(12) United States Patent
`(16) Patent No.:
`US 6,936,936 132
`
`Fischer et a].
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Aug. 30, 2005
`
`U5006936936B2
`
`(54) MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHARGER SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`(75)
`
`‘
`Inventors: Daniel M. Fischer, Waterloo (CA);
`,
`,
`D?“ G' Radut’ Wateflo? (CA)
`,
`Michael F. Hablcher, Cambridge (LA),
`.
`Quang A- 1410118, Kltchener (CA){
`Jonathan T. Multon, Kitchener (( A)
`
`.
`(73) Assrgnee: Research In Motion Limited, Waterloo
`(CA)
`
`8/1999 William
`5,939,860 A
`12/1999 Couse
`6,006,088 A
`8/2000 Sainsbury et al.
`6,104,162 A
`/
`a e at e a .
`9
`9
`13/3888 gall-$111161- tettall
`gfigggiz :
`10/2000 Massman et a1.
`6,138,242 A
`,
`,,
`,
`,
`,
`2/2001 Yang
`6,184,652 B1
`4/2001 Matsuda
`6,211,649 131
`6/2001 Richter a a1.
`6,252,375 B1
`7/2001 Bork
`6,255,800 B1
`9/2001 Tsai
`6,283,789 B 1
`......... 710/303
`6,668,296 B1 * 12/2003 Dougherty et a1.
`6,738,856 B1 *
`5/2004 Millcy ct a1,
`............... 710/315
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 464 days.
`
`WC
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`W0 0101330 A1
`1/2001
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/087,629
`,
`.
`Flled‘
`
`(22)
`(65)
`
`Mar. 1’ 2002
`Prior publication Data
`
`.
`U5 2003/0052547 A1 MaI- 20: 2003
`
`(60)
`
`(Under 37 CFR 1'47)
`Related US. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 60/330,486, filed on Oct. 23,
`2001, and provisional application No. 60/273,021, filed on
`Mar. 1, 2001.
`.,
`
`................................................. H02M 1/00
`Int. Cl.
`(51)
`....................................................... 307/151
`(52) US. Cl.
`
`.. 307/150, 151;
`(58) Field of Search ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
`320/107, 128, 13g
`
`56
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,775,659 A
`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
`
`11/1973 Callsen, 11
`2/1984 Banks et 211.
`/1985 Winkler
`12/1992 Neilsen et al.
`/1993 Nielsen et al.
`12/1993 Eaton et a1.
`
` 8/1995 Rogers
`
`
`5/1997 Cio‘i
`/1997 Aldous
`/1997 Blood et a1.
`6/1998 Barreras, Sr.
`12/1998 Wcimcr ct a1.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Electric DoubleiLayer Capacitors, vol. 2, Oct. 25, 1996
`(Japan, Tokin Corp., Cat. No. EC—200E).
`Supercapacitor: User‘s Manual, vol. 2 (Japan, 'I‘okin Corp,
`date unknown).
`Charging Big Supercaps, Portable Design, p. 26, Mar. 1997.
`
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—Edward H. T50
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Jones Day; Krishna K.
`Pathiyal; Robert C. Liang
`
`57
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`)
`(
`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
`y
`P g
`connector, and an identification subs stem. The 111 unit is
`operative to coupled 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 subsystem is electrically
`coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide
`an identification signal.
`
`104 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`Huawei v. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 1/ 17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 30, 2005
`
`Sheet 1 0f 4
`
`US 6,936,936 B2
`
`_..OE
`
`or___65:0____mm_NF_0EEEmcmfi____8:39.65
`.9501__.____£89385“>____9.6.6____..:0_mm__._,__mOA__._____i___m___M«w“6:80_"e
`____1_85:3__fiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII__
`
`c—_2ton.mm:m_I3:9:,_.w_NmNN’_wo:am___§<M_IIIIIIIIIIIIIumI._V“or.......Jiu“u.
`__gH_352E.m_mmHu3Eg3“mm“uonEmogox“mEBQAmnsm@2505:53““vm4..
`
` =__3$3.20_mcormoEzEEoommcmméocmNv_\Jfifl_..IIH.IINH.HHHHllllllllllllllllllllllI.
`
`Huawei V. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 2/17
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 30, 2005
`
`Sheet 2 0f 4
`
`US 6,936,936 B2
`
`,______________________________ A...........................................
`
`Batte“-360—
`TE
`Charging Subsystem
`
`Power Distribution &
`
`
`
`USB Connector
`
`,___..__-----_-----------_------_--
`
`104
`
`106
`
`
`
`tIdentification1080
`
`9,0,.
`3%
`3‘8
`£8
`§o
`2<
`
`:
`1PlugUnit114D
`
`
`114M "N"'IUQ "Du'lug "Bl!.lug other“lugA-apter A_apter .dapter .dapters
`
`FIG. 2
`
`114B
`
`114
`
`110D
`
`1103
`
`110
`
`1 10N American
`
`European
`Power
`
`
`Socket
`
`
`39%
`
`E
`
`Huawei V. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 3/17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 30, 2005
`
`Sheet 3 0f 4
`
`US 6,936,936 B2
`
`Voltage Detected on Vbus line
`(power portion of USB connector)
`
`
`
`210
`
`
`
`
`
`USB Host or
`Hub Detected
`
`260
`
`
`
`
`Charge Battery
`As Required
`
`Await
`
`Enumeration
`
`
`
`USB Adapter
`Detected
`
`230
`
`
`
`
`
`240
`
`250
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Huawei V. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 4/17
`
`

