U.S. patent number RE45,050 [Application Number 13/232,989] was granted by the patent office on 2014-07-29 for systems and methods for determining the configuration of electronic connections.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Nicholas R. Kalayjian, Stanley Rabu, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi. Invention is credited to Nicholas R. Kalayjian, Stanley Rabu, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi.
United States Patent |
RE45,050 |
Terlizzi , et al. |
July 29, 2014 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Systems and methods for determining the configuration of electronic
connections
Abstract
Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a
connection between two devices by measuring an electrical
characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical
characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate
communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus
(USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself
appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical
orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may
also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and
methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical
orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an
electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself
appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present
invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as
simplify operation for the end-user.
Inventors: |
Terlizzi; Jeffrey J. (San
Francisco, CA), Rabu; Stanley (Santa Clara, CA),
Kalayjian; Nicholas R. (San Carlos, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Terlizzi; Jeffrey J.
Rabu; Stanley
Kalayjian; Nicholas R. |
San Francisco
Santa Clara
San Carlos |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Apple Inc. (Cupertino,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
39595006 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/232,989 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
11650130 |
Jan 5, 2007 |
7589536 |
Sep 15, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
324/538; 324/527;
370/201; 710/38; 710/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
13/385 (20130101); H04L 27/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01R
31/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;324/538,527 ;370/201
;710/16,38 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Foreign Patent Documents
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Other References
Final Rejection for U.S. Appl. No. 13/232,978 mailed on Nov. 6,
2012, 29 pages. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/679,637, mailed Apr.
22, 2013, 37 pages. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/721,522, mailed May
22, 2013, 27 pages. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/232,978 mailed on
Sep. 17, 2013, 44 pages. cited by applicant .
Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/232,978 mailed on May 29,
2014, 9 pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Koval; Melissa
Assistant Examiner: Baldridge; Benjamin M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton,
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of selecting a serial communication interface
comprising: connecting a plurality of lines between a first device
and a second device; electrically coupling only a subset of the
plurality of lines to circuitry within the second device; measuring
a characteristic of at least one line in the subset of the
plurality of lines; selecting an appropriate serial communication
interface based on the measured characteristic; configuring the
second device so that it is operable to communicate using the
selected serial communication interface, wherein configuring the
second device comprises configuring a processor in the second
device; and electrically coupling all of the plurality of lines to
circuitry in the second device after the selecting.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the measured characteristic is
voltage.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected serial communication
interface is a Universal Serial Bus interface.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected serial communication
interface is an RS-232 serial interface.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein configuring the second device
comprises: routing lines between the first device and the second
device according to the selected serial communication
interface.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the lines from the first device
are routed to input/output lines of a processor in the second
device which is operable to process the selected serial
communication interface.
7. The method of claim 5 where in the lines from the first device
are routed to circuitry operable to process the selected serial
communication interface.
8. A method of determining the physical orientation of two
connectors with respect to each other comprising: connecting a
first device to a second device by physically coupling a first
connector to a second connector, wherein the connectors are capable
of being coupled together in more than one physical orientation,
and wherein connecting comprises electrically coupling a subset of
a plurality of lines between the first and second devices, the
subset being just the lines necessary to measure a characteristic
of at least one line in the connection between the first connector
and the second connector; measuring the characteristic; determining
the physical orientation of the first connector with respect to the
second connector based on the measured characteristic; and routing
lines from the first device to the second device based on the
determined physical orientation.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the measured characteristic is
voltage.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the connectors comprise an odd
number of lines and connecting comprises routing one of the lines
between the first device and the second device the same way
regardless of the determined physical orientation.
11. A method of determining the physical orientation of two
connectors with respect to each other and selecting a serial
communication interface comprising: connecting a first device to a
second device by physically coupling a first connector to a second
connector, wherein the connectors are capable of being coupled
together in more than one physical orientation, and wherein
connecting comprises electrically coupling a subset of a plurality
of lines between the first and second devices, the subset being
just the lines necessary to measure a characteristic of at least
one line in the connection between the first connector and the
second connector; measuring the characteristic; determining the
physical orientation of the first connector with respect to the
second connector based on the measured characteristic; selecting an
appropriate serial communication interface based on the measured
characteristic; configuring the second device so that it is
operable to communicate using the selected serial communication
interface, wherein configuring the second device comprises
configuring a processor in the second device; and routing lines
from the first device to appropriate lines in the second device
based on the determined physical orientation.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the measured characteristic is
voltage potential.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising: measuring a second
characteristic of at least one line in the connection between the
first connector and the second connector.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the second measured
characteristic is used to select an appropriate serial
communication interface.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the selected serial
communication interface is a Universal Serial Bus interface.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein the selected serial
communication interface is an RS-232 serial interface.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein configuring the second device
comprises: routing lines between the first device and the second
device according to the selected serial communication
interface.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the lines from the first device
are routed to input/output lines of a processor in the second
device which is operable to process the selected serial
communication interface.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the lines from the first device
are routed to circuitry operable to process the selected serial
communication interface.
