Abstract:
Embodiments of a system, topology, and methods for providing power to mobile devices are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to co-pending application Ser. No. 61/158,735, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERING A MOBILE DEVICE”, and filed on Mar. 9, 2009 and co-pending application Ser. No. 61/180,836, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERING A MOBILE DEVICES”, and filed on May 22, 2009. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for providing electrical power mobile devices. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     It may be desirable to be able to provide power to one or more mobile devices using a single device coupled or uncoupled to an independent or external power source. The present invention such a device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture with two power elements decoupled according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  is a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture with two power elements coupled according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1C  is a front view of a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1D  is a back view of a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1E  is another back view of a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture and external power source cavity according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1F-1I  are simplified diagrams of mobile device power supply architecture external power source mechanical interfaces according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2D  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 4A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 5A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 5B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6-6E  are flow diagrams illustrating several methods according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of an architecture including a first and a second mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of an architecture including a mobile device power supply according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view of a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front view of a simplified diagram of another mobile device power supply architecture according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are simplified diagrams of a mobile device power supply architecture  500 A according to various embodiments. The architecture  500 A includes two, separable mobile device power providers (MDPP)  520 A,  520 B where the second mobile device power provider  520 B may be couplable with the first mobile device power provider  520 A. In an embodiment the second mobile device power provider  520 B may be recessed in at least a portion  550  of the first mobile device power provider  520 A as shown in  FIG. 1B . In an embodiment the first mobile device power provider  520 A may include a first external or independent power input coupling  530 A and a second external power input mechanical coupling  42 A, a mobile device power interface  540 A, a second mobile device power provider power output interface  550 , and a plurality of user perceptible signal generation devices  58 A. 
       FIG. 1F-1I  are simplified diagrams of mobile device power supply architecture external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B according to various embodiments. Each external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B may be removably couplable to an external power source cavity ( 42 B in  FIG. 1E ). The cavity  42 B may have a plurality of electrical contacts  42 C- 42 F that may couple various electrical contacts  43 C- 43 F of the external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B. In an embodiment the external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B may be configured to couple to external alternating current (AC) power source where power characteristics of the external AC power source may vary geographical as well known to one of skill in the art, e.g., the operating voltage may be about 100, 110, and 220 volts. In order to prevent potential damage to AC powered devices, different external AC power sources may require different mechanical interfaces ( 44 A,  44 B). 
     In an embodiment the external power source mechanical interface  43 A may have electrical contacts  43 E,  43 F that engage contacts  42 E,  42 F when the interface  43 A is inserted into the cavity  42 B. Similarly, the external power source mechanical interface  43 B may have electrical contacts  43 C,  43 D that engage contacts  42 C,  42 D when the interface  43 B is inserted into the cavity  42 B. Contacts  42 E,  42 F may be configured to receive external AC power having one of a voltage about 100 or 110 volts and about 220 volts. Similarly, Contacts  42 C,  42 D may be configured to receive external AC power having one of a voltage about 220 volts and about 100 or 110 volts. In an embodiment a external power source mechanical interface  43 A,  43 B may be rotatably inserted into the cavity  42 B. Further the external power source mechanical interface  43 A,  43 B prongs  44 A,  44 B may be foldable within the interface  43 A,  43 B. 
     In an embodiment the interface  43 A prongs  44 A may be straight blades that are designed to couple to an external AC power source having about a 100 or 110 voltage and the contacts  42 E,  42 F may be configured to be coupled to an AC power source having about a 100 or 110 voltage. The interface  43 B prongs  44 B may be cylindrical and designed to be coupled to an external AC power source having about a 220 voltage and the contacts  42 C,  42 D may be configured to be coupled to an AC power source having about a 220 voltage. 
