PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7863906-B2
Application Number: US-49712709-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of electronic connections

Abstract:
Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for determining the physical orientation of a first connector with respect to a second connector that is capable of coupling with the first connector in more than one physical orientation, the method comprising:
 physically coupling the first connector with the second connector to connect a plurality of lines through the connectors; 
 electrically coupling a first number of lines of the plurality of lines received through the second connector with detector circuitry, wherein the first number of lines is at least one, but less than all, of the plurality of lines received through the second connector; 
 measuring an electrical characteristic of at least one line in the first number of lines; 
 determining the physical orientation of the first connector with respect to the second connector based on the measured electrical characteristic; and 
 routing, based on the determined physical orientation, all of the lines received through the second connector to internal circuitry. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein electrically coupling the first number of lines comprises electrically coupling the first number of lines with only the detector circuitry. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first number of lines is at least two of the plurality of lines received through the second connector. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lines comprises an odd number of lines and the routing comprises routing one of the lines received through the second connector to the internal circuitry in a particular configuration regardless of the determined physical orientation. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the plurality of lines comprises a data line; 
 the plurality of lines comprises a power line; 
 the internal circuitry comprises a processor and a voltage regulator; and 
 the routing comprises:
 routing the data line to the processor; and 
 routing the power line to the voltage regulator. 
 
 
     
     
       6. A method for determining the physical orientation of a first connector with respect to a second connector that is capable of coupling with the first connector in more than one physical orientation, the method comprising:
 opening switch circuitry that is electrically coupled with the second connector; 
 electrically coupling a first line received through the second connector with detector circuitry, wherein the first line is one of a plurality of lines received from the first connector; 
 measuring an electrical characteristic of the first line; 
 determining the physical orientation of the first connector with respect to the second connector based on the measured electrical characteristic; and 
 configuring, based on the determined physical orientation, the switch circuitry to route the plurality of lines to internal circuitry. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 physically coupling the first connector with the second connector, wherein the plurality of lines is received when the first connector couples with the second connector. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein electrically coupling the first line comprises electrically coupling the first line with only the detector circuitry. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 electrically coupling the plurality of lines with the detector circuitry when electrically coupling the first line. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of lines comprises an odd number of lines and the configuring comprises configuring the switch circuitry to route one of the plurality of lines to the internal circuitry in a particular configuration regardless of the determined physical orientation. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 6 , wherein
 the plurality of lines comprises a data line; 
 the plurality of lines comprises a power line; 
 the internal circuitry comprises a processor and a voltage regulator; and 
 the routing comprises:
 routing the data line to the processor; and 
 routing the power line to the voltage regulator. 
 
 
     
     
       12. An apparatus comprising:
 a connector that couples the apparatus with another device; 
 a plurality of contacts disposed within the connector and that physically connects lines between the apparatus and the other device; 
 detector circuitry that: 
 measures an electrical characteristic of at least one contact of the plurality of contacts; 
 and generates a configuration signal based on the measured electrical characteristic; and 
 switch circuitry electrically coupled with the detector circuitry and the at least one contact and that: 
 disconnects the at least one contact from all circuitry except the detector circuitry; and 
 connects the at least one contact to circuitry other than the detector circuitry in one of a plurality of configurations based on the configuration signal generated by the detector circuitry. 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a processor electrically coupled with the switch circuitry, wherein the switch circuitry connects the at least one contact to the processor in one of a plurality of configurations based on a configuration signal generated by the detector circuitry. 
 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a voltage regulator electrically coupled with the switch circuitry, wherein the switch circuitry connects the at least one contact to the voltage regulator in one of a plurality of configurations based on a configuration signal generated by the detector circuitry. 
 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the switch circuitry connects all of the plurality of contacts to circuitry other than the detector circuitry in one of a plurality of configurations based on the configuration signal generated by the detector circuitry. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of contacts comprises an odd number of contacts and the switch circuitry connects one of the plurality of contacts to circuitry other than the detector circuitry in a particular configuration regardless of the measured electrical characteristic. 
     
     
       17. An apparatus comprising:
 a connector that couples the apparatus with another device; 
 a plurality of contacts disposed within the connector and that physically connects lines between the apparatus and another device; 
 detector circuitry that measures an electrical characteristic of a first contact of the plurality of contacts; 
 switch circuitry electrically coupled with the first contact and that: 
 disconnects the first contact from all circuitry except the detector circuitry; and 
 connects a second contact of the plurality of contacts to internal circuitry in one of at least two configurations; and 
 control circuitry electrically coupled with the detector circuitry and the switch circuitry and that interfaces the detector circuitry with the switch circuitry. 