20. An apparatus for selecting a serial communication interface
comprising: a connector for coupling the apparatus with another
device; one or more contacts for physically connecting lines
between the apparatus and the other device; detector circuitry for
measuring an electrical characteristic of at least one of the one
or more contacts; switch circuitry operable to connect at least one
of the one or more contacts to other circuitry in one or more
configurations; control circuitry operable to interface the
detector circuitry with the switch circuitry, wherein the detector
circuitry selects a serial communication interface based on the
measured characteristic and the control circuitry instructs the
switch circuitry to configure itself accordingly; and a processor
that is electrically coupled with the control circuitry, wherein
the control circuitry instructs the processor to configure itself
based on the selected serial communication interface.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the measured characteristic
is voltage.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the measured characteristic
is resistance.
23. An apparatus for determining the physical orientation of a
connector comprising: a connector for coupling the apparatus with
another device; one or more contacts for physically connecting
lines between the apparatus and the other device; detector
circuitry for measuring an electrical characteristic of at least
one of the one or more contacts; switch circuitry operable to
connect at least one of the one or more contacts to other circuitry
in one or more configurations; control circuitry operable to
interface the detector circuitry with the switch circuitry, wherein
the detector circuitry determines the physical orientation of the
connector based on the measured characteristic and the control
circuitry instructs the switch circuitry to configure itself
accordingly; and a processor that is electrically coupled with the
control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry instructs the
processor to configure itself based on the determined physical
orientation of the connector.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the measured characteristic
is voltage.
25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the measured characteristic
is resistance.
26. An apparatus for determining the physical orientation of a
serial connector and selecting a serial communication interface
comprising: a connector for coupling the apparatus with another
device; one or more contacts for physically connecting lines
between the apparatus and the other device; detector circuitry for
measuring an electrical characteristic of at least one of the one
or more contacts; switch circuitry operable to connect at least one
of the one or more contacts to other circuitry in one or more
configurations; control circuitry operable to interface the
detector circuitry with the switch circuitry, wherein the detector
circuitry determines the physical orientation of the connector and
selects a serial communication interface based on the measured
characteristic and the control circuitry instructs the switch
circuitry to configure itself accordingly; and a processor that is
electrically coupled with the control circuitry, wherein the
control circuitry instructs the processor to configure itself based
on the determined physical orientation of the connector and the
selected serial communication interface.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the measured characteristic
is voltage.
28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the measured characteristic
is resistance.
.Iadd.29. An apparatus for determining the physical orientation of
a connector comprising: a first connector for coupling the
apparatus with another device, the first connector including a
plurality of contacts for physically connecting lines between the
apparatus and the other device; detector circuitry for monitoring a
subset of at least one and fewer than all the plurality of contacts
to determine if the first connector is mated with a second
connector in a first physical orientation or a second physical
orientation; switch circuitry operable to connect at least some of
the plurality of contacts to other circuitry in the apparatus in a
first configuration when the detector circuitry determines the
first and second connectors are mated in the first physical
orientation and in a second configuration when the detector
circuitry determines the first and second connectors are mated in
the second physical orientation; control circuitry operable to
interface the detector circuitry with the switch circuitry, wherein
the control circuitry instructs the switch circuitry to configure
itself according to the physical orientation determined by the
detector circuitry; and a processor that is electrically coupled
with the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry instructs
the processor to configure itself based on the determined physical
orientation of the connector..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The apparatus set forth in claim 29 wherein the switch
circuitry is configured to, when connecting at least some of the
plurality of contacts according to the first configuration,
electrically connect a first data line within the first device to a
first contact in the first connector and electrically connect a
second data line within the first device to a second contact in the
first connector, and when connecting at least some of the plurality
of contacts according to the second configuration, electrically
connect the first data line in the first device to the second
contact in the first connector and electrically connect the second
data line in the first device to the first contact in the first
connector..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The apparatus set forth in claim 30 wherein the switch
circuitry is further configured to electrically connect a third
line within the first device to a third contact positioned between
the first and second contacts in both the first and second
configurations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The apparatus set forth in claim 30 wherein the switch
circuitry is further configured to set the first and second data
lines within the first device to an open state prior to prior to
electrically connecting the first and second data lines to either
the first or second contacts according to either the first or
second configurations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The apparatus set forth in claim 30 wherein the detector
circuit is configured to determine that the first connector is in
the first orientation if the detected characteristic matches an
expected characteristic..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The apparatus set forth in claim 29 wherein the switch
circuitry is configured based on a selected communication interface
in addition to the determined physical orientation..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. An apparatus for determining the physical orientation of
a connector comprising: a first connector for coupling the
apparatus with another device, the first connector including a
plurality of contacts for physically connecting lines between the
apparatus and the other device; detector circuitry for monitoring a
subset of at least one and fewer than all the plurality of contacts
to determine if the first connector is mated with a second
connector in a first physical orientation or a second physical
orientation different from the first physical orientation; switch
circuitry operable to connect at least some of the plurality of
contacts to other circuitry in the apparatus in a first
configuration when the detector circuitry determines the first and
second connectors are mated in the first physical orientation and
in a second configuration when the detector circuitry determines
the first and second connectors are mated in the second physical
orientation; and a processor that is electrically coupled with the
switch circuitry and configured to operate the switch circuitry
based on the determined physical orientation of the
connector..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The apparatus set forth in claim 35 wherein the detector
circuitry is configured to detect presence of a signal on monitored
contacts, determine whether the detected signal matches an expected
signal, and if the detected signal matches the expected signal,
conclude that the second connector is in a first orientation with
respect to the first connector..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The apparatus set forth in claim 35 wherein the plurality
of contacts include a first data contact, a second data contact and
a power contact..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The apparatus set forth in claim 37 wherein the switch
circuitry is configured to, when connecting at least some of the
plurality of contacts according to the first configuration,
electrically connect a first data line within the first device to
the first data contact in the first connector and electrically
connect a second data line within the first device to the second
data contact in the first connector, and when connecting at least
some of the plurality of contacts according to the second