     The second mobile device power provider or module  520 B may include a power input coupling  530 B, a mobile device power interface (MDPI)  540 B, and a plurality of user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B. In an embodiment the first MDPP  520 A via interface  550  may provide one of AC or direct current (DC) power to the second MDPP  520 B via the power input coupling  530 B. In the first and the second mobile device power providers  540 A,  540 B, the user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B may provide an indication of the device&#39;s operation including whether the device is coupled to an external power source, an internal power storage unit level ( 56 A,  56 B,  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B), charging status of an internal power storage unit, and discharge state of an internal power storage unit. 
       FIG. 1C  is a front view of a simplified diagram of another mobile device power supply architecture  500 B according to various embodiments and  FIG. 1D  is a back view of the simplified diagram of the mobile device power supply architecture  500 B according to various embodiments. The architecture  500 B may include a first external or independent power input coupling  530 B and a second external power input mechanical coupling  42 A, a mobile device power interface  540 B, and a plurality of user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B.  FIG. 1E  is a back view of a simplified diagram of the mobile device power supply architecture  500 B external power source cavity  42 B according to various embodiments where the mobile device power supply architecture external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B may be removably couplable to the external power source cavity  42 B. 
     The cavity  42 B may have a plurality of electrical contacts  42 C- 42 F that may couple various electrical contacts  43 C- 43 F of the external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B. The user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B may provide an indication of the architecture&#39;s  500 B operation including whether the device is coupled to an external power source, an internal power storage unit level ( 56 B,  FIG. 2B ), charging status of an internal power storage unit, and discharge state of an internal power storage unit. 
       FIG. 2A  is a block diagram of an architecture  10 A according to various embodiments. The architecture  10 A includes an external power source  20 , a MDPP  520 A, and a direct current (DC) powered mobile device  30 . The mobile device  30  may be powered by a USB interface  64  ( FIGS. 1C ,  1 D) or a device specific power interface ( 132  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). The mobile device  64 ,  64 A,  64 B may be coupled to a MDPP  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B via cable(s)  64 ,  164 ,  64 A,  64 B coupling the mobile device  30 ,  30 A,  30 B interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B to a MDPP  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  640 A,  640 B interface  152 A,  152 B,  252 A,  252 B,  352 A,  540 A,  540 B,  552 A,  552 B. The MDPP  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  640 A,  640 B may provide DC electrical energy to one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B. 
     In an embodiment a DC powered device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B may include a rechargeable electrical storage element  36 . The MDPP  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B may provide DC electrical energy to one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B that is sufficient to a) power devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B, b) charge an electrical storage element  36  of devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B, and c) simultaneously power devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B and charge an electrical storage element  36  of devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B. The electrical storage element  36  may be a re-chargeable battery, capacitor, or other device capable of temporarily storing electrical energy. 
     In an embodiment the MDPP  520 A of  FIG. 1C  may include an Alternating Current (AC) electrical coupling  42 A, transformer/inverter  44 A, switch controller module  46 A, charging module  48 A, universal serial bus (USB) interface  540 A, multiple position switch  54 A, electrical storage element  56 A, second MDPP interface  550  and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A. The MDPP  520 A may be part of the architecture  500 A and  500 B where the second MDPP interface  550  may be optionally excluded in the architecture  500 B. The external power source  20 A may supply AC or DC power. 
     In an embodiment the external power source  20 A may be an AC power source. The external power source  20 A may be part of an electrical distribution network, independent electrical source, or localized electrical source including a battery  36 , generator, or solar generation module. The AC coupling  42 A may include multiple electrical contacts that enable a MDPP  520 A to receive AC from an external power source  20 A. In an embodiment the external power source  20 A may supply AC power to the AC coupling  42 A via a standard outlet where the AC coupling includes two for a non-grounded application and three prongs for a grounded application. 
