PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8519564-B2
Application Number: US-77873810-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multi-output power supply

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing power to an electronic device may include a power input configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply, and a rectifier operatively connected to the power input and configured to convert the input voltage to a first voltage. The rectifier may further be configured to transmit the first voltage to a first power output operatively connected to the rectifier. The apparatus may further include a power converter operatively connected to the rectifier and configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage different than the first voltage and a first relay operatively connected to the rectifier to selectively prevent the first voltage from being transmitted through the first power output. The power converter may further be configured to transmit the second voltage to a second power output operatively connected to the power converter.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for providing power to an electronic device, comprising:
 a power input configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply; 
 a rectifier operatively connected to the power input and configured to convert the input voltage to a first voltage; 
 a first power output connector operatively connected to the rectifier, wherein the rectifier is further configured to transmit the first voltage to the first power output connector; 
 a power converter operatively connected to the rectifier and configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage different than the first voltage; 
 a second power output connector operatively connected to the power converter, wherein the power converter is further configured to transmit the second voltage to the second power output connector; and 
 a first relay operatively connected to the rectifier to selectively prevent the first voltage from being transmitted through the first power output connector,
 wherein a state of the first relay is determined at least in part by a state of a first control line, 
 wherein the first control line does not transmit the first voltage, 
 wherein the first relay includes a first logic configured to determine whether a first electronic device operatively connected to the first power output connector is compatible with the first voltage. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second relay operatively connected to the power converter to selectively prevent the second voltage from being transmitted through the second power output connector,
 wherein a state of the second relay is determined at least in part by a state of a second control line, 
 wherein the second control line does not transmit the second voltage, 
 wherein the second relay includes a second logic configured to determine whether a second electronic device operatively connected to the second power output connector is compatible with the second voltage. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first logic comprises a first logic circuit operatively connected to the first control line. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first control line and the first power output connector are contained within a single output connector. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the single output connector terminates in a magnetic MAGSAFE connector. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the first logic is configured to determine whether an electronic device is compatible with the first voltage based at least partially on whether the control line is in an active or inactive state. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing enclosing at least the first power output connector and the second power output connector. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the first power output connector is a connector and the second power output connector is a USB port. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first voltage is 18.5 volts. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second voltage is greater than the first voltage.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosed embodiments relate generally to power supplies for supplying power to electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices, and more specifically to power adapters and connector cords configured to supply differing voltages to two or more electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Power adapters may be used to supply power to a variety of portable electronic devices, including laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, digital media players, cameras, and so on, to operate such devices and/or to charge a rechargeable battery in such devices. The power supplied from power adapters is typically received from an external power source supplying alternating current (AC) voltage. The power adapter may then convert the AC voltage into a direct current (DC) voltage that can be used by a connected electronic device. 
     Most commercially available adapters do not include multiple outputs for supplying different DC voltage levels for powering multiple electronic devices and/or multiple internal batteries. As such, users may often purchase a device-specific adapter for powering a device. However, this requires that the user carry a separate adapter for each device, which can be cumbersome when a user is traveling, as many users may forget to bring all of the associated adapters required for various devices. Additionally, many adapters may be relatively heavy and bulky, making them difficult to carry while in transit. Likewise, having multiple adapters in a stationary location (such as a home or office) may be confusing. 
     What is needed is a way to supply power to multiple connected electronic devices so that a user does not have to carry additional power adapters while traveling with multiple portable electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments discussed herein may provide power to multiple electronic devices using a single power adapter. The embodiments typically, but not necessarily, include a DC-to-DC converter and multiple outputs for supplying power to two or more electronic devices. The DC-to-DC converter may be provided in the adapter itself, or may be provided in a cord or a connector that may be connected to the adapter and an electronic device. Additionally, some embodiments include a relay for intelligently controlling power supplied through the outlets so that power is supplied only to voltage or manufacturer compatible electronic devices. 
