USOO7834586B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Fischer et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`*Nov. 16, 2010
`
`(54) MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHARGER SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`(75) Inventors: Daniel M. Fischer, Waterloo (CA); Dan
`s
`s
`G. Radut, Waterloo (CA); Michael F.
`Habicher, Cambridge (CA); Quang A.
`Luong. Kitchener (CA); Jonathan T.
`Malton, Kitchener (CA)
`(73) Assignee: Research in Motion Limited, Waterloo,
`Ontario (CA)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/714,204
`(22) Filed:
`Feb. 26, 2010
`(Under 37 CFR 1.47)
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2010/0148724A1
`Jun. 17, 2010
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 12/268,297, filed O
`Nov. 10, 2008, now Pat. No. 7,737,657, which is a
`continuation of application No. 111749,680, filed on
`May 16, 2007, now Pat. No. 7453233, which is a
`continuation of application No. 11/175.885, filed on
`Jul. 6, 2005, now Pat. No. 7.239,111, which is a con-
`tinuation of application No. 10/087,629, filed on Mar.
`1, 2002, now Pat. No. 6,936,936.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/273,021, filed on Mar.
`1, 2001, provisional application No. 60/330,486, filed
`on Oct. 23, 2001.
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HIM I/46
`(52) U.S. Cl. ...................................................... 32O/107
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 320/107,
`320/111, 114, 140
`See application file for complete search history.
`Ref
`Cited
`eeees e
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,775,659 A 1 1/1973 Carlsen, II
`
`56
`(56)
`
`Continued
`(
`)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`7, 1999
`O684680 B1
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Electric Double-Layer Capacitors, vol. 2, Japan, Tokin Corporation,
`Cat. No. EC-200E, Oct. 25, 1996, 40 pgs.
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner Edward Tso
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Conley 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 connector, and an identifi
`cation subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the
`adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy
`from the power socket. The power converter is electrically
`coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the
`received energy from the power socket and to output a power
`requirement to the mobile device. The primary connector is
`electrically coupled to the power converter and is operative to
`couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted power
`requirement to the mobile device. The identification sub
`system is electrically coupled to the primary connector and is
`operative to provide an identification signal.
`
`13 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`Wet Distribution &
`Charging Subsystem
`
`
`
`182
`Power converter
`
`------
`
`Plug Unit
`Ysaavowr---------
`14
`114N"NPug"D"Plug
`Adapter
`Adapter
`
`"B"Plug
`Adapter
`
`other plug
`Adapters
`
`North
`11ONAmerican
`Power
`Sticket
`
`Od
`UK
`Power
`Socket
`
`110
`410B
`Other
`European
`Power | Power
`set societs || -lessn
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 1 of 13
`
`

`

`US 7,834,586 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2f1984 Banks et al.
`4,433,251 A
`4, 1985 Winkler
`4,510,431 A
`5,173,855. A 12/1992 Nielsen et al.
`5,229,649 A
`7, 1993 Nielsen et al.
`5,272.475 A 12/1993 Eaton et al.
`5,444,378 A
`8, 1995 Rogers
`5,631,503 A
`5, 1997 Coff
`5,638,540 A
`6, 1997 Aldous
`5,651,057 A
`7, 1997 Blood et al.
`5,769,877 A
`6/1998 Barreras, Sr.
`5,850,113 A ''
`Winstal
`5,939,860 A
`8/1999 William
`6,006,088 A 12/1999 Couse
`6,104,162 A
`8/2000 Sainsbury et al.
`6,104,759 A
`8, 2000 Carkner et al.
`6,130,518 A 10, 2000 Gabehart et al.
`6,138,242 A 10/2000 Massman et al.
`6,184,652 B1
`2/2001 Yang
`6,211,649 B1
`4/2001 Matsuda
`
`6/2001 Richter et al.
`6,252.375 B1
`7, 2001 Bork
`6.255,800 B1
`9, 2001 Tsai
`6,283,789 B1
`6/2002 Ogami
`6,397.696 B2
`12/2003 Dougherty et al.
`6,668,296 B1
`5/2004 Milley et al.
