Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 1 of 21 Page ID #:7
`
`US008492933B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Lanni
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,492,933 B2
`JuL23,2013
`
`(54)
`
`POWER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT PROVIDING A
`DATA SIGNAL, IDENTIFICATION
`INFORMATION AND POWER TO AN
`ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`
`(71)
`
`Applicant: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.,
`Lake Forest, CA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni, Laguna Niguel, CA
`(Us)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.,
`Lake Forest, CA (US)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`App1.No.: 13/707,119
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 6, 2012
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2013/0093263 A1
`
`Apr. 18, 2013
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 13/209,636, ?led on
`Aug. 15, 2011, Which is a continuation of application
`No. 12/840,952, ?led on Jul. 21, 2010, noW Pat. No.
`7,999,412, Which is a continuation of application No.
`11/604,950, ?led on Nov. 28, 2006, noW Pat. No.
`7,868,486, and a continuation-in-part of application
`No. 10/758,933, ?led on Jan. 15, 2004, noW Pat. No.
`7,453,171.
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G05F 3/06
`US. Cl.
`USPC ........................................................ .. 307/151
`Field of Classi?cation Search
`USPC ................................................ .. 307/150, 151
`See application ?le for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,164,652 A 1l/1992 Johnson et a1.
`5,254,931 A 10/1993 Martensson
`5,333,177 A
`7/1994 Braitberg et a1.
`5,350,993 A
`9/1994 Toya et a1.
`5,369,352 A 11/1994 Toepfer et a1.
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`WO 98/19223
`5/1998
`W0
`W0 WO 2006/116298 Al
`1l/2006
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`“Universal Serial Bus Speci?cation Revision 2.0” Compaq Com
`puter Corporation, et al., Apr. 27, 2000, Cover page, Copyright notice
`page, Content pages v-Xiii, Section 7.2 Power Distribution, pp. 171
`178.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner * Daniel Cavallari
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm *Pillsbury Winthrop ShaW
`Pittman LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`PoWer supply equipment includes an adapter to convert
`poWer from a poWer source to a DC poWer for powering an
`electronic device. The adapter includes circuitry for produc
`ing an analog data signal for use by the electronic device to
`control an amount of poWer draWn by the device. A cable has
`an output connector With a plurality of conductors to transfer
`the DC poWer and the analog data signal to the electronic
`device. The connector further includes circuitry to receive a
`data request from the electronic device and in response trans
`mit a data output Which identi?es the poWer supply equip
`ment to the electronic device.
`
`2 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`Power supply system 800
`
`A
`
`Adapter
`340
`
`Cable 350
`
`Tip 33!)
`
`Control
`mg?”
`
`'
`
`'
`
`P ‘
`regulation
`circuitry 325
`
`“s '
`
`Control
`circuitry
`370
`
`AC
`Cable 342
`at / ACIDC
`300
`_
`a up er
`Cable 345
`
`d 1 310
`
`DC/DC
`adapter 315
`
`DC
`power
`source
`305
`
`Electronic
`device
`33’
`221x22?"
`305
`
`'
`
`C
`
`360
`
`Battery
`charging
`circuitry
`600
`
`Apple 1001 - Page 1
`
`

`
`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 2 of 21 Page ID #:8
`
`US 8,492,933 B2
`Page 2
`
`>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5/1995
`5,420,496
`Ishikawa
`4/1996
`5,506,490
`Demuro
`Kreisinger et al.
`7/1996
`5,534,765
`Castleman
`10/1996
`5,570,002
`11/1996
`5,573,425
`Morisawa et al.
`Dernehl
`5,593,323
`1/1997
`5,615,344
`Corder
`3/1997
`5,694,024
`12/1997
`Dias et a1.
`5,703,467
`Patino
`12/1997
`5,783,926
`7/1998
`Moon et al.
`5,836,783
`11/1998
`Morisawa et al.
`5,861,729
`1/1999
`Maeda et al.
