U.S. patent application number 13/549192 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for power adapters for powering and/or charging peripheral devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric W. Anderson, Daniele DeIuliis, Anthony M. Fadell, Andrew Bert Hodge, Stanley Carl Ng, Jeffrey L. Robbin.
Application Number | 20120274155 13/549192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40934297 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120274155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeIuliis; Daniele ; et
al. |
November 1, 2012 |
POWER ADAPTERS FOR POWERING AND/OR CHARGING PERIPHERAL DEVICES
Abstract
A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable
electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a
housing that contains electrical components associated with the
power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided
at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide
external power to the peripheral device.
Inventors: |
DeIuliis; Daniele; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Hodge; Andrew Bert; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; Robbin; Jeffrey L.; (Los Altos, CA) ;
Ng; Stanley Carl; (Campbell, CA) ; Anderson; Eric
W.; (Cupertino, CA) ; Fadell; Anthony M.;
(Portola Valley, CA) |
Assignee: |
Apple Inc.
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
40934297 |
Appl. No.: |
13/549192 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12838397 |
Jul 16, 2010 |
8222773 |
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13549192 |
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11698405 |
Jan 26, 2007 |
7766698 |
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12838397 |
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10125893 |
Apr 18, 2002 |
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11698405 |
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60345252 |
Oct 22, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
307/150 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0042 20130101;
H01R 31/065 20130101; Y10T 29/49117 20150115; H02J 7/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
307/150 |
International
Class: |
H02M 5/00 20060101
H02M005/00 |
Claims
1. A power adapter, comprising: a transformer for converting
electrical power; a housing configured to enclose the transformer;
a data port accessible at a first exterior surface of the housing,
the data port having data contacts, a ground contact and a power
contact, the power contact being electrically coupled to the
transformer, the data port corresponding to an IEEE 1394 port or a
Universal Serial Bus port; and a plug positioned at a second
exterior surface of the housing and having prongs configured for
insertion into slots of an electrical outlet, the prongs being
electrically coupled to the transformer.
2. The power adapter set forth in claim 1 wherein the plug is an AC
power plug and the prongs comprise two flat parallel blades adapted
for insertion into a standard U.S. AC outlet.
3. The power adapter set forth in claim 1 wherein the plug includes
two prongs and the housing includes two parallel channels exposed
at an outer surface of the housing.
4. The power adapter set forth in claim 3 wherein the prongs are
pivotably coupled to the housing so that they are moveable between
an extended position that allows the prongs to be inserted into an
electrical outlet and a recessed position in which each of the
prongs is positioned within one of the parallel channels.
5. The power adapter set forth in claim 1 wherein the power adapter
has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners.
6. The power adapter set forth in claim 1 wherein the power adapter
further comprises a rectifier and wherein the transformer and
rectifier combine to convert AC voltage provided to the power
adapter through the prongs to a lower level DC voltage provided as
external power out through the data port.
7. The power adapter set forth in claim 6 wherein the external
power ranges from 8-20 volts.
8. The power adapter set forth in claim 1 wherein the exterior
surface of the housing that the data port is accessible at is
opposite the plug.
9. The power adapter set forth in claim 1 wherein the data contacts
are dummy contacts that are not used for transmitting data.
10. A power adapter, comprising: electrical components configured
to convert AC power received by the power adapter into external DC
power; a housing configured to enclose the electrical components; a
data port accessible at a first exterior surface of the housing,
the data port having first and second dummy data contacts that are
not used for transmitting data, a ground contact and a power
contact, the power contact being operatively coupled to the
electrical components, the data port corresponding to an IEEE 1394
port or a Universal Serial Bus port; and a plug positioned at a
second exterior surface of the housing and having prongs configured
for insertion into slots of an electrical outlet, the prongs being
operatively coupled to the transformer.
11. The power adapter set forth in claim 10 wherein the external DC
power ranges from about 8-20 volts.
12. The power adapter set forth in claim 10 wherein the plug
includes two prongs and the housing includes two parallel channels
exposed at an outer surface of the plug body.
13. The power adapter set forth in claim 12 wherein the prongs are
pivotably coupled to the housing so that they are moveable between
an extended position that allows the prongs to be inserted into an
electrical outlet and a recessed position in which each of the
prongs is positioned within one of the parallel channels.
14. The power adapter set forth in claim 10 wherein the power
adapter has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded
corners.