 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the switch circuitry disconnects the first contact from all circuitry except the detector circuitry; 
 the detector circuitry determines the physical orientation of the connector based on a measured electrical characteristic of the first contact; and 
 the control circuitry instructs the switch circuitry to connect the second contact to the internal circuitry in an appropriate configuration. 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 internal circuitry electrically coupled with the switch circuitry, wherein the internal circuitry comprises a processor. 
 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 internal circuitry electrically coupled with the switch circuitry, wherein the internal circuitry comprises a voltage regulator. 
 
     
     
       21. The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the switch circuitry connects all of the plurality of contacts to internal circuitry in one of at least two configurations. 
     
     
       22. The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein an odd number of contacts are disposed within the connector and the switch circuitry connects one of the contacts to the internal circuitry in a particular configuration regardless of the measured electrical characteristic.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/650,130, filed Jan. 5, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,589,536, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to electronic connections. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for determining the configuration of electronic connections. 
     Many devices are capable of communicating with other devices through the use of more than one communication interface. For example, a computer uses different interfaces for communicating with a monitor, a keyboard, and other computers on a network. In the case of a computer, each interface usually has its own, dedicated connector. However in some devices, for example portable electronics, it may be advantageous to have one connector that is capable of communicating using more than one type of interface. 
     This is particularly true as portable electronic devices become smaller, because the physical size and number of connectors becomes an important factor. The size of connector contacts cannot get much smaller due to manufacturing and power transmission issues. Therefore, engineers try to reduce the number of connectors by incorporating the signals needed for each different interface into a single connector. This typically results in a larger connector with redundant contacts that are only used for certain interfaces. 
     Thus, it would be advantageous to be able to use individual connector contacts for more than one interface. The more contacts that have multiple functions, the smaller the connector can be. In order for a contact to carry more than one type of signal, a device must be able to identify the interface being used and route the signal appropriately. 
     Many connectors and their housings are designed so that they can only be coupled in a certain configuration. This design process is commonly referred to as “keying” a connector and can include, for example, using asymmetrical connector shapes. Connectors are typically designed this way so that it is impossible to connect the wrong contacts. This can be especially important when dealing with sensitive electronics that could be damaged by the application of a power supply line to the wrong contact. Often, the design of the connectors prevents them from being coupled in an incorrect orientation. 
     Coupling these types of connectors can be time-consuming for users. If connectors cannot be mated on the first try, users have to manipulate the connectors until they are correctly orientated with respect to each other. Depending on the keying, there may even be potential for the user to damage the pins of the connector in frustration while trying to force the connectors together. If a connector&#39;s pin configuration could be sensed and properly compensated for, connectors could be coupled in more than one orientation, thereby simplifying the process for an end user. Therefore, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for determining a connector&#39;s orientation. Further, it is also desirable to combine systems and methods for selecting a communication interface with those for determining a connector&#39;s orientation. 
     Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Systems and methods for determining the configuration of electronic connections by measuring an electrical characteristic of a connection are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc. Once the appropriate communication interface has been selected, the device can subsequently configure itself to communicate using the selected interface. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, one connector can facilitate communication using multiple interfaces. This could allow a device with a single connector to communicate with multiple types of devices. This one-connector approach saves both space and money, as well as making the act of mating two connectors easier for the end user. 
     Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, symmetrical connectors with multiple mating configurations can be used. A device can determine the orientation of a connector relative to another connector and properly route the signals from a connector according to the detected orientation. This type of design can save the end user time and frustration when coupling connectors together. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature, and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein a switch is used to route signals to predetermined locations. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein one or more signals are generated to indicate the interface; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein signals are routed to circuits corresponding to each interface; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the orientation of a two-wire connector is determined; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified schematic system diagram of another embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the orientation of a three-wire connector is determined; 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the orientation of a four-wire connector is determined; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified schematic system diagram of an embodiment of a system which can be operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the connector orientation is determined and a communication interface is selected; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified diagram of different voltage ranges that could be used to determine physical orientations and select communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a method for selecting communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a method for determining connector orientations in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a method for determining connector orientations and selecting communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Many electronic communication interfaces exist. Devices communicate using, for example, parallel, serial, PS/2, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and FireWire interfaces. Devices which communicate over more than one interface typically have a separate connector for each interface. In order for a connector to facilitate communication using more than one type of interface, a system which selects appropriate communication interfaces can be used. 
