(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0251878A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Dec. 16, 2004
`Veselic
`
`US 2004O251878A1
`
`(54) UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS CHARGER FOR A
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`(76) Inventor: Dusan Veselic, Oakville (CA)
`Correspondence Address:
`JOSEPH M. SAUER
`JONES DAY REAVIS & POGUE
`NORTH POINT,901 LAKESIDEAVENUE
`CLEVELAND, OH 44114 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/864,584
`(22) Filed:
`Jun. 9, 2004
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jun. 11, 2003 (GB)......................................... O313485.5
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl. ..................................................... H02.J 7/04
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 320/141
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`In accordance with the teachings described herein, Systems
`and methods are provided for charging a rechargeable power
`Source in a mobile device through a USB port. A power
`converter may be used to receive an input Voltage from an
`external power Source and generate a charger output having
`a regulated Voltage. A signal generator may be used to
`generate a charger configuration Signal having pre-Selected
`waveform characteristics that are Selected to identify oper
`ating characteristics of the charging apparatus. A USB
`connector may be used for coupling the charger output and
`charger configuration Signal to the USB port on the mobile
`device. The USB connector may include a voltage bus
`(Vbus) contact coupled to the charger output, a positive data
`(D+) contact coupled to the charger configuration signal, and
`a negative data (D-) contact coupled to the charger con
`figuration signal. The charger configuration Signal may be
`transmitted Simultaneously to the D+ and D- contacts, Such
`that the D+ and D- contacts are continuously either both in
`a logic high State or both in a logic low State. The mobile
`device may be configured to identify the operating charac
`teristics of the charging apparatus from the waveform char
`acteristics of the charger configuration Signal and to apply
`the charger output to recharge the rechargeable power
`SOCC.
`
`le
`
`130
`
`POWER
`SOURCE
`
`O
`
`USB CHARGER
`
`
`
`POWER
`CONVERTER
`
`SIGNAL
`GENERATOR
`
`a -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1006
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 16, 2004 Sheet 1 of 6
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`US 2004/025 1878 A1
`
`o
`
`
`
`30
`
`POWER
`SOURCE
`
`USB CHARGER
`
`
`
`
`
`POWER
`CONVERTER
`
`SIGNAL
`GENERATOR
`
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 16, 2004 Sheet 2 of 6
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`US 2004/025 1878A1
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`g
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`g
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 16, 2004 Sheet 3 of 6
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 16,2004 Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 2004/0251878 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 16, 2004 Sheet 5 of 6
`500 l
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`US 2004/0251878 A1
`
`CONNECTION
`TO USB PORT ON
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`50
`
`ATTEMPT USB
`ENUMERATION
`
`Sl. 2
`
`54
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`56
`
`CONNECT
`WITH USB HOST
`DEVICE
`
`YES
`
`SUCCESSFUL
`Eurgatio
`
`NO
`
`
`
`58
`
`MOBILE DEVICE MONITORS
`FOR TRAFFIC ON D+
`AND O-LINES
`
`520
`
`CHARGER CONFIGURATION
`SIGNAL RECOGNIZED ON
`D+ AND O-LINES
`
`522
`
`SET CHARGE
`CURRENT
`
`524
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DRAW POWER FROM
`USB WBUS LINE TO CHARGE
`POWER SUPPLY
`
`Fig. 5
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 16, 2004 Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 2004/025 1878 A1
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`
`
`USB PORT
`
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`Fig. 6
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`US 2004/025 1878 A1
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`Dec. 16, 2004
`
`UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS CHARGER FOR A
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE
`0001. This application claims the benefit of British Appli
`cation No. 0313485.5 filed on Jun. 11, 2003 and entitled
`“Universal Serial Bus Charger For A Mobile Device,” the
`entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by refer
`CCC.
`
`FIELD
`0002 The technology described in this patent document
`relates generally to the field of power adapters. More par
`ticularly, this patent document describes a Universal Serial
`Bus (USB) charger that is particular well-suited for supply
`ing power to a mobile device, Such as a wireless two-way
`messaging device, a cellular telephone, a personal digital
`assistant (PDA), or other hand-held device having a
`rechargeable power Source.
`
`BACKGROUND
`Providing an external source of power to a mobile
`0.003
`device, Such as a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), wireless
`two-way messaging device, cellular phone, and others,
`requires design considerations 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 receiving power from a power Source, for
`instance to recharge a battery, and a separate data interface
`for communicating. For example, many mobile devices use
`USB (Universal Serial Bus) interfaces for communicating
`and use a separate power interface, Such as a barrel connec
`tor, for receiving power.