     One embodiment takes the form of an apparatus for providing power to an electronic device may include a power input configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply, and a rectifier operatively connected to the power input and configured to convert the input voltage to a first voltage. The rectifier may further be configured to transmit the first voltage to a first power output operatively connected to the rectifier. The apparatus may further include a power converter operatively connected to the rectifier and configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage different than the first voltage and a first relay operatively connected to the rectifier to selectively prevent the first voltage from being transmitted through the first power output. The power converter may further be configured to transmit the second voltage to a second power output operatively connected to the power converter. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a second relay operatively connected to the power converter to selectively prevent the second voltage from being transmitted through the second power output. In another embodiment, the first relay may include a first logic configured to determine whether an electronic device operatively connected to the first power output is compatible with the first voltage. In a further embodiment, the second relay may include a second logic configured to determine whether an electronic device operatively connected to the second power output is compatible with the second voltage. In another embodiment, the first logic may be operatively connected to a first control line. 
     In some embodiments, first control line and the first power output may be contained within a single output connector. In other embodiments, the connector may terminate in a magnetic connector. In another embodiment, the first logic may be configured to determine whether an electronic device is compatible with the first voltage based at least partially on whether the control line is in an active or inactive state. A further embodiment may include a housing enclosing at least the first power output and the second power output. 
     Another embodiment takes the form of a method for supplying power to two or more electronic devices. The method may include receiving a first voltage of a first current type having a first voltage level and converting the first voltage to a second voltage of the first current type. The second voltage may have a second voltage level. The method may further include determining whether a first device is compatible with the first voltage level, determining whether a second device is compatible with the second voltage level, and in the event that the first device is compatible with the first voltage level, supplying the first voltage to the first power output. The method may also include supplying the second voltage to the second power output in the event that the second device is compatible with the second voltage level. 
     Another embodiment takes the form of a connector cable. The connector cable may include a power input configured to receive a first voltage and a power converter operatively connected to the power input. The power converter may be configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage having a second voltage level. The connector cable may further include a first connector operatively connected to the power input, a second connector operatively connected to the power converter, and a connector housing enclosing at least the first and second connectors. 
     These and other embodiments and features will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure in its entirety, along with the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an embodiment of a power adapter connected to a DC-to-DC converter connected to an electronic device. 
         FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of the embodiment of the DC-to-DC converter shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of an adapter connected to a multi-output connector cord connected to multiple electronic devices. 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the multi-output connector cord shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the adapter shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an embodiment of a multi-output adapter connected to multiple electronic devices. 
         FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the multi-output adapter shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an embodiment of a single-output adapter that may be connected to multiple connector cords, each connected to a respective electronic device. 
         FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the single-output adapter and connector cords shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a single-output adapter that may be connected to multiple connector cords using a mechanical interlock plug. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method for supplying power between an electronic device and a multi-output adapter. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating a method for concurrently supplying power to multiple electronic devices. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments discussed herein may provide power to multiple electronic devices using a single power adapter. The embodiments typically include a DC-to-DC converter and multiple outputs for supplying power to two or more electronic devices requiring different DC voltage levels for operation. The DC-to-DC converter may be provided in the adapter itself, or may be provided in a cord (or cable) or a connector that may be connected to the adapter. Additionally, some embodiments include a relay for intelligently controlling power supplied through the outlets so that power is supplied only to voltage, and/or manufacturer, and/or other compatible electronic devices, as determined by manufacturer criteria 
     It should be noted that the adapters, connectors, and/or cords, as described herein, may be used with any appropriately-configured portable electronic device or non-portable device, for that matter. Suitable electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones, portable computers, tablet computing devices, input/output devices, portable video players, portable televisions, personal digital assistants, headphones, and so on. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, a power adapter  102  may be connected to a power source  104  via a plug  110 . The term “connected” or “coupled,” as used herein, means connected or coupled, either directly or indirectly. The power source  104  may be any source of electrical power, including, but not limited to, an AC power source as shown in  FIG. 1 , a DC power source, and so on. The power adapter  102  may be connected to a voltage or power converter  106 , which, in turn, may be connected to an electronic device  108 . As will be further described below, the voltage converter  106  may be a DC-to-DC converter  124 . The electronic device  108  may or may not have its own internal rechargeable battery. The sample electronic device  108  shown in  FIG. 1A  and discussed herein is a portable media player, such as an iPod™, iPhone™, or iPad™ as manufactured by Apple Inc., but it should be understood that any electronic device may be appropriately configured and substituted. 