configuration, electrically connect the first data line in the
first device to the second data contact in the first connector and
electrically connect the second data line in the first device to
the first data contact in the first connector..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The apparatus set forth in claim 38 wherein the switch
circuitry is further configured to electrically connect a third
line within the first device to a third contact positioned between
the first and second contacts in both the first and second
configurations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The apparatus set forth in claim 39 wherein the third
contact is a third data contact..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The apparatus set forth in claim 38 wherein the switch
circuitry is further configured to set the first and second data
lines within the first device to an open state prior to
electrically connecting the first and second data lines to either
the first or second data contacts according to either the first or
second configurations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The apparatus set forth in claim 37 wherein the first and
second data contacts are located at opposite
positions..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The apparatus set forth in claim 37 wherein the first
connector is a receptacle connector..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The apparatus set forth in claim 43 wherein the first
connector includes a conductive shell coupled to
ground..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The apparatus set forth in claim 35 wherein the subset of
contacts monitored by the detector circuitry consists of two
contacts..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The apparatus set forth in claim 35 wherein the processor
is configured to operate the switch circuitry based on a selected
communication interface in addition to the determined physical
orientation..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electronic connections. More
particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods
for determining the configuration of electronic connections.
Many devices are capable of communicating with other devices
through the use of more than one communication interface. For
example, a computer uses different interfaces for communicating
with a monitor, a keyboard, and other computers on a network. In
the case of a computer, each interface usually has its own,
dedicated connector. However in some devices, for example portable
electronics, it may be advantageous to have one connector that is
capable of communicating using more than one type of interface.
This is particularly true as portable electronic devices become
smaller, because the physical size and number of connectors becomes
an important factor. The size of connector contacts cannot get much
smaller due to manufacturing and power transmission issues.
Therefore, engineers try to reduce the number of connectors by
incorporating the signals needed for each different interface into
a single connector. This typically results in a larger connector
with redundant contacts that are only used for certain
interfaces.
Thus, it would be advantageous to be able to use individual
connector contacts for more than one interface. The more contacts
that have multiple functions, the smaller the connector can be. In
order for a contact to carry more than one type of signal, a device
must be able to identify the interface being used and route the
signal appropriately.
Many connectors and their housings are designed so that they can
only be coupled in a certain configuration. This design process is
commonly referred to as "keying" a connector and can include, for
example, using asymmetrical connector shapes. Connectors are
typically designed this way so that it is impossible to connect the
wrong contacts. This can be especially important when dealing with
sensitive electronics that could be damaged by the application of a
power supply line to the wrong contact. Often, the design of the
connectors prevents them from being coupled in an incorrect
orientation.
Coupling these types of connectors can be time-consuming for users.
If connectors cannot be mated on the first try, users have to
manipulate the connectors until they are correctly orientated with
respect to each other. Depending on the keying, there may even be
potential for the user to damage the pins of the connector in
frustration while trying to force the connectors together. If a
connector's pin configuration could be sensed and properly
compensated for, connectors could be coupled in more than one
orientation, thereby simplifying the process for an end user.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for
determining a connector's orientation. Further, it is also
desirable to combine systems and methods for selecting a
communication interface with those for determining a connector's
orientation.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the
present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present
application with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Systems and methods for determining the configuration of electronic
connections by measuring an electrical characteristic of a
connection are provided. Using the measured electrical
characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate
communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus
(USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc. Once the appropriate
communication interface has been selected, the device can
subsequently configure itself to communicate using the selected
interface. In accordance with the principles of the present
invention, one connector can facilitate communication using
multiple interfaces. This could allow a device with a single
connector to communicate with multiple types of devices. This
one-connector approach saves both space and money, as well as
making the act of mating two connectors easier for the end
user.
Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a
connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such
systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. In
accordance with the principles of the present invention,
symmetrical connectors with multiple mating configurations can be
used. A device can determine the orientation of a connector
relative to another connector and properly route the signals from a
connector according to the detected orientation. This type of
design can save the end user time and frustration when coupling
connectors together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features of the present invention, its nature,
and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of
the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of
a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of
the present invention, wherein a switch is used to route signals to
predetermined locations.
FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of
a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of
the present invention, wherein one or more signals are generated to
indicate the interface;
FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of
a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of
the present invention, wherein signals are routed to circuits
corresponding to each interface;
FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of
a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of
the present invention, wherein the orientation of a two-wire
connector is determined;
FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic system diagram of another
embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the
principles of the present invention, wherein the orientation of a
three-wire connector is determined;
FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of
a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of
the present invention, wherein the orientation of a four-wire
connector is determined;
FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of
a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of
the present invention, wherein the connector orientation is
determined and a communication interface is selected;
FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of different voltage ranges that
could be used to determine physical orientations and select
communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the
present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for selecting communication
interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for determining connector
orientations in accordance with the principles of the present
invention; and
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for determining connector
orientations and selecting communication interfaces in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Many electronic communication interfaces exist. Devices communicate
using, for example, parallel, serial, PS/2, Universal Serial Bus
(USB), and FireWire interfaces. Devices which communicate over more
than one interface typically have a separate connector for each
interface. In order for a connector to facilitate communication
using more than one type of interface, a system which selects
appropriate communication interfaces can be used.