`Miyakawa et al.
`5,912,544
`6/1999
`5,939,856
`8/1999
`Demuro et al.
`5,955,797
`Kim
`9/1999
`5,969,438
`Odaohara
`10/1999
`6,054,846
`Castleman
`4/2000
`6,288,522
`9/2001
`Odaohhara et a1.
`6,358,096
`Beckman
`3/2002
`6,360,177
`3/2002
`Curt et al.
`6,368,155
`4/2002
`Bassler et a1.
`Potega
`6,459,175
`10/2002
`6,528,970
`3/2003
`Liu et al.
`6,597,565
`7/2003
`Kluth et a1.
`6,628,535
`9/2003
`6,751,109
`6/2004
`6,795,302
`9/2004
`6,903,950
`6/2005
`6,999,505
`2/2006
`RE39,036
`3/2006
`7,028,202
`4/2006
`7,039,821
`5/2006
`7,127,623
`10/2006
`7,145,312
`12/2006
`7,392,099
`6/2008
`7,392,410
`6/2008
`7,453,171
`11/2008
`7,868,486
`1/2011
`7,937,603
`5/2011
`7,999,412
`8/2011
`8,330,303
`12/2012
`2002/0171980
`11/2002
`
`Doss et al.
`Kluth et a1.
`AfZal et a1.
`Yokoo et al.
`Castleman
`Long et al.
`Potega ........................ .. 713/340
`Potega
`Lanni
`Atkinson et a1. .............. .. 700/22
`Allen et a1.
`Lanni
`Lanni
`Haberle et al.
`Lanni
`Lanni
`Tsukihashi
`
`2003/0207603 A1 11/2003 Potega
`2003/0222503 A1 12/2003 Lam et a1.
`2004/0075419 A1
`4/2004 Massey et a1.
`2005/0024030 A1* 2/2005 Lanni .......................... .. 323/274
`2005/0127758 A1
`6/2005 Atkinson et a1.
`2005/0162020 A1
`7/2005 Lanni
`2006/0164061 A1
`7/2006 Formenti et al.
`2006/0220465 A1 10/2006 Kingsmore, Jr. et a1.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`European Search Report dated Sep. 28, 2006 for EP Patent Applica
`tion No. EP05250133.5, 3 pages.
`European Search Report dated Feb. 6, 2009 for EP Patent Application
`No. 072544976, 13 pages.
`European Patent Of?ce, “Examination Report/ Communication Pur
`suant to Article 94(3) EPC” re: U.S. Appl. No. 05/250,133.5, Date:
`Jun. 14, 2012, 11 pages.
`National Semiconductor Corporation, “Datasheet for LM2601
`Adapter Interface Circuit”, dated Apr., 2001, 6 pages.
`Radio Shack 1990 Catalog, cover page and p. 151, 1990.
`Radio Shack 1994 Catalog, cover page and p. 142, 1994.
`Radio Shack 1995 Catalog, cover page and p. 150-151, 1995.
`Minwa Products, “MW182”, Minwa Products Catalog 1993, 1 page.
`Power Stream Technology, “High Quality Automobile to Laptop
`DC/DC Converter” Speci?cation sheet copyright 2000, 2002, 2003,
`2004*4 pages.
`Acco Brands USA LLC vs. Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.,
`Case No. C11-4378 RS, U. S. District Court for the Northern District
`of California, Plaintiff and Counterdefendant Cco’ Invalidity Con
`tentions, pp. 1-3 and Exhibit E, pp. 1-6, Jun. 27, 2012.
`Declaration of Thomas W. Lanni Regarding Comarco N19 and N24
`Tips, May 14, 2013, 2 pages.
`Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Speci?cation Control Drawing
`No. 1910-0219, “Tip N19”, May 14, 2004, 5 pages.
`Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Speci?cation Control Drawing
`No. 1245-0021-T, “EPROM DS2502, TO-92”, Jun. 21, 2005, 1 page.
`Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. Speci?cation Control Drawing
`No. 1910-0224, “Tip N24”, Oct. 23, 2004, 5 pages.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Apple 1001 - Page 2
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`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 3 of 21 Page ID #:9
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`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2013
`
`Sheet 1 0f 14
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`US 8,492,933 B2
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`Apple 1001 - Page 3
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 4 of 21 Page ID #:10
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`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2013
`
`Sheet 2 0f 14
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`US 8,492,933 B2
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`Apple 1001 - Page 4
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 5 of 21 Page ID #:11
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`Apple 1001 - Page 5
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`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 6 of 21 Page ID #:12
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`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2013
`
`Sheet 4 0f 14
`
`US 8,492,933 B2
`
`“Q30
`
`\
`l."
`Digital control
`circuitry 402
`
`Vdaw (from adapter 340)
`
`Vout (from adapter 340)
`GND (from adapter 340)
`
`Control signal
`(to adapter 340)
`
`V
`
`V
`
`V
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`To
`electronic
`dcvicc
`3 3 5
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`Apple 1001 - Page 6
`
`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 7 of 21 Page ID #:13
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2013
`
`Sheet 5 0f 14
`
`US 8,492,933 B2
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`‘
`
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`electronic
`device
`335
`
`Tip 405
`
`Vdam (from adapter 340)
`
`Vom (from adapter 340)
`
`GND (from adapter 340)
`
`L ,
`Analog control
`circuitry 410
`
`vvprogram 4
`(to adapter 340)
`
`Vlprogram :
`(to adapter 340)
`
`FIG. 4B
`
`Apple 1001 - Page 7
`
`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 8 of 21 Page ID #:14
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2013
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`Sheet 6 0f 14
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`US 8,492,933 B2
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`Apple 1001 - Page 8
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 9 of 21 Page ID #:15
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`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2013
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`Sheet 7 0f 14
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`US 8,492,933 B2
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`Apple 1001 - Page 9
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 10 of 21 Page ID #:16
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`Apple 1001 - Page 10
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`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 11 of 21 Page ID #:17
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`Apple 1001 - Page 11
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`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 12 of 21 Page ID #:18
`
`Apple 1001 - Page 12
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`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 13 of 21 Page ID #:19
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 23, 2013
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`Apple 1001 - Page 13
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 14 of 21 Page ID #:20
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`Apple 1001 - Page 14
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`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 15 of 21 Page ID #:21
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`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2013
`
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`US 8,492,933 B2
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`Apple 1001 - Page 15
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 16 of 21 Page ID #:22
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`Apple 1001 - Page 16
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 17 of 21 Page ID #:23
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`US 8,492,933 B2
`
`1
`POWER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT PROVIDING A
`DATA SIGNAL, IDENTIFICATION
`INFORMATION AND POWER TO AN
`ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`13/209,636, ?led onAug. 15, 2011, now US. Pat. No. 8,330,
`303 issued on Dec. 11, 2012, Which is a continuation of
`application Ser. No. 12/840,952, ?led on Jul. 21, 2010, now
`US. Pat. No. 7,999,412 issued on Aug. 16, 2011, Which is a
`continuation of application Ser. No. 1 1/ 604,950, ?led on Nov.
`28, 2006, now US. Pat. No. 7,868,486 issued on Jan. 11,
`2011, Which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
`10/758,933, ?led on Jan. 15, 2004, now US. Pat. No. 7,453,
`171 issued on Nov. 18, 2008.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`20
`
`2
`To address this problem, one system in the art provides a
`connector to connect betWeen the DC/DC adapter and the
`notebook computer to inform the notebook computer not to
`recharge the batteries. FIG. 1 illustrates a poWer supply sys
`tem according to the prior art. As shoWn, a DC poWer source
`100 is coupled to a DC/DC adapter 105 via a cable 102. The
`DC/DC adapter 105 receives poWer from the DC poWer
`source 100 and outputs regulated DC poWer to an electronic
`device 120, via a cable 110 and a connector 115 coupled to the
`end of the cable 110.