     The adapter  102  may include an output connector  114  operable to connect the adapter  102  to the converter  106 , as well as an input power line  116  that may connect the adapter  102  to the external power source  104 . In some embodiments, the adapter  102  may further include an outer housing  118  for protecting the internal components of the adapter  102 . The input power line  116  may include a line or a cord coupled to a plug  110  configured for plugging into the external power source  104 . In other embodiments, the plug  110  may extend directly from the housing  118 , rather than from a cord. 
     As is known, the adapter  102  may include an AC-to-DC converter or rectifier for converting the AC voltage received from the power source into DC voltage that is fed into the power converter  106 . In other embodiments, the adapter may not include a rectifier, or may include a DC-to-DC converter, depending on the type and voltage of the power output from the power source  104 . The rectifier may be configured to convert the AC voltage to a DC voltage having a first voltage level V 1 . This voltage level may vary according to different embodiments. However, in one embodiment, the first voltage level may be approximately 18.5 V. In one embodiment, the adapter  102  may be a power brick manufactured by Apple Inc. However, other adapters can be used in conjunction with different embodiments. 
     The output connector  114  of the adapter  102  may be received by an input port (not shown) of the DC-to-DC converter  106 . In some embodiments, the connector  114  may include a quick release mechanism that enables the connector to disengage from the receiving port if it is tugged on, for instance by someone exerting force on the output cord. In addition, the output connector  114  may further include a light indicator, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), configured to indicate the state (e.g., powered or unpowered) of the adapter  102 . One connector that may be used in conjunction with an embodiment of the power adapter  102  is the MAGSAFE connector manufactured by Apple Inc. 
     As shown, the power converter  106  may include an output connector  120  connecting the converter  106  to the electronic device  108 , as well as an input port (not shown) for receiving the output connector  114  of the adapter  102 . In some embodiments, the converter  106  may further include an outer housing  122  for protecting the internal components of the converter. One connector that may be used in conjunction with an embodiment of the converter  106  may be a 30-pin connector, as manufactured by Apple Inc. The connector  120  may be integrated into the exterior housing of the power converter  106 , so that the converter may function as a docking station, or, in other embodiments, may be connected to the converter via a cord or other connection mechanism. 
       FIG. 1B  is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the internal components of the converter  106  shown in  FIG. 1A . Generally, the power converter  106  may be configured to receive voltage at a first voltage level V 1  from the power adapter  102  and convert the voltage into a voltage of a second voltage level V 2  different from the first voltage level. The power converter  106  may then supply to voltage at the second voltage level V 2  to a connected electronic device. The second voltage level V 2  may vary according to different embodiments. However, in one embodiment, the first voltage level may be approximately 5 V. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , the converter  106  may include a port for receiving the output connector  114  of the adapter  102 . The connector  114  may be connected to a DC-to-DC converter  124  in order to supply voltage from the output connector  114  to the DC-to-DC converter. As is known, the DC-to-DC converter  124  may be an electronic circuit that converts the voltage V 1  from a first DC source to a second voltage V 2 . The second voltage V 2  may be greater or smaller than the first voltage V 1 , depending on whether a buck converter or a boost converter is used. The DC-to-DC converter  124  may be connected to the output connector  120  of the converter  106  so as to supply the second voltage V 2  to the electronic device  108 . As discussed above, in one embodiment, the voltage V 1  input to the converter  106  may be approximately 18.5V and the voltage V 2  output by the converter may be approximately 5V, although the embodiments are not limited to these particular voltages. 
     In one embodiment, the adapter output connector  114  and the converter connector  120  may each include control pins that may be connected to respective control lines  122 ,  126  in the converter  106 . As is shown, the control lines  122 ,  126  may be connected to a relay including logic  130 . In one embodiment, the logic  130  may be configured to determine whether a connected power converter  106  is compatible with the power adapter  102 , and/or whether a connected electronic device  108  is compatible with the converter  106 . For example, the logic  130  may be configured to determine whether the electronic device  108 , adapter  102 , and/or converter  106  are brand compatible, e.g., whether these components are manufactured or designed by a particular corporation. In another embodiment, the logic may be configured to determine whether the voltage level V 1  output by the adapter  102  is suitable for conversion by the converter  120  and/or whether the voltage level V 2  output by the converter is suitable for powering or charging the electronic device  108 , e.g., to prevent damaging the internal electrical components of the connected device. Other criteria, such as a product line or identifier, a region or circuitry identifier, a registration indication and so on, may be used by the logic to determine charging functionality. 