15. The power adapter set forth in claim 14 wherein the prongs of
the plug comprise two flat parallel blades.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/838,397 entitled "Power Adapters for Powering and/or
Charging Peripheral Devices," filed on Jul. 16, 2010 which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/698,405 entitled
"Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices,"
filed on Jan. 26, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,698, issued on Aug.
3, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/125,893 entitled "Power Adapters for Powering and/or
Charging Peripheral Devices," filed on Apr. 28, 2002, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/345,252
entitled "Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral
Devices," filed on Oct. 22, 2001, which are incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for
powering peripheral devices. More particularly, the present
invention relates to improved techniques for powering and/or
charging peripheral devices through a data transmission line.
[0003] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronics
system 10. The electronics system 10 includes a peripheral device
12 and a host device 14, both of which are capable of processing
data. The electronics system 10 also includes a data transmission
line 16 that operatively couples the peripheral device 12 to the
host device 14. The data transmission line 16 allows data to be
transmitted between the peripheral device 12 and the host device
14, i.e., data may be uploaded or downloaded between the devices.
In most cases, the peripheral and host devices 12 and 14 include
data ports 18 and 20, respectively, for receiving the data
connectors of the transmission line 16.
[0004] The peripheral device 12, host device 14 and transmission
line 16 may take many forms. For example, the peripheral device 12
may be a portable device such as a personal computer, personal
digital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player,
and the like. The host device 14, which may be portable as well,
may also be a general purpose computer such as a desktop computer.
In addition, the transmission line 16 may be capable of
transmitting data via a serial, parallel, PS/2, small computer
system interface (SCSI), universal serial bus (USB), network,
FireWire port (IEEE 1394-1995), and the like. Although some of
these transmission lines include lines for transmitting both data
and power, it should be noted that the power flowing through the
transmission lines is typically incidental power used in processing
data. That is, the power is not used to supply power for normal
operation of the devices, as for example powering up or charging
batteries in the case of portable devices (e.g., power is not
supplied through the data transmission line when operating with
power from a battery of external power source).
[0005] In order to operate and/or charge the devices 12 and 14, the
system typically includes dedicated power cables that connect the
respective devices to an external power source. In this exemplary
system 10, the peripheral device 12 is connected to an electrical
outlet 22 through a dedicated power cable 24 that includes a plug
26 that receives AC current from the electrical outlet 22, a power
adapter 28 that turns AC current into DC current, and a connector
30 that distributes the DC current through a power port 32 of the
peripheral device 12. As is generally well known, DC current (3 to
12 volts and less than 1 amp of current) is required to operate
most electronic devices and to recharge batteries that store DC
current. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in some cases the power
adapter and plug may be combined into a single unit.
[0006] While the system described above works well, it would be
desirable to remove the total number of connections made to a
peripheral device so as to reduce the number of connectors and
cables needed to operate the peripheral device. By reducing the
number of connectors and cables, the peripheral size and the cost
of the product may be decreased as well as the ease of use of the
peripheral device may be improved (less cables to tote around).
SUMMARY
[0007] The invention pertains to power adapters that allow a user
to power and/or charge a peripheral device such as a portable
electronic device without requiring any additional cables or
connectors. The invention also pertains to a connection method for
powering a peripheral without requiring a host, peripheral or hub
to remain powered on. The connection method allows peripherals to
operate on buses that do not supply power. The invention is
particularly suitable for peripheral devices that utilize IEEE 1394
FireWire technology (e.g., ports, connectors and data transmission
lines).
[0008] The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a power
adapter. The power adapter includes a power connection. The power
adapter also includes a data connector assembly electrically
coupled to the power connection, the data connector assembly
providing at least one combined power and data connection, wherein
the power provided by the combined data and power connection is
used to operate or charge a peripheral device.
[0009] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power
adapter for a portable electronics device. The power adapter
includes a housing that contains electrical components of the power
adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a
surface of the housing. The data port facilitates providing
external power to the portable electronics device via the data
port.
[0010] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power
adapter. The power adapter includes a housing configured to enclose
electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power
adapter further includes a power plug capable of electrically
coupling to a power source and at least a portion of the electrical
components. The power adapter also includes a data port positioned
within the housing. The data port is configured for receiving a
data connector of a data transmission line capable of transmitting
both data and power therethrough. The data port is electrically
coupled to the power plug so as to provide power through the data
transmission line when the data connector of the data transmission
line is received by the data port and when the power plug is
electrically coupled to the power source.