     The transformer/inverter  44 A may receive AC power and convert the received power to DC power having a predetermined voltage and amperage as needed or required by one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B. The transformer/inverter  44 A may also provide electrical energy to a charging module  48 A where electrical energy may be the same as the DC power provided to or to be provided to DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms. The transformer/inverter  44 A may also provide electrical energy or an indication of energy generation to a switch controller module  46 A where the electrical energy may be the same as the DC power provided to be provided to a DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms that provide an indication of whether sufficient energy is being provided by the transformer/inverter  44 A to power the DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B. 
     The charging module  48 A may receive electrical energy from the transformer/inverter  44 A and charge one or more electrical storage elements  56 A. The charging module  48 A may provide an electrical signal to the one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A to inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 A is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B are electrically coupled to a MDPP  540 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A. In an embodiment a charging module  48 A,  48 B may determine the storage element  56 A,  56 B level and fast charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is below a first predetermined level, slow or trickle charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is below a second level and above the first level, the second level greater than the first level, and not charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is above a second level. In an embodiment the second level may be about 95% of the maximum level and the second level may be about 80% of the maximum level. 
     The electrical storage element  56 A,  56 B may include one or more batteries, capacitors, or other electrical energy storage devices including a lithium ion, NiCad, or other rechargeable medium based element. The switch controller module  46 A may work in conjunction with the multiple position switch  54 A to direct one of energy from the transformer/inverter  44 A and the electrical storage element  56 A to the USB interface  540 A via the coupling  62 A and the second MDPP interface  550 . The switch controller module  46 A may control the switch  54 A as a function of the signal received from the transformer/inverter  44 A via the switch control line  47 A. 
     As noted, the MDPP  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B may provide DC electrical energy to one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B. In an embodiment the USB interface  540 A may receive the electrical signal  62 A from the switch  54 A and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate USB contacts of the USB interface to provide DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  64  to the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of an architecture  10 B including a second MDPP  520 B according to various embodiments. The architecture  10 B includes an external power source  20 B, a second MDPP  520 B, and a direct current (DC) powered mobile device  30 . The mobile device  30  may be powered by a USB interface  64  or a device specific power interface ( 132  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). In an embodiment the MDPP  520 B of  FIG. 1D  may include an electrical power coupling  530 B, switch controller module  46 B, charging module  48 B, universal serial bus (USB) interface  540 B, multiple position switch  54 B, electrical storage element  56 B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 B. The external power source  20 B may supply AC or DC power. In an embodiment the external power source  20 B may be a DC power source. In another embodiment the first MDPP  520 A via the mobile device interface (MDI)  550  may provide electrical power (DC power in one embodiment) to the second MDPP  520 B via the power coupling  530 B. The external power source  20 B may be part of an electrical distribution network, independent electrical source, or localized electrical source including a battery  36 , generator, or solar generation module. The power coupling  530 B may include multiple electrical contacts that enable a MDPP  520 A to receive power from an external power source  20 B including a MDI  550  of a MDPP  520 A. 
     In an embodiment the external power source  20 B may supply DC power to the power coupling  42 B via a standard accessory or cigarette outlet where the DC coupling  530 B is shaped to interface with such a standard outlet. In an embodiment the MDPP  520 A MDI  550  may be configured as standard accessory or cigarette outlet to receive the corresponding DC coupling  530 B of a MDPP  520 B. The DC coupling  530 B may provide electrical energy to a charging module  48 B where electrical energy may be the same as the DC power provided to or to be provided to DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms. The power coupling  530 B may also provide electrical energy or an indication of energy generation to a switch controller module  46 B where the electrical energy may be the same as the DC power provided to be provided to a DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms that provide an indication of whether sufficient energy is being provided by the transformer/inverter  44 A to power the DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B. 
     The charging module  48 B may receive electrical energy from the power coupling  530 B and charge one or more electrical storage elements  56 B. The charging module  48 B may provide an electrical signal to the one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 B to inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 B is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B are electrically coupled to a MDPP  540 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A. The electrical storage element  56 B may include one or more batteries, capacitors, or other electrical energy storage devices. The switch controller module  46 B may work in conjunction with the multiple position switch  54 B to direct one of energy from the power coupling  530 B and the electrical storage element  56 B to the USB interface  540 B via the coupling  62 B. The switch controller module  46 B may control the switch  54 B as a function of the signal received from the power coupling  530 B via the switch control line  47 B. 