     In one embodiment, the logic  130  may be a circuit configured to execute the logic functions. In other embodiments, the logic functions may be executed by a microprocessor, software, or any other software or hardware configured to perform the logic functions discussed herein. 
     As discussed above, the logic may function as a relay for opening or closing a switch  135  to allow current to flow to a connected device when the control line is in an active state and disconnected when the control line is in an inactive state. For example, the control line  122 ,  126  may be active when a compatible device  108  is plugged into the connector  120  and/or when a compatible output connector  114  is plugged into the input port of the converter  106 , and inactive when an incompatible device is plugged into the connector or if no device is plugged into the connector. The relay may be a solid state relay, an electromechanical relay, and so on and so forth. 
     Other embodiments may utilize a mechanical pin configuration, rather than a relay, for preventing an improper voltage level from being supplied to a connected electronic device. For example, the mechanical pin configuration may include a connector that includes a unique pin configuration that is configured for insertion into a unique port configuration. Accordingly, the connectors of incompatible electronic devices are from being connected to the adapter and/or converter connectors. Additionally, some embodiments may utilize a microcontroller unit for controlling current flow between the converter  106  and the electronic device  108 . Additionally, it should be noted that while  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a converter  106  with a single output connector  120 , other embodiments of converters may include multiple output connectors supplying voltages of the same or different levels and/or multiple DC-to-DC converters. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate another embodiment of a universal cable and/or adapter assembly  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , a power adapter  202  may be connected to a power source  104  via a plug  110 . The power source  104  may be any source of electrical power, including, but not limited to, an AC or a DC power source. The adapter  202  may include an AC-to-DC power converter for converting the AC voltage received from the power source into a DC voltage. The power adapter  202  may be connected to a multi-output connector  204  that includes multiple output connectors  210 ,  212  that may be received by input ports (not shown) of different electronic devices  220 ,  222 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2A , one connector  210  of the multi-output connector  204  may be configured for connection to an input port of a laptop computer  220 , and the other connector  212  may be configured for connection to an input port of a handheld device  222 , such as an iPod™ or an iPhone™. In one particular embodiment, one connector  210  may be a MAGSAFE connector manufactured by Apple Inc., and the other connector  212  may be a 30-pin connector. Generally, each output connector  210 ,  212  supplies a voltage having a voltage level that is different from that of the other output connectors  210 ,  212 , although in some embodiments, the cable may have multiple output connectors that supply the same voltage. 
     As will be further described below, in one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2A , the adapter  202  may be connected to the multi-output connector  204  via a universal cable assembly  250 . The universal cable assembly  250  may include a DC-to-DC voltage converter  206  encased in the connector housing to supply a first voltage level V 1  through one output connector  210  and a second voltage level V 2  through the other output connector  212 . In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2C , the adapter  202  may include a universal adapter assembly  260 , in which a DC-to-DC voltage converter  206  is provided within the housing of the power adapter  202 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the internal components of a universal cable assembly  250  that may be used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A . Referring to  FIG. 2B , the cable assembly  250  may be connected to the adapter  202  and may include a connector housing  204  having two output connectors  210  and  212 . In one embodiment, the cable assembly  250  may be connected to the adapter  202  via a connector cable  203 . In other embodiments, the connectors may be integrated into the adapter. The connector cable  203  may supply a first voltage V 1  from the adapter  202  to a first connector  210  of the multi-output connector  204  and to a DC-to-DC converter  206  configured to convert the adapter voltage V 1  to a second voltage V 2 . As previously discussed, the second voltage V 2  may be greater or smaller than the first voltage V 1 , depending on whether a boost or buck converter is used. As shown in  FIG. 2B , the DC-to-DC converter  206  may be connected to a second connector  212  of the multi-output connector  204  so that the voltage V 2  output by the DC-to-DC converter may be supplied to the second connector. Accordingly, each connector  210  and  212  of the multi-output connector  204  may be configured to supply a different voltage V 1  or V 2  to a connected electronic device. 
