Patent ID: 6491533
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A dual-configuration sound card system for processing an audio signal, said sound card system being operable in each one of a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein:said first configuration comprises: a printed circuit board having a sound source mounted thereon for providing an audio signal; a primary connector including a primary socket coupled to the printed circuit board; and a connector header having plural contacts and a header switch therein, said connector header being coupled to the printed circuit board and in electrical communication with each one of the sound source and said primary connector, said header switch being closed to enable the audio signal to pass therethrough to said primary connector; and said second configuration comprises said printed circuit board, said connector header, and said primary connector, and further comprises: a secondary connector including a secondary socket being spaced apart from said printed circuit board for removably receiving a secondary plug; and a wiring harness having a wiring harness plug that is insertable into said header switch, said header switch opening in response to insertion of said harness plug into said connector header to disconnect said sound source with said primary connector within said connector header, said wiring harness electrically coupling said secondary connector to said connector header such that the secondary connector receives the audio signal.