       FIG. 1  includes an embodiment of a system  100  operable to select communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention. System  100  can include device  110  and device  120 . Device  110  can be an electronic device operable to communicate with other electronic devices using an interface. Device  120  can be an electronic device operable to select the communication interface which device  110  is using and then communicate with device  110  using the selected interface. Device  120  can, for example, be operable to communicate using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface as well as an RS-232 serial interface. 
     Devices  110  and  120  can be coupled by, for example, lines  110   a  and  110   b  as well as data bus  110   c.  Line  110   a  can carry a supply voltage (V BUS ). Line  110   b  can carry a ground (GND) associated with supply voltage  110   a . Data bus (DATA)  110   c  can include one or more lines that carry data to be exchanged between devices  110  and  120 . DATA  110   c  can also include lines which carry transmission information, for example timing and control signals, which is pertinent to the communication interface being utilized. Lines which are part of the coupling between device  110  and  120  can also transmit other signals. Lines  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  can be bound together in a cable or harness that couples devices  110  and  120 . The coupling hardware can be a separate piece of equipment which may be detached from devices  110  and  120 . Alternatively, the coupling hardware can be part of device  110  or device  120 . Device  110  can, for example, plug into a socket on device  120 . 
     Device  120  can include connector  121  to provide a physical connection of lines  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  between device  110  and device  120 . Connector  121  can include an electrical contact for each line connecting device  110  with device  120 . Connector  121  can be, for example, a socket for receiving a plug. Connector  121  can be shaped to ensure that only devices with a complementary shape can be coupled to device  120 . Connector  121  can include a conductive connector shell. The connector shell can be tied to, or replace, ground line  110   b  or circuit ground of device  120 . Connector  121  can include a magnetic element to secure the connection between devices  110  and  120  in such a way that, if the wire running to device  110  is pulled, the connector simply detaches. 
     Device  120  can include detector  122 . Detector  122  can be coupled to one or more of the lines that are part of the connection between devices  110  and  120  (e.g. V BUS    110   a , GND  110   b , DATA  110   c ). Detector  122  can be, for example, a distributed circuit, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Detector  122  can have additional functions, for example signal conditioning or power regulation. Detector  122  does not have to be coupled with every line connected between device  110  and device  120 . 
     Detector  122  can be operable to measure one or more electrical characteristic of the connection between devices  110  and  120 . The electrical characteristic measured by detector  122  can include, for example, a resistive, reactive, current, or voltage measurement and can involve one or more contacts. Detector  122  can, for example, measure the voltage of V BUS    110   a  relative to GND  110   b . Alternatively, detector  122  can detect the resistance between a line of DATA bus  110   c  and GND  110   b.  In another embodiment, detector  122  can be coupled with the system clock of device  120  and can monitor the behavior of DATA  110   c  with respect to the system clock. It is contemplated that there are several different characteristics or combinations of characteristics that can be measured by detector  122  in order to select the appropriate communication interface. 
     In one embodiment, device  110  might be a device that uses a USB interface or a device that uses a low-voltage serial interface. If detector  122  can measure, for example, the voltage of V BUS    110   a  relative to GND  110   b , detector  122  can select if device  110  is using a USB interface or a low-voltage serial interface. Because the USB standard calls for a power supply line with a voltage of 4.35V to 5.25V, a higher voltage would indicate a USB interface and a lower voltage, for example below 3V, would indicate a low-voltage serial interface. 
     Device  120  can include switches  125   a  and  125   b.  The inputs of switch  125   a  can be coupled with V BUS    110   a  and GND  110   b . The inputs of switch  125   b  can be coupled with DATA  110   c  and other lines that are part of the connection between devices  110  and  120 . Switches  125   a  and  125   b  can be in an open state by default. If switches  125   a  and  125   b  are in an open state by default, detector  122  can better measure characteristics of lines  110   a - 110   c  without any effects due to circuits in device  120 . 
     From one or more measured characteristic, detector  122  can be operable to select the communication interface being used by device  110 . Switches  125   a  and  125   b  can be controlled by detector  122  through a configuration signal (CONF)  123 . Detector  122  can direct switch  125   a  to close once detector  122  has selected which communication interface device  110  is using. Detector  122  can direct switch  125   b  to move to a state corresponding to the selected communication interface. Because switches  125   a  and  125   b  are controlled by a signal from detector  122 , switches  125   a  and  125   b  can also be referred to as relays. 