     In one embodiment, the output connectors  210 ,  212  may each include a relay  230 ,  232  including a respective control line  228 ,  226  and logic  222 ,  224  for determining whether a connected electronic device  220 ,  222  is compatible with a particular output connector  210 ,  212 . For example, as discussed above, the logic  222 ,  224  may be configured to determine whether the electronic device  220 ,  222  is an appropriate brand, whether the voltage level V 1  or V 2  supplied by each connector  210 ,  212  is appropriate for powering or charging a connected electronic device, and so on and so forth. Other embodiments may utilize other ways of controlling current flow between the output connectors  210 ,  212  and connected electronic devices. 
       FIG. 2C  is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the internal components of a universal adapter assembly  260  that may be used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A . As shown, the adapter assembly  260  may be encased in the housing of the adapter  202 , rather than in the connector housing  204 . The adapter  202  may be connected to a multi-output connector  204  that includes two or more output connectors  210 ,  212 . For example, the adapter  202  may be connected to the output connector  204  via a connector cable  203 , or through some other connection mechanism. The adapter  202  may include an AC-to-DC converter  262  for converting the AC voltage received from the power source to a DC voltage. The AC-to-DC converter  262  may be connected to a first output connector  210  and to a DC-to-DC converter  206  to supply a first voltage V 1  to the first connector and the DC-to-DC converter. The DC-to-DC converter  206  may convert the first voltage V 1  to a second voltage V 2  and supply the second voltage V 2  to a second output connector  212 . Accordingly, each connector  210  and  212  may be configured to supply a different voltage V 1  or V 2  to a connected electronic device  220 ,  222 . In this embodiment, the connectors  210 ,  212  may be encased in a connector housing, or may be configured as separate standalone connectors  210 ,  212 . Additionally, as discussed above with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , the connectors  210 ,  212  may each utilize a relay  232 ,  230  including a respective control line  228 ,  226  and logic  222 ,  224  for determining whether or not an electronic device is compatible with a connected output connector  210 ,  212 . 
     Although the illustrated embodiments only include two output connectors, it should be noted that other embodiments may include more or fewer outputs and/or voltages. Additionally, other connectors may include multiple output connectors that supply the same voltage level. 
     Another embodiment of a universal adapter assembly  300  is shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Referring to  FIG. 3A , a power adapter  302  may be connected to a power source  104  via a plug  110 . The adapter  302  may include an output connector  310  and an output port  316  configured to receive an input connector  314  of a connector cable  315 . In one embodiment, the output connector  310  may be a MAGSAFE connector manufactured by Apple Inc., and the output port  316  may be a USB port. In other embodiments, other types of connector and/or port configurations may be used. The output connector  310  may be connected to the adapter  302  by a cord  311 , and may be received by an input port (not shown) of a first electronic device  320 . As is shown, the connector cable  315  may include an output connector  312  connected to the input connector  314 , for example, via a cable. The output connector  312  may be received by an input port (not shown) of a second electronic device  322 . The output connector  310  of the adapter  302  may be configured to supply a first voltage V 1 , and the output port  316  of the adapter may be configured to supply a second voltage V 2 . In one embodiment, the first electronic device  320  may be a laptop computer, and the second electronic device  322  may be a handheld device  322 . Other embodiments may be configured to power and/or charge other electronic devices. 
