`(10) Patent No.:
`(12) Unlted States Patent
`
`Fischer et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Nov. 16, 2010
`
`USOO7834586B2
`
`(54) MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHARGER SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`(75)
`
`’
`’
`Inventors: Daniel M. Fischer Waterloo (CA)' Dan
`G. Radut, Waterloo (CA); Michael F.
`Habicher, Cambridge (CA); Quang A.
`Luong, Kitchener (CA); Jonathan T.
`.
`Malton, K1tchener (CA)
`
`(73) Assignee: Research in Motion Limited, Waterloo,
`Ontario (CA)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 320/ 107,
`320/111, 114, 140
`See application file for complete search history.
`R f
`Ct d
`.
`l e
`e erences
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,775,659 A
`11/1973 Carlsen, II
`
`56
`
`(
`
`)
`
`Continued
`
`)
`(
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1999
`0684680 B1
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`EP
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/714,204
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 26, 2010
`(Under 37 CFR 1.47)
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2010/0148724 A1
`Jun. 17, 2010
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`.
`.
`.
`.
`(63) Cont1nuat1on 0f appl1catlon NO- 12/268397: filed on
`NOV 10: 2008, now Pat. N0~ 75731657: WhiCh is a
`continuation 0f application NO- 11/749580: filed on
`May. 16> .2007: HOWE)“; N0~ 75453333: Wthh 15 a
`contmuatlon 0f app11cat1on NO- 11/175385: filed on
`JPL 6,. 2005, HOW Pat. NO- 7,239,111, WhiCh is a 0011'
`t1nuat1on 0f app11cat1on N0~ 10/087:629> filed on Mar.
`1, 2002, HOW Pat. NO- 6:936:936-
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/273,021, filed on Mar.
`1, 2001, provisional application No. 60/330,486, filed
`on Oct. 23, 2001.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HOIM 10/46
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`...................................................... 320/107
`
`Electric Double-Layer Capacitors, v01. 2, Japan, Tokin Corporation,
`Cat. No. EC-ZOOE, Oct. 25, 1996, 40 pgs.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary ExamineriEdward Tso
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm%onley Rose, P.C.; J. Robert
`Brown, Jr.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An adapter for providing a source ofpower to a mobile device
`through an industry standard port is provided. In accordance
`with one aspect ofthe invention, the adapter comprises a plug
`unit, apower converter, aprimary connector, andan identifi-
`cation subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the
`adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy
`from the power socket. The power converter is electrically
`coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the
`received energy from the power socket and to output a power
`requirement to the mobile device. The primary connector is
`electrically coupled to the power converter and is operative to
`couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted power
`requirement to the mobile device. The identification sub-
`system is electrically coupled to the primary connector and is
`operative to provide an identification signal.
`
`13 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`' ll
`
`
`
`
`1 $“% mrafiogussur
`
`Power Drstrioution 5.
`
`USE Pan
`Charging Subsystem
`
`
`
`
`
`
`i1
`
`1
`ll
`i
`
`15
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`1’
`-
`102
`m
`l
`I
`Power Converts!
`.
`t‘
`-
`Issnzmcauon
`=
`!
`3g !
`
`i
`m
`-0g §@
`
`:
`Plug Unn
`.
`1 109‘
`j
`‘05
`112
`L.-.
`...............................................1
`1145
`114
`11-113
`‘14“ 'N'Plug
`'D"Plug
`'B"P\ug
`OthelFlug
`
`Adopter
`Adapter
`Adams!
`Adapters
`
`
`not)
`1105
`110
`
`European
`North
`UK
`outer
`HON American
`Power
`Power
`Power
`
`\ Power
`Socket
`Socket
`Sockets M
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0001
`
`|PR2018—00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0001
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
` Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,433,251 A
`4,510,431 A
`5,173,855 A
`5,229,649 A
`5,272,475 A
`5,444,378 A
`5,631,503 A
`5,638,540 A
`5,651,057 A
`5,769,877 A
`5,850,113 A
`5,939,860 A
`6,006,088 A
`6,104,162 A
`6,104,759 A
`6,130,518 A
`6’138’242 A
`6,184,652 B1
`6,211,649 B1
`
`2/1984 Banks et a1.
`4/1985 Winkler
`12/1992 Nielsen etal~
`7/1993 Nielsen et a1.