FIG. 1 includes an embodiment of a system 100 operable to select
communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. System 100 can include device 110 and device
120. Device 110 can be an electronic device operable to communicate
with other electronic devices using an interface. Device 120 can be
an electronic device operable to select the communication interface
which device 110 is using and then communicate with device 110
using the selected interface. Device 120 can, for example, be
operable to communicate using a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
interface as well as an RS-232 serial interface.
Devices 110 and 120 can be coupled by, for example, lines 110a and
110b as well as data bus 110c. Line 110a can carry a supply voltage
(V.sub.BUS). Line 110b can carry a ground (GND) associated with
supply voltage 110a. Data bus (DATA) 110c can include one or more
lines that carry data to be exchanged between devices 110 and 120.
DATA 110c can also include lines which carry transmission
information, for example timing and control signals, which is
pertinent to the communication interface being utilized. Lines
which are part of the coupling between device 110 and 120 can also
transmit other signals. Lines 110a, 110b, and 110c can be bound
together in a cable or harness that couples devices 110 and 120.
The coupling hardware can be a separate piece of equipment which
may be detached from devices 110 and 120. Alternatively, the
coupling hardware can be part of device 110 or device 120. Device
110 can, for example, plug into a socket on device 120.
Device 120 can include connector 121 to provide a physical
connection of lines 110a, 110b, and 110c between device 110 and
device 120. Connector 121 can include an electrical contact for
each line connecting device 110 with device 120. Connector 121 can
be, for example, a socket for receiving a plug. Connector 121 can
be shaped to ensure that only devices with a complementary shape
can be coupled to device 120. Connector 121 can include a
conductive connector shell. The connector shell can be tied to, or
replace, ground line 110b or circuit ground of device 120.
Connector 121 can include a magnetic element to secure the
connection between devices 110 and 120 in such a way that, if the
wire running to device 110 is pulled, the connector simply
detaches.
Device 120 can include detector 122. Detector 122 can be coupled to
one or more of the lines that are part of the connection between
devices 110 and 120 (e.g. V.sub.BUS 110a, GND 110b, DATA 110c).
Detector 122 can be, for example, a distributed circuit, an
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Detector 122 can have
additional functions, for example signal conditioning or power
regulation. Detector 122 does not have to be coupled with every
line connected between device 110 and device 120.
Detector 122 can be operable to measure one or more electrical
characteristic of the connection between devices 110 and 120. The
electrical characteristic measured by detector 122 can include, for
example, a resistive, reactive, current, or voltage measurement and
can involve one or more contacts. Detector 122 can, for example,
measure the voltage of V.sub.BUS 110a relative to GND 110b.
Alternatively, detector 122 can detect the resistance between a
line of DATA bus 110c and GND 110b. In another embodiment, detector
122 can be coupled with the system clock of device 120 and can
monitor the behavior of DATA 110c with respect to the system clock.
It is contemplated that there are several different characteristics
or combinations of characteristics that can be measured by detector
122 in order to select the appropriate communication interface.
In one embodiment, device 110 might be a device that uses a USB
interface or a device that uses a low-voltage serial interface. If
detector 122 can measure, for example, the voltage of V.sub.BUS
110a relative to GND 110b, detector 122 can select if device 110 is
using a USB interface or a low-voltage serial interface. Because
the USB standard calls for a power supply line with a voltage of
4.35V to 5.25V, a higher voltage would indicate a USB interface and
a lower voltage, for example below 3V, would indicate a low-voltage
serial interface.
Device 120 can include switches 125a and 125b. The inputs of switch
125a can be coupled with V.sub.BUS 110a and GND 110b. The inputs of
switch 125b can be coupled with DATA 110c and other lines that are
part of the connection between devices 110 and 120. Switches 125a
and 125b can be in an open state by default. If switches 125a and
125b are in an open state by default, detector 122 can better
measure characteristics of lines 110a-110c without any effects due
to circuits in device 120.
From one or more measured characteristic, detector 122 can be
operable to select the communication interface being used by device
110. Switches 125a and 125b can be controlled by detector 122
through a configuration signal (CONF) 123. Detector 122 can direct
switch 125a to close once detector 122 has selected which
communication interface device 110 is using. Detector 122 can
direct switch 125b to move to a state corresponding to the selected
communication interface. Because switches 125a and 125b are
controlled by a signal from detector 122, switches 125a and 125b
can also be referred to as relays.
Device 120 can include voltage regulator 126. Voltage regulator 126
can be coupled to the outputs of switch 125a so that when switch
125a is closed, voltage regulator 126 is connected to V.sub.BUS
110a and GND 110b. Voltage regulator 126 can, for example, include
circuitry operable to charge a battery in device 110 from a power
supply in device 120. In another embodiment, voltage regulator 126
can directly couple V.sub.BUS 110a with the voltage rail of device
120 and GND 110b with the common ground of device 120.