       FIG. 3B  is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the internal components of the adapter  302  shown in  FIG. 3A . Referring to  FIG. 3B , the adapter  302  may include an AC-to-DC power converter  301  for converting the AC voltage received from the power source into a DC voltage. The AC-to-DC power converter  301  may be connected to an output connector  310  and a DC-to-DC converter  306  to supply a first voltage V 1  to these components. As is shown, the DC-to-DC converter  306  may be provided in the housing of the power adapter  302 . The DC-to-DC converter  306  may be configured to convert the first voltage V 1  to a second voltage V 2 , and may supply the second voltage V 2  to the output port  316 . As discussed above, the output port  316  of the adapter  302  may be configured to receive a connector  314  of a connector cable  315 . Similar to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , and  2 A- 2 C, the output connector  310  of the adapter  302  may utilize a relay including a control line  328  and associated logic  330  for determining whether or not an electronic device is compatible with a connected electronic device  320  and supplying or withholding voltage accordingly. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate an embodiment of an adapter assembly  400  having a single output port for receiving multiple connectors  414 ,  412 . Referring to  FIG. 4A , the adapter assembly  400  may include an adapter  402  connected to a power source  104  via a plug  110 . The adapter  402  may include an output port  416  configured to receive an input connector  414  of a first connector cable  415 . The first connector cable  415  may also include an output connector  417  that may be received by an input port (not shown) of a first electronic device  420 . In one particular embodiment, the output connector  417  may be a MAGSAFE connector. 
     The output port  416  may also be configured to receive an output connector  412  of a second connector cable  418 . The cable  418  also include an output connector  419  that may be received by an input port (not shown) of a second electronic device  422 . In one embodiment, the output connector  419  may be a 30-pin connector. When connected to the adapter  402 , the connector cables  418 ,  415  may be configured to supply different output voltages V 1  or V 2  to a connected device  420 ,  422 . For example, one cable  415  may be configured to supply a first voltage V 1  to a laptop computer, and the other cable  418  may be configured to supply a different voltage V 2  to a handheld device. Other embodiments may be configured to power and/or charge other electronic devices. 
       FIG. 4B  is a block diagram schematically illustrating some of the internal components of the adapter assembly  400  shown in  FIG. 4A . Referring to  FIG. 4B , the adapter  402  may include an AC-to-DC power converter  401  for converting the AC voltage received from the power source into a DC voltage. The output voltage V 1  of the AC-to-DC power converter  401  may be supplied to an output port  416  of the adapter  402 . In one embodiment, the output voltage V 1  of the adapter  402  be approximately 18.5V, although other voltage levels are also possible. 
     As shown, the first connector cable  415  may include an input connector  414  and an output connector  417  connected to the first connector via a cord. The input connector  414  of the cable  415  may be received by the output port  416  of the adapter  402 , and the output connector  417  of the cable  415  may be received by an input port (not shown) of an electronic device. The output voltage level V 1  of the first connector cable  415  may be equal to the output voltage level V 1  of the adapter  402 . 
     The second connector cable  418  may include an input connector  412  and an output connector  419  connected to the first connector via a cord. The connector cable  418  may further include a DC-to-DC converter  420  connected to the input and output connectors  412 ,  419 . The DC-to-DC converter  420  may be provided within the casing of the cord connecting the connectors, or may be provided in a connector housing. The DC-to-DC converter  420  may be configured to receive the first voltage V 1  from the input connector  412 , convert the first voltage V 1  to a second voltage V 2 , and transmit the second voltage V 2  to the output connector  419 . As discussed above, the input connector  412  of the second cable  418  may be received by the output port  416  of the adapter  402 , and the output connector  419  may be received by an input port (not shown) of an electronic device. In one embodiment, the input connectors  412 ,  414  of the first and second connector cables  418 ,  415  may be identical, although in some embodiments, the input connectors of the cables may have different configurations. 
     In one embodiment, logic  430 ,  432  may be provided in each output connector  417 ,  419  for distinguishing between different connected devices. In one embodiment, the cables  415 ,  418  may utilize a relay including logic  430 ,  432  configured to determine whether a connected control line is active or inactive. As discussed above with respect to prior-described embodiments, if the control line is active, the relay  446 ,  444  may allow voltage to be supplied from the adapter  402 , through the cable  415 ,  418 , to a connected device. If the control line is inactive, the relay  446 ,  444  may prevent voltage from being supplied through the cable  415 ,  418 . 