`

`ILSIhwnt
`
`Agommm
`
`SMa4M4
`
`USQ%¢%6BZ
`
`320
`
`.....................................................119.-----"
`5°
`12
`
`I-----—-—-—-----—-.-—-._------____-_..____-
` .----_—-—————-—_--—_—_-——--——---.
`Adapter European
`
`a ery
`
`“I.
`300
`\--_ ----------- -
`318 a,
`
`Bafiew
`i
`i Receptacle
`
`E
`
`E
`é
`
`II
`
`316
`
`Charging
`Subsystem
`
`........
`
`USB Connector
`1
`
`Dual Power Converter
`1~
`Plug Unit
`
`ldentn‘"cation
`
`WHEEL]----------------------------------------------------------------
`
`
`
`Power
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Sockets E
`
`Huawei V. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 5/17
`
`

`

`US 6,936,936 B2
`
`1
`MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHARGER SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`CROSS—REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims priority from and is related to
`United States Provisional Application No. 60/273,021,
`entitled “System and Method for Adapting a USB to Provide
`Power for Charging a Mobile Device,” which was filed on
`Mar. 1, 2001. United States Provisional Application No.
`60/273,021 is hereby incorporated into the present applica-
`tion by reference.
`This application also claims priority from and is related to
`United States Provisional Application No. 60/330,486,
`entitled “Multifunctional Charger System and Method”,
`which was filed on Oct. 23, 2001. United States Provisional
`Application No. 60/330,486 is hereby incorporated into the
`present application by reference.
`BACKGROUND
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`This invention relates generally to power adapters. More
`particularly, the invention relates to power adapters for use
`with mobile devices.
`
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Providing an external source of power to a mobile device,
`such as a personal digital assistants (“FDA”), mobile com-
`munication device, cellular phone, wireless two-way e-mail
`communication device, and others, requires design consid-
`erations with respect
`to both the mobile device and the
`power source. With regard to the mobile device, most
`mobile devices provide a distinct power interface for receiv-
`ing power from a power source, for instance to recharge a
`battery, and a separate data interface for communicating. For
`example, many mobile devices presently use USB
`(Universal Serial Bus) interfaces for communicating and use
`a separate power interface, 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 compatible with combined interfaces for mobile
`devices provided by other manufacturers.
`Although the USB interface can be used as a power
`interface, 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 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
`
`An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile
`device through an industry standard port is provided. In
`
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`2
`the adapter
`accordance with one aspect of the invention,
`comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary
`connector, and an identification 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 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
`providing 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
`identification 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
`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 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 electri-
`cally 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 com-
`prises a plug unit,
`a primary USB connector,
`a power
`converter electrically coupled between the plug unit and the
`primary USB connector, and an identilication 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 requirement to the mobile device
`Via the power converter and the USB connector, and pro-
`viding 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
`powering 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
`
`Huawei V. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 6/17
`
`

`

`US 6,936,936 B2
`
`3
`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 subsystem 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 thereof
`will be described in detail by way of example, with reference
`to the accompanying drawings, in which:
`FIG. I is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile
`device which has an industry standard interface;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagraln 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 com-
`munication 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 wire-
`less Internet appliance, a data communication device (with
`or without telephony capabilities), a personal digital assis-
`tants (“FDA”), a wireless two-way e-mail communication
`device, and others.
`The exemplary mobile device 10 comprises a micropro-
`cessor 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 comput-
`ers 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
`processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP)
`32. The 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 communication subsystem using conventional
`methods and components to operate over a communication
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`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 subsystem 14 designed to operate
`within the MobitexTM mobile communication system or
`Data'l'AC'l‘TM mobile communication system, whereas a
`mobile device 10 intended for use in Europe may incorpo-
`rate a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) communication
`subsystem 14.
`Network access requirements will also vary depending
`upon the type of network 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 subscriber identity module (not shown), com-
`monly 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 commu-
`nications over the network 34.
`When required, after the network registration or activa—
`tion 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 communication 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 conversion of a received signal
`allows more complex communication 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, filtering, amplification and trans—
`mission over the communication network 34 via the trans—
`mitter 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
`transmitter 24 may be adaptively controlled through auto-
`matic 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 micro-
`processor 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
`application loaded on the mobile device 10 could be a
`personal information manager (PIM) application. The PIM
`application 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.
`
`Huawei V. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 7/17
`
`