[0011] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a data
processing system. The data processing system includes a host
device capable of processing data through a first data connection.
The system further includes a peripheral device capable of
processing data and receiving power through a second data
connection. The power is configured to operate or charge the
peripheral device. The system additionally includes a power adapter
having a third data connection for providing the power when the
power adapter is electrically coupled to a power source. The system
also includes a data transmission cable capable of transmitting
both power and data therethrough. The data transmission cable is
configured to transmit data between the first data connection and
the second data connection when the data transmission line is
coupled to the host and peripheral devices. The data transmission
cable is also configured to transmit the power from the third data
connection to the second data connection when the data transmission
line is coupled to the peripheral device and the power adapter.
[0012] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of
powering a computing device. The method includes receiving a first
power from a power source via a power connection. The method also
includes outputting a second power to the computing device via a
data connection.
[0013] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power
adapter. The power adapter includes a connector assembly having a
first data connection capable of transmitting data to and from a
host device, and a second data connection capable of transmitting
data to and from a peripheral device and power to the peripheral
device. The power is used to operate or charge the peripheral
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronics
system.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a power adapter, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power adapter, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a power adapter 80, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified diagrams of an electronic
system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of an electronic system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of an electronic system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 is simplified diagrams of an electronic system 200,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps have not been described
in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter 50, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The power
adapter 50 is generally configured to provide power to a peripheral
device during operation and/or charging thereof. In one embodiment,
the power adapter 50 may be used to provide power to a peripheral
device such as a portable electronic device that includes a
battery. By way of example, the portable electronic device may be a
personal computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone,
digital camera, media player, and the like. In most cases, the
power adapter 50 is arranged to receive a first power from a power
source and to output a second power to the peripheral device. The
second power corresponds to the power needed to operate and/or
charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the first power has
characteristics that are different than the characteristics of the
second power while in other cases the first power has
characteristics that are similar to the characteristics of the
second power. For example, the first power may provide AC current
while the second power may provide DC current. In addition, the
first power may provide DC current while the second power may also
provide DC current, which may or may not be the same as the source
current.
[0028] The power adapter 50 generally includes a power connection
52, a housing 54 and a data port 56. The power connection 52 is
configured for coupling the power adapter 50 to a power supply (not
shown) capable of supplying power to the power adapter 50. The
power supply may take on many forms. By way of example, the power
supply may be a conventional electrical outlet that supplies AC
current, a car lighter outlet that supplies DC current, and/or the
like. In the case of the electrical outlet, the power connection 52
typically includes a plug for connection to the electrical outlet.
For example, the plug may include several prongs that are
insertable into electrically active slots disposed in the
electrical outlet. Plugs are generally well known in the art and
for the sake of brevity will not be described in detail herein.
[0029] The housing 54 is configured to enclose various internal
components of the power adapter 50. That is, the housing 54 serves
to surround the internal components of the power adapter 50 at a
peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect the internal
components from adverse conditions. In most cases, the internal
components correspond to electrical components associated with the
operation of the power adapter 50. For example, the electrical
components may include a transformer for converting electrical
power from one voltage-current level to another voltage current
level and a rectifier that converts alternating current AC to
direct current DC.
[0030] The data port 56 is generally provided at the surface of the
housing 54. The data port 56, in accordance with one embodiment, is
configured to provide external power for operation and charging of
a peripheral device such as a portable electronic device. The data
port 56 includes at least one power contact 57 that is electrically
coupled to the power connection 52. The coupling may be direct or
indirect. In the case of indirect, the power contact 57 may be
coupled to the power connection 52 through the electrical
components of the power adapter 50, as for example, a transformer
or rectifier circuit. The data port 56 is arranged to receive one
end of a data transmission line 58. The data transmission line 58
is preferably a data transmission line having both data and power
transmitting capabilities. As was stated earlier, the power
transmitting capabilities are associated with data transmissions.
By way of example, the data transmission line 58 may be a universal
serial bus (USB) or a FireWire transmission line. The data
transmission line 58 typically includes a data connector 60
configured for insertion into the data port 56. The connector 60
includes at least one power contact 61 since the data transmission
line 58 has power transmitting capabilities. As should be
appreciated, the power contact 61 of the connector 60 is configured
to engage the power contact 57 of the data port 56 so as to provide
operational or charging power to a peripheral device when the
connector 60 is connected to the data port 56.