`SUMMARY
`In accordance with the teachings described herein,
`0004.
`Systems and methods are provided for charging a recharge
`able power source in a mobile device through a USB port.
`A power converter may be used to receive an input Voltage
`from an external power Source and generate a charger output
`having a regulated Voltage. A signal generator may be used
`to generate a charger configuration Signal having pre-Se
`lected waveform characteristics that are Selected to identify
`operating characteristics of the charging apparatus. A USB
`connector may be used for coupling the charger output and
`charger configuration signal to the USB port on the mobile
`device. The USB connector may include a voltage bus
`(Vbus) contact coupled to the charger output, a positive data
`(D+) contact coupled to the charger configuration signal, and
`a negative data (D-) contact coupled to the charger con
`figuration signal. The charger configuration Signal may be
`transmitted Simultaneously to the D+ and D-contacts, Such
`that the D+ and D- contacts are continuously either both in
`a logic high State or both in a logic low State. The mobile
`device may be configured to identify the operating charac
`teristics of the charging apparatus from the waveform char
`acteristics of the charger configuration Signal and to apply
`the charger output to recharge the rechargeable power
`SOCC.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0005 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example USB
`charger for charging a rechargeable power Source in a
`mobile device;
`
`0006 FIG. 2 illustrates an example charger configuration
`signal transmitted simultaneously on the USB D+ and D
`lines shown in FIG. 1;
`0007 FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an example signal
`generator for the USB charger of FIG. 1;
`0008 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example mobile
`device for use with a USB charger;
`0009 FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example
`method for charging a rechargeable power Source via a USB
`port in a mobile device; and
`0010 FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another example USB
`charger for charging a rechargeable power Source in a
`mobile device.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0011. With reference now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1
`is a block diagram 100 of an example USB charger 110 for
`charging a rechargeable power Source in a mobile device
`132. The USB charger 110 includes a power converter 112,
`a signal generator 114, and a USB connector 116. Also
`illustrated are an external power source 130 and the mobile
`device 132.
`0012. The power converter 112 is configured to receive
`an input Voltage from the external power Source 130 and
`generate a charger output 113 having a regulated Voltage.
`The USB charger 110 may be configured to operate with
`either an AC external power Source 130, Such as a conven
`tional household power outlet, or a DC external power
`Source 130, Such as the power Socket in an automobile. In
`the case of an AC power source 130, the power converter
`112 may include an AC/DC converter that converts the AC
`input voltage of the external power source 130 into a
`regulated DC voltage at the charger output 113. If the
`external power source 130 is a DC power source, then the
`power converter 112 may include a DC/DC converter to
`generate the regulated DC voltage expected at the charger
`output 113.
`0013 The signal generator 114 is configured to generate
`a charger configuration signal 115, which is a periodic signal
`having pre-Selected waveform characteristics that are
`selected to identify operating characteristics of the USB
`charger 110. The pre-Selected waveform characteristics may,
`for example, include a constant operating frequency and
`duty-cycle. The operating characteristics identified by the
`pre-Selected waveform characteristics of the charger con
`figuration Signal 115 may include the values of the regulated
`Voltage and maximum current capability of the charger
`output 113, the model number of the charger, and/or other
`information relevant to the operation of the USB charger
`110. Example waveform characteristics of the charger con
`figuration signal 115 are described in more detail below with
`reference to FIG. 2.
`0014) The USB connector 116 is preferably a standard 4
`pin USB connector having a voltage bus (Vbus) contact 118,
`a positive data (D+) contact 120, a negative data (D-) 122
`contact, and a ground contact 124, as described in the
`Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision 2.0, published
`Apr. 27, 2000. The Vbus contact 118 is coupled to the
`charger output 113 and both the D+ and D- contacts 120,
`122 are coupled to the charger configuration Signal 115. The
`
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`ground contact 124 is coupled to a ground potential from the
`power converter 112, but could alternatively be coupled to
`another grounding Source.
`0015 The mobile device 132 includes a USB port 134
`that is coupled to the USB connector 116 of the USB charger
`110. The mobile device 132 is configured to identify the
`operating characteristics of the charging apparatuS 110 from
`the waveform characteristics of the charger configuration
`Signal 115 and to apply the charger output 113 to recharge
`a rechargeable power source in the mobile device 132. The
`rechargeable power Source in the mobile device 132 may, for
`example, be a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, or Some
`other type of rechargeable battery. The USB port 134 on the
`mobile device 132 may be connected to the USB connector
`116 of the USB charger 110 using a docking cradle, a
`standard USB cable, or by other suitable means. A detailed
`description of an example mobile device 132 is provided
`below with reference to FIG. 4.