`The DC/DC adapter 105 can provide three output pins to
`the electronic device 120, as shoWn in FIGS. 2A and 2B of the
`prior art. The ?rst pin can provide the output voltage (i.e.,
`Vow), the second pin can provide a ground reference (i.e.,
`GND), and the third pin can provide a data line (i.e., Vdam) to
`instruct the notebook as to Whether the batteries should be
`recharged or not. For example, as shoWn in FIG. 2A, Vdam
`could be tied to GND to indicate that the DC poWer source
`100 is the EMPOWER system and therefore the battery
`should not be recharged. Alternatively, as shoWn in FIG. 2B,
`V data could also be left open (i.e., to provide a non-grounded
`?oating voltage) When the DC poWer source 100 in a cigarette
`lighter outlet of an automobile. Accordingly, When using the
`DC/DC adapter 105 While in an automobile, the user Would
`use a connector 115 having the Vdam line ?oating, and When
`using the DC/DC adapter 105 With the EMPOWER system of
`an airplane, the user Would use a connector 115 having the
`V data line tied to GND.
`HoWever, problems arise When the user forgets to change
`the connector 115 for use With the automobile When the user
`is in an airplane. Accordingly, if the user has the Wrong
`connector 115 attached When using With the EMPOWER
`system, a battery of an electronic device 120 such as a note
`book computer can charge the battery even When used With
`the EMPOWER system, and if the charging circuitry of the
`battery malfunctions, overheating or even a ?re can occur,
`resulting in damage to the notebook computer. Also, if the
`connector 115 is damaged or ?aWed, then it may not provide
`the correct Vdam signal to the notebook computer, alloWing
`the notebook computer to recharge the batteries in an airplane
`When they shouldn’t be alloWed to do so.
`Accordingly, current DC/DC poWer adapter systems are
`de?cient because they are incapable of automatically and
`intelligently informing an electronic device 120 coupled
`thereto of the DC poWer source (i.e., the EMPOWER system
`or an automobile cigarette lighter outlet).
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a poWer supply system according to the
`prior art;
`FIG. 2A illustrates a ?rst connector to coupled a poWer
`supply system to an electronic device according to the prior
`art;
`FIG. 2B illustrates a second connector to coupled a poWer
`supply system to an electronic device according to the prior
`art;
`FIG. 3 illustrates a poWer supply system according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 4A illustrates a tip having digital control circuitry
`according to an embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 4B illustrates a tip having analog control circuitry
`according to an embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 5A illustrates comparison circuitry according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 5B illustrates comparison circuitry according to an
`additional embodiment of the invention;
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`1. Technical Field
`This invention relates to poWer supply equipment Which
`includes an adapter and interchangeable tips. Via the tips, the
`poWer adapter is able to provide a data signal, as Well as
`poWer, to various electronic devices.
`2. Description of the Related Arts
`There are poWer systems in the art Which alloW a user to
`hook up a DC/ DC adapter to an automobile outlet, to supply
`regulated DC poWer to poWer an electronic device, such as a
`notebook computer. Automobile outlets typically provide a
`DC voltage in a range betWeen 11.0 and 14.1 Volts. Some
`poWer systems also alloW the user to hook up the DC/DC
`adapter to an airplane output such as the EMPOWER system.
`EMPOWER typically provides a DC voltage in a range
`betWeen 14.5 and 15.5 Volts.
`Accordingly, some DC/ DC adapters can be used With both
`an automobile outlet and the EMPOWER system to provide a
`regulated DC poWer to the electronic device such as the
`notebook computer. Notebook computers often contain
`lithium ion batteries. Such batteries can be recharged When
`the notebook computer is hooked up to the DC/DC adapter.