`12/1993 Eaton et a1.
`8/1995 R9gers
`5/1997 Clofli
`6/1997 Aldous
`7/1997 Bloodetal.
`6/1998 Barreras, Sr.
`12/1998 Welllrneretal.
`81999 W1 12““
`12/1999 Couse
`8/2000 Sajnsbury et a1.
`8/2000 Carkner et a1.
`10/2000 Gabehart et 31.
`10/2000 Massman et a1.
`2/2001 Yang
`4/2001 Matsuda
`
`6,252,375 B1
`6,255,800 B1
`6,283,789 B1
`6,397,696 B2
`6,668,296 B1
`6,738,856 B1
`7,170,259 132
`2006/0181241 A1*
`2007/0108938 A1*
`2009/0128091 A1*
`
`6/2001 Richter etal.
`7/2001 Bork
`9/2001 Tsai
`6/2002 Ogami
`12/2003 Dougheltyet a1.
`5/2004 Milleyet 31.
`1/2007 Veselic
`8/2006 Veselic ....................... 320/107
`5/2007 Veselic ....................... 320/111
`5/2009 Purdyet a1.
`................. 320/106
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1198049 A1
`4/2002
`200101330 A1
`1/2001
`
`EP
`W0
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`.
`.
`,
`.
`.
`figegggazlgogégser 3 Manual, V01. 2, Japan, T0k1n Corporatlon,
`Charging Big Supercaps, POItable Design, Mar. 1997, p. 26.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0002
`
`|PR2018-00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0002
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`4
`
`2B
`
`M_mm%_$_m_m.m_mm_m6,_W.“a.a_«nNv.9“.__mmE_beams.
`5mm_“a:aEgaHmm_“omEmogmv."mESm>mnzm
`
`mu_>mn_$503."vma"_=__mcosmofisEEoowmcmmfiozwNV_\JN.
`
`
`
`__
`
`__.
`
`%*IHIIHHHIIHHHNlllllllllllllllllllll4*5q49____%\:8Exam"7,or__m__mm_NV_,cozanflnEgon___a.Emum>mnzm__@5920
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0003
`
`|PR2018—00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0003
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2010
`
`Sheet 2 of4
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`---u----nn—Qa-ah.¢afl--—nu-nsofl ----fl-a-—a=an-‘wDfl-ug—n---=----u—uuu-aun-u--
`
`Batte
`on
`
`54
`
`TE 3
`
`
`
`
`39°
`
`C U) UJ TI0 :-
`
`-—-__--_..--..--__....-_--_-----_.._—__—_—__-_-___.._......J
`
`_L 00
`
`")2 1‘
`
`5
`
`106
`
`390‘3:5:39fig?555‘:3:8“‘
`9i!C: U) 03 O O:1 :3 (D% ‘1
`"""“""‘§'3
`
`Connector t
`Sockets FIG. 2
`
`on
`
`mD 2
`
`‘
`fl
`'5?3
`q:
`
`3Identification 0
`
`108
`
`104
`“2
`Plug Unit
`_ _-----_—————--—
`u-—------—------.---——------------------------
`
`"D" Plug
`Adapter
`
`European
`Power
`
`
`
`Power
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0004
`
`|PR2018—00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0004
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2010
`
`Sheet 3 of4
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`
`
`Voltage Detected on Vbus line
`(power portion of USB connector)
`
`210
`
`
`
`USB Host or
`
`240
`
`Hub Detected
`
`USB Adapter
`Detected
`
`
`
`
`
`230 250
`
`
`
`
`Await
`
`Enumeration
`
`260
`
`Charge Battery
`As Required
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0005
`
`|PR2018—00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0005
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2010
`
`Sheet 4 of4
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`
`
`302
`
`3:19.________________
`
`31a
`
`Battery
`'.
`i Receptacle
`
`1 316
`
`5
`5r
`
`Charging
`Subsystem
`
`USB Connector
`1
`304
`1‘
`
`Dual Power Converter
`306 .