     Device  120  can include voltage regulator  126 . Voltage regulator  126  can be coupled to the outputs of switch  125   a  so that when switch  125   a  is closed, voltage regulator  126  is connected to V BUS    110   a  and GND  110   b.  Voltage regulator  126  can, for example, include circuitry operable to charge a battery in device  110  from a power supply in device  120 . In another embodiment, voltage regulator  126  can directly couple V BUS    110   a  with the voltage rail of device  120  and GND  110   b  with the common ground of device  120 . 
     Device  120  can include processor  127 . Processor  127  can be, for example, a microcontroller or an ARM processor. Processor  127  can be coupled with the system clock of device  120 . Processor  127  can be capable of communicating over more than one interface. Processor  127  can have different input/output busses  127   a  and  127   b  for communicating over different interfaces. Processor  127  can be coupled to the outputs of switch  125   b . The first outputs of switch  125   b  can be coupled to one bus (DATA 1 )  127   a  of processor  127  that corresponds to a particular interface. The second outputs of switch  125   b  can be coupled to a second bus (DATA 2 )  127   b  of processor  127  that corresponds to a different interface. Switch  125   b  can connect DATA  110   c  with DATA 1   127   a  or DATA 2   127   b  in order to facilitate communication using the detected interface. Processor  127  can proceed to communicate with device  110  using this interface. Processor  127  can also perform other functions which are inherent to device  120 . Processor  127  can, for example, access flash memory and process audio signals. 
       FIG. 2  includes an embodiment of a system  200  operable to select a communication interface in accordance with the principles of the present invention. System  200  can include device  210  and device  220 . Device  220  can include a detector  222 . From one or more measured characteristic, detector  222  can be operable to select the communication interface being used by device  210 . Other characteristics of device  210  can be identified by detector  222 . For example, detector  222  can determine the charge-level of a battery within device  210 . 
     Detector  222  can generate an interface select signal (INT_SEL)  224  which can indicate the interface that corresponds with the measured characteristic. INT_SEL  224  can include one or more lines and can transmit other information about device  210 . For example, INT_SEL  224  can also transmit a low power warning or a device identification number. 
     Device  220  can include switch  225 . Switch  225  can toggle V BUS    210   a , GND  210   b , DATA  210   c , and other lines that are part of the connection between devices  210  and  220  between an open and closed state. Switch  225  can be in an open state by default. Switch  225  can be controlled by detector  222  through an enable signal (EN)  223 . Detector  222  can direct switch  225  to close once detector  222  has selected which communication interface device  210  is using. 
     Device  220  can include a voltage regulator  226 . Voltage regulator  226  can be coupled to switch  225  so that, when switch  225  is in a closed position, V BUS    210   a  and GND  210   b  can be connected to voltage regulator  226 . 
     Device  220  can include processor  227 . Processor  227  can be coupled with the system clock of device  220 . Processor  227  can be coupled to switch  225  so that when the switch is closed DATA  210   c  is connected to a communication bus (DATA)  227   b  of processor  227 . Processor  227  can monitor INT_SEL  224  to see what communication interface device  210  uses and configure itself or other circuitry accordingly. Processor  227  can configure itself by loading a set of instructions that correspond to a communication interface used by device  210 . 
     DATA bus  227   b  of processor  227  can be designed so that each different interface uses all of the lines that make up DATA bus  227   b . This design allows for efficient use of the input/output pins on processor  227 . In one embodiment, device  210  might be a device that uses a USB interface or a device that uses a three-wire serial interface. According to the present standard, USB communications require four lines: a power supply line, a ground line, and two data lines. The current three-wire serial (RS-232) standard requires three lines: transmit data, receive data, and ground. A power supply line can also be included with a three-wire serial connection to allow the devices to share power. With an additional power supply line, the USB connection and the serial connection can both include four wires. In this case, no lines of DATA bus  227   b  would go unused regardless of the interface. In other embodiments, one interface could use less lines than another interface and some lines of DATA bus  227   b  could go unused for certain interfaces. 
     It is contemplated that processor  227  can reconfigure elements of device  220  not only in order to use a communication interface but also for the processing of data associated with that interface. For example, if Interface X is typically used to communicate with a microphone (not shown) then processor  227  can configure circuitry to communicate using Interface X and to further process voice data. In one embodiment, processor  227  can reprogram an FPGA in device  220  according to data from INT_SEL  224 . 