[0031] In one embodiment, the data port is a standard FireWire 6
contact Female connector right angle PCB. In another embodiment,
the data transmission line is a standard 6-conductor FireWire cable
having a standard FireWire 6 contact male connector at each end. In
another embodiment, the data transmission line is a standard
4-conductor FireWire cable having a standard FireWire 6 contact
male connector at one end and a compact FireWire 4 contact male
connector at the other end.
[0032] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a power adapter 80, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 are
perspective views of the power adapter 80 while FIG. 5 is a bottom
view of the power adapter 80. By way of example, the power adapter
80 may generally correspond to the power adapter 50 shown in FIG.
2.
[0033] The power adapter 80 includes a plug 82, a housing 84 and a
data port 86. The plug 82 may be widely varied. In the illustrated
embodiment, the plug 82 corresponds to an AC power plug that is
capable of electrically coupling to an AC power source. The plug 82
includes a plug body 88 and a plurality of prongs 90 configured for
insertion into slots of a conventional AC electrical outlet. The
prongs 90 may be widely varied. For example, the prongs 90 may be
adapted to work with various electrical standards including, but
not limited to U.S., Japan, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain,
Sweden, and the like. As is generally well known, the universal
worldwide input ranges from about 100V to about 240V.
[0034] In one embodiment, the prongs 90 are movable such that they
have multiple positions. As shown, the prongs 90 are pivotably
coupled to the body 88 such that they may be moved between an
extended position (FIG. 3), allowing the prongs 90 to be inserted
into an electrical outlet, and a recessed position (FIG. 4),
placing the prongs 90 within channels 92 disposed in the body 88 of
the plug 82.
[0035] In another embodiment, the plug 82 is detachable. This
generally gives a user of the power adapter the ability to change
the plug from one standard to another. As shown in FIG. 4, the plug
82, and more particularly the body 88, is detached from the housing
84. The detachable plug 82 generally includes a plug connector 94,
which extends from the body 88, and which is insertable into a
connection opening 96 disposed in the housing 84. Although not
shown, the plug connector 94 includes electrical contact surfaces
that engage electrical contact pins 98 positioned within the
connection opening 96 of the housing 84. The contact surfaces are
electrically coupled to the prongs 90 such that electrical current
may pass through the prongs 90 to the contact pins 98 when the plug
82 is attached to the housing 84, and more particularly, when the
plug connector 94 is inserted into the connection opening 96. The
plug 82 and the housing 84 cooperate to form the peripheral
surfaces of the power adapter. In the embodiment shown, the plug 82
and housing 84 form flush surfaces when the plug and housing are
attached, i.e., the plug is a continuation of the housing.
[0036] The housing 84 additionally includes a plug region 100 for
receiving the plug 82. In order to securely hold the plug 82 in the
plug region 100 of the housing 84, the plug and housing include a
holding mechanism. The holding mechanism may be widely varied. In
the illustrated embodiment, the holding mechanism includes a notch
(not shown), which is disposed on the underside of the body, for
engaging a protrusion 102 that extends above a surface of the
housing 84.
[0037] The housing 84 is configured to enclose various electrical
components (not shown) of the power adapter 80. The electrical
components are coupled to the power source through the contact pins
98 when the plug 82 is connected to a power source such as a
convention AC outlet and when the plug 82 is attached to the
housing 84. In one embodiment, at least some of the electrical
components are configured to convert the AC power provided to the
power adapter 80 by the power source into external power that is
coupled to the data port 86. For example, the electrical components
may include a transformer for converting electrical power from one
voltage-current level to another voltage current level and a
rectifier that converts alternating current AC to direct current
DC. The external power may be widely varied. For instance, the
power adapter may be adapted with different voltage and amperage
ratings. In one implementation, the voltage of the external power
ranges from about 8 to about 20 volts.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the data port 86 is positioned within
the housing 84. The data port 86 may be accessed through an opening
103 in the housing 84. The data port 86 generally includes a
plurality of contacts 104. Some of the contacts are for
transmitting data while others are for transmitting power. With
regards to the contacts for transmitting power, the data port may
include one or more power contacts that are coupled to the power
source through the various components of the power adapter
described above so as to provide power to a data transmission line
when connected thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the data
port corresponds to a 6 wire Fire Wire port. As is generally well
known, the 6 wire FireWire port includes data contacts, a ground
contacts and a power contacts. The data contacts are generally
paired so as to couple to a pair of twisted data wires of the data
transmission line. When transmitting, a first pair of twisted data
wires carries data and a second pair of twisted data wires carves
clock. When receiving, the reverse is true. It should be noted,
however, that the power adapter 80 generally does not use the data
contacts of the data port 86 for transmitting data (e.g., they act
as dummy contacts). The ground and power contacts, on the other
hand, generally couple to separate conducting wires of the data
transmission line. The power contact provides power that is capable
of being transmitted to a peripheral device through the data
transmission line. The power is configured to either operate and/or
charge the peripheral device during normal use of the peripheral
device. This is different than the conventional use of the data
transmission line, which typically provides no power when operating
with battery or from a power source. The ground contact provides
ground return for the power and inner cable shield of the data
transmission line.