`

`US 6,936,936 B2
`
`5
`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, synchro-
`nized and updated, via the wireless network 34, with cor-
`responding data items stored or associated with a host
`computer system (not shown) used by the device user. The
`synchronization ofle 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 microprocessor 12. The available applica-
`tion installation mechanisms 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 functions, communication-related
`functions, or both. For example, a secure communication
`application may be loaded onto the mobile device 10 that
`allows for electronic commerce functions or other financial
`transactions to be performed using the mobile device 10.
`The I/O devices 16 may be used to display and/or com-
`pose data communication messages.
`In one mode of
`operation, a signal received by the mobile device 10, such as
`a text a message or web page download, will be received and
`processed by the communication subsystem l4, forwarded
`to the microprocessor 12, which will preferably further
`process the received signal, and provide the processed signal
`to one or more of the I/O 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 cooperation 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 com-
`posed data item may then be transmitted over a communi-
`cation network 34 using the communication subsystem 14.
`A short—range communications subsystem 42 may be
`provided 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 BluetoothTM 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 receiv-
`ing 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 com-
`puter (not shown). The USB port 18 could also enable a user
`to set parameters in the mobile device 10 such as preferences
`through the use of an external device or software applica-
`tion. In addition the USB port 18 may also be used to
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`provide a means for downloading information or software to
`the mobile device 10 without using the wireless communi-
`cation 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 USE port 18 is a USE connector 54. The
`USB connector 54 is the physical component that couples
`the USE 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 USE 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 an AC 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 distri—
`bution 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
`charging and power distribution subsystem 58 transfers
`energy from the power source 56 to recharge the battery 60.
`Optionally, the charging and power distribution subsystem
`58 may also transfer energy from the power source 56 to
`other components 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 con-
`nected 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 com—
`prises 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 HUN, 110D,
`110D, and 100. Also shown in FIG. 2 is an optional auxiliary
`USE 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 Grid power pins in the USB connectors 54 and 102. The
`USB adapter 100 also optionally provides a communication
`
`Huawei v. FISI Exhibit No. 1020 - 8/17
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`US 6,936,936 B2
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`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 embodi-
`ment 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 1mit 106 and are further
`configured to directly mate with one or more types of power
`sockets 110N, 110D, 1103, 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, 11B, 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
`converter 104 could be adapted to accept a limited range of
`input energy levels and frequencies, wherein the plug ad apt-
`ers are operable to convert the possible input energy levels
`and frequencies to a range that the power converter can
`accommodate. The power converter 104 provides its energy
`output to the mobile device 10 via the Vbus and Gnd pins of
`the 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 115 VAC
`North American power socket 110N, or a 12 VDC automo-
`bile power socket, or an air power socket, or others.
`For example,
`in North America, a type “CN” power
`socket is commonly available. The plug adapter 114N can be
`releasably 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, 0r 114D may be selected
`by the user, according to the power socket 1101), 1103, or
`100 available at the locale. The plug adapter 114, 114B, or
`1141) 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 envi-
`sioned that can be configured 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 discussion of how the charging
`function of mobile device 10 can be implemented is
`described in United States Provisional Application No.
`60/273,021 filed on Mar. 1“, 2001 and entitled “System and
`Method for Adapting a USB to Provide Power for Charging
`a Mobile Device" which has been incorporated herein by
`reference.
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`Typically when a mobile device 10 receives power over
`the USB from a USB host, it is required to draw power in
`accordance with the USB specification. The USB specifica—
`tion specifies a process for transferring energy across the
`USB called enumeration and limits the electrical current that
`can flow across the USE.
`The USB adapter 100 contributes to a system wherein a
`device 10 that follows the USB specification when coupled
`to a typical USB host via its USB port can be informed that
`the USB adapter 100 has been coupled to the device 10 and
`that the device 10 can now draw power without regard to the
`USB specification and the USB specification imposed limits.
`The identification subsystem 108 provides an identifica—
`tion signal to the mobile device 10 that the power source is
`not a USB limited source. The identification signal could be
`the communication of a single voltage on one or more of the
`USB data lines, different voltages on the two data lines, a
`series of pulses or voltage level changes, or other types of
`electrical signals. The identification subsystem 108 that
`generates the identification signal could have multiple types
`of configurations. In one embodiment,
`the identification
`subsystem 108 comprises a hard-wired connection of a
`single voltage level
`to both data lines.
`In another
`embodiment, the identification subsystem 108 comprises a
`USB controller that is operable to communicate an identi-
`fication signal
`to the mobile device. Additional embodi—
`ments are contemplated. The identification subsystem 108
`may optionally be configured to have the capability of
`electrically connecting or disconnecting the power output
`from the power converter 104 from the USB connector 102
`and/or to connect or disconnect any data inputs from the
`USB adapter 100 to the USB connector 102.
`In addition to providing power to the mobile device 10
`over the primary USB connector 102, the USB adapter 100
`may optiona