       FIG. 3  includes another embodiment of a system  300  operable to select a communication interface in accordance with the principles of the present invention. System  300  can include device  310  and device  320 . Device  320  can include detector  322 , switch  325 , input multiplexer (MUX 1 )  328   a , interface controllers  329   a - 329   c , output multiplexer (MUX 2 )  328   b,  and processor  327 . From one or more measured characteristics, detector  322  can be operable to select the communication interface being used by device  310 . Once an appropriate communication interface is selected, multiplexers  328   a  and  328   b  can route DATA  310   c  through one of the interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  in order to facilitate communication between device  310  and device  320 . Interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  can be circuits operable to coordinate communication between device  310  and circuitry in device  320  (e.g. processor  327 , etc.). Interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  can be integrated into one or more ASICs. It is also contemplated that more than three interface controllers can be used if needed. 
     The input of MUX 1   328   a  can be coupled to DATA  310   c  and other lines that are part of the connection between devices  310  and  320 . MUX 1   328   a  can be controlled by detector  322  through EN  323  and INT_SEL  324 . EN  323  can be coupled to the enable line of MUX 1   328   a . INT_SEL  324  can be coupled to the select line of MUX 1   328   a . Each interface controller  329   a - 329   c  can be coupled to a different set of MUX 1 &#39;s  328   a  outputs. 
     Once detector  322  selects which communication interface device  310  is going to use, detector  322  can direct MUX 1   328   a  to route its input to the corresponding interface controller with INT_SEL  324 . It is contemplated that interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  can be powered off by default, and the appropriate controller can be turned on by a signal from detector  322 . The outputs of interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  can be coupled with the inputs of MUX 2   328   b . INT_SEL  324  can be coupled to the select line of MUX 2   328   b . INT_SEL  324  can control MUX 2   328   b  in order to connect the outputs from the appropriate controller to a communication bus (DATA)  327   a  of processor  327 . Once connected, the appropriate interface controller can initialize communications with device  310 . What this means is that, an interface controller may take certain steps, commonly called a “handshake” procedure, to begin communicating with device  310 . These handshake procedures can be different for each type of interface. 
     Once MUX 1   328   a , interface controllers  329   a - 329   c , and MUX 2   328   b  are properly configured, detector  322  can use EN  323  to close switch  325  and enable MUX 1   328   a.  In this embodiment, enabling MUX 1   328   a  corresponds to closing switch  225  of the embodiment in  FIG. 2 . Once MUX 1   328   a  is enabled, DATA  310   c  can be routed through one of interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  according to the selected interface. Each interface controller can be designed to process a different interface and can subsequently transmit that data to processor  327 . Interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  can be operable to process signals transmitted both to and from processor  327 . It is contemplated that in order to facilitate communicating with processor  327 , the interface controllers can be connected to the same clock signal as processor  327 . This clock signal can be used to coordinate the timing of the communications between the interface controllers  329   a - 329   c  and the processor  327 . 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that selecting communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation. For example, a system which routes lines to independent subsystems depending on the selected interface is another embodiment operable to function in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  includes an embodiment of system  400  operable to determine connector orientation in accordance with the principles of the present invention. System  400  can include device  410  and device  420 . Device  410  can include connector  411 , and device  420  can include connector  421 . Devices  410  and  420  can be coupled by mating connectors  411  and  421 . Mating connectors  411  and  421  can connect power supply lines, data busses, and other types of signals between devices  410  and  420 . Mating connectors  411  and  421  can include coupling contacts for two or more physical connections between device  410  and device  420  even though only two are shown in  FIG. 4 . Connectors  411  and  421  can be symmetrical so that connectors  411  and  421  can be mated in two possible different physical orientations. 
     Legend  490  lists two possible physical connector orientations. In Orientation  1 , line X 1   421   a  can be connected to D 1   410   a  and line X 2   421   b  can be connected to line D 2   410   b . In Orientation  2 , line X 1   421   a  can be connected to D 2   410   b  and line X 2   421   b  can be connected to D 1   410   a . The actual physical orientation of the connectors can be determined by detector  422  in device  420 . 