`0016. In operation, the USB charger 110 transmits the
`charger configuration signal 113 to the mobile device 132
`simultaneously on both the USB D+ and D-lines 120, 122,
`causing the D+ and D-lines to be continuously either both
`in a logic high State or both in a logic low State. In
`accordance with the USB Specification, a logic high State on
`both the D+ and D-lines Signals an "Illegal” State, and a
`logic low state on both the D+ and D-lines signals a “Reset”
`State. Accordingly, Simultaneous logic high or logic low
`States on the D+ and D- lines are not used during the
`transmission of data between a USB host and a USB
`peripheral device. Therefore, the mobile device 132 may be
`configured to recognize the presence of a charger configu
`ration signal 113 transmitted simultaneously on the USB D+
`and D-lines 120, 122, without interfering with the mobile
`device's ability to communication with a typical USB host
`device. For example, when the mobile device 132 detects
`power on the Vbus line 118, it may first attempt to establish
`a connection with a USB host using a standard USB enu
`meration process. If a USB host is not detected, then the
`mobile device 132 may monitor the D+ and D-lines 120,
`122 for the presence of a charger configuration signal 113.
`0.017. Once the mobile device 132 detects a charger
`configuration signal 113 on the USB D+ and D-lines 120,
`122, the device 132 analyzes the waveform characteristics of
`the Signal 113 to determine the operating characteristics of
`the USB charger 110. For instance, the mobile device 132
`may determine the maximum current capability of the
`charger 110 from the charger configuration signal 113. The
`mobile device 132 may then draw power from the Vbus line
`118 up to the maximum available current in order to charge
`its rechargeable power Supply.
`0.018
`FIG. 2 illustrates an example charger configuration
`signal 115 transmitted simultaneously on the USB D+ and
`D-lines 120, 122, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 includes two
`graphs 200, 210, plotting the charger configuration Signal
`115 as a function of time for the D+ and D-lines, respec
`tively. The illustrated charger configuration signal 115 is a
`periodic digital signal having a constant frequency (1/T) and
`a constant duty-cycle (T/T). AS noted above, the frequency
`(1/T) and duty-cycle (T/T) of the signal 115 may be
`Selected to identify certain operating characteristics of the
`USB charger 110. For example, the frequency (1/T) may
`identify the model and/or manufacturer of the charger 110,
`
`and the duty-cycle (T/T) may identify certain operating
`characteristics associated with the particular model charger
`110, Such as the Voltage and/or maximum available current
`of the charger output 113.
`0019 FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an example signal
`generator 114 for the USB charger 110 of FIG. 1. The
`example Signal generator 114 includes a digital timer 310, a
`Switching circuit 312, and an RC circuit 314-316. In opera
`tion, the frequency and duty-cycle of the charger configu
`ration Signal 115 may be adjusted by Selecting the resistor
`and capacitor values in the RC circuit 314-316.
`0020. The digital timer 310 may, for example, be a
`standard timer IC, Such as an LM555 timer. The timer 310
`generates a timer output signal 318 that may be tuned by
`varying the resistor and capacitor values in the RC circuit
`314-316, which is coupled between the discharge (DIS) and
`threshold (THR) inputs of the timer 310. The timer output
`Signal 318 is coupled as the inputs of two transistor pairs
`320, 322 and 324, 326 in the Switching circuit 312, which
`adjusts the peak voltage and impedance at the D+ and D
`outputs 120, 122 to simulate those of a typical USB host.
`The values of the resistors (R1-R6) in the Switching circuit
`312 are chosen to Set the output Voltage and impedance at
`the D+ and D- outputs 120, 122. For example, the Switching
`circuit 312 may regulate the Voltage at the D+ and D
`outputs 120, 122 to a peak voltage range between 3.0 to 3.6
`Volts and provide an output resistance between 14.25K and
`24.8K Ohms, as required of USB hosts under the USB
`Specification.
`0021
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile
`device 132 that includes a System for drawing power
`through a USB interface 412 from a USB charger 110. The
`mobile device 132 includes the USB interface 412, a USB
`controller 414, a charging Subsystem 416, a rechargeable
`battery 418, and a processing device 420.