`
`
`308
`
`a
`5
`
`g
`
`'"""
`
`"éiliii""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
`
`
`
`IIDII Plug
`Adapter
`
`"B" Piug
`Adapter
`
`IINII Plug
`Adapter
`
`
`
`North
`
`American
`
`Power
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Socket
`
`Socket FIG. 4
`
`EurOpean
`Power
`
`> Other
`Power
`Sockets
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0006
`
`|PR2018—00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0006
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`1
`MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHARGER SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`2
`such as conventional AC outlets and DC car sockets that are
`
`not capable of participating in enumeration to supply power
`to the mobile device via a USB interface.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`This is a continuation application of US. patent applica-
`tion Ser. No. 12/268,297 filed Nov. 10, 2008 by Daniel M.
`Fischer, et al. and entitled “System and Method for Charging
`a Battery in a Mobile Device”, which is a continuation of and
`claims priority from US. patent application Ser. No. 11/749,
`680, filed May 16, 2007, now No. 7,453,233 issued on Nov.
`18, 2008 by Daniel M. Fischer, et al. and entitled “Adapter
`System and Method for Powering a Device”, which is a
`continuation of and claims priority from US. patent applica-
`tion Ser. No. 11/175,885, filed on Jul. 6, 2005, now US. Pat.
`No. 7,239,111 issued on Jul. 3, 2007, by Daniel M. Fischer, et
`al. and entitled “Universal Serial Bus Adapter for a Mobile
`Device”, which is a continuation of and claims priority from
`US. patent application Ser. No. 10/087,629, filed on Mar. 1,
`2002, now US. Pat. No. 6,936,936 issued on Aug. 30, 2005,
`by Daniel M. Fischer, et al. and entitled “Multifunctional
`Charger System and Method”, which claims priority from
`US. Provisional Application No. 60/273,021 filed Mar. 1,
`2001, by Daniel M. Fischer, et al. and entitled “System and
`Method for Adapting a USB to Provide Power for Charging a
`Mobile Device” and US. Provisional Application No.
`60/330,486 filed Oct. 23, 2001, by Daniel M. Fischer, et al.
`and entitled “Multifunctional Charger System and Method”
`and all incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`This invention relates generally to power adapters. More
`particularly, the invention relates to power adapters for use
`with mobile devices.
`
`35
`
`Providing an external source of power to a mobile device,
`such as a personal digital assistants (“PDA”), mobile com-
`munication device, cellular phone, wireless two-way e-mail
`communication device, and others, requires design consider-
`ations with respect to both the mobile device and the power
`source. With regard to the mobile device, mo st mobile devices
`provide a distinct power interface for receiving power from a
`power source, for instance to recharge a battery, and a sepa-
`rate data interface for communicating. For example, many
`mobile devices presently use USB (Universal Serial Bus)
`interfaces for communicating and use a separate power inter-
`face, such as a barrel connector, for receiving power.
`It is desirable, however, to have a combined power and data
`interface. The mobile devices that do have combined power
`and data interfaces typically use non-standard and sometimes
`proprietary interfaces. Consequently, combined interfaces for
`a particular manufacturer’s mobile device may not be com-
`patible with combined interfaces for mobile devices provided
`by other manufacturers.
`Although the USB interface can be used as a power inter-
`face, the USB is typically not used for that purpose by mobile
`devices. In accordance with the USB specification, typical
`USB power source devices, such as hubs and hosts, require
`that a USB device participate in a host-initiated process called
`enumeration in order to be compliant with the current USB
`specification in drawing power from the USB interface.
`Although a mobile device could be adapted to participate in
`enumeration when drawing power over the USB interface, it
`would be preferable in many situations, such as when a host
`would not be available, as often happens during normal use of
`a mobile device, to be able to utilize alternate power sources
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile
`device through an industry standard port is provided. In
`accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adapter
`comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary connec-
`tor, and an identification sub system. The plug unit is operative
`to couple the adapter to a power socket and operative to
`receive energy from the power socket. The power converter is
`electrically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate
`the received energy from the power socket and to output a
`power requirement to the mobile device. The primary con-
`nector is electrically coupled to the power converter and is
`operative to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the
`outputted power requirement to the mobile device. The iden-
`tification subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary
`connector and is operative to provide an identification signal.