[0039] An example of a power adapter that may be used is shown in
greater detail in a co-pending design patent application entitled,
"Power Adapter"; (Attorney Docket No.: APLID217X1), filed on even
date and incorporated herein by reference.
[0040] FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified diagrams of an electronic
system 120, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The electronic system 120 includes a peripheral device
122, a host device 124, an external power source 126, a data
transmission line 128 and a power adapter 130. The peripheral
device 122 generally represents a portable computing device such as
a portable computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, a
media player, and the like. As such, the peripheral device 122
includes a battery 132 that allows the peripheral device 122 to
operate without using the external power source 126. The peripheral
device 122 also includes internal circuitry 134 for processing
data. By way of example, the internal circuitry may correspond to
processors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The
peripheral device 122 also includes a first data port 136 for
receiving a first end 138 of the transmission line 128. The first
data port 136 is configured to receive both power and data through
the data transmission line 128. That is, the first data port 136
includes data contacts that direct data to the internal circuitry
for processing, and power contacts that direct power to a power
supply used to operate the peripheral device 122 without using
power from the battery and to charge the battery when needed. In
the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral device 122 is a media
player such as an MP3 player or video game player. In the case of
the MP3 player, the media player allows a user to store, select and
listen to music.
[0041] The host device 124, on the other hand, represents any
suitable computing device whether portable (e.g., laptop computer)
or substantially stationary (e.g., desktop computer). In the
illustrated embodiment, the host device 124 is a desktop computer
that operates from power supplied by the external power source 126
via a power cable 140. The host device 124 also includes internal
circuitry 141 for processing data. By way of example, the internal
circuitry may correspond to processors, controllers, bridges,
memory, buses and the like. The host device 124 also includes a
second data port 142 for receiving a second end 144 of the
transmission line 128. The second data port 142 is configured to
receive at least data through the data transmission line 128. That
is, the second data port 142 includes data contacts that direct
data to the internal circuitry 141 for processing. Alternatively,
the second data port 142 may also be configured to receive power
through the data transmission line, as for example, when the host
device is a portable computing device. As shown in FIG. 6B, the
data transmission line 128 is connected to both the host and
peripheral devices 122 and 124 through the first and second data
ports 136, 142. The data transmission line 128 contains electrical
wires for carrying data to and from the first and second ports 136,
142 so as to upload or download data. By way of example, in the
case of an MP3 player, music files may be uploaded and downloaded
to and from the peripheral and host devices.
[0042] Referring now to the other components of the system 120, the
external power source 126 may be any suitable power source capable
of supplying power. In the illustrated embodiment, the external
power source 126 is a conventional AC electrical outlet. As shown,
the power adapter 130 is electrically connected to the external
power source 126. By way of example, the power adapter 130 may
generally correspond to any one of the power adapters shown in
FIGS. 2-5. As such, the power adapter 130 includes a third data
port 146 for receiving the second end 144 of the transmission line
128. The third data port 146 is configured to provide power to the
data transmission line 128 when the transmission line is connected
thereto. The power that is provided by the third data port 146 is
configured for operating and/or charging the peripheral device 122.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the data transmission line 128 is connected to
both the power adapter 130 and the peripheral device 122 through
the first and third data ports 136 and 146. The data transmission
line 128 contains electrical wires for carrying the power from the
third port 146 to the first port 136 so as to operate and/or charge
the peripheral device 122.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter 150, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The
power adapter 150 is generally configured to provide power to a
peripheral device during operation and/or charging thereof. By way
of example, the power adapter 150 may be used to power a portable
electronic device such as a personal computer, personal digital
assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and the
like. In most cases, the power adapter 150 is arranged to receive a
first power from a power source and to output a second power to the
peripheral device. The second power corresponds to the power needed
to operate and/or charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the
first power has characteristics that are different than the
characteristics of the second power while in other cases the first
power has characteristics that are similar to the characteristics
of the second power. For example, the first power may provide AC
current while the second power may provide DC current. In addition,
the first power may provide DC current while the second power may
also provide DC current, which may or may not be the same as the
source current.