`0022. The USB interface 412 is coupled to the USB
`charger 110, as described above. The USB interface 412
`includes a Vbus power line 424 that is coupled to the
`charging Subsystem 416, and USB data lines 426 which are
`coupled to the USB controller 414. Operationally, the USB
`interface 412 is used by the mobile device 132 to provide
`power to the charging Subsystem 416, and may also be used
`to communicate data between a USB host or hub (not
`shown) and the USB controller 414.
`0023 The charging Subsystem 416 provides power to the
`mobile device 132, either from the rechargeable battery 418
`or from the Vbus power line 424, and charges the recharge
`able battery 418 from the Vbus power line 424. The USB
`controller 414 monitors the USB data lines 426, and controls
`data communication between the processing device 420 and
`a USB host. In addition, the USB controller 414 detects the
`presence of a USB charger 110 by identifying a charger
`configuration signal 115 on the D+ and D- lines, and
`determines the operational characteristics of the charger
`from the waveform characteristics of the charger configu
`ration signal 115, as described above. For example, the
`mobile device 400 may maintain a look-up table used by the
`USB controller 414 to match identified waveform charac
`teristics with corresponding charger operational character
`istics, Such as a maximum available current.
`0024. Upon detection of a charger configuration signal
`114 by the USB controller 414, the identified operational
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`characteristics of the USB charger 110 are provided to the
`charging Subsystem 416, which instructs the USB interface
`412 to begin drawing power from the Vbus line to charge the
`rechargeable battery 418. The charging Subsystem 416 may,
`for example, instruct the USB interface 412 to draw power
`from the VbuS line up to a maximum available charge
`current identified from the charger configuration Signal 114.
`0.025
`In addition to the Subsystems and components
`described above, the mobile device 132 also may include a
`communications Subsystem 428, a short-range communica
`tions subsystem 430, input/output devices 432-440, memory
`devices 442, 444, and various other device subsystems 446.
`0026. The processing device 420 controls the overall
`operation of the mobile device 132. Operating system soft
`ware executed by the processing device 420 is preferably
`Stored in a persistent Store Such as a flash memory 444, but
`may also be Stored in other types of memory devices, Such
`as a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In
`addition, operating System Software, Specific device appli
`cations, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a
`volatile Store, Such as a random access memory (RAM) 442.
`Communication signals received by the mobile device 132
`may also be stored to RAM 442.
`0027. The processing device 420, in addition to its oper
`ating System functions, enables execution of Software appli
`cations on the device 132. A predetermined Set of applica
`tions that control basic device operations, Such as data and
`Voice communications, may be installed on the device 132
`during manufacture. In addition, a personal information
`manager (PIM) application may be installed during manu
`facture. The PIM is preferably capable of organizing and
`managing data items, Such as e-mail, calendar events, voice
`mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is
`also preferably capable of Sending and receiving data items
`via the wireless network 460. Preferably, the PIM data items
`are Seamlessly integrated, Synchronized and updated via the
`wireless network 460 with the device user's corresponding
`data items Stored or associated with a host computer System.
`An example System and method for accomplishing these
`steps is disclosed in “System And Method For Pushing
`Information From A Host System To A Mobile Device
`Having A Shared Electronic Address,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,
`694, which is owned by the assignee of the present appli
`cation, and which is hereby incorporated into the present
`application by reference.
`0028 Communication functions, including data and
`Voice communications, are performed through the commu
`nication Subsystem 428, and possibly through the short
`range communications subsystem 430. If the mobile device
`132 is enabled for two-way communications, then the com
`munication Subsystem 428 includes a receiver 448, a trans
`mitter 450, and a processing module 458, such as a digital
`Signal processor (DSP). In addition, the communication
`Subsystem 428, configured as a two-way communications
`device, includes one or more, preferably embedded or
`internal, antenna elements 452, 454, and local oscillators
`(LOs) 456. The specific design and implementation of the
`communication Subsystem 428 is dependent upon the com
`munication network 460 in which the mobile device 132 is
`intended to operate. For example, a device 132 destined for
`a North American market may include a communication
`Subsystem 428 designed to operate within the MobitexTM
`
`mobile communication system or DataTACTM mobile com
`munication System, whereas a device 132 intended for use in
`Europe may incorporate a General Packet Radio Service
`(GPRS) communication subsystem.
`0029 Network access requirements vary depending upon
`the type of communication system 460. For example, in the
`MobitexTM and DataTACTM networks, mobile devices are
`registered on the network using a unique personal identifi
`cation number or PIN associated with each device. In GPRS
`networks, however, network access is associated with a
`Subscriber or user of a device. A GPRS device therefore
`requires a Subscriber identity module, commonly referred to
`as a SIM card, in order to operate on a GPRS network.
