`
`(12) United States Patent
`Fischer et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7.239,111 B2
`*Jul. 3, 2007
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`UNIVERSAL SERAL BUS ADAPTER FOR A
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`Inventors: Daniel M. Fischer, Waterloo (CA);
`Dan G. Radult, 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)
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
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`(52)
`(58)
`
`Appl. No.: 11/175.885
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 6, 2005
`(Under 37 CFR 1.47)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2005/0245138 A1
`Nov. 3, 2005
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of application No. 10/087,629, filed on
`Mar. 1, 2002, now Pat. No. 6,936,936.
`Provisional application No. 60/273,021, filed on Mar.
`1, 2001, provisional application No. 60/330,486, filed
`on Oct. 23, 2001.
`
`Int. C.
`(2006.01)
`HIM IO/46
`U.S. Cl. ...................................................... 32O/111
`Field of Classification Search ................ 320/111,
`320/138, 114; 307/150, 151
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,775,659 A 11/1973 Carlsen, II
`
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`O684680 A1
`
`11F1995
`
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Electric Double-Layer Capacitors, vol. 2, Oct. 25, 1996 (Japan,
`Tokin Corp., Cat. No. EC-200E).
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner Edward H. 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 con
`nector, and an identification Subsystem. The plug unit is
`operative to couple the adapter to a power Socket and
`operative to receive energy from the power socket. The
`power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit and
`is operable to regulate the received energy from the power
`Socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile
`device. The primary connector is electrically coupled to the
`power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile
`device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the
`mobile device. The identification subsystem is electrically
`coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide
`an identification signal.
`
`18 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`Power Distribution &
`Charging Subsystem
`
`USB Corrector
`
`304
`dual Power Converter
`!
`308
`as
`so
`identification
`Plug Unit
`"1 C31AN"sia"gas".3.- m.
`"N"Plug
`"D"Plug || "B"Plug
`:
`Adapter
`Adapter || Adapter ||AE
`3N
`AN
`f
`3.108
`-30
`E"
`E" E.
`Socket
`Socket
`Sockets
`
`Legend
`
`Sacket
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1005
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 1 of 14
`
`
`
`US 7.239,111 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 Neilsen 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 Cof
`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 12/1998 Weimer et al.
`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
`
`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 et al.
`6,668,296 B1
`5/2004 Milley et al.
`6,738,856 B1
`6/2001 Gilbert ....................... T13,320
`2001/0003205 A1
`2004/025 1878 A1* 12/2004 Veselic ....................... 320,141
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`WO
`
`1198049 A1
`WO 01 01330 A1
`
`4, 2002
`1/2001
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Supercapacitor: User's Manual, vol. 2 (Japan, Tokin Corp., date
`unknown).
`Charging Big Supercaps, Portable Design, p. 26, Mar. 1997.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1005
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 2 of 14
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 7.239,111 B2
`
`99
`
`fe?eC]
`
`J?WOd
`
`30.InOS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1005
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 3 of 14
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 7.239,111 B2
`
`60
`
`NU) (1N
`
`1 2
`
`Microprocessor
`
`POWer D
`istribution &
`Subsystem
`Charging
`
`USB POrt
`
`18
`
`58
`54
`
`1m4 /
`St. ii
`€
`
`
`
`n
`(f)
`O
`D
`S.
`'s
`O
`C
`112
`
`USB Connector
`
`4
`106 10 1N
`Plug Unit
`
`108
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`114N "N" Plug
`Adapter
`
`"D"Plug
`Adapter
`
`"B"Plug
`Adapter
`
`
`
`
`
`POWer
`Socket
`
`
`
`
`
`European
`POWer
`Socket
`
`
`
`
`
`110
`
`POWer
`Sockets
`
`Legend
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1005
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 4 of 14
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 7.239,111 B2
`
`Voltage Detected on Vbus line
`(power portion of USB connector)
`
`210
`
`
`
`
`
`230
`
`USB Adapter
`Detected
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`260
`
`
`
`USB HOSt Or
`Hub Detected
`
`240
`
`
`
`250
`
`AWait
`Enumeration
`
`Charge Battery
`As Required
`
`F.G. 3
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1005
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 5 of 14
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`320
`
`--------------------------------a---------------------19.