     As noted, the MDPP  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B may provide DC electrical energy to one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B. In an embodiment the USB interface  540 B may receive the electrical signal  62 B from the switch  54 B and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate USB contacts of the USB interface to provide DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  64  to the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of another first MDPP  500 A or provider  500 B architecture  100 A according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  130  in the architecture  100 A may have a device specific power supply interface  132 . The MDPP  140 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, transformer/inverter  44 A, a switch controller module  46 A, a charging module  48 A, a device specific interface  152 A, a multiple position switch  54 A, an electrical storage element  56 A, a MDPP interface  550  (for  500 A), and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A. The MDPP  140 A is similar to MDPP  520 A other than the device specific interface  152 . In an embodiment the device specific interface  152 A may receive the electrical signal  62 A from the switch  54 A and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  152 A to provide DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  164  to the DC powered device  130  device specific interface  132 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a block diagram of another second MDPP architecture  100 B according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  130  in the architecture  100 A may have a device specific power supply interface  132 . The MDPP  140 B may include an electrical power coupling  42 B, a switch controller module  46 B, a charging module  48 B, a device specific interface  152 B, a multiple position switch  54 B, an electrical storage element  56 B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 B. The MDPP  140 B is similar to MDPP  520 B other than the device specific interface  152 . In an embodiment the device specific interface  152 B may receive the electrical signal  62 B from the switch  54 B and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  152 B to provide DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  164  to the DC powered device  130  device specific interface  132 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of another first MDPP  500 A or provider  500 B architecture  200 A according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  230  in the architecture  200 A may have a device specific power supply interface  232 . The MDPP  240 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, transformer/inverter  44 A, a switch controller module  46 A, a charging module  48 A, a device specific interface  252 A, a multiple position switch  54 A, an electrical storage element  56 A, a MDPP interface  550  (for  500 A) and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A. The MDPP  240  is similar to MDPP  40 ,  140  other than the device specific interface  252 A. In an embodiment the device specific interface  252  may receive the electrical signal  62  from the switch  54  and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  252  directly to the device specific interface  232  of the DC powered device  230 . In an embodiment the MDPP  240 A device specific interface  252 A may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  230  device specific interface  232  may be one of a female or male based electrical contact interface, respectively. 
       FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of another second MDPP architecture  200 B according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  230  in the architecture  200 B may have a device specific power supply interface  232 . The MDPP  240 B may include an electrical power coupling  42 B, a switch controller module  46 B, a charging module  48 B, a device specific interface  252 B, a multiple position switch  54 B, an electrical storage element  56 B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 B. The MDPP  240  is similar to MDPP  40 ,  140  other than the device specific interface  252 . In an embodiment the device specific interface  252  may receive the electrical signal  62  from the switch  54  and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  252 B directly to the device specific interface  232  of the DC powered device  230 . In an embodiment the MDPP  240 B device specific interface  252 A may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  230  device specific interface  232  may be one of a female or male based electrical contact interface, respectively. 
       FIG. 4A  is a block diagram of another first MDPP  500 A or provider  500 B architecture  300 A according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  30  in the architecture  300 A may have a USB interface  32  or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The MDPP  340 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  350 A, and an electrical storage element  56 A. The ASIC  350 A may include one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 A as part of or coupled to the ASIC  350 A. The ASIC  350 A may perform the functions of the transformer/inverter  44 A, switch controller module  46 A, charging module  48 A, a USB interface  52 A, and a multiple position switch  54 A. In an embodiment the MDPP USB interface  352 A may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32  may be one of a female or male USB interface, respectively. 