`0030. When required network registration or activation
`procedures have been completed, the mobile device 132
`may send and receive communication Signals over the
`communication network 460. Signals received by the
`antenna 452 through the communication network 460 are
`input to the receiver 448, which may perform such common
`receiver functions as Signal amplification, frequency down
`conversion, filtering, channel Selection, and analog-to-digi
`tal conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received
`signal allows the DSP to perform more complex communi
`cation functions, Such as demodulation and decoding. In a
`Similar manner, Signals to be transmitted are processed by
`the DSP 458, and are the input to the transmitter 450 for
`digital-to-analog conversion, frequency up-conversion, fil
`tering, amplification and transmission over the communica
`tion network 460 via the antenna 454.
`0031. In addition to processing communication signals,
`the DSP 458 provides for receiver 448 and transmitter 450
`control. For example, gains applied to communication Sig
`nals in the receiver 448 and transmitter 450 may be adap
`tively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms
`implemented in the DSP 458.
`0032.
`In a data communication mode, a received signal,
`Such as a text message or web page download, is processed
`by the communication Subsystem 428 and input to the
`processing device 420. The received signal is then further
`processed by the processing device 420 for output to a
`display 432, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O
`device 440. A device user may also compose data items,
`Such as e-mail messages, using a keyboard 434, Such as a
`QWERTY-style keyboard, and/or some other auxiliary I/O
`device 440, Such as a touchpad, a rocker Switch, a thumb
`wheel, or Some other type of input device. The composed
`data items may then be transmitted over the communication
`network 460 via the communication subsystem 428.
`0033. In a voice communication mode, overall operation
`of the device 132 is substantially similar to data communi
`cation mode, except that received signals are output to a
`Speaker 436, and Signals for transmission are generated by
`a microphone 438. Alternative voice or audio I/O sub
`Systems, Such as a voice message recording Subsystem, may
`also be implemented on the device 132. In addition, the
`display 432 may also be utilized in Voice communication
`mode, for example to display the identity of a calling party,
`the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related
`information.
`0034. The short-range communications subsystem 430
`enables communication between the mobile device 132 and
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`other proximate Systems or devices, which need not neces
`Sarily be similar devices. For example, the short-range
`communications subsystem 430 may include an infrared
`device and associated circuits and components, or a Blue
`toothTM communication module to provide for communica
`tion with Similarly-enabled Systems and devices.
`0.035
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example
`method 500 for charging a rechargeable power source via a
`USB port in a mobile device. At step 510, an unknown
`device is connected to the USB port on the mobile device.
`At step 512, the mobile device attempts to signal the
`unknown device as a USB host. If the unknown device is a
`USB host, then a successful USB enumeration occurs at step
`614, and the mobile device establishes communication with
`the USB host at step 516. If the unknown device is not a
`USB host, however, then a USB enumeration will not be
`initiated at step 514, and the mobile device monitors the D+
`and D- lines for data traffic at step 618. If the unknown
`device is a USB charger, as described above, then a charger
`configuration Signal is detected on the D+ and D-lines by
`the mobile device at step 520. The maximum available
`charger current of the USB charger is determined from the
`charger configuration Signal, and a charge current is Set
`accordingly at step 522. Then, at step 524, the mobile device
`draws power from the USB charger via the Vbus line up to
`the maximum available current.
`0036) This written description uses examples to disclose
`the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable a
`person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The
`patentable Scope of the invention may include other
`examples that occur to those skilled in the art. For example,
`FIG. 6 is a block diagram 600 of another example USB
`charger 605 for charging a rechargeable power Source in a
`mobile device 132. This example USB charger 605 is similar
`to the USB charger 110 of FIG. 1, with the addition of a
`modulator 610 coupled between the signal generator 114 and
`the D+ and D- contacts 120, 122. In this embodiment, the
`frequency and duty cycle of the periodic output 115 from the
`Signal generator 114 may be modulated by the modulator
`610 in order to generate a modulated charger configuration
`signal 611 on the D+ and D-lines 120, 122. In this manner,
`additional information regarding the USB charger 605 may
`be encoded into the charger configuration Signal 611 and
`transmitted to the mobile device 132.