`In accordance with another aspect, a USB adapter for pro-
`viding a source of power to a mobile device through a USB
`port is provided. The USB adapter comprises a plug unit, a
`power converter, a primary USB connector, and an identifi-
`cation subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the
`USB adapter to a power socket and operative to receive
`energy from the power socket. The power converter is elec-
`trically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the
`received energy from the power socket and to output a power
`requirement to the mobile device. The primary USB connec-
`tor is electrically coupled to the power converter and is opera-
`tive to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted
`power requirement to the mobile device. The identification
`subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary connector
`and is operative to provide an identification signal.
`Another aspect provides a USB adapter for providing a
`source of power to a mobile device through a USB port. The
`USB adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a
`primary USB connector, and an auxiliary USB adapter. The
`plug unit is operative to couple the USB adapter to a power
`socket and operative to receive energy from the power socket.
`The power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit
`and is operable to regulate the received energy from the power
`socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile
`device. The primary USB connector is electrically coupled to
`the power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile
`device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the
`mobile device. The auxiliary USB connector has data lines
`that are electrically coupled to the data lines of the primary
`USB connector.
`
`Yet another aspect provides a method for providing energy
`to a mobile device using a USB adapter that comprises a plug
`unit, a primary USB connector, a power converter electrically
`coupled between the plug unit and the primary USB connec-
`tor, and an identification subsystem electrically coupled to the
`primary USB connector. The method comprising the steps of
`coupling the USB connector to the mobile device, coupling
`the plug unit to a power socket, outputting a power require-
`ment to the mobile device via the power converter and the
`USB connector, and providing an identification signal to the
`mobile device, via the identification subsystem and the USB
`connector, that is operative to inform the mobile device that
`the USB adapter is not limited by the power limits imposed by
`the USB specification.
`In accordance with another aspect, a powering system for a
`mobile device having a USB connector is provided. The pow-
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0007
`
`|PR2018-00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0007
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`3
`ering system comprises a power distribution subsystem in the
`mobile device that is operable to receive energy through the
`USB connector and to distribute the energy to at least one
`component in the mobile device and a USB adapter that is
`operative to couple to the USB connector. The USB adapter
`comprises a plug unit for coupling to a power socket and that
`is operable to receive energy from the power socket, a power
`converter electrically coupled to the plug unit for regulating
`the received energy and for providing a power requirement to
`the power distribution subsystem, and an identification sub-
`system that is operable to transmit an identification signal that
`is operative to identify the USB adapter as not being limited
`by the power limits imposed by the USB specification.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In order that the invention identified in the claims may be
`more clearly understood, preferred embodiments thereofwill
`be described in detail by way of example, with reference to
`the accompanying drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile
`device which has an industry standard interface;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a
`USB adapter that is coupled to an exemplary mobile device;
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary use of a
`USB adapter with a mobile device; and
`FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an additional exemplary
`embodiment of a USB adapter that is coupled to both an
`exemplary mobile device and an external battery.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Exemplary Mobile Device
`
`Turning now to the drawing figures, shown in FIG. 1 is a
`schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile communication
`device 10 which has an industry standard interface. The
`mobile communication device 10 is preferably a two-way
`communication device having at least voice or data commu-
`nication capabilities. Preferably, the mobile device 10 is also
`capable of communicating over the Internet, for example, via
`a radio frequency (“RF”) link. Examples of types of devices
`that could be classified as a mobile device 10 include a data
`
`messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with
`data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, a
`data communication device (with or without telephony capa-
`bilities), a personal digital assistants (“PDA”), a wireless
`two-way e-mail communication device, and others.
`The exemplary mobile device 10 comprises a microproces-
`sor 12, a communication subsystem 14, input/output (“I/O”)
`devices 16, an industry standard interface 18 which in this
`example is a USB port, and a power subsystem 20. The
`microprocessor 12 controls the overall operation of the
`mobile device 10. The communication subsystem 14 pro-
`vides the mobile device 10 with the ability to communicate
`wirelessly with external devices such as other mobile devices
`and other computers. The I/O devices 16 provide the mobile
`device 10 with input/output capabilities for use with a device
`user. The USB port 18 provides the mobile device 10 with a
`serial port for linking directly with other computers and/or a
`means for receiving power from an external power source.
`The power subsystem 20 provides the mobile device 10 with
`a local power source.