Device 120 can include processor 127. Processor 127 can be, for
example, a microcontroller or an ARM processor. Processor 127 can
be coupled with the system clock of device 120. Processor 127 can
be capable of communicating over more than one interface. Processor
127 can have different input/output busses 127a and 127b for
communicating over different interfaces. Processor 127 can be
coupled to the outputs of switch 125b. The first outputs of switch
125b can be coupled to one bus (DATA1) 127a of processor 127 that
corresponds to a particular interface. The second outputs of switch
125b can be coupled to a second bus (DATA2) 127b of processor 127
that corresponds to a different interface. Switch 125b can connect
DATA 110c with DATA1 127a or DATA2 127b in order to facilitate
communication using the detected interface. Processor 127 can
proceed to communicate with device 110 using this interface.
Processor 127 can also perform other functions which are inherent
to device 120. Processor 127 can, for example, access flash memory
and process audio signals.
FIG. 2 includes an embodiment of a system 200 operable to select a
communication interface in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. System 200 can include device 210 and device
220. Device 220 can include a detector 222. From one or more
measured characteristic, detector 222 can be operable to select the
communication interface being used by device 210. Other
characteristics of device 210 can be identified by detector 222.
For example, detector 222 can determine the charge-level of a
battery within device 210.
Detector 222 can generate an interface select signal (INT_SEL) 224
which can indicate the interface that corresponds with the measured
characteristic. INT_SEL 224 can include one or more lines and can
transmit other information about device 210. For example. INT_SEL
224 can also transmit a low power warning or a device
identification number.
Device 220 can include switch 225. Switch 225 can toggle V.sub.BUS
210a, GND 210b, DATA 210c, and other lines that are part of the
connection between devices 210 and 220 between an open and closed
state. Switch 225 can be in an open state by default. Switch 225
can be controlled by detector 222 through an enable signal (EN)
223. Detector 222 can direct switch 225 to close once detector 222
has selected which communication interface device 210 is using.
Device 220 can include a voltage regulator 226. Voltage regulator
226 can be coupled to switch 225 so that, when switch 225 is in a
closed position, V.sub.BUS 210a and GND 210b can be connected to
voltage regulator 226.
Device 220 can include processor 227. Processor 227 can be coupled
with the system clock of device 220. Processor 227 can be coupled
to switch 225 so that when the switch is closed DATA 210c is
connected to a communication bus (DATA) 227b of processor 227.
Processor 227 can monitor INT_SEL 224 to see what communication
interface device 210 uses and configure itself or other circuitry
accordingly. Processor 227 can configure itself by loading a set of
instructions that correspond to a communication interface used by
device 210.
DATA bus 227b of processor 227 can be designed so that each
different interface uses all of the lines that make up DATA bus
227b. This design allows for efficient use of the input/output pins
on processor 227. In one embodiment, device 210 might be a device
that uses a USB interface or a device that uses a three-wire serial
interface. According to the present standard, USB communications
require four lines: a power supply line, a ground line, and two
data lines. The current three-wire serial (RS-232) standard
requires three lines: transmit data, receive data, and ground. A
power supply line can also be included with a three-wire serial
connection to allow the devices to share power. With an additional
power supply line, the USB connection and the serial connection can
both include four wires. In this case, no lines of DATA bus 227b
would go unused regardless of the interface. In other embodiments,
one interface could use less lines than another interface and some
lines of DATA bus 227b could go unused for certain interfaces.
It is contemplated that processor 227 can reconfigure elements of
device 220 not only in order to use a communication interface but
also for the processing of data associated with that interface. For
example, if Interface X is typically used to communicate with a
microphone (not shown) then processor 227 can configure circuitry
to communicate using Interface X and to further process voice data.
In one embodiment, processor 227 can reprogram an FPGA in device
220 according to data from INT_SEL 224.
FIG. 3 includes another embodiment of a system 300 operable to
select a communication interface in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. System 300 can include device 310 and
device 320. Device 320 can include detector 322, switch 325, input
multiplexer (MUX1) 328a, interface controllers 329a-329c, output
multiplexer (MUX2) 328b, and processor 327. From one or more
measured characteristics, detector 322 can be operable to select
the communication interface being used by device 310. Once an
appropriate communication interface is selected, multiplexers 328a
and 328b can route DATA 310c through one of the interface
controllers 329a-329c in order to facilitate communication between
device 310 and device 320. Interface controllers 329a-329c can be
circuits operable to coordinate communication between device 310
and circuitry in device 320 (e.g. processor 327, etc.). Interface
controllers 329a-329c can be integrated into one or more ASICs. It
is also contemplated that more than three interface controllers can
be used if needed.
The input of MUX1 328a can be coupled to DATA 310c and other lines
that are part of the connection between devices 310 and 320. MUX1
328a can be controlled by detector 322 through EN 323 and INT_SEL
324. EN 323 can be coupled to the enable line of MUX1 328a. INT_SEL
324 can be coupled to the select line of MUX1 328a. Each interface
controller 329a-329c can be coupled to a different set of MUX1's
328a outputs.
Once detector 322 selects which communication interface device 310
is going to use, detector 322 can direct MUX1 328a to route its
input to the corresponding interface controller with INT_SEL 324.
