US007239111B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Fischer et a].
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,239,111 B2
`*Jul. 3, 2007
`
`(54) UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS ADAPTER FOR A
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(75) Inventors: Daniel M. Fischer, Waterloo (CA);
`Dan G. Radut, Waterloo (CA);
`Michael F. Habicher, Cambridge (CA);
`Quang A. Luong, Kltchener (CA);
`Jonathan T. Malton, Kitchener (CA)
`
`(73) Assignee: Research in Motion Limited,
`Waterloo, Ontario (CA)
`
`3,775,659 A 11/1973 Carlsen, 11
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`0684680 A1
`
`11/1995
`
`(Continued)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`Pawnt is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Electric Double-Layer Capacitors, v01. 2, Oct. 25, 1996 (Japan,
`Tokin C0rp., Cat. No. EC-200E).
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`Claimer'
`
`_
`(21) Appl. No.. 11/175,885
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`J11]. 6, 2005
`(Under 37 CFR 1.47)
`
`(65)
`
`prior publication Data
`
`Us Zoos/0245138 A1
`
`NOV~ 3: 2005
`_
`_
`Related U's' Apphcatlon Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 10/087,629, ?led on
`Man 1 2002 HOW Pat NO 6 936 936
`_
`_
`_
`_
`(60) PrOVlslOnal aPPhCaUOn NO- 60/273,021, ?led 011 Mar-
`1, 2001, PFOViSiOIlal application N0~ 60/330,486, ?led
`on Oct. 23, 2001.
`
`(51) IIlt- Cl-
`(2006.01)
`H01M 10/46
`(52) US. Cl. .................................................... .. 320/111
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search .............. .. 320/111,
`320/138, 114; 307/150, 151
`See application ?le for complete search history.
`
`(Continued)
`Primary ExamineriEdWard H. Tso
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or F irmiConley Rose, P.C.; J. Robert
`Brown’ Jr_
`
`(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 con
`nector, and an identi?cation subsystem. The plug unit is
`operat1ve to Couple the adapter to a POWer Socket and
`operat1ve to rece1ve 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 identi?cation subsystem is electrically
`coupled to the primary Connector and is operative to provide
`an identi?cation Signal
`
`18 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`10
`
`314N
`314D
`"0" Plug
`Adapter
`
`31 4B
`B‘ Plug
`Adapter
`
`in“
`Admits
`
`N
`
`310D
`UK
`Power
`Socket
`
`310B
`European
`Power
`Socket
`
`310
`Other
`Power
`Sud<ets
`
`Socket
`
`Jim
`
`