     In embodiment the MDPP  340 A ASIC  350 A may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC power coupling  42 A and the electrical storage element  56 A. The ASIC  350 A may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 A is sufficient to provide power one or more DC powered device(s)  30  and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 A alone in combination with the AC/DC coupling electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on an USB interface  352 A built into the ASIC  350 A. An electrical cable  64  may couple the ASIC  350 A USB interface  352 A to the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . The ASIC  350 A may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 A when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 A. The ASIC  350 A may include an MDPP interface  550  (in  500 A) where the second MDPP  550  power coupling  42 B may be coupled to the MDPP interface  550 . 
     The ASIC  350 A may further transform or invert the electrical energy provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 A to the DC voltage/amperage rating needed to charge the electrical storage element  56 A and provide power to the DC powered device  30 . The ASIC  350 A via one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 A may inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 A is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30  are electrically coupled to the MDPP  340 A. In an embodiment a user detectable signal generation module  58 ,  358 ,  558  may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), other light generation devices, vibration modules, or audible generation devices (speakers). 
       FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of another second MDPP architecture  340 B according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  30  in the architecture  340 B may have a USB interface  32  or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The MDPP  340 B may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 B, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  350 B, and an electrical storage element  56 B. The ASIC  350 B may include one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 B as part of or coupled to the ASIC  350 B. The ASIC  350 B may perform the functions of the switch controller module  46 B, charging module  48 B, a USB interface  52 B, and a multiple position switch  54 B. In an embodiment the MDPP USB interface  352 B may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32  may be one of a female or male USB interface, respectively. 
     In embodiment the MDPP  340 B ASIC  350 B may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC power coupling  42 B and the electrical storage element  56 B. The ASIC  350 B may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 B is sufficient to provide power one or more DC powered device(s)  30  and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 B alone in combination with the AC/DC coupling electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on an USB interface  352 B built into the ASIC  350 B. An electrical cable  64  may couple the ASIC  350 B USB interface  352 B to the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . The ASIC  350 B may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 B when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 B. 
     The ASIC  350 B may further transform or invert the electrical energy provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 B to the DC voltage/amperage rating needed to charge the electrical storage element  56 B and provide power to the DC powered device  30 . The ASIC  350 B via one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 B may inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 B is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30  are electrically coupled to the MDPP  340 B. 
       FIG. 5A  is a block diagram of another first MDPP  500 A or provider  500 B architecture  600 A according to various embodiments. Multiple DC powered devices  30 A,  30 B in the architecture  500  may have a USB interface  32 A,  32 B or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The MDPP  640 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  650 A, and an electrical storage element  56 A. The ASIC  650 A may include one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 A as part of or coupled to the ASIC  650 A. In embodiment the MDPP  640 A ASIC  650 A may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC power coupling  42 A and the electrical storage element  56 A. 
     The ASIC  650 A may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 A is sufficient to provide power to the two or more DC powered device(s)  30 A,  30 B and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 A alone in combination with the AC/DC power coupling  42 A electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on multiple USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B built into the ASIC  650 A. Electrical cables  64 A,  64 B may couple the ASIC  650 A USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B to the DC powered device  30 A,  30 B USB interfaces  32 A,  32 B. The ASIC  650 A may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 A when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 A. 
       FIG. 5B  is a block diagram of another second MDPP architecture  600 B according to various embodiments. Multiple DC powered devices  30 A,  30 B in the architecture  600 B may have a USB interface  32 A,  32 B or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The MDPP  640 B may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 B, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  650 B, and an electrical storage element  56 B. The ASIC  650 B may include one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 B as part of or coupled to the ASIC  650 B. In embodiment the MDPP  640 B ASIC  650 B may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC electric power coupling  42 B and the electrical storage element  56 B. 