     Another embodiment of an adapter assembly  450  is shown in  FIG. 4C . In this embodiment, the input connectors of the connector cables may be configured as one or more mechanical interlock plugs  451 ,  453 ,  455  that may be received by a receiving portion of an adapter  452 . This embodiment may allow for the use of interchangeable plug and/or connector configurations with a single adapter, which may be useful to a user traveling in another country. As is shown, each mechanical interlock plug  451 ,  453 ,  455  may be removably attachable to a receiving portion of an adapter  453  using a mechanical joining feature. Some examples of locking features include, but are not limited to, a tongue and groove feature, a screw, a pin, a joint, and so on and so forth. The output connectors of the connector cables may be similar to those discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method for supplying power between an electronic device and a multi-output adapter. Initially, in operation  501  the embodiment may be configured to receive voltage from a power source. As discussed above, the voltage may be an AC voltage. In operation  503 , the embodiment may be configured to convert the voltage from the power source to a voltage usable by a connected electronic device. This may be accomplished, for example, using an AC-to-DC converter, which may convert the AC voltage to a first DC voltage level. In operation  507 , the embodiment may supply voltage at the first voltage level to a power converter. The power converter may be, for example, a DC-to-DC converter configured to convert the received voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level. In operation  509 , the converter may convert the voltage to the second voltage level. 
     In operation  513 , the embodiment may determine whether an electronic device is connected to a first output. As discussed above, the operation may be performed by logic connected to a control line that is active when an electronic device is connected to the first output, and inactive when an electronic device is not connected to the first output. The output may be a connector, a port, or any other known output mechanism, and may be provided on the adapter itself, within a cable that can be connected to the adapter, within the housing of a connector, and so on and so forth. 
     If, in operation  513 , the embodiment determines that an electronic device is connected to the first output, then in operation  515  the embodiment may determine whether the connected electronic device is compatible with the adapter. For example, the embodiment may determine whether the voltage required for charging or powering the electronic device is appropriate with respect to the first voltage level, an appropriate model or brand, and so on and so forth. In some embodiments, this may be performed by logic connected to a control line that is active or inactive based on whether a compatible electronic device is connected to the output. In some embodiments, operation  515  may be omitted. If, in operation  515 , the embodiment determines that the connected electronic device is compatible with the adapter, then, in operation  517 , the embodiment may proceed to supply voltage to the connected electronic device through the first output. For example, the logic may function as a relay including a switch that may be closed to allow voltage to flow through the switch to the first output. After the execution of operation  517 , the method may then proceed back to operation  513 . If, in operation  515 , the embodiment determines that the connected electronic device is not compatible with the adapter, then in operation  521  the embodiment may determine whether an electronic device is connected to a second output. As discussed above, this operation may be performed by logic connected to a control line that is active when an electronic device is connected to the second output, and inactive when an electronic device is not connected to the second output. Similar to the first output, the second output may be a connector, a port, or any other known output mechanism and may be provided on the adapter itself, within a cable that can be connected to the adapter, within the housing of a connector, and so on and so forth. 
     Returning to operation  513 , if the embodiment determines that an electronic device is not connected to the first output, then operation  519  is executed. In this operation, the embodiment may not transmit voltage through the first output. Next, operation  521  is executed. The embodiment may withhold voltage from the first output by opening a switch to prevent voltage from flowing to the first output. 
     If in operation  521 , the embodiment determines that an electronic device is connected to the second output, then in operation  523  the embodiment may determine whether the connected electronic device is compatible with the second output. As discussed above with respect to the first output, this may include determining whether the second voltage level is appropriate for powering or charging the connected electronic device. If in operation  523  the embodiment determines that the connected electronic device is compatible with the second output, then operation  525  is executed and the embodiment may supply voltage at the second voltage level to the connected electronic device. If, in operation  523 , the embodiment determines that the connected electronic device is not compatible with the second output, then operation  529  is executed. In this operation, the embodiment may withhold voltage to the second output. This may be accomplished via a relay, as discussed above. The method may then proceed to operation  513 , in which the embodiment may determine whether an electronic device is connected to the first output. 
     Returning to operation  521 , the embodiment may determine that an electronic device is not connected to the second output and thus, in operation  527 , may withhold voltage to the second output. The method may then proceed to operation  513 , in which the embodiment may determine whether an electronic device is connected to the first output. 