`
`1. A charging apparatus for charging a rechargeable power
`Source in a mobile device through a Universal Serial Bus
`(USB) port, comprising:
`a power converter configured to receive an input Voltage
`from an external power Source and generate a charger
`output having a regulated Voltage;
`a signal generator configured to generate a charger con
`figuration signal having a pre-Selected frequency and
`duty-cycle, wherein the frequency and duty-cycle of
`the charger configuration Signal are Selected to identify
`operating characteristics of the charging apparatus,
`including at least the values of the regulated Voltage an
`a maximum current capability of the charger output;
`and
`a USB connector for coupling the charger output and the
`charger configuration Signal to the USB port of the
`mobile device, the USB connector having a voltage bus
`
`(Vbus) contact coupled to the charger output, a positive
`data (D+) contact coupled to the charger configuration
`Signal, and a negative data (D-) contact coupled to the
`charger configuration Signal, the charger configuration
`Signal being transmitted Simultaneously to the D+ and
`D- contacts, Such that the D+ and D- contacts are
`continuously either both in a logic high State or both in
`a logic low State;
`wherein the mobile device is configured to identify the
`operating characteristics of the charging apparatus from
`the frequency and duty-cycle of the charger configu
`ration signal and apply the charger output to recharge
`the rechargeable power Source.
`2. The charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oper
`ating characteristics identified by the charger configuration
`Signal include a model number for the charging apparatus.
`3. The charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pre
`Selected frequency of the charger configuration signal is a
`constant frequency that is pre-Selected to identify a model of
`the charging apparatus.
`4. The charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pre
`Selected duty-cycle of the charger configuration signal is a
`constant duty-cycle that is pre-Selected to identify the values
`of the regulated Voltage and maximum current capability of
`the charger output.
`5. The charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external
`power Source is a household AC power outlet, and wherein
`the power converter functions as an AC to DC converter.
`6. The charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external
`power Source is a DC power Source.
`7. The charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the Signal
`generator includes a digital timing circuit that is configured
`to generate the charger configuration signal.
`8. The charging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the digital
`timing circuit includes:
`a digital timer that is configured to generate an output
`Signal having a constant frequency and a constant
`duty-cycle; and
`a Switching circuit coupled between the output signal of
`the digital timer and the D+ and D- contacts of the
`USB connector, the Switching circuit being configured
`to regulate the peak voltage of the output signal to
`generate the charger configuration signal.
`9. The charging apparatus of claim 8, wherein the Switch
`ing circuit is configured to provide a pre-Selected resistance.
`10. The charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the Signal
`generator includes an analog timing circuit that is configured
`to generate the charger configuration signal.
`11. A method of charging a rechargeable power Source in
`a mobile device, comprising the Steps of
`generating a charger output having a regulated Voltage
`and a maximum current capacity;
`generating a charger configuration Signal having pre
`Selected waveform characteristics, the waveform char
`acteristics including a pre-Selected duty-cycle that
`identifies values of the regulated Voltage and the maxi
`mum current capacity of the charger output, and
`coupling the charger output and charger configuration
`signal to the mobile device via a Universal Serial Bus
`(USB) port on the mobile device, the charger configu
`ration signal being coupled to both a positive data (D+)
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1006
`IPR USP 7,239,111
`Page 11 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2004/025 1878 A1
`
`Dec. 16, 2004
`
`contact and a negative data (D-) contact of the USB
`port and the regulated Voltage being coupled to a
`voltage bus (Vbus) contact of the USB port;
`wherein the charger configuration Signal is transmitted
`simultaneously to the D+ and D- contacts of the USB
`port, Such that the D+ and D-contacts are continuously
`either both in a logic high State or both in a logic low
`State,
`wherein the mobile device is configured to identify the
`values of the regulated Voltage and maximum current
`capacity of the charger output from the pre-Selected
`duty-cycle of the charger configuration signal and to
`apply the charger output to recharge the rechargeable
`power Source.
`12. The method of claim 11, wherein the pre-selected
`waveform characteristics include a pre-Selected frequency
`that identifies a model of a charging apparatus.
`13. A method for charging a rechargeable power Source in
`a mobile device, comprising:
`detecting an electrical connection between a Universal
`Serial Bus (USB) port on the device and an external
`device;
`attempting to initiate a USB enumeration procedure with
`the external device;
`if an enumeration acknowledgement Signal is not received
`from the external device, then monitoring a positive
`data (D+) contact and a negative data (D-) contact of
`the USB port for a charger configuration Signal, the
`
`charger configuration signal being transmitted Simul
`taneously on the D+ and D- contacts of the USB port
`Such that the charger configuration Signal causes the D+
`and D- contacts to be continuously eit