`
`12
`
`60
`Ng S
`
`300 mosano
`
`pun a
`
`assess
`
`Receptacle
`
`318 :
`Battery
`Receptacle
`
`316
`Charging
`Subsystem
`
`304
`Dual POWer Converter
`1N
`Plug Unit
`
`306
`
`"D" Plug
`Adapter
`
`"B"Plug
`Adapter
`
`
`
`
`
`USB Connector
`
`USB Connector
`1N
`
`308
`
`ldentification
`
`North
`American
`POWer
`Socket
`
`European
`POWer
`Socket
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Legend
`
`Petitioners Ex. 1005
`IPR USP 7,834,586
`Page 6 of 14
`
`
`
`US 7,239,111 B2
`
`2
`SUMMARY
`
`1.
`UNIVERSAL SERAL BUS ADAPTER FOR A
`MOBILE DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 10/087,629, entitled “Multifunctional Charger Sys
`tem and Method,” which was filed on Mar. 1, 2002, and
`issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,936, U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 10/087,629 claims priority from and is related to
`U.S. 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 filed on Mar. 1,
`2001, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/330,486,
`entitled “Multifunctional Charger System and Method”.
`which was filed on Oct. 23, 2001. The entirety of these prior
`applications are hereby incorporated into the present appli
`cation by reference.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`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 identification Subsystem. The plug unit is
`operative to couple the adapter to a power Socket and
`operative to receive energy from the power socket. The
`power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit and
`is operable to regulate the received energy from the power
`Socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile
`device. The primary connector is electrically coupled to the
`power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile
`device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the
`mobile device. The identification subsystem is electrically
`coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide
`an identification signal.
`In accordance with another aspect, a USB adapter for
`providing a source of power to a mobile device through a
`USB port is provided. The USB adapter comprises a plug
`unit, a power converter, a primary USB connector, and an
`identification Subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple
`the USB adapter to a power socket and operative to receive
`energy from the power Socket. The power converter is
`electrically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to
`regulate the received energy from the power socket and to
`output a power requirement to the mobile device. The
`primary USB connector is electrically coupled to the power
`converter and is operative to couple to the mobile device and
`to deliver the outputted power requirement to the mobile
`device. The identification subsystem is electrically coupled
`to the primary connector and is operative to provide an
`identification signal.
`Another aspect provides a USB adapter for providing a
`source of power to a mobile device through a USB port. The
`USB adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a
`primary USB connector, and an auxiliary USB adapter. The
`plug unit is operative to couple the USB adapter to a power
`Socket and operative to receive energy from the power
`socket. The power converter is electrically coupled to the
`plug unit and is operable to regulate the received energy
`from the power socket and to output a power requirement to
`the mobile device. The primary USB connector is electri
`cally coupled to the power converter and is operative to
`couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted
`power requirement to the mobile device. The auxiliary USB
`connector has data lines that are electrically coupled to the
`data lines of the primary USB connector.
`Yet another aspect provides a method for providing
`energy to a mobile device using a USB adapter that com
`prises a plug unit, a primary USB connector, a power
`converter electrically coupled between the plug unit and the
`primary USB connector, and an 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 requirement to the mobile device
`via the power converter and the USB connector, and pro
`viding an identification signal to the mobile device, via the
`identification subsystem and the USB connector, that is
`operative to inform the mobile device that the USB adapter
`is not limited by the power limits imposed by the USB
`specification.
`In accordance with another aspect, a powering system for
`a mobile device having a USB connector is provided. The
`powering system comprises a power distribution Subsystem
`
`25
`
`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
`30
`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 specification,
`typical USB power source devices, such as hubs and hosts,
`require that a USB device participate in a host-initiated
`process called enumeration in order to be compliant with the
`current USB specification in drawing power from the USB
`interface. Although a mobile device could be adapted to
`participate in enumeration when drawing power over the
`USB interface, it would be preferable in many situations,
`Such as when a host would not be available, as often happens
`during normal use of a mobile device, to be able to utilize
`alternate power sources such as conventional AC outlets and
`DC car sockets that are not capable of participating in
`enumeration to supply power to the mobile device via a USB
`interface.
