PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8535075-B1
Application Number: US-201313738932-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Electronic device with circuitry to detect the insertion orientation of a plug connector

Abstract:
A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a device housing; 
 a receptacle connector having a connector housing coupled to the device housing, the connector housing defining an interior cavity and an opening at a surface of the device housing, the opening and interior cavity being shaped to allow a corresponding plug connector to be inserted through the opening and into the cavity in a first orientation and a second orientation rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation; 
 a plurality of electrical contacts positioned within the interior cavity; and 
 circuitry operatively coupled to the receptacle connector to, when a corresponding plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector, initiate a hand shaking algorithm over one of the contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts to determine which of the first and second orientations the plug connector has been mated with the receptacle connector in. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device set forth in  claim 1  wherein the hand shaking algorithm initiated by the circuitry comprises sending a first signal over a first contact in the plurality of contacts that is in physical contact with a first mated contact in the corresponding plug connector, waiting for a response signal and, if a response signal to the first signal is received over the first contact, determining that the plug connector was inserted into the receptacle connector in the first orientation and allowing signals to be transferred between the receptacle connector and the plug connector over additional contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts according to a first contact mapping. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device set forth in  claim 2  wherein the hand shaking algorithm initiated by the circuitry further comprises, if a response signal to the first signal is not received over the first contact, sending a second signal over a second contact in the plurality of contacts that is in physical contact with a second mated contact in the corresponding plug connector, waiting for a response signal, and, if a response signal to the second signal is received over the second contact, determining that the plug connector was inserted into the receptacle connector in the second orientation and allowing signals to be transferred between the receptacle connector and the plug connector over additional contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts according to a second contact mapping different from the first mapping. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device set forth in  claim 1  wherein:
 the interior cavity has a width that includes a first half and a second half as defined by a centerline that bisects the width of the interior cavity and a height that is shorter than the width; 
 the plurality of contacts include a third contact located at a first contact location within the first half of the interior cavity and spaced from the centerline by a first distance, and a fourth contact located at a second contact location within the second half of the interior cavity and spaced from the centerline by the first distance; and 
 the electrical circuitry is configured to set the functionality of the third contact in the first mapping to be the same as the functionality of the fourth contact in the second mapping. 
 
     
     
       5. An electronic device comprising:
 a device housing; 
 a receptacle connector having a connector housing that defines an interior cavity and an opening at a surface of the device housing, the opening and interior cavity being shaped to allow a corresponding plug connector to be inserted through the opening and into the cavity in a first orientation and a second orientation rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation; 
 a plurality of contacts positioned within the interior cavity; and 
 electrical circuitry coupled to the plurality of contacts and configured to, in response to a mating event between the receptacle connector and the corresponding plug connector:
 (i) send a first signal over a first contact in the plurality of contacts that is in physical contact with a first mated contact in the corresponding plug connector and wait for a response signal in reply; 
 (ii) if a response signal to the first signal is received over the first contact, allow signals to be transferred between the receptacle connector and the plug connector over additional contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts; 
 (iii) if a response signal to the first signal is not received, send a second signal over a second contact in the plurality of contacts that is in physical contact with a second mated contact in the corresponding plug connector and wait for a response in reply; and 
 (iv) if a response signal to the second signal is received over the second contact, allowing signals to be transferred between the receptacle connector and the plug connector over additional contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device set forth in  claim 5  wherein the electrical circuitry is further configured to set the functionality of at least some of the plurality of contacts based on the orientation of the second connector. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device set forth in  claim 5  wherein electrical circuitry is configured to set the functionality of the plurality of contacts according to a first mapping when the second connector is mated with the first connector in a first orientation and set the functionality of the plurality of contacts according to a second mapping when the second connector is mated with the first connector in a second orientation rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device set forth in  claim 5  wherein:
 the interior cavity has a width that includes a first half and a second half as defined by a centerline that bisects the width of the interior cavity and a height that is shorter than the width; 
 the plurality of contacts include a third contact located at a first contact location within the first half of the interior cavity and spaced from the centerline by a first distance, and a fourth contact located at a second contact location within the second half of the interior cavity and spaced from the centerline by the first distance; and 
 the electrical circuitry is configured to set the functionality of the third contact in the first mapping to be the same as the functionality of the fourth contact in the second mapping. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device set forth in  claim 8  wherein the third and fourth contacts are each data contacts. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device set forth in  claim 9  wherein the third contact is located on a first surface of the interior cavity and second contact is located on a second surface of the interior cavity opposite the first surface. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device set forth in  claim 5  wherein the plurality of contacts further includes a first power contact located at a third contact location within the left half of the interior cavity that is spaced a second distance from the centerline and a second power contact located at a fourth contact location within the right half of the interior cavity that is spaced the second from the centerline. 
     
     
       12. An electronic device comprising:
 a device housing; 
 a receptacle connector having a connector housing coupled to the device housing, the connector housing defining an interior cavity and an opening at a surface of the device housing, the opening and interior cavity being shaped to allow a corresponding plug connector to be inserted through the opening and into the cavity in a first orientation and a second orientation rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation; 
 a plurality of contacts positioned within the interior cavity; and 
 electrical circuitry coupled to the plurality of contacts and configured to: (i) send a first signal and receive a reply to the first signal over at least one of the plurality of contacts to determine if the plug connector is inserted into the interior cavity in the first orientation, and (ii) if the connectors are mated in the first orientation, enable the exchange of other signals between the receptacle connector and plug connector over other contacts in the plurality of contacts that are coupled to circuitry within the electronic device according to a first mapping. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12  wherein the electrical circuitry is further configured to, if a reply is not received to the first signal: (iii) send a second signal and receive a reply to the second signal over at least one of the plurality of contacts to determine if the plug connector is inserted into the interior cavity in the second orientation, and (iv) if the connectors are mated in the second orientation, enable the exchange of other signals between the receptacle connector and plug connector over the other contacts in the plurality of contacts that are coupled to circuitry within the electronic device according to a second mapping different than the first mapping. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device set forth in  claim 12  wherein the plurality of contacts include first and second pairs of data contacts spaced along a width of the connector on opposite sides of and an equal distance from a centerline that bisects the width. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device set forth in  claim 12  wherein the plurality of contacts include first and second power contacts spaced along a width of the connector on opposite sides of and an equal distance from a centerline that bisects the width. 
     
     
       16. A method of determining the insertion orientation of a plug connector that can be inserted in a receptacle connector having a plurality of contacts in either a first orientation or a second orientation, the method comprising:
 detecting insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle connector; 
 initiating a hand shaking algorithm over a contact in the plurality of contacts to determine which of the first and second orientations the plug connector has been mated with the receptacle connector in. 
 
     
     
       17. The method set forth in  claim 16  wherein the hand shaking algorithm comprises sending a first signal over a first contact in the plurality of contacts, waiting for a response signal and, if a response signal to the first signal is received over the first contact, determining that the plug connector was inserted into the receptacle connector in the first orientation and allowing signals to be transferred between the receptacle connector and the plug connector over additional contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts according to a first contact mapping. 
     
     
       18. The method set forth in  claim 16  wherein the hand shaking algorithm further comprises, if a response signal to the first signal is not received over the first contact, sending a second signal over a second contact in the plurality of contacts, waiting for a response signal and, if a response signal to the second signal is received over the second contact, determining that the plug connector was inserted into the receptacle connector in the second orientation and allowing signals to be transferred between the receptacle connector and the plug connector over additional contacts in the plurality of electrical contacts according to a second contact mapping different from the first mapping. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16  wherein the second orientation is rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 16  wherein the receptacle connector has an interior cavity in which the plurality of contacts are positioned, the interior cavity having a width that includes a first half and a second half as defined by a centerline that bisects the width of the interior cavity and a height that is shorter than the width, and the method further comprises setting the functionality of a third contact located at a first contact location within the first half of the interior cavity and spaced from the centerline by a first distance in the first mapping to be the same as the functionality of a fourth contact located at a second contact location within the second half of the interior cavity and spaced from the centerline by the first distance in the second mapping.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/700,441, filed May 27, 2011; which is a U.S. National Stage Application of PCT/US2011/038452 filed May 27, 2011; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/349,737, filed May 28, 2010; 61/353,126, filed Jun. 9, 2010; 61/356,499, filed Jun. 18, 2010; 61/407,363, filed Oct. 27, 2010; 61/436,490, filed Jan. 26, 2011; and 61/436,545, filed Jan. 26, 2011. The disclosures of each are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to input/output electrical connectors such as audio connectors and data connectors. 
     Standard audio connectors or plugs are available in three sizes according to the outside diameter of the plug: a 6.35 mm (¼″) plug, a 3.5 mm (⅛″) miniature plug and a 2.5 mm ( 3/32″) subminiature plug. The plugs include multiple conductive regions that extend along the length of the connectors in distinct portions of the plug such as the tip, sleeve and one or more middle portions between the tip and sleeve resulting in the connectors often being referred to as TRS (tip, ring and sleeve) connectors. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate examples of audio plugs  10  and  20  having three and four conductive portions, respectfully. As shown in  FIG. 1A , plug  10  includes a conductive tip  12 , a conductive sleeve  16  and a conductive ring  14  electrically isolated from the tip  12  and the sleeve  16  by insulating rings  17  and  18 . The three conductive portions  12 ,  14 ,  16  are for left and right audio channels and a ground connection. Plug  20 , shown in  FIG. 1B , includes four conductive portions: a conductive tip  22 , a conductive sleeve  26  and two conductive rings  24 ,  25  and is thus sometime referred to as a TRRS (tip, ring, ring, sleeve) connector. The four conductive portions are electrically isolated by insulating rings  27 ,  28  and  29  and are typically used for left and right audio, microphone and ground signals. As evident from  FIGS. 1A and 1B , each of audio plugs  10  and  20  are orientation agnostic. That is, the conductive portions completely encircle the connector forming 360 degree contacts such that there is no distinct top, bottom or side to the plug portion of the connectors. 
     When plugs  10  and  20  are 3.5 mm miniature connectors, the outer diameter of conductive sleeve  16 ,  26  and conductive rings  14 ,  24 ,  25  is 3.5 mm and the insertion length of the connector is 14 mm. For 2.5 mm subminiature connectors, the outer diameter of the conductive sleeve is 2.5 mm and the insertion length of the connector is 11 mm long. Such TRS and TRRS connectors are used in many commercially available MP3 players and smart phones as well as other electronic devices. Electronic devices such as MP3 players and smart phones are continuously being designed to be thinner and smaller and/or to include video displays with screens that are pushed out as close to the outer edge of the devices as possible. The diameter and length of current 3.5 mm and even 2.5 mm audio connectors are limiting factors in making such devices smaller and thinner and in allowing the displays to be larger for a given form factor. 
     Many standard data connectors are also only available in sizes that are limiting factors in making portable electronic devices smaller. Additionally, and in contrast to the TRS connectors discussed above, many standard data connectors require that they be mated with a corresponding connector in a single, specific orientation. Such connectors can be referred to as polarized connectors. As an example of a polarized connector,  FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict a micro-USB connector  30 , the smallest of the currently available USB connectors. Connector  30  includes a body  32  and a metallic shell  34  that extends from body  32  and can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector. As shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, shell  34  has angled corners  35  formed at one of its bottom plates. Similarly, the receptacle connector (not shown) with which connector  30  mates has an insertion opening with matching angled features that prevents shell  34  from being inserted into the receptacle connector the wrong way. That is, it can only be inserted one way—in an orientation where the angled portions of shell  34  align with the matching angled portions in the receptacle connector. It is sometimes difficult for the user to determine when a polarized connector, such as connector  30  is oriented in the correct insertion position. 
     Connector  30  also includes an interior cavity  38  within shell  34  along with contacts  36  formed within the cavity. Cavity  38  is prone to collecting and trapping debris within the cavity which may sometimes interfere with the signal connections to contacts  36 . Also, and in addition to the orientation issue, even when connector  30  is properly aligned, the insertion and extraction of the connector is not precise, and may have an inconsistent feel. Further, even when the connector is fully inserted, it may have an undesirable degree of wobble that may result in either a faulty connection or breakage. 
     Many other commonly used data connectors, including standard USB connectors, mini USB connectors, FireWire connectors, as well as many of the proprietary connectors used with common portable media electronics, suffer from some or all of these deficiencies or from similar deficiencies. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the invention pertain to plug connectors and receptacle connectors that improve upon some or all of the above described deficiencies. Other embodiments of the invention pertain to methods of manufacturing such plug and/or receptacle connectors as well as electronic devices that include such connectors. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular type of connector and may be used for numerous applications. Some embodiments, however, are particularly well suited for use as audio connectors and some embodiments are particularly well suited for data connectors. 
     In view of the shortcomings in currently available audio and data connectors as described above, some embodiments of the present invention relate to improved audio and/or data plug connectors that have a reduced plug length and thickness, an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. Additionally, some embodiments of plug connectors according to the present invention have external contacts instead of internal contacts and do not include a cavity that is prone to collecting and trapping debris. 
     One particular embodiment of the invention pertains to a dual orientation plug connector having external contacts carried by a connector tab. The connector tab can include first and second opposing sides with a first set of contacts formed on the first side and a second set of contacts formed on the second side. The first set of contacts can be symmetrically spaced with the second set of contacts and the connector tab can have a 180 degree symmetrical shape so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. In some embodiments the plug connector further includes one or more ground contacts formed on side surfaces of the connector tab that extend between the first and second surfaces, and in some additional embodiments the connector tab includes a cap or ground ring that covers the tip of the connector and extends from the tip towards the body along at least a portion of each of the side surfaces. In some further embodiments, the connector tab includes at least one retention feature adapted to engage with a retention feature on a corresponding receptacle connector. 
     In another embodiment, the invention pertains to an dual orientation electrical connector comprising a body and a connector tab extending longitudinally away from the body that includes first and second opposing surfaces. A plurality of electrical contacts are carried by the connector tab including a first set of external contacts formed at the first surface and a second set of external contacts formed at the second surface. The connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry and the first set of contacts is symmetrically spaced with the second set of contacts allowing the connector to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two orientations. In some instances, the connector tab can further include a side peripheral surface that extends between the first and second opposing surfaces and at least one ground contact formed on the side peripheral surface. Additionally, in some embodiments the connector still further includes a metal ground ring that generally defines a shape of the connector tab and includes openings on both the first and second surfaces in which the first and second sets of contacts are respectively formed and surrounded by a dielectric. Still in some other embodiments, the body includes a flexible member or is made from a flexible material that allows the connector to bend with respect to an insertion axis in which the connector is mated with a receptacle connector. 
     In still another embodiment, the invention pertains to a dual orientation electrical plug connector having a body, a cable attached to the body, and an unpolarized connector tab extending longitudinally away from the body. The connector tab may have a generally rectangular cross section defined by first and second major opposing surfaces and first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second major surfaces. A plurality of electrical wiping contacts can be carried by the connector tab including a first set of external contacts formed at the first major surface and extending parallel to each other along a length of the connector, and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major surface and extending parallel to each other along the length of the connector. The connector may also include first and second retention features formed on the first and second opposing side surfaces, respectively, that are adapted to engage with retention features on a corresponding receptacle connector to secure the connectors together during a mating event. In some embodiments, the first retention feature may also function as a first ground contact and the second retention feature may also function as a second ground contact. The first set of contacts can be symmetrically spaced with the second set of contacts, and the first ground contact can be symmetrically spaced with the second ground contact so that the connector tab has 180 degree symmetry and can be inserted and operatively coupled to the corresponding receptacle connector in either of two positions. 
     Other embodiments of the invention pertain to electrical receptacle connectors. In one embodiment, the receptacle connector can include a housing that defines an interior cavity extending in a direction of the depth of the housing and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned within the cavity. The cavity can have a 180 degree symmetrical shape so that a corresponding plug connector can be inserted into the cavity in either of two insertion orientations. Additionally, the plurality of contacts may include a first set of contacts positioned at a first interior surface of the cavity and a second set of contacts positioned at a second interior surface of the cavity spaced apart from the first interior surface in an opposing relationship. The first and second sets of contacts can further be mirror images of each other. In some embodiments, the receptacle connector can also include at least one retention feature adapted to engage with a retention feature on a corresponding plug connector. In still other embodiments, the receptacle connector can include first and second retention features positioned on opposing side surfaces the cavity adapted to engage with first and second retention features on a corresponding plug connector. 
     In another embodiment, the invention pertains to an electrical plug connector that includes a conductive cap or ground ring to isolate the connector&#39;s contacts from interference. The connector can further include a body and a connector tab that is attached to and extends longitudinally away from the body. The conductive cap can cover a tip of the connector and extend from the tip towards the body along at least a portion of the connector tab&#39;s side surfaces. A plurality of external contacts can be carried by the connector tab at a location at least partially surrounded by the conductive cap. In some embodiments the plurality of external contacts can include contacts formed at both first and second major opposing surfaces of the connector tab, and in some embodiments the contacts formed at the first and second surfaces are arranged on each surface in matching patterns. Additionally, in some embodiments the conductive cap can be a metal cap and in some embodiments the connector can further include first and second ground contacts formed on the sides of the conductive cap. In different embodiments the conductive cap may be a U-shaped frame or may generally define a shape of the connector tab except for the one or more contact regions of the connector tab in which the plurality of contacts are formed. 
     In still another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a plug connector having a body and a tab that is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector is disclosed. The method includes forming the connector tab to have first and second major opposing surfaces, third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second surfaces and a 180 degree symmetrical design such that a plane bisecting a width of the connector tab at an angle perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces divides the tab into left and right portions that have substantially the same outer shape and a horizontal plane bisecting a height of the connector tab at an angle perpendicular to the third and fourth side surfaces divides the tab into upper and lower portions that have substantially the same outer shape; forming a first contact region at the first major surface of the connector tab and a second contact region at a second major surface of the connector tab opposite the first major surface, the first and second contact regions being substantially the same size and shape and including an equal number of contacts, wherein contacts in the first contact region are arranged in a first pattern according to a first spacing and contacts in the second contact are also arranged in the first pattern according to the first spacing; and attaching a cable having a plurality of insulated wires to the body so that each individual wire in the plurality of insulated wires is electrically connected to a contact in either the first or second contact regions. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present invention. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show perspective views of previously known TRS audio plug connectors; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a previously known micro-USB plug connector while  FIG. 2B  shows a front plan view of the micro-USB connector shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is simplified top view of a plug connector  40  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3B and 3C  are simplified side and front views, respectively, of connector  40  shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are front view of alternative embodiments of connector  40  according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-5H  are simplified top views of contact layouts within contact region  46  of connector  40  according to different embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is simplified view of contact region  46   a  of plug connector  50  and  FIG. 6B  is simplified view of contact region  46   a  of plug connector  50  shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are diagrams depicting a set of exemplary contact locations according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  are simplified top, bottom and side plan views of a plug contact connector that includes an orientation key according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A-9F  are simplified schematic representations of contact arrangements of connectors according to additional embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrams depicting a set of exemplary contact locations according to some other embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11A  is a simplified side cross-sectional view of a plug connector  90  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11B  is a simplified side view of plug connector  90  shown in  FIG. 11A  that illustrates how the connector may bend when extracted from a receptacle connector by being pulled in a direction that intersects the connector&#39;s axis of insertion; 
         FIG. 12A  is simplified top view of a plug connector  100  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12B  is a simplified side view of connector  100  shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are simplified perspective views of a ground ring that can be included in some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14A  is a simplified perspective view of an audio plug connector  110  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 14B-14D  are simplified plan views of the audio plug connector shown in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIGS. 15A-15E  are exploded perspective views of the connector  110  shown in  FIG. 14A  at various stages of manufacture; 
         FIGS. 16A-16C  illustrate one example of how ground ring  102  shown in  FIG. 14A  can be formed; 
         FIG. 17A  is a simplified perspective view of an audio plug connector  140  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 17B-17D , which are simplified plan views of connector  140  shown in  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 18  is a simplified cross-sectional view of connector  140  along lines A-A′ shown in  FIG. 17D ; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are simplified cross-sectional views of alternative method of connecting insulator  144  to ground ring  115  shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20A  is a simplified perspective view of a plug connector  150  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20B  is an exploded view of plug connector  150  shown in  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart depicting steps associated with manufacturing connector  150  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 22A-22H  are simplified perspective views of connector  150  shown in  FIGS. 20A and 18B  at different stages of manufacture discussed with respect to  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23A  is a simplified perspective view of a plug connector  190  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 23B  is an exploded view of connector plug  190  shown in  FIG. 23A ; 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart depicting steps associated with manufacturing connector  190  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 25A-25G  are simplified perspective views of connector  190  shown in  FIGS. 23A and 21B  at different stages of manufacture discussed with respect to  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26A  is a simplified perspective view of a flexible plug connector  230  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 26B  is an exploded view of plug connector  230 ; 
         FIGS. 27A-27G  are simplified perspective views of connector  230  shown in  FIGS. 26A and 24B  at different stages of manufacture; 
         FIG. 28A  is a simplified perspective view of a receptacle connector jack  250  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 28B and 28C  are front and bottom plan views of connector jack  250  shown in  FIG. 28A ; 
         FIG. 29  is a simplified perspective view showing plug connector  110  inserted into connector jack  250 ; 
         FIGS. 30A-30C  illustrate different positions in which the contact overhead associated with a receptacle connector according to the present invention may be positioned; 
         FIGS. 31A and 31B  are front and bottom plan views of a receptacle connector jack  200  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a simplified perspective view of a plug connector  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 33A-33C  are simplified plan views of plug connector  300  shown in  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIGS. 34A and 34B  are diagrams depicting pin locations of connector  300  in two different orientations according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a simplified exploded perspective view of a plug connector  310  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 36A and 36B  are simplified top and side plan views of printed circuit board  312   a  shown in  FIG. 35  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a flowchart depicting steps associated with manufacturing connector  310  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 38A-38P  depicts various views of plug connector  310  at different stages of manufacture discussed with respect to  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIGS. 39A-39D  depict various simplified views of a receptacle connector jack  360  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 40A-40D  depict various simplified views of a receptacle connector jack  370  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 41A-41G  depicts various views of receptacle connector  360  at different stages of manufacture; 
         FIG. 42  is a simplified perspective view of a connector plug  390  according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a simplified perspective view of a connector plug  400  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 44A  is a simplified partial cut-away perspective view of plug connector  400  and  FIG. 44B  is a simplified cross-sectional view of plug connector  400 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a simplified partial cut-away perspective view of plug connector  400  inserted into a receptacle connector jack  420 ; 
         FIGS. 46A-46D  illustrate one example of a connector  440  having five analog contacts as well as a fiber optic cable  445  that runs through the center of the connector; 
         FIG. 47  is a simplified perspective view of a plug connector  150  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 48  is a simplified perspective view of a headset  160  that includes connector  150  shown in  FIG. 38  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 49A  is a diagram depicting pin locations of connector  150  operating in a Mickey bus mode according to one embodiment of the invention and  FIG. 49B  is a diagram depicting the pin locations of connector  150  operating in a legacy/backward compatible mode according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 50  is a simplified perspective view of a connector plug  170  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 51  is a simplified perspective view of a USB adapter cable  180  having a USB connector at one end and connector  170  shown in  FIG. 50  at the other end according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 52  is a diagram depicting pin locations of connector plug  170  shown in  FIG. 50  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 53  is a simplified perspective view of a connector plug  190  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 54  is a simplified perspective view of a audio/visual adapter cable  200  having HDMI, USB and digital audio connectors at one end and connector  190  at the other end according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 55  is a simplified perspective view of a audio/visual adapter cable  210  having mini display port and USB connectors at one end and a similar to connector  50  at the other end according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 56  is a simplified perspective view of a audio/visual adapter cable  220  having a mini display port connector at one end and a high speed connector at the other end according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 57  is a diagram depicting pin locations of high speed connector  225  shown in  FIG. 56  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 58  is a simplified perspective view of a docking station  230  that includes a plug connector  235  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 59  is a diagram depicting pin locations of connector plug  235  shown in  FIG. 52  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 60  is a simplified illustrative block diagram of an electronic media device suitable in which embodiments of the invention may be incorporated or used with; and 
         FIG. 61  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular embodiment of an electronic media device suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known details have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     In order to better appreciate and understand the present invention, reference is first made to  FIGS. 3A-3C , which are simplified top, side and front views, respectively, of a plug connector  40  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Connector  40  includes a body  42  and a tab portion  44 . A cable  43  is attached to body  42  and tab portion  44  extends away from body  42  in a direction parallel to the length of the connector  40 . Tab  44  is sized to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector during a mating event and includes a first contact region  46   a  formed on a first major surface  44   a  and a second contact region  46   b  (not shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C ) formed at a second major surface  44   b  opposite surface  44   a . A plurality of contacts (not shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C ) can be formed in each of contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  such that, when tab  44  is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector, contacts in regions  46   a ,  46   b  are electrically coupled to corresponding contacts in the receptacle connector. In some embodiments, the plurality of contacts are self-cleaning wiping contacts that, after initially coming into contact with a receptacle connector contact during a mating event, slide further past the receptacle connector contact with a wiping motion before reaching a final, desired contact position. 
     Tab  44  also includes first and second opposing side surfaces  44   c ,  44   d  that extend between the first and second major surfaces  44   a ,  44   b . While tab  44  is shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C  as having a substantially rectangular and substantially flat shape, in some embodiments of the invention first and second major surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  may have matching convex or concave curvatures to them or may have a matching recessed region centrally located between the sides of tab  44 . Contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  may be formed in the recessed regions and the recessed regions may, for example, extend from the distal tip of tab  44  all the way to base  42  or may extend along only a portion of the length of tab  44  (e.g., between ½ to ¾ of the length of the tab) ending at a point short of base  42 . Side surfaces  44   c  and  44   d  may also have matching convex or concave curvatures. 
     Generally, the shape and curvature of surfaces  44   a  and  44   b  mirror each other, as do the shape and curvature of surfaces  44   a  and  44   b , in accordance with the dual orientation design of connector  40  as described below. Additionally, while  FIGS. 3A-3C  show surfaces  44   c ,  44   d  as having a width significantly less that that of surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  (e.g., less than or equal to one half width of surfaces  44   a ,  44   b ), in some embodiments of the invention side surfaces  44   c ,  44   d  have a width that is relatively close to or even equal with or wider than that of surfaces  44   a ,  44   b.    
       FIGS. 4A-4C  are simplified front plan views of embodiments of connector  40  in which body  42  and/or tab  44  have different cross-sectional shapes. For example, in  FIG. 4A , major surfaces  44   a  and  44   b  are slightly convex, while in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , side surfaces  44   c  and  44   d  are rounded. Further,  FIG. 4C  depicts an example of a connector having recessed regions  45   a  and  45   b  formed at major surfaces  44   a  and  44   b , respectfully, of tab  44 . The recessed regions extend from the distal tip of tab  44  along a portion of the length of tab  44  and are centrally located between side surfaces  44   c  and  44   d . A person of skill in the art will understand that FIGS.  3 C and  4 A- 4 C are but examples of suitable cross-sectional shapes for body  42  and tab  44  and that many other cross-sectional shapes may be employed for each of body  42  and tab  44  in various embodiments of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, one or more ground contacts can be formed on the side surfaces. For example,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a ground contact  47   a  formed on first side surface  44   c  and a ground contact  47   b  formed on second side surface  44   d  opposite ground contact  47   a . As another example, one or more ground contacts may be formed on end surface  44   e  at the distal tip of connector  40  in addition to, or instead of ground contacts  47   a ,  47   b . In some embodiments, each of the one or more ground contacts can be formed on or form part of an outer portion of its respective side surface. In other embodiments, the one or more ground contacts can be formed within and/or as part of a pocket, indentation, notch or similar recessed region formed on each of the side surfaces  44   c ,  44   d  that operatively engage with a retention mechanism in a corresponding receptacle connector as described in detail below. 
     Body  42  is generally the portion of connector  40  that a user will hold onto when inserting or removing connector  40  from a corresponding receptacle connector. Body  42  can be made out of a variety of materials and in some embodiments is made from a dielectric material, such as a thermoplastic polymer formed in an injection molding process. While not shown in  FIG. 3A  or  3 B, a portion of cable  43  and a portion of tab  44  may extend within and be enclosed by body  42 . Also, electrical contact to the contacts in each of regions  46   a ,  46   b  can be made to individual wires in cable  43  within body  42 . In one embodiment, cable  43  includes a plurality of individual insulated wires, one for each contact within regions  46   a  and  46   b , that are soldered to bonding pads on a printed circuit board (PCB) housed within body  42 . Each bonding pad on the PCB is electrically coupled to a corresponding individual contact within one of contact regions  46   a  or  46   b.    
     Tab  44  may also be made from a variety of materials including metal, dielectric or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, tab  44  includes a frame made primarily or exclusively from a metal, such as stainless steel, and contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  are formed within the frame. In some other embodiments, tab  44  includes a frame made primarily or exclusively from a dielectric material, such as a ceramic or an elastomeric material. For example, tab  44  may be a ceramic base that has contacts printed directly on its surfaces. 
     In embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , body  42  has a rectangular cross section that generally matches in shape but is slightly larger than the cross section of tab  42 . As discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C , body  42  can be of a variety of shapes and sizes, however. For example, body  42  may have a rectangular cross section with rounded or angled edges (referred to herein as a “generally rectangular” cross section), a circular cross section, an oval cross section as well as many other suitable shapes. In some embodiments, both the body  42  and tab  44  of connector  40  have the same cross-sectional shape and have the same width and height (thickness). As one example, body  42  and tab  44  may combine to form a substantially flat, uniform connector where the body and tab seem as one. In still other embodiments, the cross section of body  42  has a different shape than the cross section of tab  44 . As one example, body  42  may have curved upper and lower and/or curved side surfaces while tab  44  is substantially flat. 
     Each of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  can be centered between opposing side surfaces  44   c ,  44   d . Individual contacts in contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  can be external contacts positioned at an outer surface of tab  44  so that some embodiments of connector  40  do not include contacts positioned within an internal cavity in which particles and debris may collect. Each of contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  can include one or more contacts that can be made from copper, nickel, brass, a metal alloy or any other appropriate conductive material. In some embodiments contacts can be printed on surfaces  44   a  and  44   b  using techniques similar to those used to print contacts on printed circuit boards. 
     Contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  may include any number of contacts, from one to twenty or more arranged in a variety of different patterns.  FIGS. 5A-5H  provide different examples of contact arrangements within a contact region  46  according to different embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5A , contact region  46  may include two contacts  51 ( 1 ) and  51 ( 2 ) that are centered and symmetrically positioned within the contact region. Similarly,  FIG. 5B  depicts a contact region  46  having three contacts  52 ( 1 ) . . .  52 ( 3 ) centered and symmetrically positioned within the contact region, and  FIG. 5C  depicts a contact region  46  having four such contacts  53 ( 1 ) . . .  53 ( 4 ). 
     While each of  FIGS. 5A-5C  include a single row of contacts within region  46 , some embodiments of the invention may include two, three or more rows of contacts. As examples, contact region  46  shown in  FIG. 5D  includes two rows of four contacts  54 ( 1 ) . . .  54 ( 4 ) and  54 ( 5 ) . . .  54 ( 8 ) with each row being centered between the sides of the contact region and symmetrically spaced with respect to a center line traversing the length of the contact region; 
       FIG. 5E  shows a contact region  46  having a first row of three contacts  55 ( 1 ) . . .  51 ( 3 ) and a second row of four contacts  55 ( 4 ) . . .  55 ( 7 ) positioned within the contact region; and  FIG. 5F  depicts a contact region  46  having three rows of three contacts for a total of nine contacts  56 ( 1 ) . . .  56 ( 9 ). 
     While each row of individual contacts in the contact regions shown in  FIGS. 5A-5F  center the contacts in the row between the sides of the contact region and symmetrically space the contacts with respect to a center line traversing the length of the contact region, in some embodiments of the invention the contacts need not be centered in this manner. As an example,  FIG. 5G  depicts a contact region  46   a  having two contacts  57 ( 1 ) . . .  57 ( 2 ) that are not centered within the contact region. To provide the 180 degree symmetry employed by some embodiments of the invention, a connector that includes the contact region  46   a  shown in  FIG. 5G  on one major surface, includes a contact region  46   b  as shown in  FIG. 5H  on the opposing major surface that matches contact region  46   a . In  FIG. 5H , contact region  46   b  and contacts  57 ( 3 )- 57 ( 4 ) are shown in dashed lines to represent the position of the contacts when looking from contact region  46   a  through the connector to contact region  46   b.    
     Each of the contact regions  46  shown in  FIGS. 5A-5G  is representative of both regions  46   a  and  46   b  according to particular embodiments of the invention. That is, according to one embodiment of the invention, a plug connector  40  includes two contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  each of which includes two contacts as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 5A . In another embodiment, a plug connector  40  includes contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  each of which includes three contacts as shown in  FIG. 5B . Still other embodiments of the invention include: a connector  40  having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 5C ; a connector  40  having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 5D ; a connector  40  having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 5E ; a connector  40  having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 5F ; and a connector  40  having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 5G . 
     Contacts within regions  46   a ,  46   b  may include contacts designated for a wide variety of signals including power contacts, ground contacts, analog contacts and digital contacts among others. In some embodiments, one or more ground contacts are formed in regions  46   a  and/or  46   b  while in other embodiments, ground contacts are only located at the tip  44   e  and/or on the side surfaces  44   c ,  44   d  of connector  40  in order to save space within contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  for power and signal contacts. Embodiments that employ ground contacts at one or more positions along the peripheral side and/or tip surfaces of connector  40  instead of within contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  may enable the overall footprint of connector tab  44  to be smaller than a similar connector that includes ground contacts in contact regions  46   a  or  46   b.    
     Power contacts within regions  46   a ,  46   b  may carry signals of any voltage and, as an example, may carry signals between 2-30 volts. In some embodiments, multiple power contacts are included in regions  46   a ,  46   b  to carry power signals of different voltages levels that can be used for different purposes. For example, one or more contacts for delivering low current power at 3.3 volts that can be used to power accessory devices connected to connector  40  can be included in regions  46   a ,  46   b  as well as one or more contacts for delivering high current power at 5 volts for charging portable media devices coupled to connector  40 . 
     Examples of analog contacts that may be included in contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  include contacts for separate left and right channels for both audio out and audio in signals as well as contacts for video signals, such as RGB video signals, YPbPr component video signals and others. Similarly, many different types of digital signals can be carried by contacts in regions  46   a ,  46   b  including data signals such as, USB signals (including USB 1.0, 2.0 and/or 3.0), FireWire (also referred to as IEEE 1394) signals, SATA signals and/or any other type of data signal. Digital signals within contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  may also include signals for digital video such as DVI signals, HDMI signals and Display Port signals, as well as other digital signals that perform functions that enable the detection and identification of devices or accessories to connector  40 . 
     In some embodiments, dielectric material is filled in between individual contacts in contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  so that the dielectric material and contacts form a completely flush outer surface of tab  44  that provides a smooth, consistent feel across the surfaces of tab  44 . Additionally, to improve robustness and reliability, connector  40  can be fully sealed and includes no moving parts. 
     Connector  40  can have a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design which enables the connector to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in both a first orientation where surface  44   a  is facing up or a second orientation where surface  44   a  is rotated 180 degrees and facing down. To allow for the orientation agnostic feature of connector  40 , tab  44  is not polarized. That is, tab  44  does not include a physical key that is configured to mate with a matching key in a corresponding receptacle connector designed to ensure that mating between the two connectors occurs only in a single orientation. Instead, if tab  44  is divided into top and bottom halves along a horizontal plane that bisects the center of tab  44  along its width, the physical shape of the upper half of tab  44  is substantially the same as the physical shape of the lower half. Similarly, if tab  44  is divided into left and right halves along a vertical plane that bisects the center of tab along its length, the physical shape of the left half of tab  44  is substantially the same as the shape of the right half. Additionally, contacts can be positioned within contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  so that individual contacts in region  46   a  are arranged symmetric with the individual contacts in region  46   b  located on the opposite side of tab  44 , and ground contacts formed at the tip or on the sides of connector tab  44  can also be arranged in a symmetric manner. 
     To better understand and appreciate the 180 degree symmetrical design of some embodiments of the invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 6A and 6B  which are simplified views of a first side  44   a  and an opposing second side  44   b , respectively, of a plug connector  50  according to a specific embodiment of the invention that includes four individual contacts formed within each of contact regions  46   a  and  46   b . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6A , contact region  46   a  may include four evenly spaced contacts  53 ( 1 ) . . .  53 ( 4 ) formed within the region. With respect to a center plane  59  that is perpendicular to and passes through the middle of connector  50  along its length, contacts  53 ( 1 ) and  53 ( 2 ) are in a mirrored relationship with contacts  53 ( 3 ) and  53 ( 4 ). That is, the spacing from center line  59  to contact  53 ( 2 ) is the same as the spacing from center line  59  to contact  53 ( 3 ). Also, the spacing from center line  59  to contact  53 ( 1 ) is the same as the spacing from centerline  59  to contact  53 ( 4 ). Each of the pairs of contacts  53 ( 1 ),  53 ( 2 ) and  53 ( 3 ),  53 ( 4 ) are also spaced equally from the sides  44   c  and  44   d  of the connector with respect to each other and are spaced equally along the length of tab  44  between end surface  44   e  and body  42 . 
     Similarly, in  FIG. 6B  contact region  44   b  includes the same number of contacts as region  44   a  that are also spaced according to the same spacing in region  44   a . Thus, contact region  44   b  includes four contacts  53 ( 5 ) . . .  53 ( 8 ) spaced within region  46   b  according to the same layout and spacing as contacts  53 ( 1 ) . . .  53 ( 4 ) within regions  46   a . Because the layout and spacing of contacts in regions  46   a  and  46   b  are identical, absent some sort of indicia or mark on one of surfaces  44   a  or  44   b , the surfaces and contact layout on each of surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  looks the same. When connector  50  is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector, the contacts in regions  46   a ,  46   b  will make proper electrical contact with contacts in the receptacle connector in either of two different orientations (referred to herein as “up” or “down” for convenience but it is to be appreciated that these are relative terms intended to connote a 180 degree change in the orientation of the connector only). 
     To further illustrate, reference is now made to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , which schematically show a cross-sectional view of plug connector  50  having four contacts in each of regions  46   a ,  46   b  as depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  inserted into a matching receptacle connector  60 . Receptacle connector  60  includes a cavity  64  into which the tab of the plug connector can be inserted. Four contacts  61 ( 1 ) . . .  61 ( 4 ) extend from one interior surface of the receptacle connector into cavity  64  and four contacts  61 ( 5 ) . . .  61 ( 8 ) extend from the opposing interior surface into cavity  64  in an oppositional and mirrored relationship to contacts  61 ( 1 ) . . .  61 ( 4 ). 
       FIG. 7A  depicts that when the connector  50  is inserted into cavity  65  in an “up” position, contact  53 ( 1 ) of the plug connector aligns with contact  61 ( 1 ) of the receptacle connector, contact  53 ( 2 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 2 ), contact  53 ( 3 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 3 ) and contact  53 ( 4 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 4 ).  FIG. 7A  also shows that, on the opposing surface, contact  53 ( 5 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 5 ), contact  53 ( 6 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 6 ), contact  53 ( 7 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 7 ) and contact  53 ( 8 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 8 ). When the plug connector is inserted into receptacle connector  60  in a “down” position, as shown in  FIG. 7B , each contact in the plug connector still properly aligns with a contact in the receptacle connector. The contacts align differently, however, as follows: contact  53 ( 5 ) of the plug connector aligns with contact  61 ( 1 ) of the receptacle connector, contact  53 ( 6 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 2 ), contact  53 ( 7 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 3 ) and contact  53 ( 8 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 4 ), while on the opposing surface, contact  53 ( 1 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 5 ), contact  53 ( 2 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 6 ), contact  53 ( 3 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 7 ) and contact  53 ( 4 ) aligns with contact  61 ( 8 ). Additionally, when plug connector  50  includes side ground contacts  53   a ,  53   b , each side contact aligns with a corresponding side ground contact  61   a ,  61   b  from receptacle connector  60  in either of the two possible insertion orientations as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     Thus, whether connector  50  is inserted into receptacle connector  60  in either the “up” or “down” position, proper electrical contact is made between the contacts in the plug connector and the receptacle connector. Embodiments of the invention further pertain to a receptacle connector that includes circuitry that switches the functionality of its pins based on the orientation of the plug connector. In some embodiments, a sensing circuit in the receptacle connector or the electronic device in which the receptacle connector is housed, can detect the orientation of the plug connector and set software and/or hardware switches to switch internal connections to the contacts in the receptacle connector and properly match the receptacle connector&#39;s contacts to the plug connector&#39;s contacts as appropriate. In some embodiments the orientation of the plug connector can be detected based on a physical orientation key (different from a polarization key in that an orientation key does not prevent the plug connector from being inserted into the receptacle connector in multiple orientations) that, depending on the orientation of the plug connector, engages or does not engage with a corresponding orientation contact in the receptacle connector. Circuitry connected to the orientation contact can then determine which of the two possible orientations the plug connector was inserted into the receptacle connector. 
     As an example, reference is now made to  FIGS. 8A-8C , which show simplified top, bottom and side plan views of a plug connector  70  according to another embodiment of the present invention along with  FIGS. 9A and 9B , which are simplified schematic views of plug connector  70  inserted within a receptacle connector  80 . Connector  70  includes contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  formed on opposing major surfaces of the connector that may contain any reasonable number of contacts. For example, in the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 9A , connector  70  is an audio plug connector and each of contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  include two contacts: a microphone contact and right audio contact in region  46   a , and a left audio contact and a ground contact in region  46   b . When connector  70  is mated with receptacle connector  80 , an orientation key  72  on the plug connector engages (or doesn&#39;t engage) with a corresponding orientation contact  86  within receptacle connector  80 . 
     Circuitry operatively coupled to the receptacle connector can set software and/or hardware switches to properly match the receptacle connector&#39;s contacts to the contacts of plug connector  70 . For example, a software switch can be used to switch the connector jack&#39;s contacts for left and right audio depending on the insertion orientation while a hardware switch can be used to switch the connector jacks microphone and ground contacts to match the contacts of connector  70 . In other embodiments, both switches can be implemented in software or both switches can be implemented in hardware. A comparison of  FIG. 9A to 9B  illustrates the switching of the receptacle contacts depending on whether or not orientation contact  86  is engaged ( FIG. 9B ) or not engaged ( FIG. 9A ), where for ease of illustration, the labels of the switched contacts are underlined and depicted in a larger font. 
     As another example, connector  70  can be a six contact audio plug connector with each of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  including three contacts as shown in  FIGS. 9C-9D : a microphone contact, a first dedicated ground contact and a right audio contact are within region  46   a ; while a left audio contact, a second dedicated ground contact and a second dedicated microphone contact are located within region  46   b . The first and second ground contacts and first and second microphone contacts align with ground and microphone contacts of the corresponding connector jack  80  regardless of the insertion orientation of connector  70 . Thus, this embodiment can be carried out with a single switch, that can be implemented in software or hardware to switch the connector jack&#39;s contacts for left and right audio depending on the insertion orientation which can be detected by orientation contact  86  within the receptacle connector. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , connector  70  can also include retention features  74   a ,  74   b  on opposing side surfaces of the connector. Retention features can operate to secure connector  70  in a corresponding receptacle connector as discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 12A and 12B . Notably, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , retention feature  74   b  and orientation key  72  combine to form a single extended cutout on the side  44   d  of connector  70 . In other embodiments, the retention feature(s) and orientation key can be completely separated from each other and even be included on separate surfaces. For example, in one embodiment orientation key  72  can be located on one of major surfaces  44   a  or  44   b  while the retention features can be located on one or both of side surfaces  44   c  and  44   d.    
     In other embodiments, the plug connector does not include an orientation key and the orientation of the connector can instead be detected by circuitry associated with the corresponding receptacle connector based on signals received over the contacts. As one example, various accessories such as headsets for cellular phones include a microphone and allow a user to perform basic functions such as setting earphone volume and answering and ending calls with the push of a button on the accessory. A single wire, serial control chip can be used to communicate with the host electronic device and implement this functionality. The chip is connected to the microphone contact (e.g., contact  112   b  shown in  FIG. 14A ) and, when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle jack, can talk to appropriate circuitry in the jack connector or host device. Upon an insertion event, the host device sends an Acknowledgment signal to the serial control chip over the contact in the receptacle connector designated for the microphone and waits for a Response signal. If a Response signal is received, the contacts are aligned properly and audio and other signals can be transferred between the connectors. If no response is received, the host device flips the signals to correspond to the second possible orientation (i.e., flips the signals 180 degrees) and repeats the Acknowledgement/Response signal routine. 
     In the four contact embodiment of a plug connector  70  shown in  FIG. 9E , left and right audio contacts are always in physically reversible positions while each of the other two contacts is designated as a microphone contact. In this embodiment, a physical orientation key in the plug connector, such as key  72 , can be detected by an orientation contact or other appropriate mechanism in the receptacle connector to determine the orientation of the plug, and a hardware or software switch can set the receptacle connector contacts as appropriate for left and right audio to correspond to the plug connector contacts. In the embodiment of plug connector  70  shown in  FIG. 9F , a contact  75  is connected to ground through, for example, a ground ring  102  (described with respect to  FIGS. 10A-10B ). When the connector is first plugged into a receptacle connector, circuitry associated with the receptacle connector or the electronic device in which the connector is housed detects the position of the grounded contact and switches the receptacle contacts to an appropriate orientation. 
     To facilitate the dual orientation feature of certain embodiments of the invention, contacts within contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  can be arranged such that similarly purposed contacts are located on opposite sides of the connector tab in a cater cornered arrangement. For example, referring back to  FIG. 7A , contact  53 ( 1 ) is in a cater cornered arrangement with contact  53 ( 5 ) while contact  53 ( 2 ) is in a cater cornered relationship with contact  53 ( 6 ). Similarly purposed contacts are contacts that are designated to carry similar signals. Examples of similarly purposed contact pairs may include, first and second power contacts, left and right audio out contacts, first and second ground contacts, a pair of data differential contacts, and/or first and second digital contacts. Because of the symmetrical relationship between the contacts, such a cater cornered relationship ensures that for each pair of similarly purposed contacts in a cater cornered relationship, one of the similarly purposed contacts will be electrically connected to a contact in the receptacle connector that is either dedicated to the particular contact or can be readily switched to the particular contact. As an example, where contacts  53 ( 1 ) and  53 ( 5 ) are similarly purposed contacts that are dedicated to left and right audio out signals, respectively, when plug connector  50  is inserted into receptacle connector  60 , one of the audio out contacts will be in electrical contact with receptacle contact  61 ( 1 ) and the other of the audio out contacts will be in electrical contact with receptacle contact  61 ( 5 ) regardless of whether the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector in an “up” or “down” insertion orientation. Thus, both the receptacle contacts  61 ( 1 ) and  61 ( 5 ) can be audio contacts ensuring that they will be electrically coupled to an audio contact in the plug connector regardless of its insertion orientation. 
     While  FIGS. 7A-7B  depict a particular embodiment of the invention with an even number of contacts in each of contact regions  46   a  and  46   b , some embodiments of the invention may include an odd number of contacts in each of regions  46   a ,  46   b . In such embodiments, one of the contacts on each side of the plug connector is a central contact that is centered around bisecting line  59   a  and thus aligns with a centrally located receptacle contact in both the “up” and “down” positions. The central contacts are not in a cater cornered arrangement but are in a symmetrical arrangement and can be similarly purposed contacts according to some embodiments of the invention. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate this aspect of certain embodiments of the invention and depict a plug connector  70  having three contacts  52 ( 1 ) . . .  52 ( 3 ) and  52 ( 4 ) . . .  52 ( 6 ) formed on the upper and lower surfaces of tab  44  of the plug connector, respectively. When the connector tab is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector  80  in an “up” position, contacts  52 ( 1 ) . . .  52 ( 3 ) align with contacts  81 ( 1 ) . . .  81 ( 3 ) of the receptacle connector, respectively, and contacts  52 ( 4 ) . . .  52 ( 6 ) align with contacts  81 ( 4 ) . . .  81 ( 6 ), respectively. When the connector tab is inserted into receptacle connector  80  in a “down” position, contacts  52 ( 4 ) . . .  52 ( 6 ) align with contacts  81 ( 1 ) . . .  81 ( 3 ) of the receptacle connector, respectively, and contacts  52 ( 1 ) . . .  52 ( 3 ) align with contacts  81 ( 4 ) . . .  81 ( 6 ), respectively. In both orientations, plug connector contacts  52 ( 2 ) and  52 ( 5 ) align with one of the central receptacle contacts  81 ( 2 ) or  81 ( 5 ). 
     Plug connector  40  can be designed to be inserted into a matching receptacle connector, such as receptacle connector  80 , along an insertion axis. In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the plug connector is made from a flexible material so that the connector can readily bend off-axis. As an example,  FIG. 11A  shows a simplified side cross-sectional view of a connector  90  similar to connector  40  that is intended to be inserted into a receptacle connector along an insertion axis  95 . Tab  44  of connector  90  includes a flexible carrier member  92  that extends the length of tab  44  along with contacts (not shown) formed on each of the opposing surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  of connector  90  that can flex with carrier member  92 . As an example, the contacts can be part of a flex circuit that is bonded to flexible carrier member  92 . Flexible carrier  92  and the flexible contacts allow tab  44  to be bent along a direction  94  into a deformed shape as shown in  FIG. 11B  when the connector is mated with a receptacle connector  97  (i.e., positioned with an insertion cavity  98  of the receptacle connector) and subject to strain by being pulled in a direction  96  that intersects insertion axis  95 . As soon as the strain is relieved, tab  44  returns to its normal shape shown in  FIG. 11A . In this manner, when connector  90  is pulled out of its receptacle connector by pulling at least partially sideways (e.g., along direction  96  as opposed to pulling along axis  95 ) on either body  42  or the cable (not shown) attached to body  42 , plug connector  90  can bend and pull out of the receptacle connector rather than binding within it or eventually breaking. 
     In one particular embodiment, flexible carrier  92  is a sheet of superelastic material, such as nitinol (an alloy of nickel and titanium present in roughly equal amounts) and the flexible contacts are part of a flex circuit adhered to the superelastic sheet. Nitinol alloys exhibit elasticity some 10-30 times that of ordinary metal which enables it to flex under very high strain without breaking. The flex circuit may include, for example, metal contacts screen printed on a thin polymide or PEEK (polyether ether ketone) layer. The flex circuit may be made from two separate pieces each of which is directly adhered to one side of the nitinol sheet or may be a single piece wrapped around the perimeter of the nitinol sheet or made into a sleeve that fits over the nitinol sheet. 
     Embodiments of the invention that include this flexibility characteristic are not limited to the use of any particular superelastic material and can instead use any material that deforms reversibly to very high strains and returns to its original shape when the load is removed without requiring a change of temperature to regain its original shape. Some embodiments of the invention may use flexible materials for carrier  92  that are not superelastic. For example, carrier  92  or tab  44  itself can be made from an elastomer or polyurethane in some embodiments. 
     When connector plug  90  is engaged with a corresponding receptacle connector and extracted at an angle to the insertion axis, more force is typically applied to the base of the connector than at its tip. To address this discrepancy, in some embodiments the flexibility of carrier  92  varies along the length of the carrier so that, for example, it is more flexible near the base portion or proximal end of the connector where it meets body  42  and less flexible near the distal end of the connector. Flexibility can be varied in this manner by, among other techniques, varying the materials along the length of the connector, varying the thickness of the flexible carrier along its length or varying the shape of the flexible carrier along its length or any combination of these approaches. For example, in one embodiment carrier  92  may include a superelastic sheet near its base and a polyurethane sheet near its distal end. The superelastic and polyurethane sheets may overlap and be adhered together in an area between the proximal and distal ends. In one particular embodiment, carrier  92  comprises two sheets of polyurethane near the distal end of tab  44  and a single sheet of nitinol near the base of tab  44  where the tab joins body  42 . At a point approximately one third of the length of the connector from the distal end, the nitinol sheet is sandwiched between the two polyurethane sheets for a portion of the length. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , which are simplified top and side views of a plug connector  100  according to another embodiment of the invention. Plug connector  100  includes many of the same features as plug connector  40  but further includes a cap  102 , and first and second retention features  104   a  and  104   b , respectively, near a distal tip of the connector. Cap  102  can be made from a metal or other conductive material and can extend from the distal tip of connector  100  along the side of the connector towards body  42  either fully or partially surrounding contacts formed in contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  in the X and Y directions. Cap  102  can be grounded in order to minimize interference that may otherwise occur on the contacts of connector  100 . In one embodiment, cap  102  may be a u-shaped frame having a thickness that is equivalent to the thickness (T) of connector  100 . In another embodiment, cap  102  covers the entirety of tab  44  except for contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  and thus defines the shape of tab  44 . Cap  102  is sometimes referred to herein as a ground ring and those two terms are intended to be used interchangeably. Cap  102  can be formed in a variety of ways and in one embodiment can be die cast from a metal, such as stainless steel, that can be slid over and attached to the end of connector tab  44  thus partially or fully surrounding contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  at the tip and sides of the connector. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show two different embodiments of cap  102 . In  FIG. 13A , cap  102  is a u-shaped frame that can be attached to or slid over the end of the connector. Cap  102  includes side portions  102   a ,  102   b  that may have varying lengths in different embodiments. In some embodiments sides  102   a ,  102   b  extend past contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  all the way to the body  42  of the connector. In other embodiments the sides may extend past contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  but not all the way to body  42  (as shown in  FIG. 12A ); may extend exactly to the end of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  or may be relatively short and extend only partially along the length of the contact regions. Contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  lie between the opposing sides  102   a ,  102   b . In still other embodiments, cap or ground ring  102  defines the exterior shape of tab  44  completely surrounding the contact regions  46  at the outer surfaces of the connector as shown in  FIG. 13B . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , retention features  104   a ,  104   b  are formed on the opposing sides of connector  100  and are part of a retention system that includes one or more features on the plug connector that are adapted to engage with one or more features on the corresponding receptacle connector to secure the connectors together when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector. In the illustrated embodiment, retention features  104   a ,  104   b  are semi-circular indentations in the side surfaces of tab  44  that extend from surface  44   a  to surface  44   b  The retention features may be widely varied and may include angled indentations or notches, pockets that are formed only at the side surfaces and do not extend to either of the surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  upon which contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  are formed, or other recessed regions. The retention features are adapted to engage with a retention mechanism on the receptacle connector that can be similarly widely varied. The retention mechanism(s) may be, for example, one or more springs that includes a tip or surface that fits within indentations  104   a ,  104   b , one or more spring loaded detents, or similar latching mechanisms. The retention system, including retention features  104   a ,  104   b  and the corresponding retention mechanism on the receptacle connector, can be designed to provide specific insertion and extraction forces such that the retention force required to insert the plug connector into the receptacle connector is higher than the extraction force required to remove the plug connector from the receptacle connector. 
     While retention features  104   a ,  104   b  are shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  as having a female mating characteristic and the retention mechanism was described above as having a male characteristic that is moved into the retention features  104   a ,  104   b , in other embodiments these roles may differ. For example, in one embodiment, retention features  104   a ,  104   b  may be spring loaded projections that engage with a female retention mechanism on the receptacle connector. In still other embodiments, one of features  104   a ,  104   b  may be male-oriented while the other of features  104   a ,  104   b  is female-oriented. In other embodiments, other retention mechanisms can be used such as mechanical or magnetic latches or orthogonal insertion mechanisms. Additionally, while retention features  104   a  and  104   b  are shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  as being formed in metal cap  102 , in embodiments of the invention that do not include a metal cap or ground ring, the retention features can be formed in whatever structure or material makes up tab  44 . 
     Retention features  104   a ,  104   b  can also be located at a variety of positions along connector  100  including along the side surfaces of tab  44  and/or top and bottom surfaces of tab  44 . In some embodiments, retention features  104   a ,  104   b  can be located on a front surface  42   a  of body  42  and adapted to engage with a retention mechanism located on a front exterior surface of the receptacle connector. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , retention features  104   a ,  104   b  are positioned within the last third of the length of tab  44 . The inventors have determined that positioning the retention features and corresponding latching mechanism in the receptacle connector near the end of the plug connector helps to better secure the connector sideways when it is in an engaged position within the receptacle connector. 
     The description of various embodiments of the invention set forth above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-13B  describes a number of different features, aspects and variations of different embodiments of the invention. To gain a further understanding of the invention, numerous additional embodiments and examples of the invention including both audio connector and data connector embodiments are discussed below that include some or all of the features already mentioned as well as additional features. The various embodiments discussed below include many features in common with embodiments already discussed and with each other. As a matter of convenience such common features are often, but not always, referred to with the same reference number. Additionally, in the discussion below, reference to a connector having a specific number of contacts generally refers to the number of contacts on the opposing major surfaces of the connector and does not include any ground or other contacts formed on the tip and/or sides of the connector. 
       FIG. 14A  is a simplified perspective view of a four contact plug connector  110  according to an embodiment of the invention while  FIGS. 14B-14D  are simplified top, side and bottom plan views, respectively, of connector  110 . As shown connector  110  includes a tab  44  that extends from body  42 . Tab  44  has a front major surface  44   a  upon which two contacts  112   a  and  112   b  are positioned and a back major surface  44   b  upon which two contacts  112   c  and  112   d  are located. 
     The contacts can be made from a copper, nickel, brass, a metal alloy or any other appropriate conductive material. Spacing is consistent between each pair of contacts  112   a ,  112   b  and  112   c ,  112   d  providing 180 degree symmetry so that plug connector  110  can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two orientations. In one particular embodiment, connector  110  is an audio plug connector and contact  112   a  is a left audio contact, contact  112   b  is a microphone contact, contact  112   c  is a right audio contact and contact  112   d  is a second, redundant microphone contact. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular contact arrangement, however, and can be designated for other signals. In another four contact plug connector embodiment, connector  110  is a data connector and each of contacts  112   a - 112   d  can be designated for data signals. For example, contacts  112   a  and  112   b  can be designated for a first pair of differential data signals (e.g., data transmit) while contacts  112   c  and  112   d  can be designated for a second pair of differential data signals (e.g., data receive). In other embodiments, contacts  112   a - 112   d  can be designated for a wide variety of other signal types. 
     Metal ground ring  102  defines the shape of tab  44  and surrounds the contacts  112   a - 112   d  along an outer periphery of the tab. Two semi-circular notches  104   a  and  104   b , are formed in ground ring  102  and located on opposing sides  44   c  and  44   d  of the tab near its distal end. In operation, tab  44  is inserted into a receptacle connector (e.g., shown in  FIGS. 28A-28C ) until notches  104   a  and  104   b  operatively engage with a retention mechanism, such as a cantilevered spring or detent. 
     In the engaged position, each of contacts  112   a - 112   d  is in electrical contact with a corresponding contact in the receptacle connector. Tab  44  has a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design which enables the connector to be inserted into the connector jack with either surface  44   a  or  44   b  on top. Additionally, the two audio contacts  112   a  and  112   c  are located on opposite sides of the connector in a cater cornered arrangement. Thus, microphone contact  112   d  is located directly opposite audio contact  112   a  and microphone contact  112   b  is located directly opposite audio contact  112   c . In this manner, an audio contact is always on the right side of the connector and a microphone contact is always on the left side of the connector (as oriented from the connecter base to the distal end). A sensing circuit in the receptacle connector or the electronic device in which the receptacle connector is housed, can detect the direction that the contacts  112   a - 112   d  are set and switch internal connections to the contacts in the connector jack appropriately as described above. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14A-14D , contacts  112   a - 112   d  are external contacts and connector  110  does not include an exposed cavity in which particles and debris may collect. To improve robustness and reliability, connector  110  is fully sealed and includes no moving parts. Furthermore, connector  110  has a considerably reduced insertion depth and insertion width as compared to commonly available TRS and TRRS connectors. In one particular embodiment, tab  52  of connector  50  has a width, X, of about 2 mm; a thickness, Y, of about 1 mm; and a insertion depth, Z, of about 4 mm. In another embodiment, tab  52  of connector  50  has a width, X, of 4.1 mm; a thickness, Y, of 1.5 mm; and a insertion depth, Z, of 5.75 mm. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15A-15E , which show perspective views of connector  110  at various stages of manufacture. As shown in  FIG. 15A , within connector  110  is a dielectric frame  120  that supports contacts  112   a - 112   d . Frame  120  can be made from any appropriate dielectric material, such as polypropylene, and includes respective slots (not labeled) on the upper and lower surfaces of the frame through which each of contacts  112   a - 112   d  are threaded to better support the contacts. In other embodiments, frame  120  can be made from a ceramic material and contacts  112   a - 112   d  can be printed directly onto the frame. 
     Frame  120  also includes grooves  122  partially surrounding an outer periphery at a distal tip of the frame as well as reliefs  124   a ,  124   b  that are positioned to align with notches  104   a ,  104   b  formed in the metal ground ring  102 . Wires  126 , one per contact, extend from a cable  43  are soldered to connection pads  128   a - 128   d  for each of the contacts  122   a - 112   d  as shown in  FIG. 15B . The metal ground ring  102 , which in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15C  is a U-shaped frame die cast from stainless steel, is then slid over the distal end of the connector such that slots along an interior surface of the metal ring extend into the grooves  122  and a base portion  102   b  of the ground ring covers the soldered connection pads  128   a - 128   d  electrically coupled to contacts  112   a - 112   d.    
     The connector is then overmolded ( FIG. 15D ) with thermoplastic polymer 130 or similar material to provide strain relief and insulation  132 , e.g., POM, is injected around the contacts. Finally, an ABS or similar shell  134  is positioned over and fastened or bonded to the base  102 ( b ) of the tab  102  as shown in  FIG. 15E  using an appropriate adhesive or other technique to form body  42  and complete formation of the connector. 
     In another embodiment, the conductive ground ring  102  can be made from a high strength steel alloy or similar material. The ground ring can be formed in an extrusion process where the high strength conductive material is extruded through a mushroom shape mold to form a straight metal piece  135  having a mushroom shaped cross-section as shown in  FIG. 16A . A stem section  136  of the ground ring can be designed to mate with grooves  122  positioned along the outer periphery of dielectric frame  120  when the ground ring is attached to frame  120 . Extruded piece  135  can then be cut to length and notched to form u-shaped notches  104   a ,  104   b  that align with reliefs  124   a ,  124   b  in frame  120  prior to being bent into the U-shape ground ring  102  as shown in  FIG. 16B . Stem section  136  of the U-shaped ground ring  102  can then be aligned with grooves  122  of the dielectric frame so that the ground ring can be slid over the end of frame  120  and welded, glued or otherwise bonded to the various components of the connector (the particular bonding method being selected based on the materials being connected) as shown in  FIG. 16C , which for simplicity omits various features of the connector such as contacts  112   a - 112   d.    
       FIG. 17A  is a simplified perspective view of an audio plug connector  140  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Connector  140  is similar to connector  110  except that it has been reinforced at the base of tab  44  to stiffen the connector and increase its strength in a side-load condition. Specifically, connector  140  has a thicker base portion  102 ( b ) underneath outer shell  134  that forms body  42 . A chamfered edge  142  extends between the thicker base portion to a connector portion of tab  44 . To keep the insertion depth, Z, of the connector the same as that of connector  110 , each of the contacts  112   a - 112   d  have a reduced length in connector  140  as compared to connector  110 . While none of the figures herein are not meant to represent exact dimensions of the connectors, the reduced length can be seen generally by comparing  FIG. 17A  to  FIG. 14A , which shows connector  110 . 
       FIG. 18 , is a simplified cross-sectional view of connector  140  along lines A-A′ shown in  FIG. 17D . As evident from the cross-sectional view, ground ring  102  forms a tip  143  of the connector as well as chamfered edge  142 . Insulators  144  and  145 , which can be a single part or separate parts and can be made from a thermoplastic or similar material, encircle the base and tip of the tab portion of connector  140 , respectively, for cosmetic purposes. Insulator  144  also extends within the body of connector  140 , underneath ground ring  102  to provide the thicker base portion. In one particular embodiment, insulators  144 ,  145  are made from polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic. A dielectric frame  148  runs through connector  140  to provide support for contacts  112   a - 112   d . Wires  146  are soldered to each of the contacts  112   a - 112   d  within a cavity  149  formed at a connection pad coupled to the contacts that is surrounded by overmolding  147 . In other embodiments, shown as separate examples in  FIGS. 19A and 19B  (which show an expanded view of chamfer portion  142  of tab  44  along with a portion of outer shell  134 ), insulator  144  interlocks with the ground ring to provide a more secure connection between insulator  144  and the ground ring. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 20A , which is a simplified perspective view of a four contact plug connector  150  according to another embodiment of the invention. Connector  150  is generally similar to connector  110  shown in  FIG. 14   a  except that body  42  and tab  44  of connector  150  have features that are generally more rectangular than similar features in connector  110  and connector  150  includes pockets  152  formed on the sides of tab  44  as retention feature rather than semi-circular notches. As shown in  FIG. 20A , the edges of body  42  of connector  150  are less rounded and more rectangular than those of body  42  of connector  110 . Similarly, the edges of tab  44  in connector  150  are also less rounded and more rectangular than those of tab  44  in connector  110  and the tab in connector  150  is shorter and stubbier than that of connector  110 . 
     Indentations or pockets  152   a ,  152   b  on each side of the connector in ground ring  102  act as retention features, and function similarly to notches  104   a ,  104   b  in connector  110 . Pockets  152   a ,  152   b  are adapted to operatively engage with a retention mechanism when the connector is mated with a corresponding receptacle connector. The retention mechanism fits within pockets  152   a ,  152   b  and provides a retention force that secures connector  100  to the matching receptacle connector. In addition to their retention feature, pockets  152   a ,  152   b  are part of metal ground ring  102  and serve as ground contacts, such as contacts  47   a  and  47   b  described with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 20B , which is an exploded view of connector  150 , along with  FIG. 21 , which is a flow chart that illustrates steps associated with the manufacture of connector  150  according to one embodiment of the invention, and  FIGS. 22A-22G , which depict connector  150  at the various stages of manufacture set forth in  FIG. 19 . The manufacture of connector  150  can start with the construction of a flex circuit  160  having flex contacts  162   a  and  162   b  formed on an upper surface and a similar pair of flex contacts (not shown in the figures) formed on a lower surface as shown in  FIG. 22A  ( FIG. 21 , step  170 ). Flex contact  162   a  is electrically coupled to a solder landing  164   a  where a signal wire can be soldered to the contact by a trace (not shown) on the flex circuit. Similarly, flex contact  162   b  is electrically coupled to a solder landing  164   b  by a trace on flex circuit  160 . 
     In one embodiment, flex circuit  160  is made from two substantially identical flex circuits  160   a ,  160   b  adhered together. For example, a first flex circuit  160   a  with flex contacts  162   a  and  162   b  formed on its upper surface and no contacts formed on its opposing surface is adhered to a second flex circuit  160   b  with two flex contacts (not shown but similar to contacts  162   a  and  162   b ) formed on its upper surface and no contacts formed on its opposing surface. The two surfaces without the contacts are then joined together to form an assembled flex circuit  160  that has flex contacts  162   a ,  162   b  on a first surface and two matching contacts  162   c ,  162   d  on its opposite surface. 
     Contact pucks  166   a  and  166   b  can then be attached to the flex circuit at contact areas  162   a ,  162   b , respectively, while contact pucks  166   c  and  166   d  can be attached to contact areas on the other side of flex circuit  160  ( FIG. 21 , step  172  and  FIG. 22B ). Pucks  166   a - 166   d  can be made from a variety of conductive materials and in one embodiment are nickel-plated brass. Pucks  166   a - 166   d  can be cut to size in a stamping or similar process from a metal sheet and can be attached to flex circuit  160  using surface mount technology. Next, flex circuit  160  can be inserted into ground ring  102  ( FIG. 21 , step  174  and  FIG. 22C ) and a thermoplastic or similar dielectric overmold  163  can formed around the contacts to provide smooth and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces of tab portion  44  of the connector and provide a finished look ( FIG. 21 , step  176  and  FIG. 22D ). In one embodiment, dielectric overmold  163  is formed with an injection molding process using polyoxymethylene (POM). 
     A cable bundle  43  having four individual and insulated signal wires  161 , one for each of the contacts of connector  150 , can then be attached to the ground ring/flex circuit assembly as shown in  FIG. 22E  by soldering each of the wires  161  to its respective solder landing, e.g., solder landings  164   a - 164   d  ( FIG. 21 , step  178 ). At this stage of manufacture the end of a jacket  157  of cable bundle  43  is spaced apart from flex circuit  160  in an oppositional relationship. An inner dielectric jacket  165  is then formed around much of the assembly using an injection molding or similar process ( FIG. 21 , step  180  and  FIG. 22F ). Inner jacket  165  includes a generally circular end portion  167  that covers a couple centimeters or more of cable bundle  43  and a connector portion  169  that, combined with ground ring  102 , forms a substantially monolithic base portion  159  of connector  150 . Inner jacket  165  provides structure and strain relief for connector  150  and can be made from a dielectric material such as an elastomer or a polyproplylene material. 
     The construction of connector  150  can then be completed by sliding an outer shell  134  around the monolithic base portion  159  covering an end base portion  102   b  of ground ring  102  and inner jacket  165  ( FIG. 21 , step  182  and  FIG. 22H ). Outer shell  134  can be adhered to the ground ring and inner jacket using any appropriate adhesive suitable for the particular materials being bonded. 
       FIG. 23A  is a simplified perspective view of a plug connector  190  according to another embodiment of the invention. Connector  190  includes many features similar in design and function as that of connector  150  discussed above. For example, connector  190  includes a tab  44  having four contacts  112   a - 112   d  formed at its outer surface and arranged on opposing sides of the connector. Tab  44  includes a ground ring  102  that surrounds contacts  112   a - 112   d  and includes indentations or pockets  152   a ,  152   b  of each side of the connector tab are adapted to operatively engage with a retention mechanism when the connector is mated with a corresponding receptacle connector. Connector  190  differs from connector  150  by including a chambered edge  192  between the tab and the body that strengthens the connector under side-load forces similar to chamfered edge  142  of connector  140 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 23B , which is an exploded view of connector  190 , along with  FIG. 24 , which is a flow chart that illustrates steps associated with the manufacture of connector  190  according to one embodiment of the invention and  FIGS. 25A-25H , which depict connector  190  at the various stages of manufacture set forth in  FIG. 24 . The manufacture of connector  190  can start with the formation of a contact frame  194  that carries four contact strips  196   a - 196   d , one for each of contacts  112   a - 112   d . Contact frame  194  can be made from a dielectric material and in one particular embodiment is formed from a liquid crystal polymer using an injection molding process. Contact strips  196   a - 196   d  can be stamped from a sheet of metal such as phosphor bronze and threaded into grooves  198   a - 198   d  formed in contact frame  194  as shown in  FIG. 25A  ( FIG. 24 , step  210 ). 
     Contact pucks  204   a  and  204   b  can be attached to one end of contact strips  196   a  and  196   b , respectively, while contact pucks  204   c  and  204   d  can be attached to the corresponding ends of contact strips  196   c  and  196   d  ( FIG. 24 , step  212  and  FIG. 25B ). Pucks  204   a - 204   b  can be made from a variety of conductive materials and formed in a variety of different manners. In one particular embodiment, pucks  204   a - 204   d  are stamped from a sheet of nickel-plated brass and laser welded to their respective contact strips. Next, contact frame  194  can be inserted into ground ring  102  ( FIG. 24 , step  214  and  FIG. 25C ) and a thermoplastic or similar dielectric overmold  200  can formed around the contacts to provide smooth and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces of the tab portion of the connector and provide a finished look ( FIG. 24 , step  216  and  FIG. 25D ). In one embodiment, dielectric overmold  200  is formed from polyoxymethylene (POM) in an injection molding process. 
     Next, a cable bundle  43  having four individual insulated signal wires  161 , one for each of the contacts of connector  190 , is attached to the ground ring/contact frame assembly as shown in  FIG. 25E  by soldering each of the wires  161  to its respective contact strip ( FIG. 24 , step  218 ). An inner dielectric jacket  202  is then formed around much of the assembly using an injection molding or similar process ( FIG. 24 , step  220  and  FIG. 25F ). Inner jacket  202  includes a generally rounded or oval end portion  167  that covers several centimeters or more of cable bundle  161  and a connector portion  169  that, combined with ground ring  102 , forms a substantially monolithic base portion  159  of connector  190 . Inner jacket  202  helps provides strain relief for connector  190  and can be made from a dielectric material such as an elastomer or a polyproplylene material. The construction of connector  190  can then be completed by sliding an outer shell  134  around an end base portion  102   b  of ground ring  102  and inner jacket  202  ( FIG. 24 , step  222  and  FIG. 25G ). Outer shell  134  can be adhered to the ground ring and inner jacket using any appropriate adhesive suitable for the particular materials being bonded. 
       FIG. 26A  is a simplified perspective view of a four contact plug  230  according to still another embodiment of the invention and  FIG. 26B  is an exploded view of connector plug  230 . Connector  150  includes many features similar to connectors  150  and  190  discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 20A and 23A , respectively. Connector  123  differs from these connectors in that the body of connector  230  and tab portion  44  of the connector that is designed to be inserted within a corresponding receptacle connector are combined as a single monolithic (though relatively small) piece with a uniform cross-sectional shape. Additionally, a portion of connector  230  is relatively flexible. Specifically, connector  230  includes a rigid connector or tip portion  232  and a flexible base portion  234 . In this particular embodiment, rigid portion  232  is approximately one third the length of the connector while flexible portion  234  is approximately two thirds the length. In other embodiments, however, the ratio between the flexible and rigid tip portion may differ considerably. 
     The tip  232  of connector  230  includes a ground ring  102  that surrounds contacts  112   a - 112   d  at the tip and sides of the connector. Ground ring  102  can be made from any appropriate metal or other conductive material and in one embodiment is stainless steel plated with copper and nickel. When fully inserted, the entirety of rigid portion  232  is within the receptacle connector along with a portion  132  of the flexible portion  234  of connector  230 . 
     The flexible base portion  234  of connector  230  can be made from a flexible dielectric material such as an elastomer or a polyproplylene material which enables the connector to flex along the length of the connector to at least a point where the ground ring begins in order to relieve strain during off angle mating events in a manner similar to that described with respect to  FIGS. 11A and 11B . In one specific example, base portion  234  is made from Arnitel EL250 available from DSM Engineering. Connector  230  also includes indentations or pockets  152   a ,  152   b  on each side of the connector in ground ring  102  as described above. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 27A-27G , which depict connector  230  at various stages of manufacture. Contacts  112   a - 112   d  are formed from a flex circuit  235  upon which contact pucks  236   a - 236   d  are attached. Pucks  236   a - 236   d  can be made from a variety of conductive materials and in one embodiment are brass. Pucks  236   a - 236   d  can be cut to size in a stamping or similar process from a metal sheet and can be attached to flex circuit  235  using surface mount technology (SMT) as shown in  FIG. 27A . In a separate step, ground ring  102  can be secured to the body of connector  230  by retention clips  238  which can be made out of the same stainless steel or other metal as the ground ring and laser welded at locations  239  or otherwise connected to ground ring  102  as shown in  FIG. 27B . Retention clips  238  have an anchor at one end that extends beyond the ground ring towards a base of the connector to secure the ground ring to the connector body as described more fully below. 
     Once the ground ring/retention clip and flex circuit/contact puck assemblies are made, the flex circuit assembly can be inserted into and adhered to the ground ring with an appropriate adhesive as shown in  FIG. 27C . Next, a metal ground bridge  240  and weld puck  242 , each of which, for example, can be brass, are soldered together and attached to the flex circuit between opposing ends of retention clips  238  as shown in  FIG. 17D . A cable  43  with signal wires  171  is then soldered to contacts  245 , which are electrically connected to and carry signals from respective contacts  152   a - 152   d  ( FIG. 27E ). As shown in  FIG. 27E , cable  43  has a generally flat portion that is spaced apart from flex circuit  235  in an oppositional relationship. An inner dielectric jacket  246  is formed around much of the assembly using an injection molding or similar process as shown in  FIG. 27F . Inner jacket  246  extends from the substantially flat end of cable  43  to retention clips  238  and provides structural strength to connector  230  covering signal wires  171  and a portion of flex circuit  235 . Inner jacket  246  can be made from a flexible dielectric material such as an elastomer or a polyproplylene material just like outer jacket  244 , and in one particular embodiment, is made from the same material as the outer jacket. 
     The construction of connector  230  can then be completed by forming outer jacket  244  around an end portion of cable  170 , inner jacket  246  and the other connector components using an injection molding or similar process forming the substantially rectangular connector plug  230 . As shown in  FIG. 27G , outer jacket  244  fills in the gaps between the contact pucks and covers anchors  230  filling the semicircular space between each anchor end thereby fully securing ground ring  102  and components connected to the ground ring to the connector body. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 28A , which is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of a receptacle connector  250  that can be used in conjunction with certain plug connectors according to the present invention. Connector jack  250  includes a housing  252  that defines an interior cavity  254  into which a plug connector, such as connector  40 , can be inserted. One or more contacts extend into cavity  254  from each of the upper and lower interior surfaces of the cavity, the number of which depends on the type of plug connector receptacle connector  250  is intended to be used with. For example, receptacle connector  250  can be designed to mate with a four contact plug connector such as connector  110  shown in  FIGS. 14A-14D  and thus includes four contacts within cavity  254 —two on each of the major opposing interior surfaces of cavity  254  and can be designed to mate with a four contact plug connector such as connector  110  shown in  FIGS. 14A-14D . In other embodiments, connector jack  250  may include any number of contacts, from pairs of one to twenty or more arranged on opposing surfaces of cavity  254  in a variety of different patterns that match the contact locations of a particular plug connector. As examples, receptacle connector  250  may include contacts at both the upper and lower interior surfaces of cavity  254  that are positioned to electrically couple with contacts arranged on a plug connector according to any of the contact patterns shown in  FIGS. 5A-5H  as well as other contact patterns. 
     As seen in  FIG. 28B , which is a front view of connector jack  250 , in one particular embodiment receptacle connector  250  includes four contacts  256   a - 256   d  positioned to electrically couple to appropriate contacts in the corresponding plug connector, for example to contacts  112   a - 112   d  in connector  110 . Thus, contacts  256   a - 256   d  are arranged in a symmetric manner complementary of contacts  112   a - 112   d  of the plug connector. Additionally, cavity  254  is shaped so that the plug connector can be inserted into the cavity in either of two orientations: a first orientation in which plug connector contacts from region  46   a  (contacts  112   a ,  112   b ) electrically couple to the receptacle connector contacts protruding from an interior upper surface of the cavity and a second orientation in which plug connector contacts from region  46   b  (contacts  112   c ,  112   d ) electrically couple to the receptacle connector contacts protruding from the interior upper surface. Circuitry within receptacle connector jack  250  detects the orientation of the plug connector and sets software switches to properly match the contacts to the plug connector&#39;s contacts. For example, a first software switch can be used to switch the connector jack&#39;s contacts for left and right audio depending on the insertion orientation while a second software switch can be used to switch the connector jacks microphone and ground contacts to match the contacts of connector  120 . 
     To facilitate the dual orientation insertion, upper and lower portions of cavity  254  (as defined by a plane  255  that horizontally bisects the cavity as shown in  FIG. 28B ) can be mirror images of each other. Left and right portions of cavity  254  (as defined by a similar plane that vertically bisects the cavity) can also be mirror images of each other. Additionally, receptacle connector  250  does not include polarization keys that limit a mating event between the plug and receptacle connectors to a single orientation. 
     In some embodiments receptacle connector  250  is designed to be waterproof so as to not allow ingress of moisture into whatever electronic device the connector is housed within. Also, a hole (not visible in the drawing) within the interior of cavity  254  allows a spring-loaded retention mechanism  258  to protrude into the cavity. As shown in  FIG. 28C , which is a bottom plan view of receptacle connector  250 , retention mechanism  258  includes a spring  260  positioned in a cut-out section  262  of the housing. Spring  260  is pre-loaded so that a tip  264  extends through an opening between cut-out  262  and cavity  254 . When plug connector  110  is inserted into cavity  254 , spring  260  latches with either retention feature  104   a  or  104   b  of the connector plug depending on its insertion orientation. In some embodiments, spring  260  can be made from metal and also act as a ground contact for receptacle connector  250 . 
     As previously discussed, retention features  104   a ,  104   b  can be located near the distal end of connector  110 . The inventors have determined that positioning the retention features near the end of the plug connector (and thus positioning the and corresponding retention mechanism near the rear of cavity  254 ) helps to better secure the plug connector sideways when it is in an engaged position within receptacle connector  250 . Furthermore, the shape of the retention features on the plug connector can match the shape of retention mechanism  258  to provide a comfortable click feel when the retention mechanism engages the retention feature. For example, the rounded bulbous shape of retention features  104   a ,  104   b  of connector  110  can match the rounded shape of the tip  264  of spring  260  to provide a secure engagement between the structures.  FIG. 29  shows plug connector  110  inserted into connector jack  250  where one of retention features  104   a ,  104   b  is engaged with spring  260 . 
     In  FIGS. 28A-28C , the overhead of contacts  256   a - 256   d  of receptacle connector  250  is placed at the ends of the contacts as illustrated schematically in  FIG. 30A , which shows contacts  256   a ,  256   b  of receptacle connector  250  and their associated contact overhead  268  in relation to a plug connector  110  having contacts  112   a ,  112   b  operatively coupled to the receptacle jack. In other embodiments, the overhead of the contacts can be placed at the sides of the receptacle connector contacts as shown in  FIG. 30B  or above and below the contacts as shown in  FIG. 30C , which is a simplified side view of plug connector  110  mated with contacts in a receptacle connector (where, for ease of illustration, only the contacts of the receptacle connector are shown in a schematic representation). 
       FIG. 31A  is a front view of receptacle connector  270  according to another embodiment of the invention. Receptacle connector  270  is similar to receptacle connector  250  except, among other differences, in the shape of cavity  254 , which is generally more rectangular than that of connector  250 , and that connector  270  includes first and second retention mechanisms  272   a  and  272   b  protruding into cavity  252  from opposing side surfaces of the cavity instead of a single retention mechanism. Each of retention mechanisms  272   a ,  272   b  may include, for example, a spring that is pre-loaded so that a tip of the retention mechanism extends through an opening in each sidewall of the cavity  254 . When a plug connector is inserted into cavity  254 , the retention mechanisms  272   a ,  272   b  latch with retention features, such as notches  104   a ,  104   b  or pockets  152   a ,  152   b  of one of the plug connectors discussed above. Retention mechanisms  272   a ,  272   b  can be located directly opposite each other within cavity  254  and can be designed to impart a retention force on the plug connector that is approximately equal at each side. Similar to retention mechanism  258 , the shape of retention mechanism  272   a ,  272   b  can match that of the plug connector retention features to provide a comfortable click feel when the retention mechanisms and features engage with each other. 
       FIG. 31B  is a top plan view of connector jack  270 . As shown in  FIG. 31B , each of the receptacle contacts  256   a - 256   d  includes a contact tip,  274   a - 274   d , respectively, that can be bonded to a wire that electrically connects the contact to circuitry associated with the electrical device in which receptacle connector  270  is housed. For example, connector jack  270  can be part of a portable media device and electronic circuitry associated with the media device is electrically connected to receptacle connector  270  via contact tips  274   a - 274   d.    
     As described above, various embodiments of the invention pertain to a connector system having 180 degree symmetry. Thus, cavity  254  can be symmetrical with respect to both vertical and horizontal bisecting planes as discussed above. Additionally, contacts  256   a  and  256   b  can be directly opposite contacts  256   c  and  256   d  so that a plug connector, such as connector  230 , can be inserted into jack  270  in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, plug connector contacts  112   a ,  112   b  are respectively coupled to receptacle contacts  256   a ,  256   b  and contacts  112   c ,  112   d  are respectively coupled to receptacle contacts  256   c ,  256   d . In a second orientation opposite the first orientation, plug contacts  112   a ,  112   b  are coupled to receptacle contacts  256   d ,  256   c , while plug contacts  112   c ,  112   d  are coupled to receptacle contacts  256   b ,  256   a.    
     While many of the embodiments of the invention set forth above have been depicted in the included figures as four contact connectors, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular number of contacts. To further underscore this, reference is now made to  FIGS. 33A-33D , which depict various views of a twelve contact plug connector  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 33A  is a simplified perspective view of plug connector  300  while  FIGS. 33B-33D  are simplified bottom, front and side plan views, respectively. Connector  300  includes many of the same features as connector  150  except it has six contacts  302   (1)  and  302   (6)  positioned within contact region  46   a  and an additional six contacts  302   (2)  and  302   (12)  positioned within region  46   b  on the opposing surface of tab  44 . The contacts can be made from a copper, nickel, brass, a metal alloy or any other appropriate conductive material. Spacing is consistent between each of the contacts on the front and back sides and between the contacts and the edges of the connector providing 180 degree symmetry so that plug connector  300  can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two orientations as discussed above. 
     A significant portion of tab  44  is including its shape is defined by ground ring  102  that extends from a distal tip of the connector towards the outer shell and partially surrounds contacts  302   (1) - 302   (12)  along an outer periphery of tab  44 . Ground ring  102  can be made from any appropriate metal or other conductive material and in one embodiment is stainless steel plated with copper and nickel. Two indentations or pockets  152   a  and  152   b  are formed in ground ring  102  and located on opposing sides  56   c  and  56   d  of the tab near its distal end as with connector  150 . In one particular embodiment, tab  44  of connector  300  has a width, X, of 4.0 mm; a thickness, Y, of 1.5 mm; and a insertion depth, Z, of 5.0 mm. It is understood that the dimensions of connector  50  as well as the number of contacts may vary in different embodiments. 
     When connector  300  is properly engaged with a receptacle connector each of contacts  302   (1) - 302   (12)  is in electrical contact with a corresponding contact in the corresponding receptacle connector. Tab  52  has a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design which enables the connector to be inserted into a connector jack in both a first orientation where surface  44   a  is facing up or a second orientation where surface  44   b  is facing up. In the first orientation, plug connector contacts  302   (1) - 302   (6)  couple to receptacle contacts  366   (1) - 366   (6) , respectively, and contacts  302   (7) - 302   (12)  couple to receptacle contacts  366   (7) - 366   (12) , respectively. In the second orientation opposite the first orientation, plug contacts  302   (1) - 302   (6)  couple to receptacle contacts  366   (7) - 366   (12)  and plug contacts  302   (7) - 302   (12)  couple to receptacle contacts  366   (1) - 366   (6) . 
     To facilitate the orientation agnostic feature of connector  300 , contacts  302   (1) - 302   (12)  are arranged such that similarly purposed contacts are located on opposite sides of the connector in a cater cornered arrangement. As an example, reference is made to  FIG. 34A , which is a diagram depicting pin locations of connector  300  according to one specific embodiment of the invention having two contacts designated for power, two contacts designated for analog audio signals and eight contacts designated for differential data signals including two USB data contacts, and six display port contacts. 
     As shown in  FIG. 34A , when a midpoint line  305  dividing connector tab  44  into equal top and bottom halves and a midpoint line  306  dividing the connector tab  44  into equal left and right halves are considered, the contacts associated with connector  50  can be divided into four quadrants labeled clockwise from the top left portion of the connector as quadrants I, II, III and IV, respectively. Quadrants I and III are located in a cater cornered arrangement as are quadrants II and IV. Individual contacts within the cater cornered quadrants can be arranged, based on their function, in a mirrored relationship. For example, the two contacts in quadrants I and III closest to midpoint line  61 , contacts  302   (3)  and  302   (9) , are each dedicated for power. Similarly the two outermost contacts in these quadrants are dedicated for a pair of differential data signals. In quadrants, II and IV, the innermost contact, contacts  302   (4)  and  302   (10)  are each dedicated for analog audio signals while the two outermost contacts in each quadrant dedicated for a pair of differential data signals. 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS. 34A and 34B , which depict the pinout of connector  300  in two different orientations (in  FIG. 34A  surface  44   a  is facing up while in  FIG. 34B  surface  44   b  is facing up), regardless of which of the two possible orientations that connector  300  is inserted into its receptacle connector, the contact order on the top side of the connector, from left to right, is always as follows: the first two contacts are designated for a pair of differential data signals, the third contact is designated for a power contact, the fourth contact is designated for an audio contact and the fifth and sixth contacts are designated for another pair of differential data signals. Similarly, the contact order on the bottom side of the connector, from left to right, is always as follows: the first two contacts are designated for a pair of differential data signals, the third contact is designated for an audio contact, the fourth contact is designated for a power contact and the fifth and sixth contacts are designated for another pair of differential data signals. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 35-38 .  FIG. 35  is an exploded view of connector  310  for a synchronization and charging cable that has the same form factor as connector  300  (and thus will operatively engage with the same set of receptacle connectors as plug connector  300 ) including the same number of contacts. As a sync and charge cable, however, the contact locations dedicated for audio contacts and display port contacts are not needed and thus are not made operational in this particular embodiment.  FIG. 37  is a flow chart that illustrates steps associated with the manufacture of connector  310  according to one embodiment of the invention and  FIG. 38A-38P  depicts connector  310  at the various stages of manufacture set forth in  FIG. 37 . 
     The manufacture of connector  310  can start with the construction of printed circuit boards  312   a  and  312   b  ( FIG. 37 , step  330 ) each of which includes six contact areas that, together, correspond to contacts  302   (1) - 302   (12) .  FIGS. 36A and 36B  more clearly show a top plan view and side plan view, respectively, of PCB  312   a . Contact pucks are attached to the contact areas of PCB  312   a  to form contacts  302   (1) - 302   (6) . The contact pucks can be made from a variety of conductive materials and in one embodiment are nickel-plated brass. The pucks can be cut to size in a stamping or similar process from a metal sheet and can be attached to PCB  312   a  using surface mount technology. As shown in  FIG. 36A , PCB  312   a  includes wire solder pads  315  that are electrically coupled to corresponding contact areas. As noted above because connector  310  is a sync and charge cable, connector  310  does not include electrical connections for audio contacts  302   (4)  and  302   (10) , nor does it include electrical connections for display port contacts  302   (1) - 302   (2) ,  302   (7) - 302   (8)  and  302   (11) - 302   (12) . Instead, contacts formed in those locations are not coupled to solder pads on the PCBs and are thus not functional. This is evidenced in  FIG. 36A  which shows USB contacts  302   (5) - 302   (6)  and power contact  302   (3)  coupled to corresponding solder pads via electrical traces while contacts  302   (1) ,  302   (2)  and  302   (4)  are not connected to electrical traces and are not connected to any of solder pads  315 . In other embodiments, all of contacts  302   (1) - 302   (12)  may be operatively coupled to solder pads on the PCBs or different subsets of contacts may be coupled depending on the purpose of the connector. 
     After each of the PCBs  312   a ,  312   b  are constructed and the contacts attached, the PCBs are inserted through the front side of ground ring  102  via the top and bottom openings of the ground ring that surround the contacts as shown in  FIG. 38A-38F . Next, ground plate  314  is sandwiched between the two PCBs  312   a ,  312   b  by inserting the ground plate from the back of ground ring  102  ( FIG. 38G ). Ground plate  314  provides a thick layer of shielding between contacts  302   (1) - 302   (6)  formed on PCB  312   a  and contacts  302   (7) - 302   (12)  formed on PCB  312   b.    
     The assembled ground ring/PCB/ground plate structure ( FIG. 38H ) is then placed in a molding tool and a thermoplastic or similar dielectric overmold  316  can be formed around the contacts to provide smooth and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces of the tab portion of connector  310  and provide a finished look ( FIG. 37 , step  334 ;  FIG. 38I ). In one embodiment, dielectric overmold  316  is formed with an injection molding process using polyoxymethylene (POM). 
     A cable bundle  318  having individual signal wires  320 , one for each of the functional contacts of connector  310  as well as one or more ground wires to be coupled to ground ring  102  can be prepared at this time or prior to step  330  ( FIG. 38J ). The individual signal wires are cut and stripped, the jacket of the cable bundle is stripped and the cable shields are folded back over the jacket. Next, a cable crimp  322  having a bottom metal shield is secured to the cable bundle ( FIG. 37 , step  336 ;  FIG. 38K ). The cable bundle can then be attached to the ground ring/PCB assembly as shown in  FIG. 38L  by soldering each of the signal wires to its respective solder pad and soldering the ground wires to the ground ring ( FIG. 37 , step  338 ). The solder joints and exposed wires can then be potted with a UV glue to further secure the connections. 
     At this stage of manufacture the end of cable bundle  318  is spaced apart from the PCB assembly in an oppositional relationship and positioned above bottom metal shield  312  and between two opposing ends of ground ring  102 . A metal top shield  314  can be attached to the top of ground ring  102  ( FIG. 38M ) and the top and bottom metal shields are laser welded or similarly attached to ground ring  102  to form an enclosure or box around the cable bundle ( FIG. 37 , step  340 ). Next, a dielectric trim piece  326  can be slid over the end of tab  102  and glued to the exposed front of ground ring  102  ( FIG. 37 , step  342 ;  FIG. 38N ). As shown in  FIG. 38N , dielectric trim includes two rails  326   a ,  326   b  that slide into corresponding grooves in ground ring  102  and includes a front face  326   c  that is sized to have the same width and height as the base of ground ring  102 . In one embodiment trim piece  326  can be made from ABS plastic or a similar dielectric material. 
     An inner dielectric strain relief jacket  328  is then formed around much of the assembly using an injection molding or similar process ( FIG. 37 , step  344 ;  FIG. 38O ). Strain relief jacket  328  can include a generally circular end portion  328   a  that covers a centimeter or more of cable bundle  318  and a block portion  328   b  that completes and fills in gaps in the metal enclosure formed by ground ring  102 , bottom shied  322  and top shield  324  thereby forming a substantially monolithic base portion  90  of connector  310  that is effectively sealed. Strain relief jacket  328  provides structure and strain relief for connector  310  and can be made from a dielectric material such as an elastomer or a polyproplylene material. 
     The construction of connector  310  can then be completed by sliding an outer shell  134  around the monolithic base portion covering an end portion of ground ring  102 , trim piece  326  and strain relief jacket  328  ( FIG. 37 , step  346 ;  FIG. 38P ). Outer shell  134  can be formed from ABS or a similar dielectric material and adhered to the ground ring and inner jacket using any appropriate adhesive suitable for the particular materials being bonded. 
       FIGS. 39A-39D  show top, perspective, front and side views of a receptacle connector  360  according to one embodiment of the invention designed to have a reduced width as compared to depth. Receptacle connector  360  includes a housing  362  that defines a cavity  364  and houses twelve contacts  366   (1) - 366   (12)  within the cavity. In operation, a connector plug, such as plug connector  300  can be inserted into cavity  364  to electrically couple the contacts  302   (1) - 302   (12)  to respective contacts  366   (1) - 366   (12) . Positioned along the sides of the interior of cavity  364  are two spring-loaded conductive retention clips  368   a ,  368   b  that protrude into the cavity and function to both secure the plug connector within the cavity and provide a ground for the connector. 
     Retention mechanisms  368   a ,  368   b  may include, for example, a metal spring that is pre-loaded so that a tip of the retention mechanisms extend through an opening in each sidewall of the cavity  364 . When a plug connector is inserted into cavity  364 , the retention clips  368   a ,  368   b  latch with pockets  152   a ,  152   b , respectively, of the connector plug. The shape of retention mechanism  368   a ,  368   b  matches that of pockets  152   a ,  152   b  to provide a comfortable click feel when the retention clips engage with the pockets. In one embodiment, the depth and position of the pockets is selected to provide specific insertion and extraction forces such that the retention force required to insert the plug connector into receptacle connector  360  is higher than the extraction force required to remove the plug connector from the receptacle connector. Also, in one embodiment, retention clips  368   a ,  368   b  are located near the back surface of cavity  364 . The inventors have determined that positioning the retention clips near the back of the cavity, which requires pockets  152   a ,  152   b  on the plug connector to be positioned near its distal end, helps to better secure the connector sideways when it is in an engaged position within connector jack  360 . 
     Each of the receptacle contacts  366   (1) - 366   (12)  electrically connects its respective plug contact to circuitry associated with the electrical device in which receptacle connector  360  is housed. For example, receptacle connector  360  can be part of a portable media device and electronic circuitry associated with the media device is electrically connected to jack  360  by soldering tips of contacts  366   (1) - 366   (12)  that extend outside housing  362  to a multilayer board such as a printed circuit board (PCB) within the portable media device. Additionally, each of the conductive retention clips  368   a ,  368   b  can be electrically coupled to a ground path associated with connector  360 . As an example, in one embodiment, pins at a back end of retention clips  368   a ,  368   b  can be soldered to bonding pads formed on the multilayer board or PCB associated with the portable media device that are coupled to ground. 
       FIGS. 40A-40D  show top, perspective, front and side views of a receptacle connector  370  according to another embodiment of the invention designed to have a reduced depth as compared to width. Except for the dimensions of housing  363 , the components of connector  370  are similar to those of connector  360  and are thus referred to with the same reference numbers. 
     In one embodiment, each of receptacle connectors  360  and  370  can be formed using the process depicted in  FIG. 41 . For example, contacts  366   (1) - 366   (12)  can be formed from lead frames stamped from an appropriate metal such as nickel-coated brass ( FIG. 41A ). The contacts can be arranged and spaced apart in a mold and insert molded within dielectric blocks  369  made from a thermoplastic or similar material to form two separate sets of contacts ( FIG. 41B ). Each of the contact sets can then be attached at top and bottom interior surfaces of housing  362  ( FIG. 41C ) so that a front end of the contact extends into cavity  364  formed by the housing and a back end of the contact extends out of the back of the housing so that it can be soldered to a bonding pad (not shown) formed on a printed circuit board or similarly electrically connected to desired circuitry associated with the electronic device in which the receptacle connector is housed. 
     Retention clips  368   a ,  368   b  can similarly be formed using a metal stamping process and assembled to the sides of housing  362  ( FIG. 41D ). Retention clips  368   a ,  368   b  can include pins  367  that extend out past a back end of housing  362  in order to electrically ground the retention clips to the electrical device in which receptacle connector  360  is housed as discussed above. Next, the partially assembled receptacle connector can be placed in a mold and liquid silicone rubber can be injected around the housing to form a boot  380  that seals the receptacle connector ( FIG. 41E ). Top and bottom metal shells  382  and  384  can then be attached over silicone rubber boot  380  to the top and bottom of housing  362 , respectively, and laser welded together to form an outer enclosure that provides additional shielding for the connector ( FIG. 41F ). Finally, a conductive EMI gasket  386  can be attached to the front of the housing to further seal the connector when receptacle connector and the plug connector are mated ( FIG. 41G ). 
       FIG. 42  is a simplified perspective view of a connector plug  390  according to another embodiment of the invention in which a ground ring is not employed. Instead, connector  390  is made from two printed circuit boards  392   a ,  392   b  sandwiched around a structural conductive member  264 , such as a brass plate. A tab portion  395  extends out of body  42  and has the same form factor as tab  44  of connector  300  shown in  FIG. 32  including the same twelve contacts (six on an upper surface of connector  390  and six on a lower surface) spaced the same distance from the edges of the connector at the same spacing enabling plug connector  390  to be operatively coupled to the same receptacle connectors such as plug connector  300 . 
     Connector  390  does not include a ground ring similar to ground ring  102 , however. Instead, indentations  396   a ,  396   b  formed on opposing sides of conductive member  394  match generally the size and contour of pockets  152   a ,  152   b  giving the tab portion of connector  390  a bread loaf shape when viewed from above or below. Indentations  266  provide the connector the same comfortable click/lock feeling achieved by connector  300  when it is inserted and removed from a receptacle connector. Also, when mated with a receptacle connector, conductive member  394  receives a ground connection via the retention clips in the receptacle connector. 
     Another example of a data connector according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 43 , which is a perspective view of a connector  400  according to another embodiment of the invention. Connector  400  includes eight contacts arranged as four pairs of contacts  401 ,  402  on a first major surface of tab  44  and  403  and  404  (not shown in  FIG. 43 ) on the opposing major surface. In one embodiment, each of the contact pairs carry complementary or similarly purposed signals. For example, in one particular embodiment contact pair  401  includes first and second power signals, contact pair  402  includes a first set of positive and negative differential data signals, signal pair  403  includes a second set of positive and negative differential data signals, and contact pair  404  includes a third set of positive and negative differential data signals (contact pairs  403  and  404  are not shown in  FIG. 43  but are directly opposite contact pairs  401  and  402 ). The data contacts can be used to carry any appropriate data signal as well as audio signals, video signals and the like. From an exterior view, other than the number of contacts, connector  400  is similar to connector  300  and includes a ground ring  102 , an outer sleeve  216  and pockets  217  that are similar to the components of the same name in connector  300 . Additionally, ground ring  102  includes a chamfered edge  192  to increase the strength of the connector. 
       FIG. 44A  is a simplified perspective cut-away view of connector  400  in which individual contacts  402   a  and  402   b  from contact pair  402  are fully visible without surrounding molding or the ground ring. Each of the contacts is attached to a printed circuit board  405  having a ground plane  408  sandwiched between top and bottom dielectric layers  406   a  and  406   b . Contacts  401   a ,  401   b  and  402   a ,  402   b  are attached to conductive pads (not shown) formed on dielectric layer  406   a  while contact  403   a ,  403   b  and  404   a ,  404   b  are attached to conductive pads formed on dielectric layer  406   b . Ground plane  408  is thus positioned between the sets of contacts pairs ( 401  and  404 ) and ( 402  and  403 ) which reduces signal interference that may otherwise occur between the closely spaced contact pairs. 
       FIG. 44B  is a simplified cross-sectional view of connector  400  through the middle of the contact pairs. As shown in  FIG. 44B , contact pairs  401 - 404  are divided into four quadrants by ground plane  404  and a central rib  415   a , which is part of ground ring  102 . Rib  415   a  runs longitudinally through the tab portion of connector  400  dividing the tab into left and right halves with contact pairs  401  and  404  on one half and contact pairs  402  and  403  on the opposite half  FIG. 44B  also shows that dielectric overmolding  418  (e.g., a thermoplastic material such as POM) fills in gaps between the individual contacts of each contact pair (e.g., between contacts  401   a  and  401   b ) as well as between the contact pairs and ground ring  102  and rib  415   a.    
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 45 , which is a simplified partial cut-away perspective view of a plug connector  400  and a receptacle connector jack  420  according to an embodiment of the invention where plug connector  400  is positioned next to connector jack  420  prior to a mating event. Connector jack  420  includes an outer shell  422  that defines an interior cavity  424  into which the tab portion of plug connector  400  can be inserted. The receptacle connector includes four contact pairs  426 - 429  that extend into cavity  424  and detents  425  which extend from the opposing sidewalls of jack  420  into cavity  424 . When plug connector  400  is inserted into cavity  424 , detents  425  engage pockets  152   a ,  152   b  to secure the plug connector within cavity  424  and individual contacts in contact pairs  401 - 404  of the plug connector are electrically coupled to individual contacts of contact pairs  426 - 429 , respectively, of the receptacle connector. 
     Each of the contacts in contact pairs  426 - 429  can be is insert molded within a dielectric block  429  made from a thermoplastic or similar material with a front end of the contact extending into cavity  424  and a back end extending in the opposite direction towards a back end of the receptacle connector. In  FIG. 45  only individual contacts  402   b  and  404   a ,  404   b  of receptacle connector  420  can be seen. The back end of each contact is electrically coupled to a bonding pad (not shown) formed on printed circuit board (PCB)  426 . Conductive traces (not shown) on PCB  426  connect the contacts to circuitry associated with the electronic device in which receptacle connector  420  is housed. To reduce signal interference between contacts and improve grounding, receptacle connector  430  includes grounding contacts and a ground plane  428  that generally surround the contact pairs and divide them into quadrants that correspond to the quadrants associated with contacts  401 - 404 . Specifically, a grounding contact can be located between each contact pair and a sidewall of housing  422  while other grounding contacts can be located between contact pairs  403 ,  404  and  401 ,  402 , respectively. Each of the grounding contacts is positioned to contact a different portion of ground ring  102  when the connectors are mated. Grounding plane  428  is formed on PCB  426  and sandwiched between an upper dielectric layer  426   a  and a lower dielectric layer  426   b . Finally, a conductive gasket  430  provides sealing and environmental shielding when jack  420  and plug connector  400  are mated. 
     Any of the connectors discussed herein can be modified to include one or more fiber optic cables that extend through the connector and can be operatively coupled to receive or transmit optical data signals between a mating connector jack. As an example,  FIGS. 46A-46D  illustrate one example of a connector  440  having five analog contacts as well as a fiber optic cable  445  that runs through the center of the connector. The analog contacts include contacts  112   a ,  112   c  for left and right audio, a contact  112   b  for microphone, a contact  112   d  for power, and a contact  222   e  for ground. Fiber optic cable  230  allows for high data rate transmissions and can be used for USB 4.0 compatibility (e.g., 10 GB/second data transfer). With power, audio and data connections, connector  440  can be used to charge a device while simultaneously providing data and audio functions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 46D , which is an expanded view of the distal end of connector  440 , fiber optic cable  445  terminates at a lens  446  positioned at the distal end of the connector and secured in place by ground ring  425 . Lens  446  can be made from a chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass or a similar material that is highly resistant to scratching and is flush with the external surface of ground ring  425  to prevent debris build-up and abstraction of light. 
     Some embodiments of the invention pertain to connectors specifically designed for specific functions, for example as required by certain accessories or cable adapters, as described below with respect to  FIGS. 47-59 . In the described embodiments and unless otherwise noted, each of the connectors described with respect to  FIGS. 47-59  includes a connector tab that is similarly designed in shape and dimensions to tab  44  of plug connector  300  shown in  FIG. 32 , including contact spacing and side retention pockets, so that the various connector tabs are generally insertable and useable with the same receptacle connector as plug connector  300 . Also, each of the connectors described in  FIGS. 47-59  includes a ground ring that enables the connector to be connected to ground via grounded retention clips in a corresponding receptacle connector as described above. 
     As a first example of a specifically purposed connector,  FIG. 47  is a simplified perspective view of a plug connector  500  according to an embodiment of the invention specifically designed for headphones and other audio applications. Connector  500  includes four contacts, two contacts on an upper surface of a tab portion  502  of the connector and two contacts on the lower surface of connector tab  502 . The four contacts provide left and right audio as well as microphone power, and are sized and spaced such that they match the locations of contacts  302   (3)  and  302   (4)  on one side and match the location, size and spacing of contacts  302   (9)  and  302   (10)  on the other side. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 49A , the two contacts on each side can be used to represent power and audio and align (depending on the orientation of connector  500 ) with either the power and audio contacts shown in  FIG. 34A  or shown in FIG.  34 B. In one embodiment, circuitry associated with an electronic device in which connector  500  can be plugged into allows the contacts to be used in a backward compatible mode where the power contact is replaced with a Microphone Bias contact as shown in  FIG. 49B .  FIG. 48  is a simplified perspective view of a headset  510  that includes connector  500  shown in  FIG. 47  according to an embodiment of the invention including left and right earbuds  512 ,  514  connected to connector  500  by a cable  516 . 
       FIG. 50  is a simplified perspective view of a connector plug  520  according to another embodiment of the invention that is specifically adapted to be used in data synchronization applications and charging applications. To this end, connector  520  includes fully functional contacts at the two locations designated for USB data that align with contact locations  302 ( 5 ) and  302 ( 6 ) and the two locations designated for power that align with contact locations  302 ( 3 ) and  302 ( 9 ) as shown in  FIG. 52  as well as ground contacts that connect to connector  520  through its ground ring via the receptacle connector retention clips as described above. As configured, connector  520  allows for USB 2.0 synchronization as well as 5 volt, 2 amp charging.  FIG. 51  is a simplified perspective view of a USB adapter cable  530  having a USB male connector  535  at one end and connector  520  shown in  FIG. 50  at the other end according to an embodiment of the invention. The two connectors are connected together by a cable  532 . 
       FIG. 53  is a simplified perspective view of a connector plug  540  that supports full audio/video functionality according to another embodiment of the invention including line out audio, Mikey bus control and a two channel display port as well as USB 2.0 synchronization, 5 volt, 2 amp charging and a 3 volt accessory out signal. Connector  540  includes active circuitry (not shown) within a shell  542  that allows for conversion of display port video signals to HDMI signals. Connector  540  includes the full complement of twelve functional contacts as shown in  FIGS. 34A and 34B .  FIG. 54  is a simplified perspective view of a audio/visual adapter cable  600  having an HDMI connector  602 , a USB connector  604  and a digital audio connector  606  at one end connected by a cable  608  to connector  540  at the other end according to an embodiment of the invention. Active circuitry within shell  542  of connector  540  separates audio and digital data send over the six display port data contacts of connector  540  sending the audio signals to both the digital audio connector  606  and HDMI connector  602  while sending the video signals to HDMI connector  602 . The USB data signals can be passed through the USB contact pins of connector  540  directly to USB connector  604 . 
       FIG. 55  is a simplified perspective view of a audio/visual adapter cable  610  having a mini display port connector  612  and a USB connector  614  at one end connected by a cable  618  to a plug connector  616  having a pinout as shown in  FIGS. 34A and 34B  at the other end according to another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 56  is a simplified perspective view of a audio/visual adapter cable  620  having a mini display port connector  622  at one end connected by a cable  628  to a high speed data connector  626  at the other end according to another embodiment of the invention. Connector  626  has a pinout that includes two high speed differential data input contacts and two high speed differential data output contacts as shown in  FIG. 57  instead of display port contacts. The high speed data contacts allow for data transfer rates of up to 10 GB/second thereby allowing 5 GB/sec data transfer using the PCI-express 2.0 standard and 8 GB/sec data transfer using the PCI-express 3.0 standard. Active circuitry embedded in the shell of connector  626  converts the PCI-express signals as necessary to other data formats such as minidisplay port signals. 
       FIG. 58  is a simplified perspective view of a docking station  630  that includes a connector tab  635  according to an embodiment of the invention that has the same form factor and contact arrangement as tab  44  in  FIG. 32 . Tab  635  extends upward from a surface  632  upon which a portable electronic device may be placed when docked in station  630  with tab  635  mated with a receptacle connector incorporated into the portable media device. A second surface  634  can support a back of the electronic device while docked. 
     Docking station  630  allows a portable media device, such as an iPod or MP3 player or an iPhone or other smart phone to be connected to a host computer via connector  635 . Connector  635  supports the full complement of twelve contacts set forth in  FIGS. 34A and 34B  and thus allows for line out audio, Mikey bus control and a two channel display port as well as USB 2.0 synchronization, 5 volt, 2 amp charging and a 3 volt accessory out signal. In another embodiment, docking station  630  does not provide full audio/video support and instead provides charging and USB data transfer as well as audio out and legacy/UART (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter) control.  FIG. 59  is a diagram depicting pin locations of connector tab  635  shown in  FIG. 58  according to this additional embodiment with reduced contact pins in tab  635 . 
     While the discussion of various particular connectors for accessories, cable adapters or other devices set forth above with respect to  FIGS. 47-59  specifically included twelve contact connectors having a connector layout compatible with that of plug connector  300  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 32-34B , embodiments of the invention are not so limited. In other embodiments, similar or identical accessories, cable adapters and other devices may include connectors having twelve contacts arranged in a different layout than connector  300  or having contacts dedicated to different signals or signals arranged in a different order. Additionally, still other embodiments include similar or identical accessories, cable adapters and other devices that include connectors with fewer or more contacts than connector  300 . A person of skill in the art will readily recognize these and other alternative embodiments of the present invention based on the disclosure herein. 
     Embodiments of the invention are suitable for a multiplicity of electronic devices, including any device that receives or transmits audio, video or data signals among others. In some instances, embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited for portable electronic media devices because of their potentially small form factor. As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that may be used to present human-perceivable media. Such devices may include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple&#39;s iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., smart telephones such as Apple&#39;s iPhone devices), video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, desktop computers, as well as tablet (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPad devices), laptop or other mobile computers. Some of these devices may be configured to provide audio, video or other data or sensory output. 
       FIG. 60  is a simplified illustrative block diagram representing an electronic media device  700  that includes an audio plug receptacle  705  according to embodiments of the present. Electronic media device  700  may also include, among other components, connector receptacle  710 , one or more user input components  720 , one or more output components  725 , control circuitry  730 , graphics circuitry  735 , a bus  740 , a memory  745 , a storage device  750 , communications circuitry  755  and POM (position, orientation or movement sensor) sensors  760 . Control circuitry  730  may communicate with the other components of electronic media device  700  (e.g., via bus  740 ) to control the operation of electronic media device  700 . In some embodiments, control circuitry  730  may execute instructions stored in a memory  745 . Control circuitry  730  may also be operative to control the performance of electronic media device  700 . Control circuitry  730  may include, for example, a processor, a microcontroller and a bus (e.g., for sending instructions to the other components of electronic media device  700 ). In some embodiments, control circuitry  730  may also drive the display and process inputs received from input component  720 . 
     Memory  745  may include one or more different types of memory that may be used to perform device functions. For example, memory  745  may include cache, flash memory, ROM, RAM and hybrid types of memory. Memory  745  may also store firmware for the device and its applications (e.g., operating system, user interface functions and processor functions). Storage device  750  may include one or more suitable storage mediums or mechanisms, such as a magnetic hard drive, flash drive, tape drive, optical drive, permanent memory (such as ROM), semi-permanent memory (such as RAM) or cache. Storage device  750  may be used for storing media (e.g., audio and video files), text, pictures, graphics, advertising or any suitable user-specific or global information that may be used by electronic media device  700 . Storage device  750  may also store programs or applications that may run on control circuitry  730 , may maintain files formatted to be read and edited by one or more of the applications and may store any additional files that may aid the operation of one or more applications (e.g., files with metadata). It should be understood that any of the information stored on storage device  750  may instead be stored in memory  745 . 
     Electronic media device  700  may also include input component  720  and output component  725  for providing a user with the ability to interact with electronic media device  700 . For example, input component  720  and output component  725  may provide an interface for a user to interact with an application running on control circuitry  730 . Input component  720  may take a variety of forms, such as a keyboard/keypad, trackpad, mouse, click wheel, button, stylus or touch screen. Input component  720  may also include one or more devices for user authentication (e.g., smart card reader, fingerprint reader or iris scanner) as well as an audio input device (e.g., a microphone) or a video input device (e.g., a camera or a web cam) for recording video or still frames. Output component  725  may include any suitable display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch screen display, a projection device, a speaker or any other suitable system for presenting information or media to a user. Output component  725  may be controlled by graphics circuitry  735 . Graphics circuitry  735  may include a video card, such as a video card with 2D, 3D or vector graphics capabilities. In some embodiments, output component  725  may also include an audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic media device  700 . For example, output component  725  may include a headset, headphones or ear buds that may be coupled to electronic media device  700  with a wire or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth headset). 
     Electronic media device  700  may have one or more applications (e.g., software applications) stored on storage device  750  or in memory  745 . Control circuitry  730  may be configured to execute instructions of the applications from memory  745 . For example, control circuitry  730  may be configured to execute a media player application that causes full-motion video or audio to be presented or displayed on output component  725 . Other applications resident on electronic media device  700  may include, for example, a telephony application, a GPS navigator application, a web browser application and a calendar or organizer application. Electronic media device  700  may also execute any suitable operating system, such as a Mac OS, Apple iOS, Linux or Windows and can include a set of applications stored on storage device  750  or memory  745  that is compatible with the particular operating system. 
     In some embodiments, electronic media device  700  may also include communications circuitry  755  to connect to one or more communications networks. Communications circuitry  755  may be any suitable communications circuitry operative to connect to a communications network and to transmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from electronic media device  700  to other devices within the communications network. Communications circuitry  755  may be operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example, Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband and other cellular protocols, VOIP or any other suitable protocol. 
     In some embodiments, communications circuitry  755  may be operative to create a communications network using any suitable communications protocol. Communications circuitry  755  may create a short-range communications network using a short-range communications protocol to connect to other devices. For example, communications circuitry  755  may be operative to create a local communications network using the Bluetooth protocol to couple with a Bluetooth headset (or any other Bluetooth device). Communications circuitry  755  may also include a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC) configured to connect to the Internet or any other public or private network. For example, electronic media device  700  may be configured to connect to the Internet via a wireless network, such as a packet radio network, an RF network, a cellular network or any other suitable type of network. Communication circuitry  745  may be used to initiate and conduct communications with other communications devices or media devices within a communications network. 
     Electronic media device  700  may also include any other component suitable for performing a communications operation. For example, electronic media device  700  may include a power supply, an antenna, ports or interfaces for coupling to a host device, a secondary input mechanism (e.g., an ON/OFF switch) or any other suitable component. 
     Electronic media device  700  may also include POM sensors  760 . POM sensors  760  may be used to determine the approximate geographical or physical location of electronic media device  700 . As described in more detail below, the location of electronic media device  700  may be derived from any suitable trilateration or triangulation technique, in which case POM sensors  760  may include an RF triangulation detector or sensor or any other location circuitry configured to determine the location of electronic media device  700 . 
     POM sensors  760  may also include one or more sensors or circuitry for detecting the position orientation or movement of electronic media device  700 . Such sensors and circuitry may include, for example, single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers, angular rate or inertial sensors (e.g., optical gyroscopes, vibrating gyroscopes, gas rate gyroscopes or ring gyroscopes), magnetometers (e.g., scalar or vector magnetometers), ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, motion sensor (e.g., a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, active ultrasonic sensor or active microwave sensor) and linear velocity sensors. For example, control circuitry  730  may be configured to read data from one or more of POM sensors  760  in order to determine the location orientation or velocity of electronic media device  700 . One or more of POM sensors  760  may be positioned near output component  725  (e.g., above, below or on either side of the display screen of electronic media device  700 ). 
       FIG. 61  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular electronic media device  780 . Device  780  includes a multipurpose button  782  as an input component, a touch screen display  784  as a both an input and output component, and a speaker  785  as an output component, all of which are housed within a device housing  790 . Device  780  also includes a primary receptacle connector  786  and an audio plug receptacle  788  within device housing  790 . Each of the receptacle connectors  786  and  788  can be positioned within housing  790  such that the cavity of the receptacle connectors into which a corresponding plug connector is inserted is located at an exterior surface of the device housing. In some embodiments, the cavity opens to an exterior side surface of device  780 . For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components are not shown in  FIG. 61 . Receptacle connectors according to embodiments of the invention are particularly suitable to be used as either or both of primary receptacle  786  or audio plug receptacle  788 . Additionally, in some embodiments, electronic media device  780  has only a single receptacle connector that is used to physically interface and connect the device (as opposed to a wireless connection) to the other electronic devices. Embodiments of the invention are also particularly suitable for such a connector. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. As an example, while a number of embodiments illustrated above included ground contacts that were incorporated into the retention features, both in the plug connector as well as the receptacle connector, other embodiments of the invention may include ground contacts along portions of the side or tip of the connector that is not part of a retention mechanism. Similarly, some embodiments may not include any contacts at all on the side of the connector tab and instead may include both signal and ground contacts on the first and second major opposing surfaces of the connector tab. In such embodiments, ground contacts can be located within the contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  and/or may be located at one or more locations on major sides  44   a ,  44   b  outside of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b.    
     Also, while a number of specific embodiments were disclosed with specific features, a person of skill in the are will recognize instances where the features of one embodiment can be combined with the features of another embodiment. For example, some specific embodiments of the invention set forth above were illustrated with pockets as retention features. A person of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any of the other retention features described herein, as well as others not specifically mentioned, may be used instead of or in addition to the pockets. Also, those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the inventions described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130110
Publication Date: 20130917
Grant Date: 20130917
Priority Date: 20100528
Inventors: GOLKO ALBERT J.
SCHMIDT MATHIAS W.
JOL ERIC S.
MINOC JAHAN
SPRAGGS IAN
FRAZIER CAMERON
ROTHKOPF FLETCHER
AASE JONATHAN
SANDER WENDELL
TERLIZZI JEFFREY J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6273", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/58", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R29/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/516", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/62", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/516", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6485", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2201/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R29/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2201/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6485", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/58", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6273", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/627", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R29/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/648", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/58", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44351800