3.5mm audio jack for data connectivity solution from NXP

NXP Semiconductors N.V. has made available a solution for smartphone to handle data communications using standard 3.5mm audio jack which is commonly found on most of the smartphones. This universal interface allows smart phones to connect to external sensors, switches, peripherals and other devices. NXP solution is based on University of Michigan's Project HiJack which was designed to offer plug and go connectivity to smart phones to connect to wearable medical and fitness devices, gaming controllers, and toys, to diagnostics and maintenance tools. "Smartphone user interfaces and connectivity features have revolutionized personal communication. The new Smartphone Quick-Jack Solution makes it exceptionally easy to take advantage of those same appealing features when designing end products, from something as sophisticated as a portable air-quality monitor, to something as rewarding as a child's toy with changeable/uploadable features," said Jim Trent, vice president and general manager, business line microcontrollers, NXP Semiconductors. "We initially designed HiJack to create a universal way to connect low-cost sensor devices easily and securely to any brand of smartphone, tablet, or even PC," said Prabal Dutta, Assistant Professor, EECS , University of Michigan. "Today, the applications for audio jack connectivity have exploded, from our original vision of low-cost me...