Data communications via limited length audio jack

An electronic device comprising:

• a plug connector including a base and an insertion element, the insertion element being coupled to and extending linearly from the base, the insertion element including a plurality of plug contacts arranged linearly between the base and a tip of the insertion element, the plurality of plug contacts including:
• a tip contact arranged at the tip of the insertion element, and a ring contact arranged between the tip contact and the base;
• and
• communication circuitry coupled to the plug connector and operable to:
• output a signal over at least one of the tip contact and the ring contact;
• determine whether a response to the signal is received over at least one of the tip contact and the ring contact;
• and
• establish data communication over the tip contact and the ring contact when it is determined that a response to the signal is received over at least one of the tip contact and the ring contact.

A plug connector comprising:

• a base operable to support the plug connector for insertion into and removal from a receptacle connector;
• an insertion element extending linearly from the base, the insertion element including a plurality of electrical contacts each extending linearly from the base, at least two of the electrical contacts having portions thereof that are located at identical distances from the base, the at least two electrical contacts being electrically isolated from one another;
• and
• a plurality of conductive elements disposed within the insertion element, the conductive elements being electrically coupled to at least some of the electrical contacts of the insertion element so as to communicate signals between the electrical contacts and one or more electronic devices coupled to the plug connector.

An electronic device comprising:

• a plug connector including a base and an insertion element, the insertion element being coupled to and extending linearly from the base, the insertion element including a plurality of plug contacts arranged linearly between the base and a tip of the insertion element, the plurality of plug contacts including a split-ring contact, the split ring contact including a plurality of contacts that partially circumscribe an axis extending linearly from the base to the tip of the insertion element, the contacts of the split ring being electrically insulated from one another;
• and
• communication circuitry coupled to the plug connector and operable to:
• output a signal over at least one of the plug contacts;
• determine whether a response to the signal is received;
• and
• establish data communication over at least one of the contacts forming the split ring contact when it is determined that a response to the signal is received.