Patent ID: 7532492
Filing Date: 2009-05-12
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. An accessory device voltage management system comprising: an accessory device having a power supply that generates at least a first regulated voltage output, a memory storing parameters of the accessory device, a controller coupled to the memory, a communication bus and an interrupt line coupled to the controller, and a switching element controlled by the controller; a host having a power supply generating a bulk power supply output and a low power supply output, and a controller coupled to a communications bus and an interrupt line; and an accessory device interface having a first portion disposed in the host and a second portion disposed in the accessory device with the interface having mating contacts for coupling the bulk power supply output and the low power supply output from the host to the accessory device, coupling a ground connection from the host to the accessory device and coupling the communications bus of the accessory device to the communication bus of the host, wherein the host controller receives an interrupt signal from the accessory device on the interrupt line when the accessory device is coupled to the host via the accessory device interface, with the host controller communicating with the accessory device via the host and accessory device communications busses to retrieve accessory device parameters stored in the accessory device memory to determine if the accessory device is a valid device and supported by the host and initiating communications with the accessory device controller for coupling the bulk power supply of the host to the power supply of the accessory device via the switching element.