`
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`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
`identification Subsystem that is operable to transmit an
`identification signal that is operative to identify the USB
`adapter as not being limited by the power limits imposed by
`the USB specification.
`
`10
`
`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 identification 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 amplification, frequency down conver
`Sion, filtering, 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, filtering, amplification and trans
`mission over the communication network 34 via the trans
`mitter antenna 28.
`Also, in the exemplary communication Subsystem 14, the
`DSP.32 processes communication signals and also provides
`for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains
`applied to communication signals in the receiver 22 and
`transmitter 24 may be adaptively controlled through auto
`matic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 32.
`In implementing its control function, the microprocessor
`12 in the exemplary mobile device 10 executes an operating
`system. The operating system software used by the micro
`processor 12 is preferably stored in a persistent store Such as
`flash memory 36, or alternatively read only memory (ROM)
`or similar storage element. The microprocessor 12 may also
`enable the execution of specific device applications, which
`preferably are also stored in a persistent store. The operating
`system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may
`also be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as in
`RAM 38.
`A predetermined set of applications which control basic
`device operations, including at least data and Voice commu
`nication applications for example, will normally be installed
`
`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.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`35
`
`45
`
`Exemplary Mobile Device
`Turning now to the drawing figures, shown in FIG. 1 is a
`schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile communication
`device 10 which has an industry standard interface. The
`mobile communication device 10 is preferably a two-way
`communication device having at least voice or data com
`munication capabilities. Preferably, the mobile device 10 is
`40
`also capable of communicating over the Internet, for
`example, via a radio frequency (“RF) link. Examples of
`types of devices that could be classified as a mobile device
`10 include a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a
`cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wire
`less Internet appliance, a data communication device (with
`or without telephony capabilities), a personal digital assis
`tants (“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
`
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`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 flash
`memory 36.
`The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and
`receive data items, via the wireless network 34. The PIM
`data items are preferably seamlessly integrated, 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 flash memory 36, or
`preferably a non-volatile store (not shown) such as ROM for
`execution by the microprocessor 12. The available applica
`tion installation mechanisms can increase the utility of the
`mobile device 10 by providing the device user with a way of
`upgrading the mobile device 10 with additional and/or
`enhanced on-device functions, communication-related 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 financial 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 Bluetooth'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 receiv
`
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`6
`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 first embodiment of an
`adapter 100 that can be used to couple the mobile device 10
`of FIG. 1 to the data/power source 56 of FIG. 1. In this
`example the adapter 100 is a USB adapter 100 that com
`prises a primary USB connector 102, a power converter 104,
`a plug unit 106, and an identification subsystem 108. The
`power converter is a known element in the art and typically
`includes at least one of the following components: Switching
`converter, transformer, DC source, Voltage regulator, linear
`regulator and rectifier. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
`the USB adapter 100 is shown coupling a mobile device 10
`to one of one or more types of power sockets 110N, 10D,
`10B, and 100. Also shown in FIG. 2 is an optional auxiliary
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`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
`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
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`can be a two prong or three prong plug of the type used in
`North America that can couple to a North American AC
`power socket 110N that provides 115 VAC. In the embodi
`ment shown in FIG. 2, the plug unit 106 can accept one or
`more types of plug adapters 114N, 114B, 114D, and 114 that
`are configured to couple to the plug unit 106 and are further
`configured to directly mate with one or more types of power
`sockets 110N, 10D, 10B, 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 converter 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 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
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`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 configured 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 U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/273,021
`filed on Mar. 1, 2001 and entitled “System and Method for
`Adapting a USB to Provide Power for Charging a Mobile
`Device' which has been incorporated herein by reference.
`Typically when a mobile device 10 receives power over
`the USB from a USB host, it is required to draw power in
`accordance with the USB specification. The USB specifica
`tion specifies a process for transferring energy across the
`USB called enumeration and limits the electrical current that
`can flow across the USB.
`The USB adapter 100 contributes to a system wherein a
`device 10 that follows the USB specification when coupled
`to a typical USB host via its USB port can be informed that
`the USB adapter 100 has been coupled to the device 10 and
`that the device 10 can now draw power without regard to the
`USB specification and the USB specification imposed limits.
`The identification subsystem 108 provides an identifica
`tion signal to