3.5-mm Jack Interface Lets Smart ANC Headsets Fly Battery Free

The company’s latest technology breakthrough enables active noise-cancelling (ANC) headsets with a four-pole 3.5-mm jack to operate without a dedicated battery.

Invented by ams, the Accessory Communication Interface (ACI) uses the microphone (MIC) wire – one of four wires in a standard 3.5mm audio cable – to carry power and bidirectional data with a rate of up to 16 Mbit/sec, as well as digital audio signals. By eliminating the headset’s battery, manufacturers can significantly reduce the size, weight and bill-of-materials cost of their connected accessory. The 3.5-mm audio solution reportedly consumes 60% less power and requires fewer components than USB Type-C systems. In addition, the system is compatible with legacy headsets that do not have ACI technology