[0044] The power adapter 150 generally includes a power connection
152, a housing 154, a power transmission line 156, and a power-data
connector 158. The power connection 152 is configured for coupling
the power adapter 150 to a power supply (not shown) capable of
supplying power to the power adapter 150. The power supply may take
on many forms. By way of example, the power supply may be a
conventional electrical outlet that supplies AC current, a car
lighter outlet that supplies DC current, and/or the like. In the
case of the electrical outlet, the power connection 152 typically
includes a plug for connection to the electrical outlet. For
example, the plug may include several prongs that are insertable
into electrically active slots disposed in the electrical outlet.
Plugs are generally well known in the art and for the sake of
brevity will not be described in detail herein.
[0045] The housing 154 is configured to enclose various internal
components of the power adapter 150. That is, the housing 154
serves to surround the internal components of the power adapter 150
at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect the
internal components from adverse conditions. In most cases, the
internal components correspond to electrical components associated
with the operation of the power adapter 150. For example, the
electrical components may include a transformer for converting
electrical power from one voltage-current level to another voltage
current level and a rectifier that converts alternating current AC
to direct current DC.
[0046] The power transmission line 156 is configured to
electrically couple the power connection 152 with the connector
assembly 158. The coupling may be direct or indirect. In the case
of indirect, the power transmission line 156 may be coupled to the
power connection 152 through the electrical components of the power
adapter 150, as for example, a transformer or rectifier circuit. In
one embodiment, the power transmission line is a high quality 2
conductor wire.
[0047] The connector assembly 158 is configured to act as a Y
connector for allowing power to be supplied to the peripheral and
host device while allowing data to be transmitted between the
peripheral and host device. That is, the connector assembly
includes a data input/output, a power input, and a combined data
input/output and power output. The connector assembly may be widely
varied. In most cases, the connector assembly 158 includes a data
connector 162 and a data port 164. The data connector 162 is
configured for insertion into an external data port and the data
port 164 is configured to receive an external data connector. By
external, it is meant that the port or connector is not contained
within the connector assembly. In most cases, the external data
connector is one end of a data transmission line.
[0048] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the data connector
162 is configured for insertion into a data port 166 associated
with a peripheral device 168. In this embodiment, the data
connector 162 is operatively coupled to the data port 164 so as to
allow data to pass therebetween and electrically coupled to the
power transmission line 156 so as to provide external power for
operation and charging of the peripheral device. In particular, the
data connector 162 and the data port 164 include data contacts that
are coupled together. As such, when a data connector 170 of a data
transmission line 172 is connected to the data port 164, data may
be carried through the data port 164 to the data connector 162.
Essentially, the data connector 162 is an extension of the data
transmission line 172 when the data transmission line 172 is
connected to the data port 164. That is, the data connector 162
acts like the end of the data transmission line 172. In addition,
the data connector 162 includes power contacts that are
electrically coupled to the power transmission line 156 and thus
the power connection 152. The power contacts are configured to
engage a corresponding power contact of the external data port 166
of the peripheral device so as to provide operational or charging
power when the data connector 162 is connected to the external data
port 166. Moreover, the data transmission line 172 includes a
second data connector 174 at its other end for connection to a data
port 176 of a host device 178. As such, data may be passed between
the host device 178 and the peripheral device 168.
[0049] In one implementation of this embodiment, the data ports and
data connectors correspond to FireWire connectors and ports. In
most cases, the data connector 162 is a 6 wire FireWire connector
that includes a pair of paired data contacts, a power contact and a
ground contact. The data port 164, on the other hand, may be a 6
wire or 4 wire FireWire port. In general, the power and ground
contacts of the data connector 162 are coupled to corresponding
wires of the power transmission line, while the pair of paired data
contacts are coupled to the corresponding paired data contacts of
either the 4 or 6 wire FireWire port. By way of example, the data
connector may be a standard FireWire 6-contact male connector right
angle PCB and the data port may be a standard FireWire 6-contact
female connector right angle PCB.