It is contemplated that interface controllers 329a-329c can be
powered off by default, and the appropriate controller can be
turned on by a signal from detector 322. The outputs of interface
controllers 329a-329c can be coupled with the inputs of MUX2 328b.
INT_SEL 324 can be coupled to the select line of MUX2 328b. INT_SEL
324 can control MUX2 328b in order to connect the outputs from the
appropriate controller to a communication bus (DATA) 327a of
processor 327. Once connected, the appropriate interface controller
can initialize communications with device 310. What this means is
that, an interface controller may take certain steps, commonly
called a "handshake" procedure, to begin communicating with device
310. These handshake procedures can be different for each type of
interface.
Once MUX1 328a, interface controllers 329a-329c, and MUX2 328b are
properly configured, detector 322 can use EN 323 to close switch
325 and enable MUX1 328a. In this embodiment, enabling MUX1 328a
corresponds to closing switch 225 of the embodiment in FIG. 2. Once
MUX1 328a is enabled, DATA 310c can be routed through one of
interface controllers 329a-329c according to the selected
interface. Each interface controller can be designed to process a
different interface and can subsequently transmit that data to
processor 327. Interface controllers 329a-329c can be operable to
process signals transmitted both to and from processor 327. It is
contemplated that in order to facilitate communicating with
processor 327, the interface controllers can be connected to the
same clock signal as processor 327. This clock signal can be used
to coordinate the timing of the communications between the
interface controllers 329a-329c and the processor 327.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that selecting
communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the
present invention can be practiced by other than the described
embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration
rather than of limitation. For example, a system which routes lines
to independent subsystems depending on the selected interface is
another embodiment operable to function in accordance with the
principles of the present invention.
FIG. 4 includes an embodiment of system 400 operable to determine
connector orientation in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. System 400 can include device 410 and device
420. Device 410 can include connector 411, and device 420 can
include connector 421. Devices 410 and 420 can be coupled by mating
connectors 411 and 421. Mating connectors 411 and 421 can connect
power supply lines, data busses, and other types of signals between
devices 410 and 420. Mating connectors 411 and 421 can include
coupling contacts for two or more physical connections between
device 410 and device 420 even though only two are shown in FIG. 4.
Connectors 411 and 421 can be symmetrical so that connectors 411
and 421 can be mated in two possible different physical
orientations.
Legend 490 lists two possible physical connector orientations. In
Orientation 1, line X1 421a can be connected to D1 410a and line X2
421b can be connected to line D2 410b. In Orientation 2, line X1
421a can be connected to D2 410b and line X2 421b can be connected
to D1 410a. The actual physical orientation of the connectors can
be determined by detector 422 in device 420.
Device 420 can include detector 422 which can be coupled to lines
421a and 421b. From one or more measured characteristics, detector
422 can be operable to determine the physical orientation of
connector 411 with respect to connector 421. Detector 422 can, for
example, measure the voltage of line X1 421a with respect to line
X2 421b. In this example, the measured voltage can be used to
determine whether connectors 411 and 421 are in a first or second
physical orientation with respect to each other. Device 420 can
include switch 425. Switch 425 can be operable to exist in one of
three states: open, connecting its inputs to a first set of
outputs, and connecting its inputs to a second set of outputs. The
first outputs can be connected to input/output lines of processor
427 so that X1 421a can be connected to D1 427a and X2 421b can be
connected to D2 427b. The second outputs can be connected to
processor 427 so that X1 421a can be connected to D2 427b and X2
421b can be connected to D1 427a.
Switch 425 can be coupled with detector 422. Before the physical
orientation of connector 411 is determined, switch 425 can be in an
open position so that any circuits in device 420 do not affect the
measurements made by detector 422. Once the orientation has been
determined, detector 422 can signal switch 425 with a configuration
signal (CONF) 424. Switch 425 can then connect the lines from
device 410 to circuitry in device 420 according to the physical
orientation between the connectors. For example, switch 425 can go
to a first position which connects X1 421a with D1 427a and X2 421b
with D2 427b if Orientation 1 is detected. If Orientation 2 is
detected, switch 425 can go to a second position which connects X1
421a with D2 427b and X2 with D1 427a.
FIG. 5 includes an embodiment of system 500 operable to determine
the physical connector orientation in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. System 500 can include device
510 and device 520. Device 510 can include connector 511, and
device 520 can include connector 521. Devices 510 and 520 can be
coupled by mating connectors 511 and 521. Mating connectors 511 and
521 can include connecting contacts for three lines between device
510 and device 520. Connectors 511 and 521 can be symmetrical so
that connectors 511 and 521 can be connected in two possible
orientations. Legend 590 shows two possible physical orientations
of connector 511 with respect to 521. If there are an odd number of
lines coupled between device 510 and device 520, a middle contact
can be connected to the same signal in either connection
orientation. For example, X2 521b can be connected to D2 510b
regardless of connector orientation. Detector 522 measures one or
more electrical characteristic of one or more of lines 521a-521c in
order to determined whether connector 511 is in Orientation 1 or
Orientation 2.
Once the orientation of connector 511 is determined, detector 522
can use configuration signal (CONF) 524 to trigger switch 525 to
connect its outputs to the appropriate inputs of processor 527. In
an embodiment where there are an odd number of contacts, a switch
coupled with a middle line can have only an open and a closed
position.
