PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8232672-B2
Application Number: US-201113151152-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Power adapters for powering and/or charging peripheral devices

Abstract:
A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.

Claims:
1. A method for providing power to a first device and a second device and data transmission therebetween, the method comprising:
 receiving power at a first housing that includes electrical components; 
 providing the power from the first housing to a power input of a connector assembly, the connector assembly provided within a second housing that is separate from the first housing, wherein the connector assembly comprises the power input, a first connection point, and a second connection point, wherein the first connection point includes a first male connector; 
 in a first mode, mounting the connector assembly on the first device by coupling the first male connector with a port of the first device, wherein the second connection point is coupled with a port of the second device; 
 in a second mode, mounting the connector assembly on the second device by coupling the first male connector with the port of the second device, wherein the second connection point is coupled with the port of the first device; 
 transmitting data between the two connection points in the first mode and in the second mode; and 
 providing the power from the power input to the first and second devices via the first and second connection points in the first mode and in the second mode. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein, in the first mode, the second connection point is coupled with a port of the second device via a transmission line. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein, in the second mode, the second connection point is coupled with the port of the first device via a transmission line. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing the power to the power input of the connector assembly is accomplished by a power cable coupling the first housing to the second housing. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second connection point includes a female connector. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 providing a transmission cable capable of transmitting both power and data, the transmission cable having a first male cable connector at a first end and a second male cable connector at a second end; 
 inserting the first male cable connector into the second connection point of the connector assembly; and 
 inserting the second male cable connector into the port of the first or second device. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second connection points comprise USB connectors. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the connector assembly has only two connectors, the two connectors being at the first connection and the second connection point, respectively. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the first housing converting the power from one voltage-current level to another voltage-current level. 
 
     
     
       10. A method for providing power to a first device and a second device and data transmission therebetween, the method comprising:
 receiving power at a power connection; and 
 providing the power to a power input of a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly comprises the power input, a first connector, and a second connector; 
 connecting the first connector to the first device and connecting the second connector to the second device; 
 transmitting data between the first and second connectors; and 
 providing the power from the power input to the first and second devices via the first and second connectors, 
 wherein the first connector is a standard IEEE 1394 connector or a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector having a first power contact, the first connector providing the power to the first device via the first power contact, and 
 wherein the second connector is a standard IEEE 1394 connector or a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector having a second power contact, the second connector providing the power to the second device via the second power contact. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the power connection is part of an adapter having a housing that includes electrical components and that receives the power from the power connection. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing the power to the power input of the connector assembly is accomplished with a power transmission line that couples the housing with the connector assembly. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second power contacts are each electrically coupled to the power connection. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female port. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the male connector is configured for insertion into a port of the first device or the second device. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 10 , wherein connecting the second connector to the second device is accomplished with a transmission cable. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the power at the power connection is received from a power supply. 
     
     
       18. A method for providing power to a first device and a second device and data transmission therebetween, the method comprising:
 receiving power at a first housing; 
 providing the power from the first housing to a connector assembly via a power cable, the connector assembly provided within a second housing that is separate from the first housing, wherein the connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector; 
 connecting the first connector to the first device, the first connector having at least one first data contact and one or more first power contacts, wherein at least one of the first power contacts is directly connected to the power cable; 
 connecting the second connector to the second device, the second connector having at least one second data contact and one or more second power contacts, wherein at least one of the second power contacts is directly connected to the power cable; 
 transmitting data between the first data contact and the second data contact; and 
 providing the power from the at least one first power contact and the at least one second power contact to the first and second devices, respectively. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first data contact of the first connector is on a same transmission line as the second data contact of the second connector. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first housing receives AC power, converts the AC power to DC power, and the DC power is provided to the connector assembly. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are along a same axis through the second housing. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first connector is a male connector for plugging into a port of the first external device, and wherein the second connector is a female connector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 12/838,397 entitled “Power Adapters for Powering And/Or Charging Peripheral Devices,” filed on Jul. 16, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/698,405 entitled “Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices,” filed on Jan. 26, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/125,893 entitled “Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices,” filed on Apr. 18, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/345,252 entitled “Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices,” filed on Oct. 22, 2001, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for powering peripheral devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved techniques for powering and/or charging peripheral devices through a data transmission line. 