`6,738,856 B1
`1/2007 Veselic
`7,170,259 B2
`2006/O181241 A1* 8, 2006 Veselic ....................... 320, 107
`2007/0108938 A1* 5/2007 Veselic ....................... 320,111
`2009/0128091 A1* 5/2009 Purdy et al. ................. 320, 106
`
`EP
`WO
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1198049 A1
`4/2002
`200101.330 A1
`1/2001
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`+ar.
`Surprise S. Manual, vol. 2, Japan, Tokin Corporation,
`Charging Big Supercaps, Portable Design, Mar. 1997, p. 26.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 2 of 13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`2B
`
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`m*IHHIIHHHIIHHHNlllllllllllllllllllll4*49____fi1_8395m_qIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII__
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`
`
`59“.onHmm:la_.3g2%““a___ema“_____ 1.ESKI*,‘57.w___“0Nfor.__mmE_beams.
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`
`Page 30f13
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`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 3 of 13
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2010
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`60
`
`NU 1N
`
`1 2
`
`16
`
`Power D
`istribution &
`Subsystem
`Charging
`Nss
`54
`
`USB Port
`
`18
`
`-
`
`as
`
`-
`
`s
`
`s --
`
`
`
`{G
`
`1
`O O
`Y
`
`aw
`
`.
`
`r r
`
`m 1.
`USB Connector
`102 1.
`108 N10 (1N
`
`Identification
`
`Plug Unit
`
`108
`
`112
`
`
`
`
`
`European
`Power
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 4 of 13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2010
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`
`
`Voltage Detected on Vbus line
`(power portion of USB connector)
`
`210
`
`
`
`
`
`230
`
`
`
`
`
`USBAdapter
`Detected
`
`
`
`
`
`260
`
`USB Host Or
`Hub Detected
`
`240
`
`
`
`250
`
`AWait
`Enumeration
`
`Charge Battery
`As Required
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 5 of 13
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2010
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`300
`
`318
`
`Battery
`Receptacle
`
`Charging
`Subsystem
`
`304
`Dua Power Converter
`1N
`
`306
`
`USB Connector
`1N
`
`308
`
`
`
`"D" Plug
`Adapter
`
`"B" Plug
`Adapter
`
`
`
`
`
`North
`American
`Power
`Socket
`
`European
`Power
`Socket
`
`Other
`Power
`Sockets
`
`F.G. 4
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 6 of 13
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`

`

`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`1.
`MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHARGER SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`2
`Such as conventional AC outlets and DC car sockets that are
`not capable of participating in enumeration to Supply power
`to the mobile device via a USB interface.
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`SUMMARY
`
`This is a continuation application of U.S. patent applica
`tion Ser. No. 12/268,297 filed Nov. 10, 2008 by Daniel M.
`Fischer, et al. and entitled “System and Method for Charging
`a Battery in a Mobile Device', which is a continuation of and
`claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 1 1/749,
`680, filed May 16, 2007, now No. 7,453.233 issued on Nov.
`18, 2008 by Daniel M. Fischer, et al. and entitled “Adapter
`System and Method for Powering a Device', which is a
`continuation of and claims priority from U.S. patent applica
`tion Ser. No. 11/175,885, filed on Jul. 6, 2005, now U.S. Pat.
`No. 7,239,111 issued on Jul. 3, 2007, by Daniel M. Fischer, et
`al. and entitled “Universal Serial Bus Adapter for a Mobile
`Device', which is a continuation of and claims priority from
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/087,629, filed on Mar. 1,
`2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,936 issued on Aug. 30, 2005,
`by Daniel M. Fischer, et al. and entitled “Multifunctional
`Charger System and Method’, which claims priority from
`U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/273,021 filed Mar. 1,
`2001, by Daniel M. Fischer, et al. and entitled “System and
`Method for Adapting a USB to Provide Power for Charging a
`Mobile Device' and U.S. Provisional Application No.
`60/330,486 filed Oct. 23, 2001, by Daniel M. Fischer, et al.
`and entitled “Multifunctional Charger System and Method
`and all incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`This invention relates generally to power adapters. More
`particularly, the invention relates to power adapters for use
`with mobile devices.
