references and identifiers are merely exemplary and not exclusive, and applicable alternatives and variations to accommodate all variations and alternatives for those standards and customs are included. Moreover, as will be understood from the foregoing and other portions of this disclosure, SXLR connectors, XLR type connectors, TRS type connectors, and other connectors are applicable in the embodiments. Additionally, sequence of operations in the disclosed embodiments may vary according to application and situation.

In the foregoing, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that various modifications, substitutions, deletions, and additions can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that may have been described above with regard to specitic embodiments, as well as device(s), connection(s), step(s) and element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element.

Claims

CLAIMS What is Claimed is:

1. A system for testing integrity of connectivity of a series-connected chain of audio circuitry, comprising:

a power source of two differential signal connectors and one ground signal connector;

a tester includes two male differential signal connectors respectively connected to the two differential signal connectors of the power source and one male ground connector connected to the one ground signal connector of the power source, two female differential signal connectors and one female ground connector, one of the male differential signal connectors is connected to one of the female differential signal connectors, the male ground connector is connected to the female ground connector, and an LED is connected to the other of the female differential signal connectors and female ground connector;

a terminating connector of the series-connected chain is connected to the two female differential signal connectors and the one female ground connector of the tester, and shorts between the two differential signal connectors.

2. A circuit for testing a series-connected chain of audio circuitry, a power source provides a first differential signal, a second differential signal and a ground, comprising:

a first male differential signal source connector connected to the first differential signal of the power source;

a second male differential signal source connector connected to the second differential signal of the power source; a male ground connector connected to the ground of the power source;

a first female differential signal connector connected to the first male differential signal source connector;

a female ground connector connected to the male ground connector;

an LED connected to the female ground connector; and

a second female differential signal connector connected to the female ground connector;

wherein the series-connected chain terminally shorts between the first differential signal and the second differential signal.

3. The circuit of claim 2, further comprising:

a first relay connected to the first male differential signal source connector and the second male differential signal source connector;

a second relay connected to the second male differential signal source connector and the second female differential signal source connector;

a third relay connected to the LED and the second female differential signal source connector;

wherein the first relay and the third relay are open when the second relay is closed;

wherein, during testing via the circuit, the first relay is first controlled to close, then the second relay and the third relay are second controlled to open and close, respectively.

4. A system for testing integrity of connectivity of a series-connected chain of audio circuitry, comprising:

a power source of two differential signal connectors and one ground signal connector connected to the series-connected chain of audio circuitry;

a tester terminally connected to the series-connected chain of audio circuitry opposite the power source, includes two male differential signal connectors respectively communicatively connected by the audio circuitry to the two differential signal connectors of the power source and one male ground connector

communicatively connected by the audio circuitry to the one ground signal connector, a first LED connected to one of the two differential signal connectors and the ground signal connector, a second LED connected to the other of the two differential signal connectors and the ground connector.

5. A circuit for testing a series-connected chain of audio circuitry, a power source provides a first differential signal, a second differential signal and a ground connected to the audio circuity, comprising:

a first male differential signal source connector communicatively connected to the first differential by the audio circuitry opposite the power source;

a second male differential signal source connector communicatively connected to the second differential signal of the power source by the audio circuitry opposite the power source;

a male ground connector communicatively connected to the ground of the power source by the audio circuity opposite the power source;

a first LED connected to the first male differential signal source connector and the male ground connector; and a second LED connected to the second male differential signal source connector and the male ground connector.

6. A system for monitoring a series-connected chain of audio circuitry, the series-connected chain of audio circuitry terminates in a communicatively connected audio device, a power source provides a first differential signal, a second differential signal and a ground connected to the audio circuitry, comprising:

a first differential signal source connector connected to the first differential signal of the power source;

a second differential signal source connector connected to the second differential signal of the power source;

a ground connector connected to the ground of the power source; a first LED connected to the first differential signal source connector, the second differential source connector and the ground connector;

a second LED;

a mixer connected to the first differential signal source connector, the second differential signal source connector and the first LED;

wherein the audio device, in operation, communicatively connects between the first differential signal and the second differential signal.