     The ASIC  650 B may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 B is sufficient to provide power to the two or more DC powered device(s)  30 A,  30 B and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 B alone in combination with the AC/DC power coupling  42 B electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on multiple USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B built into the ASIC  650 B. Electrical cables  64 A,  64 B may couple the ASIC  650 B USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B to the DC powered device  30 A,  30 B USB interfaces  32 A,  32 B. The ASIC  650 B may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 B when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 B. 
       FIG. 6A  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  400 A according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 A,  650 A may employ the method  400 A illustrated by the  FIG. 6A  flow diagram. The method  400 A may determine whether sufficient power is being provided by an external power source  20 A to power one or more devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B (activity  402 A). When the power is insufficient and at least one device is coupled to a MDPP  340 A,  640 A (activity  404 A), the method  400 A may provide energy to the one or more devices  30 ,  30 A,  30 B from an electrical storage element  56 A (activity  406 A) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 A via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A (activity  406 A,  408 A). 
     When sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 A and the electrical storage device  56 A is not fully charged (activity  412 A) the method  400 A may charge the electrical storage element  56 A (activity  414 A) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 A charge level via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A (activity  416 A). Further when sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 A (activity  402 A) and at least one device  30 ,  30 A,  30 B is coupled to the MDPP  340 ,  540  (activity  422 A) the method  400 A may provide energy to the one or more devices  30 ,  30 A,  30 B from the external power source  20 A (activity  424 A) and provide an indication of the existence of power from the external power source  20 A via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A (activity  426 A). 
     Further when sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 A (activity  402 A) and a second MDPP  140 B,  240 B,  640 B (activity  428 ) the method  400 A may provide energy to the 2nd MDPP  140 B,  240 B,  640 B from the external power source  20 A (activity  432 ) and provide an indication of the existence of power from the external power source  20 A via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A (activity  434 ). 
       FIG. 6B  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  400 B according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 B,  650 B may employ the method  400 B illustrated by the  FIG. 6B  flow diagram. The method  400 B may determine whether sufficient power is being provided by an external power source  20 B to power one or more devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B (activity  402 B). When the power is insufficient and at least one device is coupled to a MDPP  340 B,  640 B (activity  404 B), the method  400 B may provide energy to the one or more devices  30 ,  30 A,  30 B from an electrical storage element  56 B (activity  406 B) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 B via the user detectable signal generation device  358 B (activity  406 B,  408 B). 
     When sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 B and the electrical storage device  56 B is not fully charged (activity  412 B) the method  400 B may charge the electrical storage element  56 B (activity  414 B) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 B charge level via the user detectable signal generation device  358 B (activity  416 B). Further when sufficient power is provided by the power source  2 B 0  (activity  402 B) and at least one device  30 ,  30 A,  30 B is coupled to the MDPP  340 B,  640 B (activity  422 B) the method  400 B may provide energy to the one or more devices  30 ,  30 A,  30 B from the external power source  20 B (activity  424 B) and provide an indication of the existence of power from the external power source  20 B via the user detectable signal generation device  358 B (activity  426 B). 
       FIG. 6C  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  402 A according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 A,  650 A may employ the method  402 A illustrated by the  FIG. 6C  flow diagram. The method  402 A shown in  FIG. 6C  may be employed by the method  400 A in an embodiment to reduce energy consumption when a device is not connected. The method  402 A may set a sleep timer to zero (activity  440 A). The method  402 A determine whether adequate external power is provided to the system  500 A,  10 A,  100 A,  300 A (activity  442 A) and may transfer control to section A when inadequate power is available. When adequate external power is detected, the method may determine whether a device is coupled to the provider system  500 A,  10 A,  100 A,  300 A or the second mobile power provider system  10 B,  100 B,  300 B is coupled to the provider system (activities  444 A and  446 A). 