It is contemplated that connectors 511 and 521 can have a
triangular shape enabling three different coupling orientations. In
this case, device 520 can have switches capable of routing the
lines from connector 521 to the proper lines within device 520. For
example, the switches can have four possible positions which
include an open position and individual positions for each
connector orientation.
FIG. 6 includes an embodiment of system 600 operable to determine
connector orientation in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. System 600 can include device 610 and device
620. Connectors 611 and 621 can be symmetrical so that two
different mating configurations are possible. The connection
between device 610 and device 620 can include four lines: a voltage
line (V.sub.BUS) 610a, a first data line (D1) 610b, a second data
line (D2) 610c, and ground line (GND) 610d.
Two signals can be located on opposite contacts of the connection
so that a line coining into device 620 is known to be one of those
two signals. Legend 690 shows two possible physical orientations of
connector 611 with respect to connector 621. For example, X1 621a
is V.sub.BUS 610a in Orientation 1 and GND 610d in Orientation 2.
In this example, there is no possibility that X1 621a is D1 610b or
D2 610c. According to this same principle, a pair of lines can be
known to contain two signals regardless of the connector
orientation. For example, V.sub.BUS 610a and GND 610d can be
connected to either X1 621a or X4 621d, but not to X2 621b or X3
621c, regardless of connector orientation.
Device 620 can include voltage regulator 626 and processor 627. A
pair of lines which include V.sub.BUS 610a and GND 610d can be
coupled with the inputs of switch 625b. The outputs of switch 625b
can be coupled with voltage regulator 626. The pair of lines which
include D1 610b and D2 610e can be coupled with the inputs of
switch 625a, and the outputs of switch 625a can be coupled with the
inputs of processor 627.
Detector 622 can be operable to measure one or more electrical
characteristic of one or more of lines 621a-621d. From the one or
more measured characteristic, the orientation of connector 611 with
respect to connector 621 can be determined. Detector 622 can
control switches 625a and 625b using configuration signal (CONF)
624 so that the switches make the proper connections corresponding
to the detected orientation. For example, detector 622 can measure
the voltage on line X1 621a and can find it to be consistent with
the expected voltage of V.sub.BUS 610a. In this case, detector 622
can direct switches 625a and 625b to move to a position
corresponding to Orientation 1. With switches 625a and 625b in this
configuration, line 621a can be routed to V.sub.BUS 626a, line 621b
can be routed to D1 627a, line 621c can be routed to D2 627b, and
line 621d can be routed to GND 626b. Note that by measuring as few
as one line which is indicative of the connectors' orientation,
detector 622 can determine how to route all of the lines included
in the connection.
It is contemplated that connectors 611 and 621 can be designed so
that there are more than two possible connector mating
orientations. For example, four contacts arranged so that each
contact is a corner of a square would facilitate a connector that
is capable of four different orientations. In a case where there
are more than two possible orientations, it can not be correct to
assume that a signal is found in one of two lines. In accordance
with the principles of the present invention, switches with a
different position for each orientation can be used in that
situation.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that determining
connector orientation in accordance with the principles of the
present invention can be practiced by other than the described
embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration
rather than of limitation. For example, a system which reconfigures
a processor to compensate for connector orientation is another
embodiment operable to function in accordance with the principles
of the present invention.
FIG. 7 includes an embodiment of system 700 operable to determine
connector orientations and select communication interfaces in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. System 700
can include device 710 and device 720. Connectors 711 and 721 can
be symmetrical so that two or more different mating configurations
are possible. Legend 790 shows two possible physical orientations
of connector 711 with respect to connector 721. Device 720 can be
capable of communicating using different interfaces. In this
embodiment, there can be a matrix of connector orientations and
communication interfaces which define the connection between device
710 and device 720. What this means is that, in this example, two
possible communication interfaces can be used in either Orientation
1 or Orientation 2. When determining connector orientation and
selecting a communication interface, as in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 7, there can be four possible configurations.
Device 720 can include detector 722 which is capable of determining
the orientation of connector 711 with respect to connector 721 and
selecting the communication interface compatible with device 710.
Detector 722 can control switches 725a and 725b using configuration
signal (CONF) 724 in order to configure device 720 for the detected
connector orientation. Detector 722 can transmit an interface
select signal (INT_SEL) 723 to processor 727 that identifies the
communication interface used by device 710. Processor 727 can
subsequently configure itself or other circuits in device 720 in
order to communicate via the detected interface.
It is contemplated that detector 722 can make two different
measurements in order to determine the connector orientation and
select the appropriate communication interface. For example,
detector 722 may include some inputs coupled to connection lines
721a-721d to the left of switches 725a-725b and other inputs
connected to lines 727a-727b and 726a-726b to the right of switches
725a-725b. In this embodiment, detector 722 may use one criteria to
determine the connector orientation before switches 725a-725b
close. Subsequently, detector 722 may use another criteria to
select the appropriate communication interface after switches
725a-725b have closed to the proper position which compensates for
connector orientation.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments,
which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of
limitation. For example, a system which routes signals differently
to compensate for both connector orientation and communication
interface is another embodiment operable to function in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram 800 of voltage ranges measured by
detector 722 and the corresponding interfaces and connector
orientations. The measurement represented in diagram 800 is the
voltage of line X1 with respect to line X3. Diagram 800 is
illustrative of the embodiment where two possible communication
interfaces, USB and three-wire serial, are used in combination with
two possible connector orientations, but other implementations are
possible that will still utilize the principles of the present
invention.