`Providing an external source of power to a mobile device,
`such as a personal digital assistants (“PDA), mobile com
`munication device, cellular phone, wireless two-way e-mail
`communication device, and others, requires design consider
`ations with respect to both the mobile device and the power
`source. With regard to the mobile device, most mobile devices
`provide a distinct power interface for receiving power from a
`power source, for instance to recharge a battery, and a sepa
`rate data interface for communicating. For example, many
`mobile devices presently use USB (Universal Serial Bus)
`interfaces for communicating and use a separate power inter
`face. Such as a barrel connector, for receiving power.
`It is desirable, however, to have a combined power and data
`interface. The mobile devices that do have combined power
`and data interfaces typically use non-standard and sometimes
`proprietary interfaces. Consequently, combined interfaces for
`a particular manufacturer's mobile device may not be com
`patible with combined interfaces for mobile devices provided
`by other manufacturers.
`Although the USB interface can be used as a power inter
`face, the USB is typically not used for that purpose by mobile
`devices. In accordance with the USB specification, typical
`USB power source devices, such as hubs and hosts, require
`that a USB device participate in a host-initiated process called
`enumeration in order to be compliant with the current USB
`specification in drawing power from the USB interface.
`Although a mobile device could be adapted to participate in
`enumeration when drawing power over the USB interface, it
`would be preferable in many situations, such as when a host
`would not be available, as oftenhappens during normal use of
`a mobile device, to be able to utilize alternate power sources
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile
`device through an industry standard port is provided. In
`accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adapter
`comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary connec
`tor, and an identification 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 con
`nector is electrically coupled to the power converter and is
`operative to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the
`outputted power requirement to the mobile device. The iden
`tification Subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary
`connector and is operative to provide an identification signal.
`In accordance with another aspect, a USB adapter for pro
`viding a source of power to a mobile device through a USB
`port is provided. The USB adapter comprises a plug unit, a
`power converter, a primary USB connector, and an identifi
`cation Subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the
`USB adapter to a power socket and operative to receive
`energy from the power socket. The power converter is elec
`trically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the
`received energy from the power socket and to output a power
`requirement to the mobile device. The primary USB connec
`tor is electrically coupled to the power converter and is opera
`tive to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted
`power requirement to the mobile device. The identification
`Subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary connector
`and is operative to provide an identification signal.
`Another aspect provides a USB adapter for providing a
`source of power to a mobile device through a USB port. The
`USB adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a
`primary USB connector, and an auxiliary USB adapter. The
`plug unit is operative to couple the USB adapter to a power
`Socket and operative to receive energy from the power Socket.
`The power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit
`and is operable to regulate the received energy from the power
`Socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile
`device. The primary USB connector is electrically coupled to
`the power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile
`device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the
`mobile device. The auxiliary USB connector has data lines
`that are electrically coupled to the data lines of the primary
`USB connector.
`Yet another aspect provides a method for providing energy
`to a mobile device using a USB adapter that comprises a plug
`unit, a primary USB connector, a power converter electrically
`coupled between the plug unit and the primary USB connec
`tor, and an identification Subsystem electrically coupled to the
`primary USB connector. The method comprising the steps of
`coupling the USB connector to the mobile device, coupling
`the plug unit to a power Socket, outputting a power require
`ment to the mobile device via the power converter and the
`USB connector, and providing an identification signal to the
`mobile device, via the identification subsystem and the USB
`connector, that is operative to inform the mobile device that
`the USB adapter is not limited by the power limits imposed by
`the USB specification.
`In accordance with another aspect, a powering system for a
`mobile device having a USB connector is provided. The pow
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 7 of 13
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`

`

`US 7,834,586 B2
`
`3
`ering system comprises a power distribution Subsystem in the
`mobile device that is operable to receive energy through the
`USB connector and to distribute the energy to at least one
`component in the mobile device and a USB adapter that is
`operative to couple to the USB connector. The USB adapter
`comprises a plug unit for coupling to a power socket and that
`is operable to receive energy from the power Socket, a power
`converter electrically coupled to the plug unit for regulating
`the received energy and for providing a power requirement to
`the power distribution Subsystem, and an identification Sub
`system that is operable to transmit an identification signal that
`is operative to identify the USB adapter as not being limited
`by the power limits imposed by the USB specification.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`4
`particular design of the communication Subsystem 14 and the
`components used thereincan vary. It would be apparent to one
`of ordinary skill in the art to design an appropriate commu
`nication Subsystem using conventional methods and compo
`nents to operate over a communication network 34 based on
`the parameters necessary to operate over that communication
`network. For example, a mobile device 10 geographically
`located in North America may include a communication Sub
`system 14 designed to operate within the MobitexTM mobile
`communication system or DataTACTM mobile communica
`tion system, whereas a mobile device 10 intended for use in
`Europe may incorporate a General Packet Radio Service
`(GPRS) communication subsystem 14.