       FIG. 1  is an exemplary block diagram of an electronics system  10 . The electronics system  10  includes a peripheral device  12  and a host device  14 , both of which are capable of processing data. The electronics system  10  also includes a data transmission line  16  that operatively couples the peripheral device  12  to the host device  14 . The data transmission line  16  allows data to be transmitted between the peripheral device  12  and the host device  14 , i.e., data may be uploaded or downloaded between the devices. In most cases, the peripheral and host devices  12  and  14  include data ports  18  and  20 , respectively, for receiving the data connectors of the transmission line  16 . 
     The peripheral device  12 , host device  14  and transmission line  16  may take many forms. For example, the peripheral device  12  may be a portable device such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and the like. The host device  14 , which may be portable as well, may also be a general purpose computer such as a desktop computer. In addition, the transmission line  16  may be capable of transmitting data via a serial, parallel, PS/2, small computer system interface (SCSI), universal serial bus (USB), network, FireWire port (IEEE 1394-1995), and the like. Although some of these transmission lines include lines for transmitting both data and power, it should be noted that the power flowing through the transmission lines is typically incidental power used in processing data. That is, the power is not used to supply power for normal operation of the devices, as for example powering up or charging batteries in the case of portable devices (e.g., power is not supplied through the data transmission line when operating with power from a battery of external power source). 
     In order to operate and/or charge the devices  12  and  14 , the system typically includes dedicated power cables that connect the respective devices to an external power source. In this exemplary system  10 , the peripheral device  12  is connected to an electrical outlet  22  through a dedicated power cable  24  that includes a plug  26  that receives AC current from the electrical outlet  22 , a power adapter  28  that turns AC current into DC current, and a connector  30  that distributes the DC current through a power port  32  of the peripheral device  12 . As is generally well known, DC current (3 to 12 volts and less than 1 amp of current) is required to operate most electronic devices and to recharge batteries that store DC current. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , in some cases the power adapter and plug may be combined into a single unit. 
     While the system described above works well, it would be desirable to remove the total number of connections made to a peripheral device so as to reduce the number of connectors and cables needed to operate the peripheral device. By reducing the number of connectors and cables, the peripheral size and the cost of the product may be decreased as well as the ease of use of the peripheral device may be improved (less cables to tote around). 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention pertains to power adapters that allow a user to power and/or charge a peripheral device such as a portable electronic device without requiring any additional cables or connectors. The invention also pertains to a connection method for powering a peripheral without requiring a host, peripheral or hub to remain powered on. The connection method allows peripherals to operate on buses that do not supply power. The invention is particularly suitable for peripheral devices that utilize IEEE 1394 FireWire technology (e.g., ports, connectors and data transmission lines). 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a power adapter. The power adapter includes a power connection. The power adapter also includes a data connector assembly electrically coupled to the power connection, the data connector assembly providing at least one combined power and data connection, wherein the power provided by the combined data and power connection is used to operate or charge a peripheral device. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power adapter for a portable electronics device. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components of the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port facilitates providing external power to the portable electronics device via the data port. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power adapter. The power adapter includes a housing configured to enclose electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter further includes a power plug capable of electrically coupling to a power source and at least a portion of the electrical components. The power adapter also includes a data port positioned within the housing. The data port is configured for receiving a data connector of a data transmission line capable of transmitting both data and power therethrough. The data port is electrically coupled to the power plug so as to provide power through the data transmission line when the data connector of the data transmission line is received by the data port and when the power plug is electrically coupled to the power source. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a data processing system. The data processing system includes a host device capable of processing data through a first data connection. The system further includes a peripheral device capable of processing data and receiving power through a second data connection. The power is configured to operate or charge the peripheral device. The system additionally includes a power adapter having a third data connection for providing the power when the power adapter is electrically coupled to a power source. The system also includes a data transmission cable capable of transmitting both power and data therethrough. The data transmission cable is configured to transmit data between the first data connection and the second data connection when the data transmission line is coupled to the host and peripheral devices. The data transmission cable is also configured to transmit the power from the third data connection to the second data connection when the data transmission line is coupled to the peripheral device and the power adapter. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of powering a computing device. The method includes receiving a first power from a power source via a power connection. The method also includes outputting a second power to the computing device via a data connection. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power adapter. The power adapter includes a connector assembly having a first data connection capable of transmitting data to and from a host device, and a second data connection capable of transmitting data to and from a peripheral device and power to the peripheral device. The power is used to operate or charge the peripheral device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary block diagram of an electronics system. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a power adapter, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a power adapter, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a power adapter  80 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are simplified diagrams of an electronic system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified diagram of an electronic system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified diagram of an electronic system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is simplified diagrams of an electronic system  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram of a power adapter  50 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter  50  is generally configured to provide power to a peripheral device during operation and/or charging thereof. In one embodiment, the power adapter  50  may be used to provide power to a peripheral device such as a portable electronic device that includes a battery. By way of example, the portable electronic device may be a personal computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and the like. In most cases, the power adapter  50  is arranged to receive a first power from a power source and to output a second power to the peripheral device. The second power corresponds to the power needed to operate and/or charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the first power has characteristics that are different than the characteristics of the second power while in other cases the first power has characteristics that are similar to the characteristics of the second power. For example, the first power may provide AC current while the second power may provide DC current. In addition, the first power may provide DC current while the second power may also provide DC current, which may or may not be the same as the source current. 
     The power adapter  50  generally includes a power connection  52 , a housing  54  and a data port  56 . The power connection  52  is configured for coupling the power adapter  50  to a power supply (not shown) capable of supplying power to the power adapter  50 . The power supply may take on many forms. By way of example, the power supply may be a conventional electrical outlet that supplies AC current, a car lighter outlet that supplies DC current, and/or the like. In the case of the electrical outlet, the power connection  52  typically includes a plug for connection to the electrical outlet. For example, the plug may include several prongs that are insertable into electrically active slots disposed in the electrical outlet. Plugs are generally well known in the art and for the sake of brevity will not be described in detail herein. 
     The housing  54  is configured to enclose various internal components of the power adapter  50 . That is, the housing  54  serves to surround the internal components of the power adapter  50  at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverse conditions. In most cases, the internal components correspond to electrical components associated with the operation of the power adapter  50 . For example, the electrical components may include a transformer for converting electrical power from one voltage-current level to another voltage current level and a rectifier that converts alternating current AC to direct current DC. 
     The data port  56  is generally provided at the surface of the housing  54 . The data port  56 , in accordance with one embodiment, is configured to provide external power for operation and charging of a peripheral device such as a portable electronic device. The data port  56  includes at least one power contact  57  that is electrically coupled to the power connection  52 . The coupling may be direct or indirect. In the case of indirect, the power contact  57  may be coupled to the power connection  52  through the electrical components of the power adapter  50 , as for example, a transformer or rectifier circuit. The data port  56  is arranged to receive one end of a data transmission line  58 . The data transmission line  58  is preferably a data transmission line having both data and power transmitting capabilities. As was stated earlier, the power transmitting capabilities are associated with data transmissions. By way of example, the data transmission line  58  may be a universal serial bus (USB) or a FireWire transmission line. The data transmission line  58  typically includes a data connector  60  configured for insertion into the data port  56 . The connector  60  includes at least one power contact  61  since the data transmission line  58  has power transmitting capabilities. As should be appreciated, the power contact  61  of the connector  60  is configured to engage the power contact  57  of the data port  56  so as to provide operational or charging power to a peripheral device when the connector  60  is connected to the data port  56 . 
     In one embodiment, the data port is a standard FireWire 6 contact Female connector right angle PCB. In another embodiment, the data transmission line is a standard 6-conductor FireWire cable having a standard FireWire 6 contact male connector at each end. In another embodiment, the data transmission line is a standard 4-conductor FireWire cable having a standard FireWire 6 contact male connector at one end and a compact FireWire 4 contact male connector at the other end. 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate a power adapter  80 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 3 and 4  are perspective views of the power adapter  80  while  FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the power adapter  80 . By way of example, the power adapter  80  may generally correspond to the power adapter  50  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The power adapter  80  includes a plug  82 , a housing  84  and a data port  86 . The plug  82  may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug  82  corresponds to an AC power plug that is capable of electrically coupling to an AC power source. The plug  82  includes a plug body  88  and a plurality of prongs  90  configured for insertion into slots of a conventional AC electrical outlet. The prongs  90  may be widely varied. For example, the prongs  90  may be adapted to work with various electrical standards including, but not limited to U.S., Japan, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the like. As is generally well known, the universal worldwide input ranges from about 100V to about 240V. 
     In one embodiment, the prongs  90  are movable such that they have multiple positions. As shown, the prongs  90  are pivotably coupled to the body  88  such that they may be moved between an extended position ( FIG. 3 ), allowing the prongs  90  to be inserted into an electrical outlet, and a recessed position ( FIG. 4 ), placing the prongs  90  within channels  92  disposed in the body  88  of the plug  82 . 
     In another embodiment, the plug  82  is detachable. This generally gives a user of the power adapter the ability to change the plug from one standard to another. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the plug  82 , and more particularly the body  88 , is detached from the housing  84 . The detachable plug  82  generally includes a plug connector  94 , which extends from the body  88 , and which is insertable into a connection opening  96  disposed in the housing  84 . Although not shown, the plug connector  94  includes electrical contact surfaces that engage electrical contact pins  98  positioned within the connection opening  96  of the housing  84 . The contact surfaces are electrically coupled to the prongs  90  such that electrical current may pass through the prongs  90  to the contact pins  98  when the plug  82  is attached to the housing  84 , and more particularly, when the plug connector  94  is inserted into the connection opening  96 . The plug  82  and the housing  84  cooperate to form the peripheral surfaces of the power adapter. In the embodiment shown, the plug  82  and housing  84  form flush surfaces when the plug and housing are attached, i.e., the plug is a continuation of the housing. 
     The housing  84  additionally includes a plug region  100  for receiving the plug  82 . In order to securely hold the plug  82  in the plug region  100  of the housing  84 , the plug and housing include a holding mechanism. The holding mechanism may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding mechanism includes a notch (not shown), which is disposed on the underside of the body, for engaging a protrusion  102  that extends above a surface of the housing  84 . 
     The housing  84  is configured to enclose various electrical components (not shown) of the power adapter  80 . The electrical components are coupled to the power source through the contact pins  98  when the plug  82  is connected to a power source such as a convention AC outlet and when the plug  82  is attached to the housing  84 . In one embodiment, at least some of the electrical components are configured to convert the AC power provided to the power adapter  80  by the power source into external power that is coupled to the data port  86 . For example, the electrical components may include a transformer for converting electrical power from one voltage-current level to another voltage current level and a rectifier that converts alternating current AC to direct current DC. The external power may be widely varied. For instance, the power adapter may be adapted with different voltage and amperage ratings. In one implementation, the voltage of the external power ranges from about 8 to about 20 volts. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the data port  86  is positioned within the housing  84 . The data port  86  may be accessed through an opening  103  in the housing  84 . The data port  86  generally includes a plurality of contacts  104 . Some of the contacts are for transmitting data while others are for transmitting power. With regards to the contacts for transmitting power, the data port may include one or more power contacts that are coupled to the power source through the various components of the power adapter described above so as to provide power to a data transmission line when connected thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the data port corresponds to a 6 wire Fire Wire port. As is generally well known, the 6 wire FireWire port includes data contacts, a ground contacts and a power contacts. The data contacts are generally paired so as to couple to a pair of twisted data wires of the data transmission line. When transmitting, a first pair of twisted data wires carries data and a second pair of twisted data wires carves clock. When receiving, the reverse is true. It should be noted, however, that the power adapter  80  generally does not use the data contacts of the data port  86  for transmitting data (e.g., they act as dummy contacts). The ground and power contacts, on the other hand, generally couple to separate conducting wires of the data transmission line. The power contact provides power that is capable of being transmitted to a peripheral device through the data transmission line. The power is configured to either operate and/or charge the peripheral device during normal use of the peripheral device. This is different than the conventional use of the data transmission line, which typically provides no power when operating with battery or from a power source. The ground contact provides ground return for the power and inner cable shield of the data transmission line. 
     An example of a power adapter that may be used is shown in greater detail in a co-pending design patent application Ser. No. 29/153,133 entitled, “Power Adapter”; filed on even date and incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are simplified diagrams of an electronic system  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic system  120  includes a peripheral device  122 , a host device  124 , an external power source  126 , a data transmission line  128  and a power adapter  130 . The peripheral device  122  generally represents a portable computing device such as a portable computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, a media player, and the like. As such, the peripheral device  122  includes a battery  132  that allows the peripheral device  122  to operate without using the external power source  126 . The peripheral device  122  also includes internal circuitry  134  for processing data. By way of example, the internal circuitry may correspond to processors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The peripheral device  122  also includes a first data port  136  for receiving a first end  138  of the transmission line  128 . The first data port  136  is configured to receive both power and data through the data transmission line  128 . That is, the first data port  136  includes data contacts that direct data to the internal circuitry for processing, and power contacts that direct power to a power supply used to operate the peripheral device  122  without using power from the battery and to charge the battery when needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral device  122  is a media player such as an MP3 player or video game player. In the case of the MP3 player, the media player allows a user to store, select and listen to music. 
     The host device  124 , on the other hand, represents any suitable computing device whether portable (e.g., laptop computer) or substantially stationary (e.g., desktop computer). In the illustrated embodiment, the host device  124  is a desktop computer that operates from power supplied by the external power source  126  via a power cable  140 . The host device  124  also includes internal circuitry  141  for processing data. By way of example, the internal circuitry may correspond to processors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The host device  124  also includes a second data port  142  for receiving a second end  144  of the transmission line  128 . The second data port  142  is configured to receive at least data through the data transmission line  128 . That is, the second data port  142  includes data contacts that direct data to the internal circuitry  141  for processing. Alternatively, the second data port  142  may also be configured to receive power through the data transmission line, as for example, when the host device is a portable computing device. As shown in  FIG. 6B , the data transmission line  128  is connected to both the host and peripheral devices  122  and  124  through the first and second data ports  136 ,  142 . The data transmission line  128  contains electrical wires for carrying data to and from the first and second ports  136 ,  142  so as to upload or download data. By way of example, in the case of an MP3 player, music files may be uploaded and downloaded to and from the peripheral and host devices. 
     Referring now to the other components of the system  120 , the external power source  126  may be any suitable power source capable of supplying power. In the illustrated embodiment, the external power source  126  is a conventional AC electrical outlet. As shown, the power adapter  130  is electrically connected to the external power source  126 . By way of example, the power adapter  130  may generally correspond to any one of the power adapters shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . As such, the power adapter  130  includes a third data port  146  for receiving the second end  144  of the transmission line  128 . The third data port  146  is configured to provide power to the data transmission line  128  when the transmission line is connected thereto. The power that is provided by the third data port  146  is configured for operating and/or charging the peripheral device  122 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the data transmission line  128  is connected to both the power adapter  130  and the peripheral device  122  through the first and third data ports  136  and  146 . The data transmission line  128  contains electrical wires for carrying the power from the third port  146  to the first port  136  so as to operate and/or charge the peripheral device  122 . 
       FIG. 7  is a simplified diagram of a power adapter  150 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter  150  is generally configured to provide power to a peripheral device during operation and/or charging thereof. By way of example, the power adapter  150  may be used to power a portable electronic device such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and the like. In most cases, the power adapter  150  is arranged to receive a first power from a power source and to output a second power to the peripheral device. The second power corresponds to the power needed to operate and/or charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the first power has characteristics that are different than the characteristics of the second power while in other cases the first power has characteristics that are similar to the characteristics of the second power. For example, the first power may provide AC current while the second power may provide DC current. In addition, the first power may provide DC current while the second power may also provide DC current, which may or may not be the same as the source current. 
     The power adapter  150  generally includes a power connection  152 , a housing  154 , a power transmission line  156 , and a power-data connector  158 . The power connection  152  is configured for coupling the power adapter  150  to a power supply (not shown) capable of supplying power to the power adapter  150 . The power supply may take on many forms. By way of example, the power supply may be a conventional electrical outlet that supplies AC current, a car lighter outlet that supplies DC current, and/or the like. In the case of the electrical outlet, the power connection  152  typically includes a plug for connection to the electrical outlet. For example, the plug may include several prongs that are insertable into electrically active slots disposed in the electrical outlet. Plugs are generally well known in the art and for the sake of brevity will not be described in detail herein. 
     The housing  154  is configured to enclose various internal components of the power adapter  150 . That is, the housing  154  serves to surround the internal components of the power adapter  150  at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverse conditions. In most cases, the internal components correspond to electrical components associated with the operation of the power adapter  150 . For example, the electrical components may include a transformer for converting electrical power from one voltage-current level to another voltage current level and a rectifier that converts alternating current AC to direct current DC. 
     The power transmission line  156  is configured to electrically couple the power connection  152  with the connector assembly  158 . The coupling may be direct or indirect. In the case of indirect, the power transmission line  156  may be coupled to the power connection  152  through the electrical components of the power adapter  150 , as for example, a transformer or rectifier circuit. In one embodiment, the power transmission line is a high quality  2  conductor wire. 
     The connector assembly  158  is configured to act as a Y connector for allowing power to be supplied to the peripheral and host device while allowing data to be transmitted between the peripheral and host device. That is, the connector assembly includes a data input/output, a power input, and a combined data input/output and power output. The connector assembly may be widely varied. In most cases, the connector assembly  158  includes a data connector  162  and a data port  164 . The data connector  162  is configured for insertion into an external data port and the data port  164  is configured to receive an external data connector. By external, it is meant that the port or connector is not contained within the connector assembly. In most cases, the external data connector is one end of a data transmission line. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the data connector  162  is configured for insertion into a data port  166  associated with a peripheral device  168 . In this embodiment, the data connector  162  is operatively coupled to the data port  164  so as to allow data to pass therebetween and electrically coupled to the power transmission line  156  so as to provide external power for operation and charging of the peripheral device. In particular, the data connector  162  and the data port  164  include data contacts that are coupled together. As such, when a data connector  170  of a data transmission line  172  is connected to the data port  164 , data may be carried through the data port  164  to the data connector  162 . Essentially, the data connector  162  is an extension of the data transmission line  172  when the data transmission line  172  is connected to the data port  164 . That is, the data connector  162  acts like the end of the data transmission line  172 . In addition, the data connector  162  includes power contacts that are electrically coupled to the power transmission line  156  and thus the power connection  152 . The power contacts are configured to engage a corresponding power contact of the external data port  166  of the peripheral device so as to provide operational or charging power when the data connector  162  is connected to the external data port  166 . Moreover, the data transmission line  172  includes a second data connector  174  at its other end for connection to a data port  176  of a host device  178 . As such, data may be passed between the host device  178  and the peripheral device  168 . 
     In one implementation of this embodiment, the data ports and data connectors correspond to FireWire connectors and ports. In most cases, the data connector  162  is a 6 wire FireWire connector that includes a pair of paired data contacts, a power contact and a ground contact. The data port  164 , on the other hand, may be a 6 wire or 4 wire FireWire port. In general, the power and ground contacts of the data connector  162  are coupled to corresponding wires of the power transmission line, while the pair of paired data contacts are coupled to the corresponding paired data contacts of either the 4 or 6 wire FireWire port. By way of example, the data connector may be a standard FireWire 6-contact male connector right angle PCB and the data port may be a standard FireWire 6-contact female connector right angle PCB. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the data connector  162  is configured for insertion into a data port  174  associated with a host device  176 . In this embodiment, the data port  164  is operatively coupled to the data connector  162  so as to allow data to pass therebetween and electrically coupled to the power transmission line  156  so as to provide external power for operation and charging of the peripheral device. In particular, the data connector  162  and the data port  164  include data contacts that are coupled together. As such, when the data connector  174  of the data transmission line  172  is connected to the data port  164 , data may be carried through the data connector  162  to the data port  164 . Essentially, the data port  164  is an extension of the data port  176  when the connector  158  is connected to the host device  178 . That is, the data port  164  acts like the data port  176 . In addition, the data port  164  includes power contacts that are electrically coupled to the power transmission line  156  and thus the power connection  152 . The power contacts are configured to engage a corresponding power contact of the data connector  174  of the data transmission line  170  so as to provide operational or charging power to the peripheral device  168  when the data connector  170  of the data transmission line  172  is connected to the external data port  166  of the peripheral device  168 . 
     In one implementation of this embodiment, the data ports and data connectors correspond to FireWire connectors and ports. In most cases, the data port  164  is a 6 wire FireWire port that includes a pair of paired data contacts, a power contact and a ground contact. The data connector  162 , on the other hand, may be a 6 wire or 4 wire FireWire connector. In general, the power and ground contacts of the data port  164  are coupled to corresponding wires of the power transmission line, while the pair of paired data contacts are coupled to the corresponding paired data contacts of either the 4 or 6 wire FireWire connector. 
       FIG. 10  is a simplified diagram of a power adapter  180 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter  180  is generally configured to provide power to a peripheral device during operation and/or charging thereof. In one embodiment, the power adapter  180  may be used to provide power to a peripheral device such as a portable electronic device that includes a battery. By way of example, the portable electronic device may be a personal computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and the like. In most cases, the power adapter  180  is arranged to receive a first power from a power source and to output a second power to the peripheral device. The second power corresponds to the power needed to operate and/or charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the first power has characteristics that are different than the characteristics of the second power while in other cases the first power has characteristics that are similar to the characteristics of the second power. For example, the first power may provide AC current while the second power may provide DC current. In addition, the first power may provide DC current while the second power may also provide DC current, which may or may not be the same as the source current. 
     The power adapter  180  generally includes a power connection  182 , a housing  184  and a first data port  186  and a second data port  188 . The power connection  182  is configured for coupling the power adapter  180  to a power supply (not shown) capable of supplying power to the power adapter  180 . The power supply may take on many forms. By way of example, the power supply may be a conventional electrical outlet that supplies AC current, a car lighter outlet that supplies DC current, and/or the like. In the case of the electrical outlet, the power connection  182  typically includes a plug for connection to the electrical outlet. For example, the plug may include several prongs that are insertable into electrically active slots disposed in the electrical outlet. Plugs are generally well known in the art and for the sake of brevity will not be described in detail herein. 
     The housing  184  is configured to enclose various internal components of the power adapter  180 . That is, the housing  184  serves to surround the internal components of the power adapter  180  at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverse conditions. In most cases, the internal components correspond to electrical components associated with the operation of the power adapter  180 . For example, the electrical components may include a transformer for converting electrical power from one voltage-current level to another voltage current level and a rectifier that converts alternating current AC to direct current DC. 
     The data ports  186 ,  188  are generally provided at the surface of the housing  184 . The data port  186 , in accordance with one embodiment, is configured to provide external power for operation and charging of a peripheral device such as a portable electronic device. The data port  186  includes one or more power contacts  187  that is electrically coupled to the power connection  182 . The coupling may be direct or indirect. In the case of indirect, the power contact  187  may be coupled to the power connection  182  through the electrical components of the power adapter  180 , as for example, a transformer or rectifier circuit. The data port  186  is arranged to receive one end of a first data transmission line  188 . The data transmission line  188  is preferably a data transmission line having both data and power transmitting capabilities. As was stated earlier, the power transmitting capabilities are associated with data transmissions. By way of example, the data transmission line  188  may be a universal serial bus (USB) or a FireWire transmission line. The data transmission line  188  typically includes a data connector  190  configured for insertion into the data port  186 . The connector  190  includes at least one power contact  191  since the data transmission line  188  has power transmitting capabilities. As should be appreciated, the power contact  191  of the connector  190  is configured to engage the power contact  187  of the data port  186  so as to provide operational or charging power to a peripheral device when the connector  180  is connected to the data port  186 . 