     It should be noted that the disclosed operations do not have to be performed in the order described above, but can be performed out of sequence in some embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may not execute all of the recited operations. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method for concurrently supplying power to a multiple connected electronic devices. Initially, in operation  601  the embodiment may be configured to receive voltage from a power source. As discussed above, the voltage may be an AC voltage. In operation  603 , the embodiment may be configured to convert the voltage from the power source to a voltage usable by a connected electronic device. This may be accomplished, for example, using an AC-to-DC converter, which may convert the AC voltage to a first DC voltage level. In operation  605 , the embodiment may supply voltage at the first voltage level to a power converter. The power converter may be, for example, a DC-to-DC converter. In operation  607 , the converter may convert the voltage to a second voltage level. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , operations  609 - 617 , relating to a first output, may be executed in parallel with operations  619 - 627 , relating to a second output, so that the adapter assembly may concurrently power two or more electronic devices. The first and second outputs may be any type of output, including a connector, a port, and so on and so forth. The first and second outputs may be the same type of output, or may be different types of outputs. For example, the first output may be a port and the second output may be a connector. Similarly, the first and second outputs may be part of the adapter, or may be provided in a separate cable and/or connector. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second outputs may be two different connector outputs of a connector cable that may be attached to an adapter. 
     In operation  609 , the embodiment may determine whether a device is connected to the first output. As discussed above, this may be accomplished using logic connected to a control line. When the control line is active, the logic may determine that a device is connected to the first output. When the control line is inactive, the logic may determine that a device is not connected to the first output. If, in operation  609 , the embodiment determines that a device is connected to the first output, then in operation  611  the embodiment may determine whether the connected device is compatible. If, in operation  611 , the embodiment determines that the connected device is compatible (for example, because it is compatible with the current type or level supplied by the first output) then, in operation  613 , the embodiment may supply voltage at the first voltage level to the device connected at the first output. 
     However, if, in operation  611 , the embodiment determines that the connected device is incompatible, then in operation  617  the embodiment may withhold voltage through the first output. The method may then proceed to operation  609 , in which the embodiment may determine whether a device is connected to the first output. 
     Returning briefly to the discussion of operation  609 , the embodiment determines that a device is not connected to the first output, the embodiment may withhold voltage through the first output in operation  615 . The method may then proceed to operation  609  as described above. 
     As discussed above, operations  619 - 627  involve determinations made by the embodiment with respect to the second output. These operations may be executed in parallel with operations  609 - 617 . In operation  619 , the embodiment may determine whether a device is connected to the second output. As discussed above, this may be accomplished using logic connected to a control line. When the control line is active, the logic may determine that a device is connected to the second output. When the control line is inactive, the logic may determine that a device is not connected to the second output. If, in operation  619 , the embodiment determines that a device is connected to the second output, then in operation  621 , the embodiment may determine whether the connected device is compatible. If, in operation  621 , the embodiment determines that the connected device is compatible, then, in operation  623 , the embodiment may supply voltage at the second voltage level to the device connected at the first output. The method may then proceed to operation  619 , in which the embodiment may determine whether a device is connected to the second output. 
     If, in operation  621 , the embodiment determines that the connected device is incompatible, then in operation  627 , the embodiment may withhold voltage through the second output. The method may then proceed to operation  619 , in which the embodiment may determine whether a device is connected to the second output. 
     Returning to operation  619 , if the embodiment determines that a device is not connected to the second output, the embodiment may withhold voltage through the first output in operation  625 . The method may then proceed to operation  619 , in which the embodiment may determine whether a device is connected to the second output. 
     Although the present invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments and methods of operation, it should be understood that changes to the described embodiments and/or methods may be made yet still embraced by alternative embodiments of the invention. For example, certain embodiments may omit or add operations to the methods and processes disclosed herein. Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention is defined by the claims herein.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100512
Publication Date: 20130827
Grant Date: 20130827
Priority Date: 20100512
Inventors: PANCE ALEKSANDAR
RUNDLE NICHOLAS ALAN
FIELD JOHN DOUGLAS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J1/082", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/64", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J1/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/7039", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J1/082", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/64", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02M1/007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02M1/007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/7039", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44911116