`Network access requirements will also vary depending
`upon the type 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 sub
`scriber identity module (not shown), commonly referred to as
`a SIM card, in order to operate on a GPRS network. Without
`a SIM card, a GPRS device will not be fully functional. Local
`or non-network communication functions (if any) may be
`operable, but the mobile device 10 will be unable to carry out
`any functions involving communications over the network
`34.
`When required, after the network registration or activation
`procedures have been completed, a mobile device 10 may
`send and receive communication signals over the network34.
`Signals received by the receiver antenna 26 through a com
`munication network 34 are input to the receiver 22, which
`may perform such common receiver functions as signal
`amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel
`selection and the like, and in the exemplary system shown in
`FIG. 1, analog to digital conversion. Analog to digital con
`version of a received signal allows more complex communi
`cation functions such as demodulation and decoding to be
`performed in a DSP 32. Similarly, signals to be transmitted
`are processed, including modulation and encoding for
`example, by the DSP 32 and input to the transmitter 24 for
`digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filter
`ing, amplification and transmission over the communication
`network 34 via the transmitter antenna 28.
`Also, in the exemplary communication Subsystem 14, the
`DSP 32 processes communication signals and also provides
`for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains
`applied to communication signals in the receiver 22 and trans
`mitter 24 may be adaptively controlled through automatic
`gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 32.
`In implementing its control function, the microprocessor
`12 in the exemplary mobile device 10 executes an operating
`system. The operating system software used by the micropro
`cessor 12 is preferably stored in a persistent store such as flash
`memory 36, or alternatively read only memory (ROM) or
`similar storage element. The microprocessor 12 may also
`enable the execution of specific device applications, which
`preferably are also stored in a persistent store. The operating
`system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may
`also be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as in
`RAM38.
`A predetermined set of applications which control basic
`device operations, including at least data and Voice commu
`nication applications for example, will normally be installed
`on the mobile device 10 during manufacture. One such appli
`cation loaded on the mobile device 10 could be a personal
`information manager (PIM) application. The PIM application
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`15
`
`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. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile
`device which has an industry standard interface;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a
`USB adapter that is coupled to an exemplary mobile device:
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary use of a
`USB adapter with a mobile device; and
`FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an additional exemplary
`embodiment of a USB adapter that is coupled to both an
`exemplary mobile device and an external battery.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Exemplary Mobile Device
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`Turning now to the drawing figures, shown in FIG. 1 is a
`schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile communication
`device 10 which has an industry standard interface. The
`mobile communication device 10 is preferably a two-way
`communication device having at least voice or data commu
`nication capabilities. Preferably, the mobile device 10 is also
`40
`capable of communicating over the Internet, for example, via
`a radio frequency (“RF) link. Examples of types of devices
`that could be classified as a mobile device 10 include a data
`messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with
`data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, a
`data communication device (with or without telephony capa
`bilities), a personal digital assistants (“PDA), a wireless
`two-way e-mail communication device, and others.
`The exemplary mobile device 10 comprises a microproces
`sor 12, a communication subsystem 14, input/output (“I/O”)
`devices 16, an industry standard interface 18 which in this
`example is a USB port, and a power subsystem 20. The
`microprocessor 12 controls the overall operation of the
`mobile device 10. The communication subsystem 14 pro
`vides the mobile device 10 with the ability to communicate
`wirelessly with external devices such as other mobile devices
`and other computers. The I/O devices 16 provide the mobile
`device 10 with input/output capabilities for use with a device
`user. The USB port 18 provides the mobile device 10 with a
`serial port for linking directly with other computers and/or a
`means for receiving power from an external power source.
`The power subsystem 20 provides the mobile device 10 with
`a local power source.