[0050] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the data
connector 162 is configured for insertion into a data port 174
associated with a host device 176. In this embodiment, the data
port 164 is operatively coupled to the data connector 162 so as to
allow data to pass therebetween and electrically coupled to the
power transmission line 156 so as to provide external power for
operation and charging of the peripheral device. In particular, the
data connector 162 and the data port 164 include data contacts that
are coupled together. As such, when the data connector 174 of the
data transmission line 172 is connected to the data port 164, data
may be carried through the data connector 162 to the data port 164.
Essentially, the data port 164 is an extension of the data port 176
when the connector 158 is connected to the host device 178. That
is, the data port 164 acts like the data port 176. In addition, the
data port 164 includes power contacts that are electrically coupled
to the power transmission line 156 and thus the power connection
152. The power contacts are configured to engage a corresponding
power contact of the data connector 174 of the data transmission
line 170 so as to provide operational or charging power to the
peripheral device 168 when the data connector 170 of the data
transmission line 172 is connected to the external data port 166 of
the peripheral device 168.
[0051] In one implementation of this embodiment, the data ports and
data connectors correspond to FireWire connectors and ports. In
most cases, the data port 164 is a 6 wire FireWire port that
includes a pair of paired data contacts, a power contact and a
ground contact. The data connector 162, on the other hand, may be a
6 wire or 4 wire FireWire connector. In general, the power and
ground contacts of the data port 164 are coupled to corresponding
wires of the power transmission line, while the pair of paired data
contacts are coupled to the corresponding paired data contacts of
either the 4 or 6 wire FireWire connector.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter 180, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The power
adapter 180 is generally configured to provide power to a
peripheral device during operation and/or charging thereof. In one
embodiment, the power adapter 180 may be used to provide power to a
peripheral device such as a portable electronic device that
includes a battery. By way of example, the portable electronic
device may be a personal computer, personal digital assistant,
cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and the like. In most
cases, the power adapter 180 is arranged to receive a first power
from a power source and to output a second power to the peripheral
device. The second power corresponds to the power needed to operate
and/or charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the first power
has characteristics that are different than the characteristics of
the second power while in other cases the first power has
characteristics that are similar to the characteristics of the
second power. For example, the first power may provide AC current
while the second power may provide DC current. In addition, the
first power may provide DC current while the second power may also
provide DC current, which may or may not be the same as the source
current.
[0053] The power adapter 180 generally includes a power connection
182, a housing 184 and a first data port 186 and a second data port
188. The power connection 182 is configured for coupling the power
adapter 180 to a power supply (not shown) capable of supplying
power to the power adapter 180. The power supply may take on many
forms. By way of example, the power supply may be a conventional
electrical outlet that supplies AC current, a car lighter outlet
that supplies DC current, and/or the like. In the case of the
electrical outlet, the power connection 182 typically includes a
plug for connection to the electrical outlet. For example, the plug
may include several prongs that are insertable into electrically
active slots disposed in the electrical outlet. Plugs are generally
well known in the art and for the sake of brevity will not be
described in detail herein.
[0054] The housing 184 is configured to enclose various internal
components of the power adapter 180. That is, the housing 184
serves to surround the internal components of the power adapter 180
at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect the
internal components from adverse conditions. In most cases, the
internal components correspond to electrical components associated
with the operation of the power adapter 180. For example, the
electrical components may include a transformer for converting
electrical power from one voltage-current level to another voltage
current level and a rectifier that converts alternating current AC
to direct current DC.
[0055] The data ports 186, 188 are generally provided at the
surface of the housing 184. The data port 186, in accordance with
one embodiment, is configured to provide external power for
operation and charging of a peripheral device such as a portable
electronic device. The data port 186 includes one or more power
contacts 187 that is electrically coupled to the power connection
182. The coupling may be direct or indirect. In the case of
indirect, the power contact 187 may be coupled to the power
connection 182 through the electrical components of the power
adapter 180, as for example, a transformer or rectifier circuit.
The data port 186 is arranged to receive one end of a first data
transmission line 188. The data transmission line 188 is preferably
a data transmission line having both data and power transmitting
capabilities. As was stated earlier, the power transmitting
capabilities are associated with data transmissions. By way of
example, the data transmission line 188 may be a universal serial
bus (USB) or a FireWire transmission line. The data transmission
line 188 typically includes a data connector 190 configured for
insertion into the data port 186. The connector 190 includes at
least one power contact 191 since the data transmission line 188
has power transmitting capabilities. As should be appreciated, the
power contact 191 of the connector 190 is configured to engage the
power contact 187 of the data port 186 so as to provide operational
or charging power to a peripheral device when the connector 180 is
connected to the data port 186.