`

`US 7,239,111 B2
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2/1984 Banks et al.
`4,433,251 A
`4/1985 Winkler
`4,510,431 A
`5,173,855 A 12/1992 Neilsen @1111‘
`5,229,649 A
`7/1993 Nielsen et al.
`5,272,475 A 12/1993 Eaton e191‘
`5444378 A
`8/1995 Rogers
`5,631,503 A
`5/1997 Ciol?
`5,638,540 A
`6/1997 Aldous
`5,651,057 A
`7/1997 Blood et a1.
`5,769,877 A
`6/1998 Barreras, sr.
`5,850,113 A 12/1998 Weimer et a1.
`5,939,860 A
`8/1999 William
`6,006,088 A 12/1999 Couse
`6,104,162 A
`8/2000 Sainsbury et a1~
`6,104,759 A
`8/2000 Carkner et al.
`6,130,518 A 10/2000 Gabehal't et a1~
`6,138,242 A 10/2000 Massman et al.
`6,184,652 B1
`2/2001 Yang
`
`4/2001 Matsuda
`6,211,649 B1
`6/2001 Richter et al.
`6,252,375 B1
`7/2001 Bork
`6,255,800 B1
`9/2001 Tsai
`6,283,789 B1
`12/2003 Dougherty 6161.
`6,668,296 B1
`5/2004 Milley et 31‘
`6,738,856 B1
`2001/0003205 A1* 6/2001 Gilbert ..................... .. 713/320
`2004/0251878 A1* 12/2004 Veselic ..................... .. 320/141
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`W0
`
`1198049 A1
`W0 0101330 A1
`
`4/2002
`V2001
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Supercapacitor: User’s Manual, v01. 2 (Japan, Tokin C0rp., date
`unknown),
`Charging Big Supercaps, Portable Design, p. 26, Mar. 1997.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`U
`
`e
`
`J
`
`2B
`
`hNNrScmfl0_Ema
`.u.U53:53;__5:39:35
`1rlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllH,_q_w__._n,\.____fiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII__or__:....._S._"_NF_83:00
`m_____P_\~\1PSӢ
`,m_.8200___m___m_m._m_m:m_m__,2:_W.nmaNNow’_,.
`
`Egon..___mac?n_dE99335“_..mvmF_“_9.9m__rIII.In6_mm__ON__1M__wo._:,M858_.5261___ifig“1
`._“0_.0—“._\I_“ut_‘1n_vm“a
`2N_vm_._‘9]
`
`
`Huawei V. FISI Exhibit 1001 - 3/14
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3,2007
`
`Sheet 2 M4
`
`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`10
`j
`
`60
`
`/12
`Microprocessor
`| Recegtacle m g; @
`
`Power Distribution &
`Charging Subsystem
`\ 58
`/54
`
`USB Port \
`18
`
`USB Connector
`
`I
`
`__________________
`
`N
`
`/\
`‘G 5‘
`\/
`
`USB Connector
`
`\
`
`102 W @ 93 ' P %
`
`Power Converter
`\
`106'\ 104
`Plug Unit
`/\
`
`.
`.
`Identi?cation
`\
`
`2* 0
`_<_\: E
`= o
`/ é 0
`
`:
`
`:
`
`l/I F
`114N\ "N" Plug
`Adapter
`
`/-114D
`"D" Plug
`Adapter
`
`/-114B
`"B" Plug
`Adapter
`
`/-114
`Other Plug
`Adapters
`
`W /-110D
`North
`UK
`11ml American
`Power
`Power
`Socket
`Socket
`
`/—11OB
`European
`Power
`Socket
`
`/-110
`Other
`Power
`Sockets
`
`FIG. 2
`
`M
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 0f 4
`
`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`' 210
`Voltage Detected on Vbus line /
`(power portion of USB connector)
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`i
`
`230
`
`USB Adapter
`Detected
`
`USB Host or __ 240
`Hub Detected
`
`'
`Await
`Enumeration
`
`260
`\
`Charge Battery
`As Required
`
`,250
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 of4
`
`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`[320
`
`60
`Battery
`
`r 12
`Microprocessor
`
`I10
`
`
`
`Battery 300\ m Receptacle Q?
`
`
`
`-
`
`i
`
`/18
`
`.
`
`_
`/318 U ,
`Battery
`Power Dlstrlbutlon &
`Receptade
`Charging Subsystem
`\ 58
`
`use Port
`
`r 316
`Charging
`Subs stem
`y
`
`l
`
`302
`\
`
`USB Connector
`A g},
`\/
`
`|
`
`USB Connector
`
`30a
`
`Dual Power Converter
`
`4?
`
`I
`
`Plug Um
`
`30%
`K
`(314N /314D /314B
`"N" Plug
`"D" Plug
`"B" Plug
`Adapter
`Adapter
`Adapter
`?r 310N
`North
`6310B E/ 3108
`American
`uropean
`power
`Power
`Power
`Socket
`Socket
`Socket
`
`FIG. 4
`
`308
`\ Identi?cation
`
`I
`
`/314
`(an?
`A dapters
`
`K310
`Other
`Power
`Sockets
`
`
`
`-—9—-Le end
`
`