`The exemplary communication Subsystem 14 comprises
`components such as a receiver 22, a transmitter 24, antenna
`elements 26 and 28, local oscillators (LOs) 30, and a process
`ing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 32. The
`
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`US 7,834,586 B2
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`5
`preferably is an application for organizing and managing user
`inputted data items such as e-mail, calendar events, Voice
`mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM data items may
`be stored in the RAM38 and/or the flash memory 36.
`The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and
`receive data items, via the wireless network34. The PIM data
`items are preferably seamlessly integrated, synchronized and
`updated, via the wireless network 34, with corresponding
`data items stored or associated with a host computer system
`(not shown) used by the device user. The synchronization of
`PIM data items is a process by which the PIM data items on
`the mobile device 10 and the PIM data items on the host
`computer system can be made to mirror each other.
`There are several possible mechanisms for loading appli
`cations onto the mobile device 10. For example, applications
`may be loaded onto the mobile device 10 through the wireless
`network34, 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
`RAM38, the flash memory 36, or preferably a non-volatile
`store (not shown) such as ROM for execution by the micro
`processor 12. The available application installation mecha
`nisms can increase the utility of the mobile device 10 by
`providing the device user with a way of upgrading the mobile
`device 10 with additional and/or enhanced on-device func
`tions, communication-related functions, or both. For
`example, a secure communication application may be loaded
`onto the mobile device 10 that allows for electronic com
`30
`merce functions or other financial transactions to be per
`formed using the mobile device 10.
`The I/O devices 16 may be used to display and/or compose
`data communication messages. In one mode of operation, a
`signal received by the mobile device 10, such as a text mes
`35
`sage or web page download, will be received and processed
`by the communication subsystem 14, forwarded to the micro
`processor 12, which will preferably further process the
`received signal, and provide the processed signal to one or
`more of the I/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 coop
`eration with the display 46 and possibly an auxiliary I/O
`device 40. Alternatively, a device user may compose a Voice
`message via a microphone 52. The composed data item may
`then be transmitted over a communication network 34 using
`the communication Subsystem 14.
`A short-range communications Subsystem 42 may be pro
`vided in the mobile device 10 to allow the mobile device 10 to
`communicate with other systems or devices, which need not
`necessarily be similar to device 10. For example, the short
`range communications Subsystem 42 may include an infrared
`device and associated circuitry and components or a Blue
`tooth'TM communication module to allow the device 10 to
`communicate with similarly-enabled systems and devices.
`The USB port 18 provides the mobile device 10 with a
`serial port for linking directly with other computers to
`exchange data and/or to receive power. The USB port 18 also
`provides the mobile device 10 with a means for receiving
`power from an external power source. For example, in a
`personal digital assistant (PDA)-type communication device,
`the USB port 18 could be used to allow the mobile device 10
`to synchronize data with a user's desktop computer (not
`shown). The USB port 18 could also enable a user to set
`parameters in the mobile device 10 such as preferences
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`through the use of an external device or Software application.
`In addition the USB port 18 may also be used to provide a
`means for downloading information or software to the mobile
`device 10 without using the wireless communication network
`34. The USB port 18 can provide a direct and thus reliable and
`trusted connection that may for example be used to load an
`encryption key onto the mobile device 10 thereby enabling
`secure device communication.
`Coupled to the USB port 18 is a USB connector 54. The
`USB connector 54 is the physical component that couples the
`USB port to the outside world. In the exemplary mobile
`device 10, the USB connector 54 is used to transmit and
`receive data from an external data/power source 56, receive
`power from the external data/power source 56, direct the
`transmitted/received data from/to the USB port 18, and direct
`the received power to the power subsystem 20.
`The exemplary power Subsystem 20 comprises a charging
`and power distribution subsystem 58 and a battery 60. The
`charging and power distribution subsystem 58 performs
`many functions. It may be used to transfer energy to the
`battery 60 from the external data/power source 56 to charge
`the battery 60 and also to distribute power to the many power
`requiring components within the mobile device 10. The
`charging Subsystem 58 may be capable of determining the
`presence of a battery 60 and/or a power circuit coupled to the
`mobile device 10, such as 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 distribu
`tion subsystem 58 may be derived from energy stored in the
`battery 60 and/or energy received from the external data/
`power source 56. When the battery 60 is depleted, the charg
`ing and power distribution subsystem 58 transfers energy
`from the power source 56 to recharge the battery 60. Option
`ally, the charging and power distribution Subsystem 58 may
`also transfer energy from the power source 56 to other com
`ponents in the mobile device 10 to power the mobile device 10
`when the battery 60 has been depleted and is recharging.