`The exemplary communication subsystem 14 comprises
`components such as a receiver 22, a transmitter 24, antenna
`elements 26 and 28, local oscillators (LOs) 30, and a process-
`ing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 32. The
`
`4
`
`particular design of the communication subsystem 14 and the
`components used therein can vary. It would be apparent to one
`of ordinary skill in the art to design an appropriate commu-
`nication subsystem using conventional methods and compo-
`nents to operate over a communication network 34 based on
`the parameters necessary to operate over that communication
`network. For example, a mobile device 10 geographically
`located in North America may include a communication sub-
`system 14 designed to operate within the MobitexTM mobile
`communication system or DataTACTM mobile communica-
`tion system, whereas a mobile device 10 intended for use in
`Europe may incorporate a General Packet Radio Service
`(GPRS) communication subsystem 14.
`Network access requirements will also vary depending
`upon the type ofnetwork 34. For example, in the Mobitex and
`DataTAC networks, mobile devices 10 are registered on the
`network using a unique personal identification number or PIN
`associated with each device. In GPRS networks however,
`network access is associated with a subscriber or user of a
`
`mobile device 10. A GPRS device therefore requires a sub-
`scriber identity module (not shown), commonly referred to as
`a SIM card, in order to operate on a GPRS network. Without
`a SIM card, a GPRS device will not be fully functional. Local
`or non-network communication functions (if any) may be
`operable, but the mobile device 10 will be unable to carry out
`any functions involving communications over the network
`34.
`
`When required, after the network registration or activation
`procedures have been completed, a mobile device 10 may
`send and receive communication signals over the network 34.
`Signals received by the receiver antenna 26 through a com-
`munication network 34 are input to the receiver 22, which
`may perform such common receiver functions as signal
`amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel
`selection and the like, and in the exemplary system shown in
`FIG. 1, analog to digital conversion. Analog to digital con-
`version of a received signal allows more complex communi-
`cation functions such as demodulation and decoding to be
`performed in a DSP 32. Similarly, signals to be transmitted
`are processed,
`including modulation and encoding for
`example, by the DSP 32 and input to the transmitter 24 for
`digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filter-
`ing, amplification and transmission over the communication
`network 34 via the transmitter antenna 28.
`
`Also, in the exemplary communication subsystem 14, the
`DSP 32 processes communication signals and also provides
`for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains
`applied to communication signals in the receiver 22 and trans-
`mitter 24 may be adaptively controlled through automatic
`gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 32.
`In implementing its control function, the microprocessor
`12 in the exemplary mobile device 10 executes an operating
`system. The operating system software used by the micropro-
`cessor 12 is preferably stored in a persistent store such as flash
`memory 36, or alternatively read only memory (ROM) or
`similar storage element. The microprocessor 12 may also
`enable the execution of specific device applications, which
`preferably are also stored in a persistent store. The operating
`system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may
`also be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as in
`RAM 38.
`
`A predetermined set of applications which control basic
`device operations, including at least data and voice commu-
`nication applications for example, will normally be installed
`on the mobile device 10 during manufacture. One such appli-
`cation loaded on the mobile device 10 could be a personal
`information manager (PIM) application. The PIM application
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0008
`
`|PR2018-00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0008
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`5
`preferably is an application for organizing and managing user
`inputted data items such as e-mail, calendar events, voice
`mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM data items may
`be stored in the RAM 38 and/or the flash memory 36.
`The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and
`receive data items, Via the wireless network 34. The PIM data
`items are preferably seamlessly integrated, synchronized and
`updated, Via the wireless network 34, with corresponding
`data items stored or associated with a host computer system
`(not shown) used by the device user. The synchronization of
`PIM data items is a process by which the PIM data items on
`the mobile device 10 and the PIM data items on the host
`
`computer system can be made to mirror each other.
`There are several possible mechanisms for loading appli-
`cations onto the mobile device 10. For example, applications
`may be loaded onto the mobile device 10 through the wireless
`network 34, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 40, the serial port 18,
`a short-range communications subsystem 42, such as an
`infrared (“IR”) communication system, or any other suitable
`subsystem 44. When loading the applications onto the mobile
`device 10, the device user may install the applications in the
`RAM 38, the flash memory 36, or preferably a non-volatile
`store (not shown) such as ROM for execution by the micro-
`processor 12. The available application installation mecha-
`nisms can increase the utility of the mobile device 10 by
`providing the device user with a way of upgrading the mobile
`device 10 with additional and/or enhanced on-device func-
`tions,
`communication-related functions, or both. For
`example, a secure communication application may be loaded
`onto the mobile device 10 that allows for electronic com-
`
`merce functions or other financial transactions to be per-
`formed using the mobile device 10.