     When a device is coupled to the provider system  500 A,  10 A,  100 A,  300 A or the second mobile power provider system  10 B,  100 B,  300 B is coupled to the provider system, control may be transferred to section B. Otherwise the method may determine whether a predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero) activity  448 A. When the time interval has not passed then the external power source may be decoupled (activity  454 A) to save un-necessary power consumption. When the predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero), the method  402 A may determine whether the storage element  56 A,  56 B needs charging by comparing its storage level to a predetermined level or percentage of total capacity (activity  452 A). When the internal level is less than the predetermined level or percentage, the method  402 A may charge the storage element (activity  414 C). The method  402 A may then decouple the external power source (activity  454 A) to save un-necessary power consumption and reset the sleep timer (activity  440 A). 
       FIG. 6D  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  402 B according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 A,  650 A may employ the method  402 B illustrated by the  FIG. 6D  flow diagram. The method  402 B shown in  FIG. 6D  may be employed by the method  400 B in an embodiment to reduce energy consumption when a device is not connected. The method  402 B may set a sleep timer to zero (activity  440 B). The method  402 B determine whether adequate external power is provided to the system  10 B,  100 B,  300 B (activity  442 B) and may transfer control to section C when inadequate power is available or detected. When adequate external power is detected, the method may determine whether a device is coupled to the provider system  10 B,  100 B,  300 B (activity  444 B). 
     When a device is coupled to the provider system  10 B,  100 B,  300 B, control may be transferred to section D. Otherwise the method may determine whether a predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero) activity  448 B. When the time interval has not passed then the external power source may be decoupled (activity  454 B) to save un-necessary power consumption. When the predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero), the method  402 B may determine whether the storage element  56 A,  56 B needs charging by comparing its storage level to a predetermined level or percentage of total capacity (activity  452 B). When the internal level is less than the predetermined level or percentage, the method  402 B may charge the storage element (activity  414 C). The method  402 B may then decouple the external power source (activity  454 B) to save un-necessary power consumption and reset the sleep timer (activity  440 B). 
     In method  402 A and  402 B the internal power element  56 A,  56 B may provide energy to the system  500 A,  10 A,  10 B,  140 A,  140 B,  300 A,  300 B when the external power is optionally decoupled. In an embodiment when the storage element  56 A,  56 B is depleted to a predetermined percentage X (activity  452 A,  452 B) the external power may be engaged to charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B (activity  414 C). In an embodiment the predetermined percentage X may range from about 95% to 80%. 
       FIG. 6E  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  414  according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 A,  650 A or system  500 A,  10 A,  10 B,  140 A,  140 B,  300 A,  300 B may employ the method  414  illustrated by the  FIG. 6E  flow diagram. The method  414  shown in  FIG. 6E  may be employed by the methods  400 A,  400 B in an embodiment to optimize storage element  56 A,  56 B charging. In the method  414  a storage element  56 A,  56 B may not be charged when the determined energy level is greater than X percentage (activity  460 ). The method  414  may fast charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is less than Y % (activity  462 ,  464 ). The method  414  may slow or trickle charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when storage level is greater than Y % and less than X % (activity  462 ,  466 ). In an embodiment X may be about 95% of maximum storage capacity and Y may be about 80% of maximum storage capacity. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of architecture  700  including a first and a second mobile device power supply element according to various embodiments. The architecture  700  may include a first MDPP  710  and a second MDPP  750 . The first MDPP  710  may have a housing  720 C including a right  720 A and a left  720 B side cap and a recess  714 . The first MDPP  710  may include a circuit board  730  that functions as an ASIC  650 A,  350 A. The second MDPP  750  may also include a circuit board  770 , user detectable devices  756 , upper housing  754 A, lower housing  754 B, power interface  752 , battery  772 , right  760 A and left  760 B side cap. The circuit board  770  may function as an ASIC  650 B,  350 B. The power interface  752  may function as power coupling  20 B. The user detectable devices  756  may function as a user detectable device  358 B,  58 B. The second MDPP  750  power interface  752  may fit in the first MDPP  710  recess  714 . A wire  780  may be coupled to the MDPP  710 ,  750  to provide power or couple a MDPP  710 ,  750  to a mobile device  30 ,  30 A,  30 B. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram of an architecture including a mobile device power supply  800  according to various embodiments. The mobile device power supply  800  may be employed in various embodiments including  500 B,  10 B,  100 B,  200 B,  300 B, and  600 B. In an embodiment the mobile device power supply  800  may include a back body  802 , front body  804 , battery cover  806 , electrical contacts  812 , spring prongs  814 , contact plate  808 , circuit board  816 , universal serial bus (USB) module  822 , and a battery pack  824 . The circuit board  816  may include one or more LEDs  818  and a processor  817 . The back cover  802  may include an electrical prong module holder  803 . The electrical prong module may include electrical contacts  812 , spring prongs  814 , and contact plate  808  as know to those of skill in the art. The USB module  822  may be coupled to the circuit board  816 . 