`

`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`1
`UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS ADAPTER FOR A
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation US. patent application
`Ser. No. 10/087,629, entitled “Multifunctional Charger Sys
`tem and Method,” Which Was ?led on Mar. 1, 2002, and
`issued as US. Pat. No. 6,936,936, US. patent application
`Ser. No. 10/087,629 claims priority from and is related to
`US. Provisional Application No. 60/273,021, entitled “Sys
`tem and Method for Adapting a USB to Provide PoWer for
`Charging a Mobile Device,” Which Was ?led on Mar. 1,
`2001, and US. Provisional Application No. 60/330,486,
`entitled “Multifunctional Charger System and Method”,
`Which Was ?led on Oct. 23, 2001. The entirety of these prior
`applications are hereby incorporated into the present appli
`cation 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 (“PDA”), 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 (Univer
`sal 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 speci?cation,
`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 speci?cation 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.
`
`2
`SUMMARY
`
`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 con
`nector, and an identi?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 identi?cation subsystem is electrically
`coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide
`an identi?cation 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
`identi?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
`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 identi?cation subsystem is electrically coupled
`to the primary connector and is operative to provide an
`identi?cation 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 identi?cation 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 identi?cation signal to the mobile device, via the
`identi?cation 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
`speci?cation.
`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
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`

`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`3
`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
`identi?cation subsystem that is operable to transmit an
`identi?cation signal that is operative to identify the USB
`adapter as not being limited by the poWer limits imposed by
`the USB speci?cation.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In order that the invention identi?ed 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. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile
`device Which has an industry standard interface;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ?rst embodiment of a
`USB adapter that is coupled to an exemplary mobile device;
`FIG. 3 is a How 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 ?gures, 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 classi?ed 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 (“PDA”), 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
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`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
`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
`DataTACTM 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 identi?cation number or
`PIN associated With each device. In GPRS netWorks hoW
`ever, 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), 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 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 ampli?cation, frequency doWn conver
`sion, ?ltering, channel selection and the like, and in the
`exemplary system shoWn in FIG. 1, analog to digital con
`version. 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, ?ltering, ampli?cation 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
`?ash memory 36, or alternatively read only memory (ROM)
`or similar storage element. The microprocessor 12 may also
`enable the execution of speci?c device applications, Which
`preferably are also stored in a persistent store. The operating
`system, speci?c 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
`
`

`

`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`5
`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 ?ash
`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, 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 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 ?ash 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 func
`tions, or both. For example, a secure communication appli
`cation may be loaded onto the mobile device 10 that alloWs
`for electronic commerce functions or other ?nancial trans
`actions 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 opera
`tion, a signal received by the mobile device 10, such as a text
`message or Web page doWnload, Will be received and
`processed by the communication subsystem 14, 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
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`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
`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 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 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 ?rst 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 identi?cation 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 recti?er. 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, 10D,
`10B, and 100. Also shoWn in FIG. 2 is an optional auxiliary
`
`

`

`US 7,239,111 B2
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`7
`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 con?gured 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
`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 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 con?gured to couple to the plug unit 106 and are further
`con?gured to directly mate With one or more types of poWer
`sockets 110N, 10D, 10B, and 100. The plug unit 106 can be
`con?gured 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 converter 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 adapters are operable to convert the possible input
`energy levels and frequencies to a range that the poWer
`converter can accommodate. The poWer converter 104 pro
`vides 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 “N” 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, or 114D may be selected
`by the user, according to the poWer socket 10D, 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?gured to operate With alternate poWer
`sources such as for instance car sockets.
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`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 Us. Provisional Application No. 60/273,021
`?led 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.
`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 speci?cation. The USB speci?ca
`tion speci?es a process for transferring energy across the
`USB called enumeration and limits the electrical current that
`can ?oW across the USB.
`The USB adapter 100 contributes to a system Wherein a
`device 10 that folloWs the USB speci?cation 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 speci?cation and the USB speci?cation imposed limits.
`The identi?cation subsystem 108 provides an identi?ca
`tion signal to the mobile device 10 that the poWer sourc