`For example, if the user is in a car, the user can couple a
`DC/DC adapter to the notebook computer and to the cigarette
`lighter outlet to poWer the notebook computer. The batteries
`in the notebook computer Will draW some of the DC poWer
`supplied to recharge the batteries of the notebook computer if
`they are loW in poWer. Accordingly, the user can simulta
`neously use the notebook computer and recharge the batteries
`therein.
`The user can also use the DC/DC adapter While on an
`airplane, by plugging the DC/DC adapter into the
`EMPOWER outlet. The EMPOWER outlet and the automo
`bile outlets have different siZes and shapes. Accordingly, the
`user can directly plug the DC/DC adapter into the
`EMPOWER outlet, and can place a connector over the
`EMPOWER plug of the DC/DC adapter and then plug the
`connector into the automobile cigarette lighter outlet. When
`the user hooks the DC/DC adapter up to the EMPOWER
`outlet and then to the electronic device, the electronic device
`60
`receives the regulated DC poWer. HoWever, if the charging
`circuitry in the battery malfunctions, the battery can overheat
`or even catch on ?re When recharging from an EMPOWER
`DC source. If the battery Were to catch on ?re While an
`airplane in Which the empoWer outlet is located is ?ying, the
`?re Would have the potential to cause the airplane to crash or
`cause substantial damage.
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
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`Apple 1001 - Page 17
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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 18 of 21 Page ID #:24
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`US 8,492,933 B2
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`3
`FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic device according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 7A illustrates a method of determining and outputting
`Vdam according to an embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 7B illustrates a method of receiving V dam and alloW
`ing poWer to How to devices Within the electronic device
`based on V data according to an embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 8 illustrates a poWer supply system according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a tip including control circuitry
`according to embodiments of the invention;
`FIG. 10 illustrates a tip including control circuitry and a
`measurement circuit according to an embodiment of the
`invention; and
`FIG. 11 illustrates a poWer supply system including a tip
`according to an embodiment of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
`poWer supply system to determine a DC poWer source (e.g.,
`an automobile cigarette lighter outlet or an EMPOWER air
`plane outlet) coupled thereto and send a signal indicative of
`the poWer source to an electronic device coupled thereto. The
`electronic device may be a notebook computer or other por
`table consumer electronic device, for example. Based on the
`signal sent to the electronic device, the electronic device may
`control the amount of poWer draWn to prevent overheating.
`For example, When a notebook computer is hooked up and the
`poWer source is the EMPOWER system, the electronic device
`may disable charging of the internal batteries of the notebook
`computer, in order to prevent damage or overheating of the
`batteries due to malfunction or failure. The DC poWer source
`may be determined by voltage comparison circuitry, such as a
`comparator, or by a voltage comparison device including a
`processor.
`FIG. 3 illustrates a poWer supply system 301 according to
`an embodiment of the invention. As shoWn, the adapter 340
`may be used With an AC poWer source 300 or a DC poWer
`source 305. In other embodiments, only a DC poWer source
`305 may be utiliZed to supply poWer. The AC poWer source
`300 may be coupled to anAC/DC adapter 310 via a cable 342.
`The DC poWer source 305 may be coupled to both a DC/DC
`adapter 315 and comparison circuitry 320 via a cable 345. The
`DC poWer source 305 may be an automobile’s cigarette
`lighter outlet or an airplane’s EMPOWER system outlet, for
`example. AC/ DC adapter 31 0 may convert AC poWer from the
`AC poWer source 300 into regulated DC poWer, Which is
`supplied to post-regulation circuitry 325. The post-regulation
`circuitry 325 may provide an output voltage (V out) and a
`ground reference (GND) to a tip 330 coupled to the adapter
`340 via a cable 350, as further explainedbeloW With respect to
`FIGS. 4A and 4B. The tip 330 may be coupled to an electronic
`device 335 to provide the poWer thereto from the poWer
`supply system 301. The tip 330 may be removable from the
`cable 350 and may be inserted into a poWer input opening of
`the electronic device. Tips 330 may have different shapes and
`siZes, depending up the shape and siZes of the poWer input
`openings of the respective electronic devices 335 being poW
`ered. The tip 330 may also include control circuitry 365 to
`provide a signal to control circuitry 370 of the adapter 340.
`The signal may be sent to the control circuitry 370 via the
`cable 350. In one embodiment, the control circuitry 365 of the
`tip 330 may include digital components to provide a digital
`signal to the control circuitry 370 of the adapter 340. The
`digital signal may be utiliZed to set the magnitude of Vol” and
`limit the amount of current Which may be draWn from the
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`adapter 340. The post-regulation circuitry 325 regulates the
`voltage to What the tip 330 tells it to provide.
`Alternatively, the tip 330 may include analog components
`and may provide voltage programming and current pro gram
`ming voltages (VI/Program and Vlprogmm, respectively) to the
`adapter 340. VVprogmm may be utiliZed to set the magnitude of
`V For example, there may be a linear relationship betWeen
`VVprogram andV Where Vow is 3 times as large as VVprogmm.
`Accordingly, if VVprogmm
`had a magnitude of 3.0 Volts, Vol”
`Would have a magnitude of 9.0 Volts, and if VVprogmm had a
`magnitude of 2.0 Volts, Vow Would have a magnitude of 6.0
`Volts. The analog circuitry may contain passive or active
`components.
`Accordingly, regardless of Whether the tip 330 has analog
`or digital control circuitry, a single adapter 340 may be used
`to supply poWer to a plurality of different electronic devices
`335 having different poWer requirements.
`The adapter 340 may also include comparison circuitry
`320. The comparison circuitry 320 may compare a magnitude
`of a voltage received from the DC poWer source 305 With a
`reference voltage to determine Whether the DC poWer source
`305 is an automobile cigarette lighter outlet or an
`EMPOWER airplane outlet. As stated above, automobile
`cigarette lighter outlets typically provide a DC voltage having
`a magnitude Within the range of 1 1 .0 Volts and 14.1 Volts. An
`EMPOWER airplane outlet typically provides a DC voltage
`having a magnitude Within the range of 14.5 and 15.5 Volts.
`Accordingly, the reference voltage may be set at a level
`betWeen the high end of the automobile cigarette light outlet
`voltage (i.e., 14.1 Volts) and the loW end of the EMPOWER
`airplane outlet voltage (i.e., 14.5 Volts). For example, the
`reference voltage may be set at 14.3 Volts. Accordingly, if the
`magnitude of the DC poWer source is greater than 14.3 Volts,
`then the comparison voltage may determine that the received
`DC voltage has a greater magnitude than the reference volt
`age and the DC poWer source 305 is therefore the EMPOWER
`airplane outlet. HoWever, if the magnitude of the DC poWer
`source is less than 14.3 Volts, then the comparison voltage
`may determine that the received DC voltage has a smaller
`magnitude than the reference voltage and the DC poWer
`source 305 is therefore the automobile cigarette lighter outlet.
`The comparison circuitry 320 may output a signal Vdam
`based upon Whether the DC poWer source is determined to be
`the automobile cigarette lighter outlet or the EMPOWER
`airplane outlet. For example, the comparison may output 5
`Volts if the automobile cigarette lighter outlet is detected, and
`0.0 Volts if the EMPOWER airplane outlet is detected. In
`alternative embodiments, different voltages for V data may be
`used. In additional embodiments, the comparison circuitry
`320 may output a digital signal, such as a stream of bits,
`indicative of the DC poWer source 305. Vdam may be sent via
`cable 350 to the tip 330, and straight over to the electronic
`device 335. The electronic device 335 may include a control
`ler 360 Which is responsive to Vdam. For example, if the
`electronic device 335 is a notebook computer and Vdam is
`indicative of the EMPOWER airplane outlet system, the con
`troller 360 may disable battery charging circuitry 600,
`thereby preventing recharging of the batteries. And if the
`Vdam is indicative of the automobile cigarette lighter outlet as
`the DC poWer source 305, the controller 360 may enable
`battery charging circuitry to alloW the batteries to be
`recharged.
`Although FIG. 3 illustrates an adapter 340 Which includes
`both a AC/ DC adapter and a DC/ DC adapter, other embodi
`ments may include only a DC/DC adapter, and no AC/DC
`adapter.
`
`Apple 1001 - Page 18
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`

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`Case 8:15-cv-00145 Document 1-1 Filed 01/30/15 Page 19 of 21 Page ID #:25
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`US 8,492,933 B2
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`5
`FIG. 4A illustrates a tip 400 having digital control circuitry
`402 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shoWn,
`the tip 400 receives Vdata, Vol” and GND from the adapter 340
`and alloWs them to all How to the electronic device 335. The
`digital control circuitry 402 may receive the Vol” and GND
`signals and may output a control signal to the adapter 340 to
`set the magnitude of Vow and limit the current provided. The
`control signal may be sent to the adapter 340 via the cable 350
`betWeen the tip 400 and the adapter 340. The digital control
`circuitry 402 may include a processor and a memory device,
`for example. In some embodiments, the tip 400 may be sepa
`rable from cable 350, and in other embodiments, the tip 400
`may be physically part of the cable 350.
`FIG. 4B illustrates a tip 405 having analog control circuitry
`410 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shoWn,
`the tip 405 receives V dam, Vol” and GND from the adapter 340
`and alloWs them to all How to the electronic device 335. The
`analog control circuitry 410 may receive the Vol” and GND
`signals and may output VVprogmm and V [Program to the adapter
`340. VVprogmm and Vlprogmm may be sent to the adapter 340
`via the cable 350 betWeen the tip 405 and the adapter 340. The
`analog control circuitry 400 may include passive or active
`components, for example. In some embodiments, the tip 400
`may be separable from cable 350, and in other embodiments,
`the tip 400 may be physically part of the cable 350.
`FIG. 5A illustrates comparison circuitry 320 according to
`an embodiment of the invention. As shoWn, the comparison
`circuitry 320 includes a comparator 500. The comparator 500
`receives (a) the DC poWer signal from the DC poWer source
`305, and (b) a reference voltage, Vref The comparator outputs
`V data based on Whether the magnitude of the DC poWer from
`the DC poWer source exceeds Vref, as described above With
`respect to FIG. 3.
`FIG. 5B illustrates comparison circuitry 320 according to
`an additional embodiment of the invention. As shoWn, the
`comparison circuitry 320 includes a processor 505. The pro
`cessor 505 receives (a) the DC poWer signal from the DC
`poWer source 305, and (b) value of a reference voltage stored
`in memory. The processor 505 then outputs Vdata based on
`Whether the magnitude of the DC poWer from the DC poWer
`source exceeds Vref, as described above With respect to FIG.
`3. The processor 505 may output a single high or loW voltage
`(e.g., 5.0 Volts or 0.0 Volts) based on the detected DC poWer
`source. Alternatively, the processor 505 may output a stream
`of bits to indicate the DC poWer source.
`FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic device 335 according to an
`embodiment of the invention. As shoWn, the electronic device
`335 may receive GND, Vow and Vdata from the tip 330. V data
`may be received by a controller 360. The controller 360 may
`disable battery charging circuitry 600 of the electronic device
`335 from charging batteries When Vdata is indicative of the
`EMPOWER outlet. Alternatively, the controller 360 enables
`battery charging circuitry 600 so that the batteries of the
`electronic device may be charged based on the value of V dam.
`FIG. 7A illustrates a method of determining and outputting
`V data according to an embodiment of the invention. The pro
`ces sing shoWn in FIG. 7A may be implemented by the adapter
`340. First, DC poWer is received 700 from the DC poWer
`source 305. Next, the comparison circuitry determines 705
`Whether the magnitude of the voltage of the DC poWer
`received is greater than Vref If “no,” the comparison circuitry
`determines the DC poWer source 305 to be an automobile
`cigarette lighter outlet, and processing proceeds to operation
`710, Where Vdata is output With a signal/voltage magnitude
`indicating that the DC poWer source 305 is the automobile
`cigarette lighter outlet. Processing then returns to operation
`700. If “yes,” at operation 705, processing proceeds to opera
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`tion 715, Where Vdata is output With a signal/voltage magni
`tude indicating that the DC poWer source 305 is the
`EMPOWER airplane outlet.
`FIG. 7B illustrates a method of receiving Vdata and alloW
`ing poWer to How to devices Within the electronic device 335
`based on Vdata according to an embodiment of the invention.
`First, the electronic device 335 receives 720 the V data signal.
`As discussed above, the Vdata signal is sent from the adapter
`340 through the tip 330 and over to the control circuitry 365
`of the electronic device 335. Next, based on the Vdata signal,
`a ?rst set of predetermined devices may be prevented 725
`from receiving poWer. For example, if the electronic device
`335 is a notebook computer, the control circuitry 365 may
`prevent batteries from recharging if V data indicates that the
`DC poWer source is the EMPOWER airplane outlet. Other
`devices/ components in the electronic device 335 may also be
`prevented from receiving poWer or from functioning in a
`certain Way.
`At operation 730, a second set of predetermined devices
`may be alloWed to receive poWer based on the Vdata signal.
`For example, if V data indicates that the DC poWer source is an
`automobile cigarette lighter outlet, then poWer may be avail
`able to batteries of the electronic device 335 to alloW recharg
`ing. Other devices/components in the electronic device 335
`may also be alloWed to receive poWer or function in a par
`ticular Way.
`In embodiments described above, the Vdata signal may be
`used to send a signal to the control circuitry 365 indicating the
`DC poWer source. This signaling may be done via a discrete
`bit, an analog signal, a data signal line, an analog voltage, or
`via any other suitable manner. The Vdata signal may be trans
`mitted from the adapter 340 to the tip 330 and electronic
`device 335 via a single signaling line or multiple signaling
`lines.
`FIG. 8 illustrates a poWer supply system 800 according to
`an embodiment of the invention. The poWer supply system
`800 is similar to the poWer supply system 301 shoWn in FIG.
`3. HoWever, unlike the poWer supply system 3 01, in Which the
`adapter 340 itself contains comparison circuitry 370, the
`adapter 340 of poWer supply system 800 does not contain the
`comparison circuitry 805. Instead, a regular adapter 340 may
`be used and the electronic device 335 itself includes the
`comparison circuitry 805 for determining the DC poWer
`source. The electronic device 335 may be a notebook com
`puter and may implement the methods shoWn in FIGS. 7A
`and 7B.
`FIG. 9A illustrates a tip according to an embodiment of the
`present invention. The tip 900 includes control circuitry 902
`and a controller 950. The tip 900 is coupled to an adapter 940
`and may have a cable disposed betWeen the adapter 940 and
`the tip 900. The adapter 940 transmits Vow and GND to the tip
`900. In an embodiment of the invention, digital or analog
`control circuitry 902 transmits a programming signal or a
`control signal to the adapter 940. In an embodiment of the
`invention, digital or analog control circuitry 902 may transmit
`a plurality of programming signals to the adapter. Illustra
`tively, digital or analog control circuitry 902 may transmit a
`voltage control signal to regulate the voltage output (Vout)
`from the adapter 940. The digital or analog control circuitry
`902 may also transmit a current control signal to limit the
`current output from the adapter 940. The Vow and GND
`signals are passed through the adapter 940 to the electronic
`device 935, such as a laptop, PDA, or cellular phone, to
`provide poWer to the electronic device.
`In an embodiment of the invention, the tip 900 may als