     The front cover  804  may have one or more openings  805  for the LEDs  818 . The battery  824  may be coupled to the circuit board  816  and be located under the battery cover  806 . In an embodiment the battery cover  806  may be removable so the battery  824  may be replaced periodically. 
       FIG. 9A  is a front view of a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture  900 A according to various embodiments. The architecture  900 A includes a mobile device power supply such as  500 B,  10 B,  100 B,  200 B,  300 B, and  600 B and solar panel  910 A. The solar panel  910 A may be coupled to a power supply  500 B,  10 B,  100 B,  200 B,  300 B, and  600 B and provide another energy source. 
       FIG. 9B  is a front view of a simplified diagram of a mobile device power supply architecture  900 B according to various embodiments. The architecture  900 B includes a mobile device power supply such as  500 B,  10 B,  100 B,  200 B,  300 B, and  600 B and a hand crank electrical generator  910 B. The hand crank electrical generator  910 B may include a crank  912  and electrical generator  914  coupled to the crank  912 . The electrical generator  914  may be coupled to a power supply  500 B,  10 B,  100 B,  200 B,  300 B, and  600 B and provide another energy source. The electrical generator  914  may be a magnetic induction charging generator  914  in an embodiment. 
     Any of the components previously described can be implemented in a number of ways, including embodiments in software. Any of the components previously described can be implemented in a number of ways, including embodiments in software. Thus, the AC/DC coupling  42 A,  42 B, transformer/inverter  44 A, switch controller module  46 A,  46 B, charging module  48 A,  48 B, USB interface  52 A,  352 A,  552 A,  52 B,  352 B,  552 B device specific interface  152 A,  152 B, device specific interface  252 A,  252 B, ASIC  350 A,  350 B,  650 A,  650 B may all be characterized as “modules” herein. 
     The modules may include hardware circuitry, single or multi-processor circuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects, firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired by the architect of the architecture  10  and as appropriate for particular implementations of various embodiments. The apparatus and systems of various embodiments may be useful in applications other than a sales architecture configuration. They are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. 
     Applications that may include the novel apparatus and systems of various embodiments include electronic circuitry used in high-speed computers, communication and signal processing circuitry, modems, single or multi-processor modules, single or multiple embedded processors, data switches, and application-specific modules, including multilayer, multi-chip modules. Such apparatus and systems may further be included as sub-components within a variety of electronic systems, such as televisions, cellular telephones, personal computers (e.g., laptop computers, desktop computers, handheld computers, tablet computers, etc.), workstations, radios, video players, audio players (e.g., mp3 players), vehicles, medical devices (e.g., heart monitor, blood pressure monitor, etc.) and others. Some embodiments may include a number of methods. 
     It may be possible to execute the activities described herein in an order other than the order described. Various activities described with respect to the methods identified herein can be executed in repetitive, serial, or parallel fashion. A software program may be launched from a computer-readable medium in a computer-based system to execute functions defined in the software program. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement and perform the methods disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively, the programs may be structured in a procedure-orientated format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art, such as application program interfaces or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment. 
     The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.