The current USB standard calls for a power supply line with a
voltage between 4.35V and 5.25V. Therefore range 802, which
corresponds to a detected USB interface, extends from 4.0V to 5.5V.
Range 804 includes the same range converted to negative voltages
because it corresponds to a USB interface when the connectors are
coupled in an opposite orientation.
Because the three-wire serial standard does not require a power
supply line, the voltage of an optional power supply line can be
designed to be different from the voltages of USB power supply
lines. For example, the power supply line can be designed to have a
voltage of 3.0V. In this embodiment, range 806 can extend front
2.0V to 4.0V and correspond to a detected serial interface. Range
808, which extends from -4.0V to -2.0V, can correspond to the same
serial interface but with the connectors coupled in an opposite
orientation.
Ranges 810, 812, and 814 can correspond to improperly coupled or
unsupported connectors. In other embodiments, additional
communication interfaces or connector orientations could correspond
to ranges 810, 812, and 814.
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of process 900 which can be implemented to
select appropriate communication interfaces in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. At step 910, two devices can
be coupled by mating two connectors. This connection can include
one or more electrical contacts. At step 920, one of the devices
can measure one or more electrical characteristic of the
connection. The electrical characteristic can include a resistive,
reactive, current, or voltage measurement and can involve one or
more contacts. In one embodiment, the measurement can be of the
voltage of one contact with respect to another contact. In an
alternative embodiment, the measurement can be of the resistance
between two contacts.
Step 930 in process 900 depends on the measurement obtained at step
920. If the measurement is within a certain predetermined range,
process 900 can continue with step 940. If the measurement is
within a different predetermined range, process 900 can continue
with step 950. If the measurement is within a third predetermined
range, process 900 can continue with step 960. Each different range
can correspond to a measurement that would be expected for a
different communication interface. The number of different branches
of process 900 can be defined by the number of interfaces a device
can use to communicate.
In one embodiment, process 900 can repeat step 920 if the
measurement does not fall into any of the predetermined ranges (not
shown). In another embodiment, process 900 can resolve that same
situation by prompting a user (not shown). The user prompt could,
for example, request that the user check the connection or allow
the user to select the interface type.
At step 940, 950 or 960, the device which performed the measurement
can begin to use a predetermined communication interface which
corresponds to the value of the measured characteristic. In order
to use the selected interface, the device can load a corresponding
set of instructions onto a processor. In an alternative embodiment,
the device can route the signals to the corresponding circuits or
ICs for each interface.
FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of process 1000 which can be implemented
to determine connector orientations in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. At step 1010, two devices can
be coupled by mating two connectors. The connectors used can be
designed so that they can fit together in more than one physical
orientation. At step 1020, one of the devices can measure an
electrical characteristic of the connection.
At step 1030, process 1000 can proceed differently depending on the
value of the measured characteristic. If the measured
characteristic is within a predetermined range, process 1000 can
proceed with step 1040. At step 1040, a device can route the
connected lines to paths corresponding to Range A. If the measured
characteristic is within a second range, process 1000 can proceed
with step 1050. At step 1050, the connected lines can be routed to
paths corresponding to Range B. The ranges can be selected so as to
differentiate between possible connector orientations. For example,
a device can measure the voltage of a line that is expected to be
either a power supply line or ground depending on the physical
orientation of the connectors. In this example, two possible
voltage ranges can be separated at a value that is in between the
expected supply voltage and ground.
FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of process 1100 which can be implemented
to determine connector orientations and select appropriate
communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. At step 1110, two devices can be coupled by
mating two connectors. The connectors used can be designed so that
they can fit together in more than one physical orientation. At
step 1120, one of the devices can measure an electrical
characteristic of the connection. At step 1130, process 1100
diverges. Depending on the characteristic measured at step 1120,
process 1100 can proceed with step 1140 or step 1150. Step 1140 can
correspond to routing connection lines in accordance with one
connector orientation and step 1150 can correspond to routing
connection lines according to another connector orientation. It is
contemplated that more than two connector orientations can be used
in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
At step 1160 a device can measure one or more electrical
characteristic. The measured characteristic can be used to select
the communication interface appropriate for the two devices to use
when communicating with each other. It is also contemplated that,
instead of making a new measurement, the measurement generated at
step 1120 can be used to select an appropriate communication
interface at step 1170 without departing from the spirit of the
present invention. Depending on the range of the measured
characteristic, process 1100 can proceed with step 1180 or step
1190. At step 1180, the devices can communicate using Interface X.
At step 1190, the devices can communicate using Interface Y. In
order to communicate using the appropriate interface, a device can,
for example, route the connection lines to the proper circuitry for
that interface. Alternatively, a device can load a set of
instructions specialized for communicating with the appropriate
interface.
Thus it is seen that descriptions of systems and methods for
determining connector orientations and selecting communication
interfaces are provided. A person skilled in the art will
appreciate that the present invention may be practiced by other
than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of
illustration rather than of limitation.
* * * * *