`When the data/power source 56 is not connected to the mobile
`device 10, power for the device 10 is derived from the battery
`60.
`Exemplary USB Adapter
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an
`adapter 100 that can be used to couple the mobile device 10 of
`FIG. 1 to the data/power source 56 of FIG.1. In this example
`the adapter 100 is a USB adapter 100 that comprises a primary
`USB connector 102, a power converter 104, a plug unit 106,
`and an identification subsystem 108. The power converter is a
`known element in the art and typically includes at least one of
`the following components: Switching converter, transformer,
`DC source, Voltage regulator, linear regulator and rectifier. In
`the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the USB adapter 100 is
`shown coupling a mobile device 10 to one of one or more
`types of power sockets 110N, 110D, 110B, and 100. Also
`shown in FIG. 2 is an optional auxiliary USB connector 112
`that can be used to couple the mobile device 10 to a data
`Source (not shown) such as a personal computer.
`In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the primary USB
`connector 102 is configured to mate with the USB connector
`54 of the mobile device 10. The USB adapter 100 is operable
`to provide power to the mobile device 10 through the Vbus
`and Gnd power pins in the USB connectors 54 and 102. The
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1001
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 9 of 13
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`7
`USB adapter 100 also optionally provides a communication
`path for data across the D+ and D- data pins in the USB
`connectors 54 and 102.
`The plug unit 106 is preferably a conventional plug unit
`that can be used to couple with a conventional power Socket to
`receive power therefrom. For example, the plug unit 106 can
`be a two prong or three prong plug of the type used in North
`America that can couple to a North American AC power
`socket 110N that provides 115 VAC. In the embodiment
`shown in FIG. 2, the plug unit 106 can accept one or more
`types of plug adapters 114N, 114B, 114D, and 114 that are
`configured to couple to the plug unit 106 and are further
`configured to directly mate with one or more types of power
`sockets 110N, 110D, 110B, and 100. The plug unit 106 can be
`configured to receive energy from a power socket 110N,
`110D, 110B, or 100, either directly or through the use of a
`plug adapter, and is operative to transfer the received energy
`to the power converter 104.
`The power converter 104 is operative to receive energy
`from a power socket 110N, 110D, 110B, or 100 and to convert
`that received energy to a form that can be used by the mobile
`device 10. For example, the power converter 104 can be of
`conventional construction Such as a Switching power con
`verter that converts 115 VAC to 5 VDC. Also, the power
`converter 104 could comprise a D.C. regulator circuit that
`converts a D.C. input to a D.C. output. The power converter
`104 could also be adapted to accept a wide range of input
`energy levels and frequencies. Alternatively, the power con
`verter 104 could be adapted to accept a limited range of input
`energy levels and frequencies, wherein the plug adapters are
`operable to convert the possible input energy levels and fre
`quencies to a range that the power converter can accommo
`date. The power converter 104 provides its energy output to
`the mobile device 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 automobile
`power socket, or an air power Socket, or others.
`For example, in North America, a type “N' power socket is
`commonly available. The plug adapter 114N can be releas
`ably attached to the plug unit 106 thereby allowing any North
`American power socket 114N to be used as a power source.
`When traveling to a locale which does not have the North
`American power socket 114N, an alternate plug adapter Such
`as adapters 114, 114B, or 114D may be selected by the user,
`according to the power socket 110D, 110B, or 100 available at
`the locale. The plug adapter 114, 114B, or 114D may then be
`releasably attached to plug unit 106 in place of the plug
`adapter 114N, thereby allowing the USB power adapter 100
`to connect to a local power Supply via the local power Socket.
`Various other plug adapters are envisioned that can be con
`figured to operate with alternate power sources Such as for
`instance car sockets.
`The power distribution and charging subsystem 58 of the
`mobile device 10 can selectively use the power provided on
`the Vbus and Gnd lines of the USB connector 54 to provide
`power to the mobile device 10, charge the battery 60, or both.
`A more detailed discussion of how the charging function of
`mobile device 10 can be implemented is described in U.S.
`Pr