`The I/O devices 16 may be used to display and/or compose
`data communication messages. In one mode of operation, a
`signal received by the mobile device 10, such as a text mes-
`sage or web page download, will be received and processed
`by the communication subsystem 14, forwarded to the micro-
`processor 12, which will preferably further process the
`received signal, and provide the processed signal to one or
`more of the I/0 devices 16 such as a display 46. Alternatively,
`a received signal such as a voice signal can be provided to a
`speaker 48, or alternatively to an auxiliary I/O device 40. In
`another mode of operation a device user may compose a data
`item such as an e-mail message using a keyboard 50 in coop-
`eration with the display 46 and possibly an auxiliary I/O
`device 40. Alternatively, a device user may compose a voice
`message via a microphone 52. The composed data item may
`then be transmitted over a communication network 34 using
`the communication subsystem 14.
`A short-range communications subsystem 42 may be pro-
`vided in the mobile device 10 to allow the mobile device 10 to
`
`communicate with other systems or devices, which need not
`necessarily be similar to device 10. For example, the short-
`range communications subsystem 42 may include an infrared
`device and associated circuitry and components or a Blue-
`toothTM communication module to allow the device 10 to
`
`communicate with similarly-enabled systems and devices.
`The USB port 18 provides the mobile device 10 with a
`serial port for linking directly with other computers to
`exchange data and/or to receive power. The USB port 18 also
`provides the mobile device 10 with a means for receiving
`power from an external power source. For example, in a
`personal digital assistant (PDA)-type communication device,
`the USB port 18 could be used to allow the mobile device 10
`to synchronize data with a user’s desktop computer (not
`shown). The USB port 18 could also enable a user to set
`parameters in the mobile device 10 such as preferences
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`through the use of an external device or software application.
`In addition the USB port 18 may also be used to provide a
`means for downloading information or software to the mobile
`device 10 without using the wireless communication network
`34. The USB port 18 can provide a direct and thus reliable and
`trusted connection that may for example be used to load an
`encryption key onto the mobile device 10 thereby enabling
`secure device communication.
`
`Coupled to the USB port 18 is a USB connector 54. The
`USB connector 54 is the physical component that couples the
`USB port to the outside world. In the exemplary mobile
`device 10, the USB connector 54 is used to transmit and
`receive data from an external data/power source 56, receive
`power from the external data/power source 56, direct the
`transmitted/received data from/to the USB port 18, and direct
`the received power to the power subsystem 20.
`The exemplary power subsystem 20 comprises a charging
`and power distribution subsystem 58 and a battery 60. The
`charging and power distribution subsystem 58 performs
`many functions. It may be used to transfer energy to the
`battery 60 from the external data/power source 56 to charge
`the battery 60 and also to distribute power to the many power
`requiring components within the mobile device 10. The
`charging subsystem 58 may be capable of determining the
`presence of a battery 60 and/or a power circuit coupled to the
`mobile device 10, such as anAC adapter, USB connection, or
`car adapter, which alternatively can act as power sources 56 to
`provide power for the mobile device 10 and to charge the
`battery 60.Additionally, the charging subsystem 58 may have
`the ability to determine if a power source 56 is coupled to the
`mobile device 10 and, in the absence of such a coupling, cause
`the mobile device 10 to be powered by the battery 60.
`The power distributed by the charging and power distribu-
`tion subsystem 58 may be derived from energy stored in the
`battery 60 and/or energy received from the external data/
`power source 56. When the battery 60 is depleted, the charg-
`ing and power distribution subsystem 58 transfers energy
`from the power source 56 to recharge the battery 60. Option-
`ally, the charging and power distribution subsystem 58 may
`also transfer energy from the power source 56 to other com-
`ponents in the mobile device 10 to power the mobile device 10
`when the battery 60 has been depleted and is recharging.
`When the data/power source 56 is not connected to the mobile
`device 10, power for the device 10 is derived from the battery
`60.