[0056] The second data port 188, on the other hand, is configured
to provide a data connection to the first data port 186. That is,
the first and second data ports 186, 188 include data contacts that
are operatively coupled together. Similar to the first data port
186, the second data port 188 is arranged to receive one end of a
second data transmission line 194. As should be appreciated, the
data contacts of the ports are arranged to engage corresponding
data contacts of the data transmission lines. The second data
transmission line 194 may be a data transmission line having only
data transmitting capabilities or it may be a data transmission
line having both data and power transmitting capabilities. As was
stated earlier, the power transmitting capabilities are associated
with data transmissions. By way of example, the second data
transmission line 194 may be a universal serial bus (USB) or a
FireWire transmission line. The second data transmission line
1194[??] typically includes a data connector 196 configured for
insertion into the second data port 188. Accordingly, when the
first data transmission line is connected to the first data port
and the second data transmission line is connected to the second
data port, data may be carried through the power adapter between
the first and second data transmission lines and thus to and from a
peripheral and host device.
[0057] FIG. 11 is simplified diagrams of an electronic system 200,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
electronic system 200 includes a peripheral device 202, a host
device 204, an external power source 206, a first data transmission
line 208, a second data transmission line 210 and a power adapter
212. The peripheral device 202 generally represents a portable
computing device such as a portable computer, personal digital
assistant, cellular phone, a media player, and the like. As such,
the peripheral device 202 includes a battery 214 that allows the
peripheral device 202 to operate without using the external power
source 206. The peripheral device 202 also includes internal
circuitry 216 for processing data. By way of example, the internal
circuitry may correspond to processors, controllers, bridges,
memory, buses and the like. The peripheral device 202 also includes
a first data port 218 for receiving a first end 220 of the first
transmission line 208. The first data port 218 is configured to
receive both power and data through the first data transmission
line 218. That is, the first data port 218 includes data contacts
that direct data to the internal circuitry for processing, and
power contacts that direct power to a power supply used to operate
the peripheral device 202 without using power from the battery and
to charge the battery when needed.
[0058] The host device 204, on the other hand, represents any
suitable computing device whether portable (e.g. laptop computer)
or substantially stationary (e.g., desktop computer). The host
device 204 also includes internal circuitry 222 for processing
data. By way of example, the internal circuitry may correspond to
processors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The
host device 204 also includes a second data port 224 for receiving
a first end 226 of the second data transmission line 210. The
second data port 224 is configured to transmit and receive at least
data through the second data transmission line 210. That is, the
second data port 224 includes data contacts that direct data to the
internal circuitry 222 for processing. Alternatively, the second
data port 224 may also be configured to receive power through the
second data transmission line 210, as for example, when the host
device is a portable computing device.
[0059] Referring now to the other components of the system 200, the
external power source 206 may be any suitable power source capable
of supplying power. In the illustrated embodiment, the external
power source 206 is a conventional AC electrical outlet. As shown,
the power adapter 212 is electrically connected to the external
power source 206. By way of example, the power adapter 212 may
generally correspond to the power adapter shown in FIG. 10. As
such, the power adapter 212 includes a third data port 228 for
receiving a second end 230 of the first transmission line 208 and a
fourth data port 232 for receiving a second end 234 of the second
transmission line 210. The third data port 228 is configured to
provide power to the first data transmission line 208 when the
transmission line is connected thereto. The power that is provided
by the third data port 228 is configured for operating and/or
charging the peripheral device 202. Both the third and fourth data
ports 228, 232 are configured to allow the transfer of data between
the first and second transmission lines 208, 210 when the
transmission lines are connected thereto. The data transmission
line 208, 210 contain electrical wires for carrying data to and
from the first and second ports 218, 224 so as to upload or
download data with respect to the peripheral and host devices.
[0060] While this invention has been described in terms of several
preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and
equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It
should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention.
For example, referring to FIG. 6B, the host device may be
configured to supply power through the transmission line to the
peripheral device. In addition, referring to FIG. 7, the power
connector may include a pair of data ports or a pair of data
connectors, rather than having one data port and one data
connector. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 10, the second data port
may be electrically coupled to the power connection so as to
provide power to a second peripheral device (which acts as the host
device). Moreover, referring to FIG. 11, one or both of the data
transmission lines may be permanently attached to the housing. It
is therefore intended that the following appended claims be
interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and
equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *