PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10476214-B2
Application Number: US-201816039183-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dual orientation electronic connector

Abstract:
An electronic device that includes a plug connector having a tab adapted to be inserted into a receptacle connector of a second device during a mating event, the tab including first and second opposing surfaces and a contact region formed at the first surface of the tab, the contact region including a plurality of contacts spaced apart along a first row, the plurality of contacts including a first contact, a power contact and a ground contact; a computer-readable memory having identification, configuration and authentication information relevant to the electronic device that can be communicated to the second device during a mating event stored therein; circuitry coupled to the first contact and configured to, after a mating event in which the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector, participate in a handshaking algorithm that includes receiving a command over the first contact from the second device and sending a response to the command that includes contact configuration information for the electronic device over the first contact to the second device; and power circuitry, coupled to the power contact, configured to deliver power to charge a device coupled to the electronic device via the plug connectors.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A dual orientation plug connector comprising:
 a 180 degree symmetrical connector tab having width, height and length dimensions and having first and second opposing sides extending in the width and length dimensions, third and fourth opposing sides extending between the first and second sides in the height and length dimensions, and a tip extending in the width and height dimensions at a distal end of the tab between the first and second opposing sides and between the third and fourth opposing sides, wherein the tip includes a first curved leading edge between a distal end of the tip and the third side and a second curved leading edge between the distal end of the tip and the fourth side; 
 a first contact region at an external surface of the first side, the first contact region including a first plurality of external contacts spaced apart in a single row with dielectric material between each adjacent contact in the first plurality of contacts; and 
 a second contact region at an external surface of the second side, the second contact region including a second plurality of external contacts spaced apart in a single row with dielectric material between each adjacent contact in the second plurality of contacts, wherein at least one individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically coupled to an individual contact in the second plurality of contacts. 
 
     
     
       2. The plug connector set forth in  claim 1  wherein a curvature of the first and second curved leading edges extends for between 0.5 and 1.5 mm from the third and fourth opposing sides, respectively, towards a center of the tip. 
     
     
       3. The plug connector set forth in  claim 2  wherein the tip further includes top and bottom edges between the tip and the first and second sides, respectively, that are spaced apart in the height dimension from the first and second sides such that a distance between the top and bottom edges of the tip is less than a distance between the first and second sides. 
     
     
       4. The plug connector set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a substrate extending within the tab between the first and second contact regions, wherein each of the first and second plurality of contacts are electrically coupled to the substrate. 
     
     
       5. The plug connector set forth in  claim 4  wherein the substrate is a printed circuit board. 
     
     
       6. The plug connector set forth in  claim 1  wherein each of the first and second pluralities of contacts includes first and second data contacts, the first data contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected to the first data contact in the second plurality of contacts, and the second data contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected to a second data contact in the second plurality of contacts. 
     
     
       7. The plug connector set forth in  claim 6  wherein each contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected to a contact in the second plurality of contacts. 
     
     
       8. The plug connector set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first plurality of contacts includes the same number of contacts as the second plurality of contacts and each contact in the first plurality of contacts is positioned directly opposite a contact in the second plurality of contacts. 
     
     
       9. The plug connector set forth in  claim 8  wherein each of the first and second pluralities of contacts consists of eight contacts located in sequentially numbered contact locations. 
     
     
       10. The plug connector set forth in  claim 9  wherein the first plurality of contacts includes a first pair of data contacts at contact locations  2  and  3  and the second plurality of contacts includes a second pair of data contacts positioned directly opposite the first pair of data contacts. 
     
     
       11. The plug connector set forth in  claim 10  wherein the first plurality of contacts further includes a first power contact positioned in one of contact locations  4  or  5  that is electrically coupled to a second power contact in the second plurality of contacts positioned directly opposite one of contact locations  4  or  5 . 
     
     
       12. The plug connector set forth in  claim 1  wherein the tab includes a metal frame that defines a shape of the tab and includes a first opening at the first side of the tab in which the first plurality of contacts are formed and a second opening at the second side of the tab in which the second plurality of contacts are formed. 
     
     
       13. The plug connector set forth in  claim 12  further comprising first and second retention features formed within the metal frame on the third and fourth sides of the tab, respectively, and adapted to engage with retention features on a corresponding receptacle connector. 
     
     
       14. A dual orientation plug connector comprising:
 a body; 
 a 180 degree symmetrical connector tab having width, height and length dimensions and having first and second opposing sides extending in the width and length dimensions, third and fourth opposing sides extending between the first and second sides in the height and length dimensions, and a tip extending in the width and height dimensions at a distal end of the tab between the first and second opposing exterior surfaces and between the third and fourth opposing exterior surfaces, wherein the tip includes a first curved leading edge between a distal end of the tip and the third side and a second curved leading edge between the distal end of the tip and the fourth side; 
 a first contact region at an external surface of the first side, the first contact region including a first plurality of external contacts spaced apart in a single row with dielectric material between each adjacent contact in the first plurality of contacts; and 
 a second contact region at an external surface of the second side opposite the first contact region, the second contact region including a second plurality of external contacts spaced apart in a single row with dielectric material between each adjacent contact in the second plurality of contacts, wherein at least one individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically coupled to an individual contact in the second plurality of contacts; 
 a substrate extending within the tab between the first and second contact regions, wherein each of the first and second pluralities of external contacts are electrically coupled to the substrate; and 
 first and second retention features formed opposite each other on the third and fourth sides, respectively, each of the first and second retention features adapted to engage with retention features of a corresponding receptacle connector. 
 
     
     
       15. The plug connector set forth in  claim 14  wherein a curvature of the first and second curved leading edges extends for between 0.5 and 1.5 mm from the third and fourth opposing sides, respectively, towards a center of the tip. 
     
     
       16. The plug connector set forth in  claim 14  wherein the tip further includes top and bottom edges between the tip and the first and second sides, respectively, that are spaced apart in the height dimension from the first and second sides such that a distance between the top and bottom edges of the tip is less than a distance between the first and second sides. 
     
     
       17. The plug connector set forth in  claim 15  wherein the substrate extends through the tab into the body and includes first and second opposing substrate sides, the first substrate side facing the first side of the tab and the second substrate side facing the second side of the tab and wherein the plug connector further comprises:
 a first plurality of contact bonding pads formed on the first substrate side, wherein each of the first plurality of contact bonding pads is electrically coupled to a contact in the first plurality of contacts; 
 a second plurality of contact bonding pads on the second substrate side, wherein each of the second plurality of contact bonding pads is electrically coupled to a contact in the second plurality of contacts; and 
 a plurality of conductor bonding pads formed on the substrate within the body of the connector, wherein at least some individual ones of the plurality of conductor bonding pads are electrically connected to some of the first and second plurality of contact bonding pads by conductive traces carried by the substrate. 
 
     
     
       18. The plug connector set forth in  claim 17  wherein each of the first and second pluralities of contacts consists of eight contacts located in sequentially numbered contact locations. 
     
     
       19. The plug connector set forth in  claim 18  wherein the first plurality of contacts includes a first pair of data contacts at contact locations  2  and  3  and a first power contact positioned in one of contact locations  4  or  5 , and the second plurality of contacts includes a second pair of data contacts positioned directly opposite the first pair of data contacts and a second power contact in the second plurality of contacts positioned directly opposite one of contact locations  4  or  5 . 
     
     
       20. The plug connector set forth in  claim 14  wherein the tab includes a metal frame that defines a shape of the tab and includes a first opening at the first side of the tab in which the first plurality of contacts are formed and a second opening at the second side of the tab in which the second plurality of contacts are formed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/948,859, filed Apr. 9, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/473,480, filed Mar. 29, 2017 patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,979,139 issued May 22, 2018, which is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/182,561, filed Jun. 14, 2016, issued on May 9, 2017, as U.S. Pat. No. 9,647,398, which is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/807,604, filed Jul. 23, 2015, issued on Sep. 6, 2016, as U.S. Pat. No. 9,437,984, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/137,824, filed Dec. 20, 2013, issued on Aug. 11, 2015, U.S. Pat. No. 9,106,031, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/607,366, filed Sep. 7, 2012, issued on Apr. 29, 2014, U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,745, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/694,423, filed Aug. 29, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/565,372, filed Nov. 30, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/556,692, filed Nov. 7, 2011. Wherein all of the above applications are commonly assigned and wherein the disclosures of each of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to electronic connectors such as audio 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, 2B , 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 electronic connectors that improve upon some or all of the above described deficiencies. Other embodiments of the invention pertain to methods of manufacturing such electronic connectors as well as electronic devices that include such connectors. 
     In view of the shortcomings in currently available electronic connectors as described above, some embodiments of the present invention relate to improved 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 only include external contacts and do not include contacts positioned within an internal cavity that is prone to collecting and trapping debris. 
     One particular embodiment of the invention pertains to an unpolarized multiple orientation plug connector having external contacts carried by a connector tab. The connector tab can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in at least two different insertion orientations. Contacts are formed on first and second surfaces of the tab and arranged in a symmetrical layout so that the contacts align with contacts of the receptacle connector in either of at least two insertion orientations. One or more individual contacts in the first plurality of contacts are electrically coupled within the tab or body of the connector to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. Additionally, the connector tab itself can have a symmetrical cross-sectional shape to facilitate the multi-orientation aspect of this embodiment. 
     Another embodiment pertains to a dual orientation plug connector that includes a body and a 180 degree symmetrical metal tab connected to and extending longitudinally away from the body. The tab includes first and second major opposing surfaces and third and fourth minor opposing surfaces that extend between the first and second major surfaces. A first contact region formed at the first major surface of the tab includes a first plurality of external contacts spaced apart along a first row. A second contact region formed at the second major surface of the tab includes a second plurality of external contacts spaced apart along a second row that mirrors the first row. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts, and dielectric material is filled in between adjacent contacts in the first and second rows and between the contacts and the metal tab. In some embodiments first and second retention features adapted to engage with retention features on a corresponding receptacle connector are formed on the third and fourth minor surfaces of the tab. 
     Still another embodiment of the invention pertains to a plug connector that includes a body and a tab connected to and extending away from the body. The tab includes first and second major opposing surfaces along with third and fourth minor opposing surfaces that extend between the first and second major surfaces. A first contact region that includes eight sequentially numbered external contacts spaced apart along a first row is formed at the first major surface of the tab. The sequentially numbered contacts include first and second contacts designated for data signals at locations  2  and  3 , first and second power contacts electrically coupled to each other and designated for power at locations  4  and  5 , and third and fourth contacts designated for data signals at locations  6  and  7 . In some embodiments the plug connector further includes an accessory power contact at one of locations  1  or  8  and an ID contact at the other of locations  1  or  8 . In some embodiments the plug connector also has a second contact region formed at the second major surface of the tab that includes eight sequentially numbered external contacts spaced apart along a second row. The second row is directly opposite from and mirrors the first row, and each individual contact in the second first row is electrically connected to a corresponding contact in the second row. 
     Still another embodiment of the invention pertains to a reversible plug connector that includes a body and connector tab coupled to and extending away from the body. The tab including first and second opposing surfaces along with third and fourth opposing surfaces that extend between the first and second surfaces. A first contact region is formed at the first surface of the tab that includes eight external contacts spaced apart along a first row. A second contact region is formed at the second surface of the tab that includes eight external contacts spaced apart along a second row in contact locations that mirror contact locations in the first row. In one version of this embodiment, each of the first and second rows includes a single ground contact designated for ground, a first pair of data contacts that can be used to carry data signals according to a first communication protocol, and a second pair of data contacts that can be used to carry data signals according to a second communication protocol different than the first protocol. Additional versions of this embodiment may further include one or more of a power in contact designated to carry a first power signal at a first voltage, a power out contact capable of carrying a second power signal at a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and an ID contact capable of carrying a configuration signal that identifies the communication protocols used by the first and second pairs of data contacts. In various additional versions of this embodiment, the contacts are arranged according to one or more of the following rules: (i) the first pair of data contacts in the first and second rows are positioned in a mirrored relationship directly opposite each other, (ii) the second pair of data contacts in the first row and second rows are positioned in a mirrored relationship directly opposite each other, (iii) the ground contacts in the first and second rows are positioned in a cater corner relationship with each other across a centerline of the connector; (iv) the first power contact in the first and second rows are positioned in a cater corner relationship with each other across a centerline of the connector; (v) the ID contacts in the first and second rows are positioned in a cater corner relationship with each other across a first quarter line of the connector; and (vi) the second power contacts in the first and second row are positioned in a cater corner relationship with each other across a second quarter line of the connector. 
     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 and TRRS audio plug connectors respectively; 
         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-4E  are front views of alternative embodiments of connector  40  according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are simplified top and side view of a plug connector  50  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5C and 5D  are simplified top and bottom perspective views of one embodiment of a ground ring that can be included in some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is simplified top view of a plug connector  60  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a simplified perspective views of another embodiment of a ground ring according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A-7H  are simplified top views of contact layouts within contact region  46  according to different embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are simplified views of an embodiment of a plug connector  80  having four contacts on each major opposing surface of tab  44  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8C  is a simplified cross-sectional schematic view of plug connector  80  shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  taken along line A-A′; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are diagrams depicting the alignment of contacts in plug connector  80  with corresponding contacts in receptacle connector  85  in different insertion orientations according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are simplified views of another embodiment of a plug connector  90  having four contacts on each opposing surface of tab  44  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10C  is a simplified cross-sectional schematic view of plug connector  90  shown in  FIG. 10A  taken along line B-B′; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are diagrams depicting the alignment of contacts in plug connector  90  with corresponding contacts in receptacle connector  85  in different insertion orientations according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12A  is a simplified view of another embodiment of a plug connector  99  having three contacts on each opposing surface of tab  44  according to and embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 12B and 12C  are diagrams depicting the alignment of contacts in plug connector  99  with corresponding contacts in receptacle connector  95  in different insertion orientations according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13A  is a simplified perspective view of a plug connector  100  having eight contacts formed on each opposing surface of tab  44  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13B and 13C  are simplified top and bottom views of plug connector  100  shown in  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a diagram illustrating a pinout arrangement of connector  100  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14B  is a diagram illustrating a pinout arrangement of connector  100  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15A  is a schematic representation of a receptacle connector  140  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15B  is a front plan view of receptacle connector  140  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 15C and 15D  are diagrams illustrating a pinout arrangement of connector  140  according to two different embodiments of the invention configured to mate with plug connectors having a pinout  106   a  and  106   b , respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B ; 
         FIGS. 16A-16K  are simplified views depicting a sequence of events associated with mating plug connector  100  to receptacle connector  140  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic representation of receptacle connector  140  coupled to switching circuitry  150  within a host device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a simplified perspective view of a USB charger/adapter cable  160  having a USB connector at one end and a connector according to an embodiment of the invention at the other end; 
         FIG. 19A  is a diagram depicting pin locations of plug connector  162  shown in  FIG. 18  according to one embodiment of the invention where connector  162  is compatible with the pinout shown in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 19B  is a diagram depicting pin locations of plug connector  162  shown in  FIG. 18  according to another embodiment of the invention where connector  162  is compatible with the pinout shown in  FIG. 14B ; 
         FIG. 20  is a simplified schematic representation of USB charger/adapter  160  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a simplified perspective view of a docking station  170  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a simplified top plan view of a video adapter  180  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 23A  is a diagram depicting pin locations of plug connector  182  shown in  FIG. 22  according to one embodiment of the invention where connector  182  is compatible with the pinout shown in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 23B  is a diagram depicting pin locations of plug connector  182  shown in  FIG. 22  according to one embodiment of the invention where connector  182  is compatible with the pinout shown in  FIG. 14B ; 
         FIG. 24  is a simplified schematic representation of video adapter  180  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a simplified top plan view of an SD card adapter  190  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 26A  is a diagram depicting pin locations of plug connector  192  shown in  FIG. 25  according to one embodiment of the invention where connector  192  is compatible with the pinout shown in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 26B  is a diagram depicting pin locations of plug connector  192  shown in  FIG. 25  according to another embodiment of the invention where connector  192  is compatible with the pinout shown in  FIG. 14B ; 
         FIG. 27  is a simplified schematic representation of video adapter  190  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 28A  is a simplified schematic representation of an accessory adapter  200  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 28B  is a diagram depicting the pinout of connector  205  included within adapter  200  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a flowchart depicting steps associated with manufacturing connector  100  shown in  FIGS. 13A-13C  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 30A-30T  depict various views of connector  100  at different stages of manufacture discussed with respect to  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a flowchart depicting various sub-steps associated with attaching contact assemblies to a printed circuit board as done in step  130  shown in  FIG. 29  according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a simplified illustrative block diagram of an electronic media device suitable in which embodiments of the invention may be incorporated or used with. 
         FIG. 33  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 dual orientation plug connector  40  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Connector  40  includes a body  42  and a tab portion  44  that extends longitudinally away from body  42  in a direction parallel to the length of the connector  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a cable  43  can optionally be attached to body  42  at an end opposite of tab portion  44 . 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 . 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.    
     Contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  are centered between the opposing side surfaces  44   c  and  44   d , and a plurality of external contacts (not shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C ) can be formed at an outer surface of tab  44  in each contact region. The contacts can be raised, recessed or flush with the external surface of tab  44  and positioned within the contact regions such that when tab  44  is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector they can be 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. The contacts within regions  46   a  and  46   b  can be made from copper, nickel, brass, stainless steel, a metal alloy or any other appropriate conductive material or combination of conductive materials. 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. In some other embodiments the contacts can be stamped from a lead frame, positioned within regions  46   a  and  46   b  and surrounded by dielectric material. 
     In some embodiments, one or more ground contacts can be formed on of tab  44 . 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. 
     Tab  44  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 , connector  40  is not polarized. That is, connector  40  does not include a physical key configured to mate with a matching key in a corresponding receptacle connector and ensure that mating between the two connectors occurs only in a single orientation. 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. The symmetrical arrangement of contacts allows the contacts of the plug connector in either region  46   a  or  46   b  to properly align with the contacts in the receptacle connector regardless of orientation. 
     In some embodiments, tab  44  is shaped so that if the tab is divided into top and bottom halves along a horizontal plane that bisects the center of tab  44  (as shown by plane, P 1 , in  FIG. 3C ), the physical shape of the cross-section of upper half of tab  44  is substantially the same as the physical shape of the cross-section 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 (as shown by plane, P 2 , in  FIG. 3C ), the physical shape of the left half of tab  44  is substantially the same as the shape of the right half. In other dual orientation embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of tab  44  need not be fully symmetrical as long as the connector does not include a key that prevents the connector from being inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in two different orientations and the contacts align properly in either orientation with contacts in the corresponding receptacle connector. 
     In addition to the 180 degree symmetrical, dual orientation design, plug connectors according to some embodiments of the invention electrically connect each contact formed at surface  44   a  of the connector with a corresponding contact on surface  44   b  on the opposite side of the connector. That is, in some embodiments of the invention, every contact in contact region  46   a  is electrically connected to a corresponding contact in contact region  46   b . Thus, any given signal that is to be carried by the plug connector is sent over a contact within contact region  46   a  as well as a contact within region  46   b . The effect of this aspect of some embodiments of the invention is that the number of different signals that can be carried by a given number of contacts is reduced by half as compared to if the contacts formed in regions  46   a  and  46   b  were electrically isolated from each other and designated for different signals. This feature provides a benefit, however, in that the corresponding receptacle connector need only have contacts on one surface within its cavity (for example, a top surface or a bottom surface). The receptacle connector can thus be made thinner than a receptacle connector with contacts on both the top and bottom surfaces of its cavity, which in turn, enables an electronic device in which the receptacle connector is housed to be thinner as well. 
     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  FIGS. 3A or 3B , a portion of cable  43  and a portion of tab  44  may extend within and be enclosed by body  42 . Electrical contact to the contacts in contact 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 electrically unique 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 . Also, one or more integrated circuits (ICs) can be operatively coupled within body  42  to the contacts within regions  46   a ,  46   b  to provide information regarding connector  40  and/or an accessory the connector is part of or to perform other specific functions as described in detail below. 
     In the 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  44 . As discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4E , 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 , for example, body  42  may have curved upper and lower and/or curved side surfaces while tab  44  is substantially flat. 
     Also, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C  includes connector  40  as part of a cable connector. In some embodiments, plug connectors according to the invention are used in devices such as docking stations, clock radios and other accessories or electronic devices. In such embodiments, tab  44  may extend directly out of a housing associated with the docking station, clock radio or other accessory or electronic device. The housing associated with the accessory or device, which may be shaped very differently than body  42 , can then be considered the body of the connector. 
     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 than that of surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  (e.g., less than or equal to one quarter or one half the 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-4E  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.  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 .  FIG. 4D  depicts an example of a connector in which tab  44  has a dog-bone shaped cross-section where ridges  45   c  and  45   d  are formed at the sides of the tab. A corresponding receptacle connector may include a cavity shaped to match the ridges so that ridges  45   c ,  45   d  help align the connector into the cavity during a mating event.  FIG. 4E  depicts an example of a connector in which body  42  has approximately the same width as tab  44  but is larger than the tab in the height direction. A person of skill in the art will understand that  FIGS. 3C and 4A-4E  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. 
     Tab  44  may be made from a variety of materials including metal, dielectric or a combination thereof. For example, tab  44  may be a ceramic base that has contacts printed directly on its outer surfaces or can include a frame made from an elastomeric material that includes flex circuits attached to the frame. In some embodiments, tab  44  includes an exterior frame made primarily or exclusively from a metal, such as stainless steel, and contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  are formed within openings of the frame as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are simplified top and side views of a plug connector  50  according to an embodiment of the invention. Plug connector  50  includes many of the same features as plug connector  40  but further includes first and second retention features  54   a  and  54   b  that are adapted to engage with retention features on a corresponding receptacle connector to secure the connectors together during a mating event. Additionally, a frame  52 , which is sometimes referred to as a shell and can be referred to as a ground ring when made from an electrically conductive material, provides structural support for the connector and defines the exterior shape of tab  44 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5C and 5D , which are simplified perspective top and bottom views, respectively, of frame  52 , the frame may include first and second opposing sides  52   a ,  52   b  extending in the width and length dimensions of the frame, third and fourth opposing sides  52   c ,  52   d  extending between the first and second sides in the height and length dimensions, and an end  52   e  extending in the width and height dimensions between the first and second sides as well as between the third and fourth sides at the distal end of the frame. Sides  51   a - 52   e  frame a cavity  55  that can house portions of connector  50 . Opposing openings  56   a  and  56   b  to cavity  55  are formed in sides  52   a  and  52   b , respectively. Opening  56   a  defines the location of first contact region  46   a , while opening  56   b , which in some embodiments has the same size and shape as opening  56   a , defines the location of second contact region  46   b . Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 5C and 5D , each of the contact regions is completely surrounded in the X and Y axis by the outer surface of frame  52 . Such a configuration is particularly useful when frame  52  is made from an electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel or another hard conductive metal. In such embodiments, frame  52  can be grounded (and thus can be referred to as ground ring  52 ) in order to minimize interference that may otherwise occur on the contacts of connector  50 . Thus, in some embodiments, ground ring  52  may provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and act as a single ground reference for all signals carried over the connector. 
     First and second retention features  54   a  and  54   b  can be formed on the opposing sides of tab  44  within frame  52 . Retention features  54   a ,  54   b  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  54   a ,  54   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  54   a ,  54   b , one or more spring loaded detents, or similar latching mechanisms. The retention system, including retention features  54   a ,  54   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  54   a ,  54   b  are shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C  as having a female mating characteristic and the retention mechanism associated with the receptacle connector was described above as having a male characteristic that is moved into the retention features  54   a ,  54   b , in other embodiments these roles may differ. For example, in one embodiment, retention features  54   a ,  54   b  may be spring loaded projections that engage with a female retention mechanism on the receptacle connector. In still other embodiments, one of features  54   a ,  54   b  may be male-oriented while the other of features  54   a ,  54   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  54   a  and  54   b  are shown in  FIG. 5A  as being formed in frame  52 , in embodiments of the invention that do not include a frame, the retention features can be formed in whatever structure or material makes up tab  44 . 
     Retention features  54   a ,  54   b  can also be located at a variety of positions along connector  50  including along the side surfaces of tab  44  and/or top and bottom surfaces of tab  44 . In some embodiments, retention features  54   a ,  54   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. 5A-5C , retention features  54   a ,  54   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. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A and 6B .  FIG. 6A  is a simplified top view of a plug connector  60  according to another embodiment of the invention, while  FIG. 6B  is a simplified perspective view of a frame  62  that forms part of tab  44  of connector  60 . Frame  62  is a u-shaped frame that extends from the distal tip of connector  60  along the side of the connector towards body  42  and has a thickness that is equivalent to the thickness (T) of connector  60 . Frame  62  includes side portions  62   a ,  62   b  that may have varying lengths in different embodiments. In some embodiments sides  62   a ,  62   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. 7B ); 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  62   a ,  62   b . As with frame  52 , frame  62  can be made out of an electrically conductive material and referred to as ground ring  62 . 
     The contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  in any of connectors  40 ,  50  or  60  discussed above (as well as connectors  80 ,  90 ,  100  and others discussed below) may include any number of external contacts, from one to twenty or more arranged in a variety of different patterns.  FIGS. 7A-7H  provide different examples of contact arrangements within a contact region  46  according to different embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 7A , contact region  46  may include two contacts  71 ( 1 ) and  71 ( 2 ) that are centered and symmetrically positioned within the contact region. Similarly,  FIG. 7B  depicts a contact region  46  having three contacts  72 ( 1 ) . . .  72 ( 3 ) centered and symmetrically positioned within the contact region, while  FIGS. 7C and 7D  depict contact regions  46  having four such contacts,  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 4 ), and eight such contacts,  74 ( 1 ) . . .  74 ( 8 ), respectively. 
     In some embodiments, individual contacts may be sized differently. This may be particularly useful, for example, where one or more contacts are dedicated to carry high power or high current.  FIG. 7E  depicts one such embodiment where seven contacts  75 ( 1 ) . . .  75 ( 7 ) are arranged in a single row within contact region  46  and a center contact  75 ( 4 ) is two or three times as wide as the other contacts. 
     While each of  FIGS. 7A-7E  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. 7F  includes two rows of four contacts  76 ( 1 ) . . .  76 ( 4 ) and  76 ( 5 ) . . .  76 ( 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. 7G  shows a contact region  46  having a first row of three contacts  77 ( 1 ) . . .  77 ( 3 ) and a second row of four contacts  77 ( 4 ) . . .  77 ( 7 ) positioned within the contact region; and  FIG. 7H  depicts a contact region  46  having three rows of three contacts for a total of nine contacts  78 ( 1 ) . . .  78 ( 9 ). 
     Each of the contact regions  46  shown in  FIGS. 7A-7H  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 may include two contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  each of which includes two contacts as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 7A . In another embodiment, a plug connector may include contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  each of which includes three contacts as shown in  FIG. 7B . Still other embodiments of the invention include: a plug connector having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 7C ; a plug connector having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 7D ; a plug connector having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 7E ; a plug connector having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 7F ; a plug connector having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 7G ; and a connector  40  having contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  as shown in region  46  in  FIG. 7H . 
     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  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 . 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 . As discussed with respect to  FIG. 7E , in some embodiments one or more power contacts within regions  46   a ,  46   b  can be larger than other contacts to more efficiently enable the larger contacts to carry high power and/or high current. In other embodiments, multiple contacts can be electrically coupled together to provide one or more “larger contacts” for carrying high power and/or high current. For example, in one embodiment contacts  74 ( 4 ) and  75 ( 5 ) shown in  FIG. 7D  may be electrically coupled together to act as a single power contact. 
     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 3.0), FireWire (also referred to as IEEE 1394) signals, UART signals, Thunderbolt signals, SATA signals and/or any other type of high speed serial interface signal or 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  by, for example, using injection molding techniques so that it is flush with the upper surface of the contacts. The dielectric material separates adjacent contacts from each other and separates the set of contacts in the contact region from the frame or the metal surface of the ground ring that surrounds the contacts. In some embodiments the dielectric material and contacts form a flush outer surface of tab  44  that provides a smooth, consistent feel across the surfaces of tab  44 , while in other embodiments, each of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b , including the dielectric material and contacts, may be recessed a very small amount (e.g., between 0.2 and 0.01 mm) to help ensure that none of the individual contacts protrude above the outer surface of frame  52 , which increases the susceptibility that, over 1000&#39;s of use cycles, the protruding or “proud” contact will somehow be mechanically dislodged from the connector. Additionally, to improve robustness and reliability, connector  40  can be fully sealed and includes no moving parts. 
     To better understand and appreciate the 180 degree symmetrical dual orientation design of some embodiments of the invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 8A-8C  which depict a plug connector  80  according to a specific embodiment of the invention that includes four individual contacts formed within each of contact regions  46   a  and  46   b . Specifically,  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are simplified views of a first side  44   a  and an opposing second side  44   b , respectively, of connector  80 , while  FIG. 8C  is a simplified cross-sectional view of connector  80  taken along line A-A′ (shown in  FIG. 8A ) that also includes a schematic representation of electrical connections between the contacts of the connector. As shown in  FIG. 8C , each of contacts  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 4 ) at surface  44   a  of connector  80  is electrically coupled to a contact directly opposite itself at surface  44   b  by an electrical connection  82 ( 1 ) . . .  82 ( 4 ) that is represented in schematic form. For ease of reference, contacts that are electrically coupled together on two different sides of the connector are referred to by the same contact number and are sometimes referred to herein as a “corresponding pair” of contacts or “matching connected contacts”. Electrical contact between corresponding pairs of contacts can be made in a variety of ways. In some embodiments electrical contact between contacts in a corresponding pair is made within tab  44  or body  42 . As one example, a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes contact pads printed on its upper and lower surfaces can extend within tab  44 . Through holes or vias may be formed in the printed circuit board directly between contact pads on opposing surfaces and filled with an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper) to electrically connect each contact pad formed on the upper surface to a corresponding contact pad on the opposite surface. Individual contacts at surface  44   a  of the connector soldered to contact pads on one side of the PCB can thus be electrically connected to matching connected contacts at surface  44   b  soldered to contact pads on the other side of the PCB. In other embodiments where a ground ring does not surround the contacts at the tip of the connector, the contacts can be coupled together by wrapping around the tip of the connector from surface  44   a  to surface  44   b  instead of being electrically connected through tab  44 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8A  and the dual orientation aspect of connector  80 , contact region  46   a  may include four evenly spaced contacts  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 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  73 ( 1 ) and  73 ( 2 ) are in a mirrored relationship with contacts  73 ( 3 ) and  73 ( 4 ) across center line  59 . That is, the spacing from center line  59  to contact  73 ( 2 ) is the same as the spacing from center line  59  to contact  73 ( 3 ). Also, the spacing from center line  59  to contact  73 ( 1 ) is the same as the spacing from centerline  59  to contact  73 ( 4 ). Contacts in each of the pairs of contacts  73 ( 1 ),  73 ( 4 ) and  73 ( 2 ),  73 ( 3 ) are also spaced equally from the sides  44   c  and  44   d  of the connector with respect to each other and are spaced along the length of tab  44  an equal distance from end surface  44   e.    
     Similarly, in  FIG. 8B  contact region  46   b  includes the same number of contacts as region  46   a  that are also spaced according to the same spacing as in region  46   a . Thus, contact region  46   b  includes four contacts  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 4 ) spaced within region  46   b  according to the same layout and spacing as contacts  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 4 ) within region  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  may look identical or at least substantially the same. 
     As mentioned above, connector  80  can be mated with a receptacle connector that has a single set of contacts, not counting ground contacts, on an interior surface. As an example,  FIGS. 9A and 9B  are simplified diagrams that depict plug connector  80  mated with a receptacle connector  85  in two different possible mating orientations. Receptacle connector  85  includes a housing  86  that defines a cavity  87 . Contacts  88 ( 1 ) . . .  88 ( 4 ) are positioned along a first interior surface of cavity  87  and ground contacts  88 (a) and  88 (b) are positioned on the side interior surfaces of the cavity. There are no contacts on a second interior surface opposite the first interior surface. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , when tab  44  of connector  80  is fully inserted within cavity  87  each of contacts  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 4 ) aligns with and is in physical contact with one of contacts  88 ( 1 ) . . .  88 ( 4 ) regardless of which of the two possible 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) connector  80  is inserted into cavity  87 . When connector  80  is inserted within cavity  87  with side  44   a  up ( FIG. 9A ), contact  73 ( 1 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 1 ), contact  73 ( 2 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 2 ), contact  73 ( 3 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 3 ), and contact  73 ( 4 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 4 ). When connector  80  is inserted within cavity  87  with side  44   b  up ( FIG. 9B ), the contacts align differently such that contact  73 ( 4 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 1 ), contact  73 ( 3 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 2 ), contact  73 ( 2 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 3 ), and contact  73 ( 1 ) aligns with contact  88 ( 4 ). Additionally, when plug connector  80  includes side ground contacts  73   a ,  73   b , each side contact aligns with one of side ground contacts  88   a ,  88   b  from receptacle connector  85  in either of the two possible insertion orientations as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
     Thus, whether plug connector  80  is inserted into receptacle connector  85  in either the “up” or “down” position, proper electrical contact can be made between the contacts in the plug connector and the receptacle connector. Some embodiments of the invention further pertain to an electronic host device that includes a receptacle connector and circuitry that switches the functionality of the receptacle connector contacts pins based on the insertion orientation of the plug connector. In some embodiments, a sensing circuit in the receptacle connector or the host 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. Details of various embodiments of such circuitry are set forth in concurrently filed and commonly-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 13/607,550, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
     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. In other embodiments, orientation of the plug connector can be determined by detecting a characteristics (e.g., voltage or current level) at one or more of the contacts or by sending and receiving signals over one or more of the contacts using a handshaking algorithm. Circuitry within the host device that is operatively coupled to the receptacle connector can then set software and/or hardware switches to properly match the receptacle connector&#39;s contacts to the contacts of the plug connector. 
     While each contact in contact area  46   a  of connector  80  is electrically connected to a contact directly opposite itself in contact area  46   b , in other embodiments, contacts in contact area  46   a  can be electrically connected to contacts in contact in area  46   b  that are not directly opposite each other.  FIGS. 10A-10C , which are similar to  FIGS. 8A-8C  and depict a connector  90  having four contacts spaced identically to that of connector  80 , are illustrative of one such an embodiment where each contact in contact area  46   a  is connected to a corresponding contact in contact area  46   b  that are spaced in a cater cornered relationship with each other. As shown in  FIG. 10A , the layout of contacts  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 4 ) in contact region  46   a  of connector  90  is identical to the layout of the contacts in region  46   a  of connector  80 . In connector  90 , however, contact  73 ( 1 ) in contact area  46   a  is electrically coupled to a corresponding contact in contact area  46   b , contact  73 ( 1 ), that is on the opposite side of centerplane  59  and spaced the same distance from the centerplane. Similarly, contacts  73 ( 2 ),  73 ( 3 ) and  73 ( 4 ) in contact area  46   a  are each electrically coupled to a matching contact  73 ( 2 ),  73 ( 3 ) and  73 ( 4 ) in contact area  46   b  located in a cater cornered relationship on the opposite side of and spaced the same distance from centerline  59 . 
     Electrical contact between contacts in a corresponding pair of contacts in connector  90  can be made in any appropriate way. In one embodiment, connections between matching contacts are made within the tab and/or body of the connector. As one example, a PCB with contact pads printed on its upper and lower surfaces, one for each of contacts  73 ( 1 ) . . .  73 ( 4 ) in each of regions  46   a  and  46   b , can extend through the interior of tab  44 . A series of conductive lines, through holes and vias formed on the PCB can electrically connect each contact from contact region  46   a  to its matching connected contact in region  46   b  according to the schematic in  FIG. 10C . 
     Electrically connecting the contacts between surfaces  46   a  and  46   b  in the manner shown in  FIG. 10C  provides the benefit that, regardless of which of the two possible orientations connector  90  is mated with the receptacle connector, the contacts in the receptacle connector align with the same contacts in connector  90 .  FIGS. 11A and 11B , which are simplified diagrams showing connector  90  mated with receptacle connector  85  in two different possible mating orientations, illustrate this aspect of the embodiment of  FIG. 10C . In  FIG. 11A , connector  90  is inserted within cavity  87  of connector  85  with side  44   a  up. In this alignment, plug connector contact  73 ( 1 ) is in physical contact with receptacle connector contact  88 ( 1 ), plug connector contact  73 ( 2 ) is in physical contact with receptacle connector contact  88 ( 2 ), plug connector contact  73 ( 3 ) is in physical contact with receptacle connector contact  88 ( 3 ), and plug connector contact  73 ( 4 ) is in physical contact with receptacle connector contact  88 ( 4 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 11B , when plug connector  90  is inserted within receptacle connector  85  with side  44   b  up, the contacts align exactly the same way. Thus, a receptacle connector  85  designed to mate with connector  90  does not need to include circuitry that switches the contacts based on the orientation of connector  90 . Additionally, as with connector  80 , if connector  90  includes side contacts  73   a ,  73   b , each side contact aligns with one of the side contacts  88   a ,  88   b  regardless of the insertion orientation. 
     In still other embodiments, some of individual contacts in contact region  46   a  can be connected to matching contacts in region  46   b  directly opposite each other as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , while other individual contacts in contact region  46   a  can be connected to matching contacts in region  46   b  positioned in a cater corner relationship to each other as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C . For example, center contacts  73 ( 2 ) and  73 ( 3 ) can be connected together as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C  while outer contacts  73 ( 1 ) and  73 ( 4 ) can be connected together as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C . 
     To facilitate the dual orientation feature of certain embodiments of the invention, some or all of the contacts within contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  of an connector can be arranged such that similarly purposed contacts are positioned within each of the contact regions in a mirrored relationship with each other with respect to a plane  59  (center plane) that bisects the connector along the length of tab  44 . For example, referring back to  FIG. 8A , contact  73 ( 1 ) is in a mirrored relationship with contact  73 ( 4 ) as each contact is within the same row and is spaced the same distance from plane  59  but on opposite sides of the center plane. Similarly, contact  73 ( 2 ) is in a mirrored relationship with contact  73 ( 3 ) with respect to center line  59 . 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 differential data contacts or two differential data contacts of the same polarity (e.g., two positive or two negative differential data contacts), a pair of serial transmit and receive contacts, and/or other general first and second digital contacts. 
     The symmetrical mirrored relationship between similarly purposed contacts within each of regions  46   a ,  46   b  ensures that for each pair of similarly purposed contacts in a mirrored 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. This in turn simplifies the switching circuitry required within the receptacle connector. As an example, where contacts  73 ( 1 ) and  73 ( 4 ) are similarly purposed contacts that are dedicated to a pair of differential data signals, when plug connector  80  is inserted into receptacle connector  85 , one of the differential data signal contacts will be in physical contact with receptacle contact  88 ( 1 ) and the other of the differential data signal contacts will be in physical contact with receptacle contact  88 ( 4 ) regardless of whether the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector in an “up” or “down” insertion orientation. Thus, both the receptacle contacts  88 ( 1 ) and  88 ( 4 ) can be differential data contacts (or can be operatively coupled via a switch or multiplexor to circuitry that supports differential data contacts) ensuring that they will be electrically coupled to a differential data contact in the plug connector regardless of its insertion orientation. Switching circuitry within the receptacle connector thus does not need to take into account that a power contact or another contact that has internal connections very different than those required by a differential data contact may be at one of the locations that aligns with contact  88 ( 1 ) or  88 ( 4 ). 
     While  FIGS. 8A-8C and 10A-10C  depict particular embodiments 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 plane  59  and thus aligns with a centrally located receptacle contact in both the “up” and “down” positions. The central contacts are not in a mirrored relationship (with respect to centerline  59 ) per se with another contact, other than the left and right halves of the center contact mirror each other, and thus are not paired with another similarly purposed contact in the same way that other contacts might be. 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate this aspect of certain embodiments of the invention and depict a plug connector  99  that has three contacts  72 ( 1 ) . . .  72 ( 3 ) formed on the upper surface of tab  44  of the plug connector that are electrically connected to matching contacts on the lower surface as with connector  80  and  FIG. 8C . When connector  99  is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector  95  in an “up” position, contacts  72 ( 1 ) . . .  72 ( 3 ) align with contacts  98 ( 1 ) . . .  98 ( 3 ) of the receptacle connector, respectively. When the connector is inserted into receptacle connector  80  in a “down” position, contacts  72 ( 3 ) . . .  72 ( 1 ) are reversed and align with contacts  98 ( 1 ) . . .  98 ( 3 ) of the receptacle connector, respectively. In both orientations, plug connector contact  72 ( 2 ) aligns with central receptacle contacts  98 ( 2 ). Also, in each orientation, each of side contacts  72   a ,  72   b  align with side contacts  98   a ,  98   b.    
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 13A-13C  which depict a dual orientation connector  100  having eight contacts spaced apart in a single row in each of contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 13A  is a simplified perspective view of connector  100  and  FIGS. 13B and 13C  are simplified top and bottom plan views, respectfully, of connector  100 . As shown in  FIG. 13A , connector  100  includes a body  42  and a tab portion  44  that extends longitudinally away from body  42  in a direction parallel to the length of the connector. A cable  43  is attached to body  42  at an end opposite of tab portion  44 . 
     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  FIG. 13A ) formed at a second major surface  44   b  opposite surface  44   a . Surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  extend from a distal tip of the tab to a spine  109  that, when tab  44  is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector, abuts a housing of the receptacle connector or host device the receptacle connector is incorporated in. 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 . In some embodiments, tab  44  is between 5-10 mm wide, between 1-3 mm thick and has an insertion depth (the distance from the tip of tab  44  to spine  109 ) of between 5-15 mm. Also in some embodiments, tab  44  has a length that is greater than its width which is greater than its thickness. In other embodiments, the length and width of tab  44  are within 0.2 mm of each other. In one particular embodiment, tab  44  is 6.7 mm wide, 1.5 mm thick and has an insertion depth (the distance from the tip of tab  44  to spine  109 ) of 6.6 mm. In other embodiments, tab  44  has the same 6.7 mm width and 1.5 mm height but a longer length. Such embodiments may be particularly useful for mating with receptacle connectors with an opening in the side of an electronic device that has a curved or otherwise highly stylized enclosure. In such devices, the length of the tab can be increased by an amount that is determined by the slope of device enclosure and a height of body  42 . That is, tab  44  may have a length A to operate properly with a receptacle connector housed within an enclosure having a vertical edge or face at the opening of the receptacle connector. However, to work properly with a sloped device enclosure, an additional length B may be added to compensate for the curvature of the device enclosure and additional length C may be added to compensate for the thickness of plug connector housing  42  to ensure that contacts within regions  46   a ,  46   b  are able to mate with contacts in the receptacle connector in the curved enclosure just as they would in an enclosure having a flat or vertical face. As the curve of the enclosure becomes shallower, the value of B may be correspondingly increased. Similarly, as plug connector housing  42  becomes thicker, the value of C may be increased. 
     The structure and shape of tab  44  is defined by a ground ring  105  that is similar to ground ring  52  shown in  FIG. 5C  and can be made from stainless steel or another hard conductive material. Ground ring  105  also includes a flange portion or spine  109  that includes surface  109   a  and  109   b  that extend from the spine to the surfaces  44   a  and  44   b , respectively, of the ground ring. Connector  100  includes retention features  102   a ,  102   b  formed as curved pockets in the sides of ground ring  105  that do not extend to either of upper surface  44   a  or lower surface  44   b . Body  42 , which is connected to ground ring  105  at spine  109 , is shown in  FIG. 13A  in transparent form (via dotted lines) so that certain components inside the body are visible. As shown, within body  42  is a printed circuit board (PCB)  104  that extends into ground ring  105  between contact regions  46   a  and  46   b  towards the distal tip of connector  100 . One or more integrated circuits (ICs), such as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chips  108   a  and  108   b , can be operatively coupled to PCB  104  to provide information regarding connector  100  and any accessory or device that connector  100  is part of and/or to perform specific functions, such as authentication, identification, contact configuration and current or power regulation. 
     As an example, in one embodiment an ID module is embodied within an IC operatively coupled to the contacts of connector  100 . The ID module can be programmed with identification and configuration information about the connector and/or its associated accessory that can be communicated to a host device during a mating event. As another example, an authentication module programmed to perform an authentication routine, for example a public key encryption routine, with circuitry on the host device can be embodied within an IC operatively coupled to connector  100 . The ID module and authentication module can be embodied within the same IC or within different ICs. As still another example, in embodiments where connector  100  is part of a charging accessory, a current regulator can be embodied within one of IC&#39;s  108   a  or  108   b . The current regulator can be operatively coupled to contacts that are able to deliver power to charge a battery in the host device and regulate current delivered over those contacts to ensure a constant current regardless of input voltage and even when the input voltage varies in a transitory manner. 
     Bonding pads  110  can also be formed within body  42  near the end of PCB  104 . Each bonding pad can be connected to a contact or contact pair within regions  46   a  and  46   b . Wires (not shown) within cable  43  can then be soldered to the bonding pads to provide an electrical connection from the contacts to the accessory or device that connector  100  is associated with. Generally, there is one bonding pad and one wire within cable  43  for each set of electrically independent contacts (e.g., a pair of matching connected contacts, one in region  46   a  and one in region  46   b  that are electrically coupled to each other through PCB  104 ) of connector  100 . Additionally, one or more ground wires (not shown) from cable  43  can also be soldered or otherwise connected to ground ring  105  for a ground signal. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13B, 13C , eight external contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) are spaced apart along a single row in each of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b . Each contact in contact region  46   a  is electrically connected to a corresponding contact in contact region  46   b  on the opposite side of the connector. Contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) can be used to carry a wide variety of signals including digital signals and analog signals as well as power and ground as previously discussed. In one embodiment, each contact  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) has an elongated contact surface. In one embodiment the overall width of each contact is less than 1.0 mm at the surface, and in another embodiment the width is between 0.75 mm and 0.25 mm. In one particular embodiment, a length of each contact  106 (i) is at least 3 times as long at the surface than its width, and in another embodiment a length of each contact  106 (i) is at least 5 times as long at the surface than its width. 
       FIG. 14A  depicts one particular implementation of a pinout  106   a  for plug connector  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. Pinout  106   a  includes eight contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) that can correspond to the contacts in  FIGS. 13A-13C . Each of contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) in pinout  106   a  are mirrored contacts meaning an individual contact  106 (i) is coupled to another contact  106 (i) directly opposite itself on the opposing side of the connector. Thus, each of contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) is in a mirrored relationship with an identical contact, which for convenience is represented by the same reference number as its counterpart or mirrored contact. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14A , pinout  106   a  includes two contacts  106 ( 4 ),  106 ( 5 ) that are electrically coupled together to function as a single contact dedicated to carrying power; first and second accessory contacts  106 ( 1 ) and  106 ( 8 ) that can be used for an accessory power signal and an accessory ID signal, and four data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ),  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ). There is no dedicated contact for ground in any of contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) on the upper or lower surfaces of the connector. Instead, ground is taken between the ground ring (not shown in  FIG. 14A ) and contacts in the side of the corresponding receptacle connector as discussed above. 
     Power contacts  106 ( 4 ),  106 ( 5 ) can be sized to handle any reasonable power requirement for a portable electronic device, and for example, can be designed to carry between 3-20 Volts from an accessory to charge a host device connected to connector  100 . Power contacts  106 ( 4 ),  106 ( 5 ) are positioned in the center of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  to improve signal integrity by keeping power as far away as possible from the sides of ground ring  105 . 
     Accessory power contact  106 ( 1 ) can be used for an accessory power signal that provides power from the host to an accessory. The accessory power signal is typically a lower voltage signal than the power in signal received over contacts  106 ( 4 ) and  106 ( 5 ), for example, 3.3 volts as compared to 5 volts or higher. The accessory ID contact provides a communication channel that enables the host device to authenticate the accessory and enables the accessory to communicate information to the host device about the accessory&#39;s capabilities as described in more detail below. 
     Data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ),  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ) can be used to enable communication between the host and accessory using one or more of several different communication protocols. In some embodiments, data contacts  106 ( 2 ) and  106 ( 3 ) operate as a first pair of data contacts and data contacts  106 ( 6 ),  106 ( 7 ) operate as a second pair of data contacts allowing two different serial communication interfaces to be implemented over the data contacts as discussed below. In pinout  106   a , data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ) are positioned adjacent to and on one side of the power contacts, while data contacts  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ) are positioned adjacent to but on the other side of the power contacts. The accessory power and accessory ID contacts are positioned at each end of the connector. The data contacts can be high speed data contacts that operate at rate that is at least two orders of magnitude faster than any signals sent over the accessory ID contact which makes the accessory ID signal look essentially like a DC signal to the high speed data lines. Thus, positioning the data contacts between the power contacts and the ID contact improves signal integrity by sandwiching the data contacts between contacts designated for DC signals or essentially DC signals. 
       FIG. 14B  depicts an implementation of a pinout  106   b  for plug connector  100  according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to pinout  106   a , pinout  106   b  also includes eight contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) on each side of connector  100  that can correspond to the contacts in  FIGS. 13A-13C . Pinout  106   a  differs from pinout  106   b  in that some of the contacts are mirrored contacts while other contacts are in a cater corner relationship with each other across either a centerline  59  of the connector or across one of two quarter lines  59   a ,  59   b  of the connector as described below (as used herein, the term “quarter line” does not encompass the centerline). Also, pinout  106   a  includes a single power contact instead of two power contacts on each side of the connector and adds a dedicated ground contact. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 14B , pinout  106   b  includes a first pair of mirrored data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ) and a second pair of mirrored data contacts  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ) where each individual mirrored data contact is electrically connected to a corresponding data contact directly opposite itself on the opposing side of the connector. The power contact  106 ( 5 ) includes two contacts positioned in a cater corner relationship with each other across centerline  59 , while the ground contact  106 ( 1 ) includes two contacts positioned in a cater corner relationship with each other across centerline  59 . The accessory power contact  106 ( 4 ) and accessory ID contact, on the other hand, are positioned in a cater corner relationship with counterpart contacts across quarter lines  59   a  and  59   b , respectively. When connector  100  includes the pinout  106   b , one side of connector  100  may have contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . . ( 8 ) ordered sequentially as shown in  FIG. 14B , while and the other side of connector  100 , includes contacts ordered as follows:  106 ( 1 ),  106 ( 7 ),  106 ( 6 ),  106 ( 8 ),  106 ( 5 ),  106 ( 3 ),  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 4 ) where each individual contact  106 (i) is electrically coupled to a contact having the same reference number on the opposite side of the connector as shown in  FIG. 14B . 
     Power contact  106 ( 5 ) can be sized to handle any reasonable power requirement for a portable electronic device, and for example, can be designed to carry between 3-20 Volts from an accessory to charge a host device connected to connector  100 . Ground contact  106 ( 8 ) provides a dedicated ground contact at one end of the row of contacts as far away as possible from power contact  106 ( 5 ). Ground in pinout  106   b  is also provided through the ground ring  105  via contacts in the side of the corresponding receptacle connector as with pinout  106   a . The additional, dedicated ground contact  106 ( 1 ), however, provides additional ground coverage and provides a benefit in that the contact integrity of ground pin  106 ( 1 ) can be specifically designed to carry the electrical ground signal (e.g., using gold plated copper contacts) without being constrained by the hardness or other requirements associated with the contacts in the side of ground ring  105  that ensure the ground ring is sufficiently robust to withstand multiple thousands of use cycles. 
     Data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ),  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ) in pinout  106   b  can be identical to the data contacts discussed with respect to pinout  106   a . In pinout  106   b , each pair of data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ) and  106 ( 6 ),  106 ( 7 ) is positioned between either power contact  106 ( 5 ) or ground contact  106 ( 1 ), each of which carries a DC signal, and one of the accessory power or accessory ID contacts  106 ( 4 ) and  106 ( 8 ), respectively, which carry either an accessory power signal (a DC signal) or a relatively low speed accessory ID signal. As discussed above, the data contacts can be high speed data contacts that operate at rate that is at least two orders of magnitude faster than the accessory ID signals making it look essentially like a DC signal to the high speed data lines. Thus, positioning the data contacts between either the power contacts or ground contacts and the ACC contacts improves signal integrity by sandwiching the data contacts between contacts designated for DC signals or essentially DC signals. 
     In one embodiment, pinout  106   a  represents the signal assignments of a plug connector  100  in a plug connector/receptacle connector pairing that can be the primary physical connector system for an ecosystem of products that includes both host electronic devices and accessory devices. In another embodiment, pinout  106   b  represents such signal assignments. Examples of host devices include smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers and other computing devices. An accessory can be any piece of hardware that connects to and communicates with or otherwise expands the functionality of the host. Many different types of accessory devices can be specifically designed or adapted to communicate with the host device through connector  100  to provide additional functionality for the host. Plug connector  100  can be incorporated into each accessory device that is part of the ecosystem to enable the host and accessory to communicate with each other over a physical/electrical channel when plug connector  100  from the accessory is mated with a corresponding receptacle connector in the host device. Examples of accessory devices include docking stations, charge/sync cables and devices, cable adapters, clock radios, game controllers, audio equipment, memory card readers, headsets, video equipment and adapters, keyboards, medical sensors such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors, point of sale (POS) terminals, as well as numerous other hardware devices that can connect to and exchange data with the host device. 
     It can be appreciated that some accessories may want to communicate with the host device using different communication protocols than other accessories. For example, some accessories may want to communicate with the host using a differential data protocol, such as USB 2.0, while other accessories may want to communicate with the host using an asynchronous serial communication protocol. In one embodiment data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ),  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ) can be dedicated to two pairs of differential data contacts, two pairs of serial transmit/receive contacts, or one pair of differential data contacts and one pair of serial transmit/receive contacts depending on the purpose of connector  100  or function of the accessory connector  100  is part of. As an example that is particularly useful for consumer-oriented accessories and devices, the four data contacts can accommodate two of the following three communication interfaces: USB 2.0, Mikey Bus or a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) interface. As another example that is particularly usefully for debugging and testing devices, the set of data contacts can accommodate two of either USB 2.0, UART or a JTAG communication protocols. In each case, the actual communication protocol that is used to communicate over a given data contact can depend on the accessory as discussed below. 
     As mentioned above, connector  100  may include one or more integrated circuits that provide information regarding the connector and any accessory or device it is part of and/or perform specific functions. The integrated circuits may include circuitry that participates in a handshaking algorithm that communicates the function of one or more contacts to a host device that connector  100  is mated with. For example, an ID module can be embodied within IC  108   a  as discussed above and operatively coupled to the ID contact, contact  106 ( 8 ) in each of pinouts  106   a  and  106   b , and an authentication module can be embodied in IC  108   a  with the ID module or in a separate IC, such as IC  108   b . The ID and authentication modules each include a computer-readable memory that can be programmed with identification, configuration and authentication information relevant to the connector and/or its associated accessory that can be communicated to a host device during a mating event. For instance, when connector  100  is mated with a receptacle connector in a host electronic device, the host device may send a command over its accessory ID contact (that is positioned to align with the ID contact of the corresponding plug connector) as part of a handshaking algorithm to determine if the accessory is authorized to communicate and operate with the host. The ID module can receive and respond to the command by sending a predetermined response back over the ID contact. The response may include information that identifies the type of accessory or device that connector  100  is part of as well as various capabilities or functionalities of the device. The response may also communicate to the host device what communication interface or communication protocol the connector  100  employs on each of data contact pairs  106 ( 2 ), 106 ( 3 ) and  106 ( 6 ),  106 ( 7 ). If connector  100  is part of a USB cable, for example, the response sent by the ID module may include information that tells the host device that contacts  106 ( 2 ) and  106 ( 3 ) are USB differential data contacts. If connector  100  is a headset connector, the response may include information that tells the host that contacts  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ) are Mikey Bus contacts. Switching circuitry within the host can then configure the host circuitry operatively coupled to the contacts in the receptacle connector accordingly as discussed below. 
     During the handshaking routine the authentication module can also authenticate connector  100  (or the accessory it is part of) and determine if connector  100  (or the accessory) is an appropriate connector/accessory for the host to interact with using any appropriate authentication routine. In one embodiment authentication occurs over the ID contact prior to the identification and contact switching steps. In another embodiment authentication occurs over one or more of the data contacts after they are configured according to response sent by the accessory. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  depict one embodiment of a receptacle connector  140  according to the invention that can be included in a host device to enable an accessory having a connector  100  to be physically coupled to the host device. As shown in  FIGS. 15A, 15B , receptacle connector  140  includes eight contacts  146 ( 1 ) . . .  146 ( 8 ) that are spaced apart in a single row. In one embodiment, receptacle connector  140  the pinout of contacts  146 ( 1 ) . . .  146 ( 8 ) is compatible with a plug connector having pinout  106   a , and in another embodiment the pinout of contacts  146 ( 1 ) . . .  146 ( 8 ) is compatible with a plug connector having pinout  106   b . The contacts are positioned within a cavity  147  that is defined by a housing  142 . Receptacle connector  140  also includes side retention mechanisms  145   a ,  145   b  that engage with retention features  102   a ,  102   b  in connector  100  to secure connector  100  within cavity  147  once the connectors are mated. Retention mechanisms  145   a ,  145   b  can be, for example springs, and can be made from an electrically conductive material to double as ground contacts. Receptacle connector  140  also includes two contacts  148 ( 1 ) and  148 ( 2 ) (sometimes referred to as “connector detect” contacts) that are positioned slightly behind the row of signal contacts and can be used to detect when connector  100  is inserted within cavity  140  and detect when connector  100  exits cavity  140  when the connectors are disengaged from each other. 
     In one embodiment, receptacle connector  140  has a pinout as shown in  FIG. 15C  that matches pinout  106   a  and in another embodiment receptacle connector  140  has a pinout as shown in  FIG. 16B  that matches pinout  106   b . In each of  FIGS. 15C and 15D , the ACC 1  and ACC 2  pins are configured to mate with either the accessory power or accessory ID pins of the plug connector depending on the insertion orientation of plug connector, the pair of Data A contacts is configured to mate with either the pair of Data  1  contacts or the pair of Data  2  contacts of the plug connector, and the P_IN (power in) pin or pins are configured to mate with the Power contact or contacts of the plug connector. Additionally, in the pinout of  FIG. 15D , the GND contact is configured to mate with the GND contact in the plug connector. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 16A-16K , which show simplified sectional views of plug connector  100  associated with an accessory device (not shown) being mated with receptacle connector  140  incorporated into a host electronic device (the housing or enclosure of which is partially shown in each figure). Each time a user interacts with an accessory device or host electronic device, the user may make an evaluation regarding its quality. Such an interaction may occur when a user inserts a plug connector, such as connector  100  into a corresponding receptacle connector, such as receptacle connector  140 . If the plug connector is easy to insert into the receptacle connector, the user may gain the impression that the electronic device that includes connector  100  or connector  140  is of high quality, and that the company that manufactured the electronic device is a company of quality as well that can be trusted to manufacture reliable devices. Also, such ease of insertion may improve the user&#39;s experience and simply make the device more enjoyable to use. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide plug connectors and receptacle connectors openings that provide for the easy insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle connector. An example is shown in  FIG. 16A , which is a simplified top view of plug connector  100  and receptacle connector  140  in alignment with each other prior to a mating event according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, plug connector  100  may have a curved leading edge  101 . Leading edge  101  may be rounded for approximately 1 mm of its length at each of its ends as shown by distance L 1 , and in some embodiments is rounded for between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm at each end. This rounded front end may make it easier to insert plug connector  100  into receptacle connector  140  when the plug connector is rotated off axis, that is, when the plug connector is inserted at an incorrect pitch angle. Also in this example, a multi-tiered opening may be provided by the device enclosure (and its associated parts) to receptacle connector  140  into which plug connector  100  is inserted. The multi-tiered opening may make it easier to insert the plug connector into the receptacle when the plug connector is inserted either too far left or too far right of the opening in the X direction. 
     In this specific example, an opening of receptacle connector  140  may be formed by an edge of a trim ring  492  that cooperates with receptacle housing  142  to form an insertion cavity into which plug connector  100  is inserted during a mating event. Trim ring  492 , which can be connected to the device enclosure  490  at a location not shown in  FIG. 16A , may have chamfered leading edges  494 . Receptacle housing  142  may be offset behind trim ring  492 , and may have an angled surface  495  at the sides of trim ring  492  that further narrows the insertion cavity. In some embodiments chamfered edges  494  and angled surfaces  495  are each angled between 30-60 degrees and in one embodiment are angled at approximately 45 degrees. Also, in some embodiments chamfered edges  494  are between 0.1 and 0.5 mm wide and angled surfaces  495  are between two and four times the width of chamfered edges  494 . In one particular embodiment, chamfered leading edges are chamfered by approximately 0.3 mm and angled surfaces  495  narrow the opening of the insertion cavity by approximately 1 mm on each side of the trim ring. Thus, in this embodiment, the multi-tiered opening may provide a 2.6 mm tolerance in the placement of plug connector  100  relative to the opening of receptacle connector  140 . This relatively large tolerance (given the overall width of 6.6 mm for the plug connector) combined with the curved edges of plug connector  100 , may make it relatively easy for a user to insert the plug connector into the receptacle connector. Again, this ease of insertion may inform a user&#39;s opinion as to the quality of the accessory device and/or host electronic device. 
       FIG. 16B  is a simplified cross-sectional view of plug connector  100  and receptacle connector  140  in the same alignment position with each other prior to a mating event shown in  FIG. 16A . As the plug connector is inserted into cavity  147  of the receptacle connector the first point of contact between the two connectors will be ground ring  105  contacting metal trim ring  492 , which surrounds the opening to cavity  147  and is grounded. Thus, any static charge that has built up on the plug connector can be discharged upon contact with the trim ring. As the plug connector is inserted further into cavity  147 , different portions of the plug connector may first come into contact with or engage with various portions of the receptacle connector as shown in  FIGS. 16C-K . For example,  FIG. 16C  depicts the respective positions of the two connectors when individual contacts  106 (i) may come in contact with trim ring  492 . In one embodiment, this is approximately 1.5 mm after leading edge  101  of connector  100  has entered cavity  147  or 6.35 mm from a fully mated position.  FIG. 16D  depicts the respective positions of the two connectors when individual contacts  106 (i) may last contact the trim ring. In one embodiment, this is approximately 4.1 mm after leading edge  101  of connector  100  has entered cavity  147  or 3.75 mm from a fully mated position. 
       FIGS. 16D and 16F  each depict connector  100  at a position prior to plug connector contacts  106  coming into physical contact with receptacle connector contacts  146 . As shown in  FIGS. 16D and 16E , each receptacle connector contact  146 (i) includes a tip  146   a , a beam portion  146   b  and an anchor portion  146   c . Plug connector contacts  106  are wiping contacts, that is each contact  106 (i) moves laterally with a wiping motion across the tip  146   a  of its respective contact  146 (i) during a mating event until settling into a fully mated position where a central portion of the contact surface of contact  106 (i) is in physical contact with tip  146   a  of receptacle contact  146 (i). The process in which the contacts of a plug connector and receptacle first come in contact with each other causes wear and tear on the contacts that may result in degraded performance after thousands of repeated use cycles. Embodiments of the invention have designed the contacts to reduce such wear and tear and thus improve device lifetime. To better understand this aspect of certain embodiments of the invention, reference is made to  FIG. 16E , which is an exploded view of the portion of  FIG. 16D  shown in dotted lines. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16E , the interface between leading edge  101  and top and bottom surfaces  105   a  and  105   b  of connector  100  may form edges  101   a  and  101   b , respectively. As plug connector  100  is inserted further into receptacle connector  140 , edge  101   a  (or edge  101   b  if the connector is inserted in a reversed orientation) of contact  106 (i) may engage or come into contact with receptacle contact  146 (i) as shown in  FIG. 16G . Embodiments of the invention may form surfaces  103   a ,  103   b  of ground ring  105  such that edge  101   a  is located at a height Z that reduces wear of receptacle contact  106 (i) and improves device lifetime. Specifically, as surfaces  103   a ,  103   b  are angled more steeply, height Z may increase. This, in turn, may cause edges  101   a ,  101   b  to engage contact  146 (i) near top surface or tip  146   a . But when plug connector  100  is engaged in receptacle connector  140 , contact  106 (i) on the plug connector may mate with receptacle contact  146 (i) at top surface  146   a  (as shown in  FIG. 16K ). Accordingly, if surfaces  103   a ,  103   b  are sloped too sharply, edges  101   a ,  101   b  may wear the metallic plating near the tip  146   a  of receptacle contact  146 (i), which may degrade electrical connections between connector insert contact  106 (i) and connector receptacle contact  146 (i). 
     It should be noted that a large height Z could be accommodated for by increasing a height of receptacle contact  146 (i). But this would require a larger deflection of receptacle contact  146 (i) during insertion of the plug connector. A larger deflection of receptacle contact  146 (i) may require a longer contact beam and resulting greater receptacle length in the insertion direction of cavity  147  to avoid fatigue and cold-working of receptacle contact  146 (i). Conversely, when Z is too small, edges  101   a ,  101   b  may encounter contact  146 (i) at a location much lower than top surface  146   a , shown in this example as location  146   d . Engaging contact  146 (i) at location  146   d  may increase the force placed upon receptacle contact  146 (i) during insertion of the plug connector, thereby increasing the wear to the plating of contact  146 (i). Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide a ground ring  105  having edges  101   a,    101   b  that are positioned to engage connector receptacle contacts  146  at a location away from top surface  146   a  in order to protect plating at this mating point. Edges  101   a ,  101   b  may further be positioned to avoid excessive force being imparted to receptacle connector contacts  146  during the insertion of the plug connector. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 16F and 16H , prior to any of contacts  106  coming into electrical contact with contacts  146 , ground ring  105  comes into contact with latches  145   a ,  145   b , which also act as ground contacts ( FIG. 16F ) and later each of contacts  146  slide past the interface between the front portion of ground ring  105  and the beginning of one of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  ( FIG. 16H ). In one particular embodiment, initial contact with latches  145   a ,  145   b  occurs 2.6 mm from a fully mated position and contacts  146  first touch the dielectric material in one of contact regions  46   a ,  46   b  1.4 mm from a fully mated position. Then, as shown in  FIG. 16I , just 0.2 mm after contacts  146  are no longer in physical contact with ground ring  105  (1.2 mm from a fully mated position), connector  100  contact connector detect contacts  148 ( 1 ) and  148 ( 2 ), and just 0.4 mm later, plug connector contacts  106  begin to come into contact with receptacle connector contacts  146  and a fully mated position is achieved 0.8 mm later. 
       FIG. 16K  depicts the completion of a mating event between the plug and receptacle connectors where plug connector  100  is fully inserted within cavity  147  of the receptacle connector  140 . In the fully mated position, each of contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) from one of contact regions  46   a  or  46   b  are physically coupled to one of contacts  146 ( 1 ) . . .  146 ( 8 ) depending on the insertion orientation of connector  100  with respect to connector  140 . Thus, when plug connector  100  has pinout  106   a , contact  146 ( 1 ) will be physically connected to either contact  106 ( 1 ) or  106 ( 8 ) depending on the insertion orientation; data contacts  146 ( 2 ),  146 ( 3 ) will connect with either data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ) or with data contacts  106 ( 7 ),  106 ( 6 ) depending on the insertion orientation, etc. 
     Prior to a mating event, the host will generally not know the insertion orientation of plug connector  100  or what communication protocol will be transmitted over data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ),  106 ( 6 ) and  106 ( 7 ). Switching circuitry within the host device includes switches that operatively connect circuitry on the host side necessary to support signals and communication interfaces used by the contacts of connector  100  to the receptacle connector contacts  146 ( 1 ) . . .  146 ( 8 ) as appropriate.  FIG. 17  depicts one embodiment of switching circuitry  150  configured to allow a host device to implement pinout  106   a  shown in  FIG. 14A . Switching circuitry  150  includes switches  151  and  158  that are operatively coupled to receptacle contacts  146 ( 1 ) and  146 ( 8 ), respectively, and switches  152 ,  153 ,  156  and  157  that are operatively coupled to contacts  146 ( 2 ),  146 ( 3 ),  146 ( 6 ) and  146 ( 7 ), respectively. In one embodiment, switches are not required for contacts  146 ( 4 ) and  146 ( 5 ) as, regardless of the insertion orientation, these contacts always align with power contacts  106 ( 4 ) and  106 ( 5 ) in pinout  106   a  which are electrically connected to each other. In another embodiment, there is a switch  151 - 158  for each of contacts  146 ( 1 ) . . .  146 ( 8 ) and the switch is initially in an open state until circuitry connected to contacts  148 ( 1 ),  148 ( 2 ) detects that connector  100  has been fully inserted within the receptacle connector and the accessory is authorized to operate with the host at which time the switches connect the circuitry as described below. 
     Each of switches  151  and  158  enables circuitry that provides an accessory power signal to a receptacle connector contact to be switched onto either contact  146 ( 1 ) or  146 ( 8 ) depending on the insertion orientation of plug connector  100 . Additionally, some embodiments of the invention allow data signals (e.g., a pair of UART transmit and receive signals or JTAG clock signals) to be transmitted over contacts  146 ( 1 ),  146 ( 8 ). Switches  151  and  158  can also operatively connect the circuitry required to implement such UART or JTAG communication to contacts  146 ( 1 ),  146 ( 8 ) as determined during the handshaking routine and/or communicated by connector  100 . Similarly, each of switches  152 ,  153 ,  156  and  157  switch the necessary circuitry to support communication interfaces USB 2.0, Mikey Bus or UART onto contacts  152 ,  153 ,  156 , and  157  as instructed by connector  100 . 
     Switching circuitry  150  also allows the communication interface employed by the data contacts to be dynamically switched while connector  100  is coupled to a host device. The dynamic switching can be initiated, for example, by a message sent from the ID module within the accessory to the host device over contact  106 ( 8 ) informing the host that a new communication interface will be used on the contacts. As an example, in response to an initial handshaking sequence when connector  100  is mated with a corresponding connector on the host device, the ID module may send a response informing the host that data contacts  106 ( 2 ),  106 ( 3 ) and  106 ( 6 ),  106 ( 7 ) are used for two pairs of USB 2.0 differential data contacts. As some point later during operation of the accessory that connector  100  is incorporated into, the accessory may require the use of a UART serial interface to communicate with the host device over the same two contacts previously dedicated for USB signals. To do so, the accessory sets internal switches coupled to contacts  106 ( 6 ),  106 ( 7 ) that switches the contacts from being operatively coupled to USB circuitry in the accessory to instead be coupled to UART circuitry and sends a message to host  100  noting the new configuration of contacts  106 ( 6 ),  106 ( 7 ). 
     As previously stated, many different types of accessories may employ plug connector  100  to physically couple to and communicate with a host device that includes a receptacle connector  140 .  FIGS. 18-28  provide several specific examples of such accessories.  FIG. 18  is a simplified perspective view of a USB charger/adapter  160  according to an embodiment of the invention. USB adapter  160  includes an eight contact dual-orientation inline connector  162  at one end and a USB male connector  164  at the other end. An optional cable  163  couples connector  162  to connector  164 , in other embodiments both connectors  162  and  164  extend from opposite sides of a single compact housing. Connector  162  can have the same physical form factor as connector  100  shown in  FIG. 13A  and includes contacts  166 ( 1 ) . . .  166 ( 8 ) that correspond in size and shape to contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ). 
     USB charger/adapter  160  is specifically adapted to be used in data synchronization applications and charging applications. To this end, connector  162  includes two USB 2.0 differential data contacts at locations where the pair of differential data contacts, Data  1 , are located (locations  166 ( 2 ),  166 ( 3 )).  FIGS. 19A and 19B  depict two different pinouts of USB charger  160  where the pinout in  FIG. 19A  is compatible with pinout  160   a  and the pinout in  FIG. 19B  is compatible with pinout  160   b . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the USB contacts are coupled through ESD protection circuitry  169  to the USB contacts in connector  164 . Connector  162  also includes power contact(s) coupled to a current regulator  168   b  to provide a power out signal from the V Bus  line of USB connector  164  that can be used to charge the host device. The accessory ID contact is connected to an ID module  168   a  within connector  162  to enable an initial handshaking routine between the connector and its host. A memory within ID module  168   a  stores information that informs the host that contacts  166 ( 2 ),  166 ( 3 ) are dedicated for USB 2.0 differential data signals. 
     Adapter  160  also includes an authentication module (not shown) to authenticate the adapter to the host as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 14 . In one embodiment the authentication module is embodied within ID module  168   a  and authenticates adapter  160  over the ID contact. In another embodiment the authentication module is connected to data contacts  166 ( 2 ),  166 ( 3 ) and authenticates the adapter over these contacts after the handshaking routine between the host and ID module operatively connects USB circuitry within the host connected to the receptacle contacts that align with contacts  166 ( 2 ) and  166 ( 3 ). Ground is provided at the sides of connector  162  via contacts in the side of the ground ring, and in the embodiment of  FIG. 19B  at ground contact  166 ( 1 ). Since the USB adapter does not require other data signals nor does it require power to be delivered to it from the host, contacts for accessory power and for the second data pair, Data  2  are not required and, in some embodiments are left unconnected to circuitry. As configured, connector  520  allows for USB 2.0 synchronization as well as 5 volt, 2 amp charging when USB connector  164  is coupled to a charger  165 . 
       FIG. 21  is a simplified perspective view of a docking station  170  that includes a plug connector  172  according to an embodiment of the invention similar to connector  100  discussed in  FIGS. 13A-C  and  14 . Connector  172  extends upward from a surface  173  upon which a portable electronic device may be placed when docked in station  170 . When docked, tab  172  is mated with a receptacle connector incorporated into the portable media device and a second surface  174  can support a back of the electronic device. The ID contact of connector  172  is connected to an ID module within the connector to inform the host that two of the data contacts are dedicated for USB 2.0 differential data signals. Docking station  170  also includes an authenticate module that can authenticate the docking station to its host as discussed with respect to USP adapter  160 . The docking station can charge the portable media device over the two centrally located power contacts that are coupled together and coupled to current regulator to provide a power out signal. Ground is provided at the sides of connector via contacts in the side of the ground ring. 
     Docking station  170  allows a portable media device, such as an iPod or MP3 player or an iPhone or other smart phone to be connected to a computer via connector  172 . In one embodiment, connector  172  supports the full complement of eight contacts set forth in  FIGS. 16A and 16B  and docking station  170  can connect to the computer with a USB cable. In another embodiment the docking station includes a receptacle connector having the same pinout as connector  140  and can connect to a computer also having a receptacle connector  140  with a cable adapter that includes two plug connectors  100  coupled together via a cable. 
       FIG. 22  is a simplified top plan view of a video adapter  180  according to an embodiment of the invention. Video adapter  180  includes a plug connector  182  similar to connector  100  discussed in  FIGS. 13A-C . The pinout of adapter  180 , shown in  FIGS. 23A  (for a version compatible with pinout  160   a ) and  23 B (for a version compatible with pinout  160   b ), includes one set of USB 2.0 differential data contacts and a set of UART transmit/receive contacts. The accessory ID contact is coupled to an ID module  188   a  within the connector that includes a memory that stores information to inform the host that two of the data contacts are dedicated for USB 2.0 communication while the other two data contacts are dedicated to UART signals. In one embodiment one of the sets of data contacts (either the USB or UART contacts) can be connected to an authentication module  188   c  to authenticate adapter  180 , while in another embodiment the authentication module is connected to the ID contact along with the ID module as discussed above with respect to other accessories. 
     Adapter  180  includes an adapter housing  184  within which is a video connector  185   a  for any suitable format of video signal. In one embodiment video connector  185   a  is an HDMI receptacle connector, in another embodiment connector  185   a  is a VGA receptacle connector, and in still another embodiment connector  185   a  is a component video connector. A video processor  187  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) separates audio and video data sent over connector  182  in USB 2.0 format and converts the data to the appropriate format for output over connector  185   a.    
     In some embodiments video adapter  180  also includes a receptacle connector  185   b  that includes the same pinout and physical form factor as connector  140 . Any plug connector that can mate with connector  140  could also mate with connector  185   b . Connector  185   b  enables other accessories to be coupled to the same host device that connector  182  is coupled with via a cascaded connection. A controller  188  is coupled to connector  185   b  and provides all the functionality (authentication, contact switching, etc.) that the host device provides with respect to connector  140 . Thus, controller  188  can set the eight contacts of connector  185   b  in the same manner that the switching circuitry  150  can set contacts  146 ( 1 ) . . .  146 ( 8 ). Power boosting circuitry  189  boosts the accessory power signal received from the host device over contact  186 ( 4 ) and provides the signal as a power out signal through controller  188  to the appropriate contact in connector  185   b . Additionally, in this embodiment adapter  180  can provide power regulated by current regulator  188   b  to the host device over the power contacts (contacts  186 ( 4 ) and  186 ( 5 ) in the embodiment of  FIG. 23A  or contact  186 ( 5 ) in the embodiment of  FIG. 23B ) when connector  185   b  is connected to an accessory or other device that enables charging. 
       FIG. 25  a simplified top plan view of a SD (secure digital) card adapter  190  according to an embodiment of the invention. SD card adapter  190  includes a plug connector  192  similar to connector  100  discussed in  FIGS. 13A-C  and a housing  194 . Housing  194  and plug connector  192  are connected by a cable  193 . Within housing  194  is an SD card reader  195 , a microcontroller  197 , an SD card interface  198  and a power converter  199  that is operatively coupled to convert the power provided by the host over contact  196 ( 4 ) to a 3 volt power out signal that is provided to an appropriate contact on the SD card reader. 
     The pinout of connector  192  includes one set of USB 2.0 differential data contacts and one set of UART transmit/receive contacts as shown in each of  FIG. 26A  (for a version compatible with pinout  160   a ) and  26 B (for a version compatible with pinout  160   b ). Power contacts (contacts  196 ( 4 ) and  196 ( 5 ) in the embodiment of  FIG. 26A  or contact  196 ( 5 ) in the embodiment of  FIG. 26B ) are not used. The ID contact is coupled to an ID module  198   a  that includes a memory that stores information to inform the host that two of the data contacts are dedicated for USB 2.0 communication while the other two data contacts are dedicated to UART signals. In one embodiment one of the sets of data contacts (either the USB or UART contacts) can be connected to an authentication module  198   c  to authenticate adapter  190 , while in another embodiment the authentication module is connected to the ID contact along with the ID module as discussed above with respect to other accessories. SD card interface  198  is coupled to SD card reader  195  to read data stored on an SD card inserted within the card read and transmits the data to the host device over the two USB data contacts under the control of microcontroller  197 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a camera adapter is provided that is similar to SD card adapter  190  but connects to a camera over a USB connection. This embodiment includes a USB connector instead of an SD card reader and also provides power boosting circuitry to supply a 5 volts out signal over the USB power contact. The USB camera adapter does not include an SD card interface and instead buffers data received directly over the camera&#39;s USB contacts and provides the data to the host via the two USB data contacts. 
       FIG. 28A  is a simplified schematic representation of an adapter  200  according to an embodiment of the invention. Adapter  200  includes an external contact plug connector  202  and a receptacle connector  205  each of which include multiple contacts that can accommodate some or all of video, audio, data and control signals along with power and ground. Plug connector  202  is compatible with a receptacle connector  216  of a host device  215  that can be, for example, a portable media player. Receptacle connector  205  is compatible with a plug connector  222  of an accessory  220 , which is shown to be a docking station/clock radio but can be any electronic accessory that includes a plug connector that can be coupled to adapter  200 . Plug connector  222  is incompatible with receptacle connector  216  (and thus receptacle connector  205  is also incompatible with plug connector  202 ). The incompatibility may be either a physically incompatibility between the two connectors (e.g., plug connector  222  has a size or shape that does not enable it to be mated with connector  216 ) or an electrical incompatibility (i.e., even though plug connector  22  can be physically connected to receptacle connector  216 , the connectors carry one or more signals or power supply outputs that are incompatible in frequency, voltage levels or some other electrical parameter with each other). Adapter  200  allows accessory  220  to communicate with host  215 . In some embodiments connector  202  is similar to connector  100  discussed in  FIGS. 13A-C  and has a pinout as discussed with respect to  FIG. 14  that enables the connector to be coupled to a host device in which receptacle connector  216  corresponds to connector  140  shown in  FIG. 15 . Also in some embodiments connector  205  is a 30-pin connector, such as the 30-pin connector employed on Apple iPod and iPhone devices, that has a pinout as shown in  FIG. 28B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 28A , adapter  200  includes conversion circuitry  201  within housing  204  that converts signals and voltages received from accessory  220  over contacts of connector  205  to signals and voltages that can be transmitted over connector  202  and processed by host device  215 . The converters also convert signals and voltages sent by host  215  over contacts  206 ( 1 ) . . .  206 ( 8 ) to signals and voltages that can be transmitted over connector  205  and processed by accessory  220 . In one embodiment, conversion circuitry  201  includes an audio/video converter  207 , a data converter  208  and a power converter  209 . Other embodiments include only one or two of converters  207 ,  208  and  209  or include other types of converters altogether. 
     Audio/video converter  207  can be a one-way converter (e.g., only converts video and/or audio data sent from the host to a format that can be received and processed by the accessory or only converts video and/or audio data sent from the accessory to a format that can be received and processed by the host) or a two-way converter (i.e., converts video and/or audio data sent between the host and the accessory in both directions). In one particular embodiment, audio/video converter  207  is a one-way converter that converts digital audio and digital video data sent over USB data lines of connector  202  into analog audio and analog video signals. In another embodiment converter  207  only converts audio data and adapter  200  does not support the conversion of video data between host  215  and accessory  220 . 
     Similarly, data converter  208  can be a one-way or two-way data converter. In one embodiment, data converter  208  is capable of translating data signals received over a first communication protocol used by accessory  220  and connector  205  to either a USB protocol or UART protocol used by connector  202  and host  215 . In another embodiment, connectors  202  and  205  each support USB and UART communication protocols and data converter  208  passes USB signals between the two connectors without conversion but converts the UART signals received from each of host  215  and accessory  220  to a format appropriate for the other of host  215  and accessory  220 . Data converter  208  can also process control and ID signals received over connector  205  as may be required to communicate with the accessory. Power converter  209  can convert a first DC voltage received from accessory  220  over connector  205  to a second DC voltage that can be transmitted to host  215  over connector  202 , and can convert a third DC voltage received from the host  215  over connector  202  to a fourth DC voltage provided to the accessory  220  through connector  205 . 
     The pinout of connector  202  includes one set of USB 2.0 differential data contacts and one set of UART transmit/receive contacts as shown in  FIG. 23 . The ID contact is coupled to an ID module  208   a  that includes a memory that stores information to inform the host that two of the data contacts are dedicated for USB 2.0 communication while the other two data contacts are dedicated to UART signals. A current regulator  208   b  is operatively coupled to the two centrally located power contacts  206 ( 4 ),  206 ( 5 ) to regulate current to the host when connector  206  is connected to an accessory or other device that enables charging. 
     In some embodiments adapter  202  can include two levels of authentication. In a first level, adapter  202  authenticates itself to host  215  through its connection to the host via connector  202  and connector  216 . As described above with respect to other accessories, in one embodiment this level of authentication can be performed an authentication module  208   c  over one of the sets of data contacts (either the USB or UART contacts) after the contacts in the host&#39;s receptacle connector are configured, and in another embodiment it can be done by an authentication module connected to the ID contact as an initial part of the handshaking algorithm between the host and adapter  200 . After the adapter is authenticated and in communication with the host over contacts  202 , a second level of authentication can occur where an authentication processor  210  in adapter  200  authenticates accessory  220  connected to it via connector  205  and connector  222  according to an authentication protocol that accessory  220  would normally employ when connecting to a host that the accessory  220  was designed to operate with. 
     In particular embodiments where connector  205  has a pinout as shown in  FIG. 28B  and adapter converts digital video data received over connector  202  to analog video data out sent over connector  205 , the circuitry of adapter  200  can be connected to contacts within connectors  202  and  205  as shown in Table 1 (for an adapter in which connector  202  has a pinout compatible with pinout  106   a ) or as shown in Table 2 (for an adapter in which connector  202  has a pinout compatible with pinout  106   b ) below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Connector 202 
                 Adapter 200  
                 Connector 205  
               