`
`Exemplary USB Adapter
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an
`adapter 100 that can be used to couple the mobile device 10 of
`FIG. 1 to the data/power source 56 of FIG. 1. In this example
`the adapter 100 is a USB adapter 100 that comprises a primary
`USB connector 102, a power converter 104, a plug unit 106,
`and an identification subsystem 108. The power converter is a
`known element in the art and typically includes at least one of
`the following components: switching converter, transformer,
`DC source, voltage regulator, linear regulator and rectifier. In
`the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the USB adapter 100 is
`shown coupling a mobile device 10 to one of one or more
`types of power sockets 110N, 110D, 110B, and 100. Also
`shown in FIG. 2 is an optional auxiliary USB connector 112
`that can be used to couple the mobile device 10 to a data
`source (not shown) such as a personal computer.
`In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the primary USB
`connector 102 is configured to mate with the USB connector
`54 of the mobile device 10. The USB adapter 100 is operable
`to provide power to the mobile device 10 through the Vbus
`and Gnd power pins in the USB connectors 54 and 102. The
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001 -0009
`
`|PR2018-00274
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1001-0009
`IPR2018-00274
`
`
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`7
`USB adapter 100 also optionally provides a communication
`path for data across the D+ and D— data pins in the USB
`connectors 54 and 102.
`
`The plug unit 106 is preferably a conventional plug unit
`that can be used to couple with a conventional power socket to
`receive power therefrom. For example, the plug unit 106 can
`be a two prong or three prong plug of the type used in North
`America that can couple to a North American AC power
`socket 110N that provides 115 VAC. In the embodiment
`shown in FIG. 2, the plug unit 106 can accept one or more
`types of plug adapters 114N, 114B, 114D, and 114 that are
`configured to couple to the plug unit 106 and are further
`configured to directly mate with one or more types of power
`sockets 110N, 110D, 110B, and 100. The plug unit 106 can be
`configured to receive energy from a power socket 110N,
`110D, 110B, or 100, either directly or through the use of a
`plug adapter, and is operative to transfer the received energy
`to the power converter 104.
`The power converter 104 is operative to receive energy
`from a power socket 110N, 110D, 110B, or 100 and to convert
`that received energy to a form that can be used by the mobile
`device 10. For example, the power converter 104 can be of
`conventional construction such as a switching power con-
`verter that converts 115 VAC to 5 VDC. Also, the power
`converter 104 could comprise a DC. regulator circuit that
`converts a DC. input to a DC. output. The power converter
`104 could also be adapted to accept a wide range of input
`energy levels and frequencies. Alternatively, the power con-
`verter 104 could be adapted to accept a limited range of input
`energy levels and frequencies, wherein the plug adapters are
`operable to convert the possible input energy levels and fre-
`quencies to a range that the power converter can accommo-
`date. The power converter 104 provides its energy output to
`the mobile device 1 0 via the Vbus and Gnd pins ofthe primary
`USB connector 102.
`
`Through the use of a variety of different types of plug
`adapters, the USB adapter 100 can be adapted to receive
`energy from various types of power sockets 110N, 110D,
`110B, or 100. For example, using the appropriate plug
`adapter 114, 114B, 114D, and 114N, the USB adapter 100 can
`receive energy from a power socket such as an 1 15 VAC North
`American power socket 110N, or a 12 VDC automobile
`power socket, or an air power socket, or others.
`For example, in North America, a type “N” power socket is
`commonly available. The plug adapter 114N can be releas-
`ably attached to the plug unit 106 thereby allowing any North
`American power socket 114N to be used as a power source.
`When traveling to a locale which does not have the North
`American power socket 114N, an alternate plug adapter such
`as adapters 114, 114B, or 114D may be selected by the user,
`according to the power socket 110D, 110B, or 100 available at
`the locale. The plug adapter 114, 114B, or 114D may then be
`releasably attached to plug unit 106 in place of the plug
`adapter 114N, thereby allowing the USB power adapter 100
`to connect to a local power supply via the local power socket.
`Various other plug adapters are envisioned that can be con-
`figured to operate with alternate power sources such as for
`instance car sockets.
`
`The power distribution and charging subsystem 58 of the
`mobile device 10 can selectively use the power provided on
`the Vbus and Gnd lines of the USB connector 54 to provide
`power to the mobile device 10, charge the battery 60, or both.
`A more detailed disc