     Device  420  can include detector  422  which can be coupled to lines  421   a  and  421   b . From one or more measured characteristics, detector  422  can be operable to determine the physical orientation of connector  411  with respect to connector  421 . Detector  422  can, for example, measure the voltage of line X 1   421   a  with respect to line X 2   421   b . In this example, the measured voltage can be used to determine whether connectors  411  and  421  are in a first or second physical orientation with respect to each other. Device  420  can include switch  425 . Switch  425  can be operable to exist in one of three states: open, connecting its inputs to a first set of outputs, and connecting its inputs to a second set of outputs. The first outputs can be connected to input/output lines of processor  427  so that X 1   421   a  can be connected to D 1   427   a  and X 2   421   b  can be connected to D 2   427   b . The second outputs can be connected to processor  427  so that X 1   421   a  can be connected to D 2   427   b  and X 2   421   b  can be connected to D 1   427   a.    
     Switch  425  can be coupled with detector  422 . Before the physical orientation of connector  411  is determined, switch  425  can be in an open position so that any circuits in device  420  do not affect the measurements made by detector  422 . Once the orientation has been determined, detector  422  can signal switch  425  with a configuration signal (CONF)  424 . Switch  425  can then connect the lines from device  410  to circuitry in device  420  according to the physical orientation between the connectors. For example, switch  425  can go to a first position which connects X 1   421   a  with D 1   427   a  and X 2   421   b  with D 2   427   b  if Orientation  1  is detected. If Orientation  2  is detected, switch  425  can go to a second position which connects X 1   421   a  with D 2   427   b  and X 2  with D 1   427   a.    
       FIG. 5  includes an embodiment of system  500  operable to determine the physical connector orientation in accordance with the principles of the present invention. System  500  can include device  510  and device  520 . Device  510  can include connector  511 , and device  520  can include connector  521 . Devices  510  and  520  can be coupled by mating connectors  511  and  521 . Mating connectors  511  and  521  can include connecting contacts for three lines between device  510  and device  520 . Connectors  511  and  521  can be symmetrical so that connectors  511  and  521  can be connected in two possible orientations. Legend  590  shows two possible physical orientations of connector  511  with respect to  521 . If there are an odd number of lines coupled between device  510  and device  520 , a middle contact can be connected to the same signal in either connection orientation. For example, X 2   521   b  can be connected to D 2   510   b  regardless of connector orientation. Detector  522  measures one or more electrical characteristic of one or more of lines  521   a - 521   c  in order to determined whether connector  511  is in Orientation  1  or Orientation  2 . 
     Once the orientation of connector  511  is determined, detector  522  can use configuration signal (CONF)  524  to trigger switch  525  to connect its outputs to the appropriate inputs of processor  527 . In an embodiment where there are an odd number of contacts, a switch coupled with a middle line can have only an open and a closed position. 
     It is contemplated that connectors  511  and  521  can have a triangular shape enabling three different coupling orientations. In this case, device  520  can have switches capable of routing the lines from connector  521  to the proper lines within device  520 . For example, the switches can have four possible positions which include an open position and individual positions for each connector orientation. 
       FIG. 6  includes an embodiment of system  600  operable to determine connector orientation in accordance with the principles of the present invention. System  600  can include device  610  and device  620 . Connectors  611  and  621  can be symmetrical so that two different mating configurations are possible. The connection between device  610  and device  620  can include four lines: a voltage line (V BUS )  610   a , a first data line (D 1 )  610   b , a second data line (D 2 )  610   c , and ground line (GND)  610   d.    
     Two signals can be located on opposite contacts of the connection so that a line coming into device  620  is known to be one of those two signals. Legend  690  shows two possible physical orientations of connector  611  with respect to connector  621 . For example, X 1   621   a  is V BUS    610   a  in Orientation  1  and GND  610   d  in Orientation  2 . In this example, there is no possibility that X 1   621   a  is D 1   610   b  or D 2   610   c . According to this same principle, a pair of lines can be known to contain two signals regardless of the connector orientation. For example, V BUS    610   a  and GND  610   d  can be connected to either X 1   621   a  or X 4   621   d , but not to X 2   621   b  or X 3   621   c , regardless of connector orientation. 
     Device  620  can include voltage regulator  626  and processor  627 . A pair of lines which include V BUS    610   a  and GND  610   d  can be coupled with the inputs of switch  625   b . The outputs of switch  625   b  can be coupled with voltage regulator  626 . The pair of lines which include D 1   610   b  and D 2   610   c  can be coupled with the inputs of switch  625   a , and the outputs of switch  625   a  can be coupled with the inputs of processor  627 . 
     Detector  622  can be operable to measure one or more electrical characteristic of one or more of lines  621   a - 621   d . From the one or more measured characteristic, the orientation of connector  611  with respect to connector  621  can be determined. Detector  622  can control switches  625   a  and  625   b  using configuration signal (CONF)  624  so that the switches make the proper connections corresponding to the detected orientation. For example, detector  622  can measure the voltage on line X 1   621   a  and can find it to be consistent with the expected voltage of V BUS    610   a . In this case, detector  622  can direct switches  625   a  and  625   b  to move to a position corresponding to Orientation  1 . With switches  625   a  and  625   b  in this configuration, line  621   a  can be routed to V BUS    626   a , line  621   b  can be routed to D 1   627   a,  line  621   c  can be routed to D 2   627   b , and line  621   d  can be routed to GND  626   b . Note that by measuring as few as one line which is indicative of the connectors&#39; orientation, detector  622  can determine how to route all of the lines included in the connection. 
     It is contemplated that connectors  611  and  621  can be designed so that there are more than two possible connector mating orientations. For example, four contacts arranged so that each contact is a corner of a square would facilitate a connector that is capable of four different orientations. In a case where there are more than two possible orientations, it can not be correct to assume that a signal is found in one of two lines. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, switches with a different position for each orientation can be used in that situation. 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that determining connector orientation in accordance with the principles of the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation. For example, a system which reconfigures a processor to compensate for connector orientation is another embodiment operable to function in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  includes an embodiment of system  700  operable to determine connector orientations and select communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention. System  700  can include device  710  and device  720 . Connectors  711  and  721  can be symmetrical so that two or more different mating configurations are possible. Legend  790  shows two possible physical orientations of connector  711  with respect to connector  721 . Device  720  can be capable of communicating using different interfaces. In this embodiment, there can be a matrix of connector orientations and communication interfaces which define the connection between device  710  and device  720 . What this means is that, in this example, two possible communication interfaces can be used in either Orientation  1  or Orientation  2 . When determining connector orientation and selecting a communication interface, as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , there can be four possible configurations. 
     Device  720  can include detector  722  which is capable of determining the orientation of connector  711  with respect to connector  721  and selecting the communication interface compatible with device  710 . Detector  722  can control switches  725   a  and  725   b  using configuration signal (CONF)  724  in order to configure device  720  for the detected connector orientation. Detector  722  can transmit an interface select signal (INT_SEL)  723  to processor  727  that identifies the communication interface used by device  710 . Processor  727  can subsequently configure itself or other circuits in device  720  in order to communicate via the detected interface. 
     It is contemplated that detector  722  can make two different measurements in order to determine the connector orientation and select the appropriate communication interface. For example, detector  722  may include some inputs coupled to connection lines  721   a - 721   d  to the left of switches  725   a - 725   b  and other inputs connected to lines  727   a - 727   b  and  726   a - 726   b  to the right of switches  725   a - 725   b . In this embodiment, detector  722  may use one criteria to determine the connector orientation before switches  725   a - 725   b  close. Subsequently, detector  722  may use another criteria to select the appropriate communication interface after switches  725   a - 725   b  have closed to the proper position which compensates for connector orientation. 
     A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation. For example, a system which routes signals differently to compensate for both connector orientation and communication interface is another embodiment operable to function in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a simplified diagram  800  of voltage ranges measured by detector  722  and the corresponding interfaces and connector orientations. The measurement represented in diagram  800  is the voltage of line X 1  with respect to line X 3 . Diagram  800  is illustrative of the embodiment where two possible communication interfaces, USB and three-wire serial, are used in combination with two possible connector orientations, but other implementations are possible that will still utilize the principles of the present invention. 
     The current USB standard calls for a power supply line with a voltage between 4.35V and 5.25V. Therefore range  802 , which corresponds to a detected USB interface, extends from 4.0V to 5.5V. Range  804  includes the same range converted to negative voltages because it corresponds to a USB interface when the connectors are coupled in an opposite orientation. 
     Because the three-wire serial standard does not require a power supply line, the voltage of an optional power supply line can be designed to be different from the voltages of USB power supply lines. For example, the power supply line can be designed to have a voltage of 3.0V. In this embodiment, range  806  can extend from 2.0V to 4.0V and correspond to a detected serial interface. Range  808 , which extends from −4.0V to −2.0V, can correspond to the same serial interface but with the connectors coupled in an opposite orientation. 