     The second data port  188 , on the other hand, is configured to provide a data connection to the first data port  186 . That is, the first and second data ports  186 ,  188  include data contacts that are operatively coupled together. Similar to the first data port  186 , the second data port  188  is arranged to receive one end of a second data transmission line  194 . As should be appreciated, the data contacts of the ports are arranged to engage corresponding data contacts of the data transmission lines. The second data transmission line  194  may be a data transmission line having only data transmitting capabilities or it may be a data transmission line having both data and power transmitting capabilities. As was stated earlier, the power transmitting capabilities are associated with data transmissions. By way of example, the second data transmission line  194  may be a universal serial bus (USB) or a FireWire transmission line. The second data transmission line  1194 [??] typically includes a data connector  196  configured for insertion into the second data port  188 . Accordingly, when the first data transmission line is connected to the first data port and the second data transmission line is connected to the second data port, data may be carried through the power adapter between the first and second data transmission lines and thus to and from a peripheral and host device. 
       FIG. 11  is simplified diagrams of an electronic system  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic system  200  includes a peripheral device  202 , a host device  204 , an external power source  206 , a first data transmission line  208 , a second data transmission line  210  and a power adapter  212 . The peripheral device  202  generally represents a portable computing device such as a portable computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, a media player, and the like. As such, the peripheral device  202  includes a battery  214  that allows the peripheral device  202  to operate without using the external power source  206 . The peripheral device  202  also includes internal circuitry  216  for processing data. By way of example, the internal circuitry may correspond to processors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The peripheral device  202  also includes a first data port  218  for receiving a first end  220  of the first transmission line  208 . The first data port  218  is configured to receive both power and data through the first data transmission line  218 . That is, the first data port  218  includes data contacts that direct data to the internal circuitry for processing, and power contacts that direct power to a power supply used to operate the peripheral device  202  without using power from the battery and to charge the battery when needed. 
     The host device  204 , on the other hand, represents any suitable computing device whether portable (e.g. laptop computer) or substantially stationary (e.g., desktop computer). The host device  204  also includes internal circuitry  222  for processing data. By way of example, the internal circuitry may correspond to processors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The host device  204  also includes a second data port  224  for receiving a first end  226  of the second data transmission line  210 . The second data port  224  is configured to transmit and receive at least data through the second data transmission line  210 . That is, the second data port  224  includes data contacts that direct data to the internal circuitry  222  for processing. Alternatively, the second data port  224  may also be configured to receive power through the second data transmission line  210 , as for example, when the host device is a portable computing device. 
     Referring now to the other components of the system  200 , the external power source  206  may be any suitable power source capable of supplying power. In the illustrated embodiment, the external power source  206  is a conventional AC electrical outlet. As shown, the power adapter  212  is electrically connected to the external power source  206 . By way of example, the power adapter  212  may generally correspond to the power adapter shown in  FIG. 10 . As such, the power adapter  212  includes a third data port  228  for receiving a second end  230  of the first transmission line  208  and a fourth data port  232  for receiving a second end  234  of the second transmission line  210 . The third data port  228  is configured to provide power to the first data transmission line  208  when the transmission line is connected thereto. The power that is provided by the third data port  228  is configured for operating and/or charging the peripheral device  202 . Both the third and fourth data ports  228 ,  232  are configured to allow the transfer of data between the first and second transmission lines  208 ,  210  when the transmission lines are connected thereto. The data transmission line  208 ,  210  contain electrical wires for carrying data to and from the first and second ports  218 ,  224  so as to upload or download data with respect to the peripheral and host devices. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. For example, referring to  FIG. 6B , the host device may be configured to supply power through the transmission line to the peripheral device. In addition, referring to  FIG. 7 , the power connector may include a pair of data ports or a pair of data connectors, rather than having one data port and one data connector. Furthermore, referring to  FIG. 10 , the second data port may be electrically coupled to the power connection so as to provide power to a second peripheral device (which acts as the host device). Moreover, referring to  FIG. 11 , one or both of the data transmission lines may be permanently attached to the housing. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110601
Publication Date: 20120731
Grant Date: 20120731
Priority Date: 20011022
Inventors: DE IULIIS DANIELE
HODGE ANDREW BERT
ROBBIN JEFFREY L.
NG STANLEY CARL
ANDERSON ERIC W.
FADDELL ANTHONY M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J7/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/065", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 40934297