     Ranges  810 ,  812 , and  814  can correspond to improperly coupled or unsupported connectors. In other embodiments, additional communication interfaces or connector orientations could correspond to ranges  810 ,  812 , and  814 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a flowchart of process  900  which can be implemented to select appropriate communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention. At step  910 , two devices can be coupled by mating two connectors. This connection can include one or more electrical contacts. At step  920 , one of the devices can measure one or more electrical characteristic of the connection. The electrical characteristic can include a resistive, reactive, current, or voltage measurement and can involve one or more contacts. In one embodiment, the measurement can be of the voltage of one contact with respect to another contact. In an alternative embodiment, the measurement can be of the resistance between two contacts. 
     Step  930  in process  900  depends on the measurement obtained at step  920 . If the measurement is within a certain predetermined range, process  900  can continue with step  940 . If the measurement is within a different predetermined range, process  900  can continue with step  950 . If the measurement is within a third predetermined range, process  900  can continue with step  960 . Each different range can correspond to a measurement that would be expected for a different communication interface. The number of different branches of process  900  can be defined by the number of interfaces a device can use to communicate. 
     In one embodiment, process  900  can repeat step  920  if the measurement does not fall into any of the predetermined ranges (not shown). In another embodiment, process  900  can resolve that same situation by prompting a user (not shown). The user prompt could, for example, request that the user check the connection or allow the user to select the interface type. 
     At step  940 ,  950  or  960 , the device which performed the measurement can begin to use a predetermined communication interface which corresponds to the value of the measured characteristic. In order to use the selected interface, the device can load a corresponding set of instructions onto a processor. In an alternative embodiment, the device can route the signals to the corresponding circuits or ICs for each interface. 
       FIG. 10  shows a flowchart of process  1000  which can be implemented to determine connector orientations in accordance with the principles of the present invention. At step  1010 , two devices can be coupled by mating two connectors. The connectors used can be designed so that they can fit together in more than one physical orientation. At step  1020 , one of the devices can measure an electrical characteristic of the connection. 
     At step  1030 , process  1000  can proceed differently depending on the value of the measured characteristic. If the measured characteristic is within a predetermined range, process  1000  can proceed with step  1040 . At step  1040 , a device can route the connected lines to paths corresponding to Range A. If the measured characteristic is within a second range, process  1000  can proceed with step  1050 . At step  1050 , the connected lines can be routed to paths corresponding to Range B. The ranges can be selected so as to differentiate between possible connector orientations. For example, a device can measure the voltage of a line that is expected to be either a power supply line or ground depending on the physical orientation of the connectors. In this example, two possible voltage ranges can be separated at a value that is in between the expected supply voltage and ground. 
       FIG. 11  shows a flowchart of process  1100  which can be implemented to determine connector orientations and select appropriate communication interfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention. At step  1110 , two devices can be coupled by mating two connectors. The connectors used can be designed so that they can fit together in more than one physical orientation. At step  1120 , one of the devices can measure an electrical characteristic of the connection. At step  1130 , process  1100  diverges. Depending on the characteristic measured at step  1120 , process  1100  can proceed with step  1140  or step  1150 . Step  1140  can correspond to routing connection lines in accordance with one connector orientation and step  1150  can correspond to routing connection lines according to another connector orientation. It is contemplated that more than two connector orientations can be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     At step  1160  a device can measure one or more electrical characteristic. The measured characteristic can be used to select the communication interface appropriate for the two devices to use when communicating with each other. It is also contemplated that, instead of making a new measurement, the measurement generated at step  1120  can be used to select an appropriate communication interface at step  1170  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Depending on the range of the measured characteristic, process  1100  can proceed with step  1180  or step  1190 . At step  1180 , the devices can communicate using Interface X. At step  1190 , the devices can communicate using Interface Y. In order to communicate using the appropriate interface, a device can, for example, route the connection lines to the proper circuitry for that interface. Alternatively, a device can load a set of instructions specialized for communicating with the appropriate interface. 
     Thus it is seen that descriptions of systems and methods for determining connector orientations and selecting communication interfaces are provided. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20090702
Publication Date: 20110104
Grant Date: 20110104
Priority Date: 20070105
Inventors: TERLIZZI JEFFREY J.
RABU STANLEY
KALAYJIAN NICHOLAS R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F13/385", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F13/385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L27/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39595006