               
                 Contacts 
                 Circuitry 
                 Contacts 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 USB: 202(2), 202(3) 
                 Audio/Video  
                 Contacts 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 
               
               
                   
                 Converter 207 
                   
               
               
                 USB: 202(2), 202(3); 
                 Data Converter  
                 Contacts 4, 6, 10, 18, 19, 20, 
               
               
                 UART: 202(6), 202(7) 
                 208 
                 24, 30 (used as device detect) 
               
               
                 Pwr: 202(4), 202(5); 
                 Power Converter  
                 Contacts 8, 13 
               
               
                 Acc_Pwr: 202(1) 
                 209 
                   
               
               
                 GND: Ground ring 
                 Ground 
                 Contacts 1, 2, 15, 16, and 29 
               
               
                 via side contacts 
                   
                   
               
               
                 N/A 
                 No Connection 
                 Contacts 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 17, 25, 26 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
                             TABLE 2               Connector 202   Adapter 200    Connector 205        Contacts   Circuitry   Contacts                  USB: 202(2), 202(3)   Audio/Video    Contacts 21, 22, 23, 27, 28           Converter 207           USB: 202(2), 202(3);   Data Converter    Contacts 4, 6, 10, 18, 19, 20,       UART: 202(6), 202(7)   208   24, 30 (used as device detect)       Pwr: 202(5);   Power Converter    Contacts 8, 13       Acc_Pwr: 202(4)   209           GND: 202(8) and   Ground   Contacts 1, 2, 15, 16, and 29       side contacts               N/A   No Connection   Contacts 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14,               17, 25, 26                    
In another embodiment where adapter  200  does not support the conversion of video data, the contact-to-adapter circuitry connections set forth in Table 1 can be used expect that contacts  21 ,  22 , and  23  are left in an open state and not connected to active circuitry within the adapter. Adapter  200  can also include a microcontroller (not shown) that can communicate with accessory  220  using a protocol that the accessory would normally use to communicate with a host device that the accessory is compatible with. For example, in one embodiment adapter  200  includes a microcontroller that supports communication with accessory  220  using the iAP protocol employed by an Apple iPod or iPhone device. Some or all of the conversion circuitry  200  can be part of the microcontroller or it can be separate circuitry. The microcontroller can also set selected contacts of connector  205  (e.g., contacts  13 ,  18 - 20  and  30 , which is used as iPod detect) to an open state so that the accessory does not recognize that it is connected to a host until after adapter  200  authenticates itself to the host and the host configures its contacts to allow communication between the host and adapter  200 . Once the host and adapter are operatively connected and in full communication with each other, adapter  200  can connect the previously open/floating contacts with appropriate circuitry so that the accessory recognizes it has been connected to the adapter and can respond to any authentication requests from adapter  200  to initiate and complete a communication link between the adapter and accessory and then ultimately the host to the accessory via adapter  200 .
 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 29, 30A-30T and 31 , regarding the steps associated with the manufacture and assembly of connector  300  (see  FIG. 30T ).  FIG. 29  is a flow chart that illustrates the general steps associated with the manufacture and assembly of connector  300  according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 30A-30T  depict connector  300  at the various stages of manufacture set forth in  FIG. 29 .  FIG. 31  is a flow chart that further details the general step of attaching the contact assembly to the PCB, identified as step  130  in the general manufacturing and assembly process illustrated in  FIG. 29 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 30A-30D , the manufacture of connector  300  may be initiated with the fabrication of ground ring  305 , the construction of printed circuit board (PCB)  304 , and the construction of contact assemblies  316   a ,  316   b  ( FIG. 29 , steps  122 ,  124  and  126 ) each of which can occur independent of the others in any order. In step  122 , ground ring  305  (see  FIG. 30A ) may be fabricated using a variety of techniques such as, for example, a metal injection molding process (MIM), a cold heading process or a billet machining process. A MIM process may provide a great deal of flexibility in achieving a desired geometry and can result in a part that is close to the final desired shape with minimal post machining operations. In some embodiments, alternative processes such as plastic injection molding and plating may be used to form ground ring  305 . Pockets  302   a ,  302   b  and window  307  may be machined or molded into the ground ring and the surface of the ground ring can be smoothed using a media blasting process. Further, it may be desirable to grind or machine surfaces of the ground ring such as flats  319   a ,  319   b  on the top and bottom of the ground ring. Grinding and machining operations can be used to create tightly toleranced features. For example, flats  319   a ,  319   b  may be precision ground to form a pair of surfaces that are substantially flat and a precise distance apart. Tightly toleranced component geometry may be beneficial for subsequent assembly operations and may further benefit the performance of particularly small connectors. In one embodiment, the perimeter of the connector body is less than 30 mm. Ground ring  305  may be plated with one or more metals to achieve the desired finish. 
     PCB  304  (see  FIGS. 30B-30C ), which is fabricated in step  124 , may be a traditional epoxy and glass combination or may be any equivalent structure capable of routing electrical signals. For example, some embodiments may use a flexible structure comprised of alternating layers of polyimide and conductive traces while other embodiments may use a ceramic material with conductive traces or a plastic material processed with laser direct structuring to create conductive traces. The PCB may be formed with a set of conductor bonding pads  310  disposed at one end and a set of contact bonding pads  312 ( 1 ) . . .  312 ( 8 ) disposed at the opposing end. In one embodiment the contact bonding pads are each split along a transverse direction into two separate bonding pads. The PCB may also be equipped with one or more ground spring bonding pads  301  to electrically connect one or more ground springs  320 , as illustrated in  FIG. 30D . Additionally, a set of component bonding pads  314  may be formed on the PCB to electrically connect one or more active or passive electronic components such as, for example, integrated circuits (ICs), resistors or capacitors. The embodiments depicted herein are for exemplary purposes only, other embodiments may have a different arrangement of bonding pads  301 ,  314 ,  310 ,  312 ( 1 ) . . .  312 ( 8 ), more or less bonding pads, as well as bonding pads formed on either or both of the opposing sides of PCB  304 , and fewer, more or different electronic components. 
     Exemplary electronic components  308   a ,  308   b  are depicted on either side of PCB  304  (see  FIG. 30C ). In some embodiments a conductive epoxy is used to electrically attach the electronic components to PCB  304 . In other embodiments a solder alloy may be employed using myriad technologies such as, for example, through-hole mounting, stencil print and reflow, chip-on-board, flip-chip or other appropriate connection method. In one embodiment a stencil printing process is used to dispose solder paste on component bond pads  314 . Electronic components  308   a .  308   b  are then disposed on the solder paste and a convective heating process can be used to reflow the solder paste, attaching the electronic components to the PCB. The solder alloy may be a lead-tin alloy, a tin-silver-copper alloy, or other suitable metal or metallic alloy. 
     The same solder reflow attachment process may be used to attach a ground spring  320  to PCB  304 . The ground spring is depicted in more detail in  FIG. 30D . Ground spring  320  may be comprised of a phosphor-bronze alloy or other metal and optionally plated with nickel and gold. The ground spring may further have one or more spring arms  322   a ,  322   b  and one or more protuberances  324   a ,  324   b  with one or more perforations there between. The perforations between the protuberances may improve the mechanical strength of the attachment of ground spring  320  to PCB  304  which help center PCB  304  within ground ring  305  during the assembly process as described below and provide an additional ground contact between PCB  304  and the ground ring. 
     During the electronic component attachment process, solder paste may be deposited on contact bonding pads  312 ( 1 ) . . .  312 ( 8 ), and reflowed.  FIG. 30C  depicts solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ) that are formed on the contact pads during reflow processing. The solder paste forms a bump during reflow processing due to the high surface tension of the solder when in its liquid state. 
     In some embodiments, after the components are attached to PCB  304 , the assembly may be washed and dried. However, in other embodiments the assembly may not be washed until subsequent processing. In other embodiments a no-clean flux is used to aid the soldering process and there is no wash process. In further embodiments a no-clean or a cleanable flux is used to aid the soldering process and the assembly is washed. Finally, some or all of electronic components  308   a ,  308   b  may be encapsulated with a protective material such as, for example, an epoxy, a urethane or a silicone based material. In some embodiments the protective encapsulant may provide mechanical strength for improved reliability and/or environmental protection from moisture for sensitive electronic components. In further embodiments the protective encapsulant may improve the dielectric breakdown voltage performance of connector  300 . The encapsulant may be applied with an automated machine or with a manual dispenser. 
     The next step of assembly may involve inserting PCB  304  through a back opening of ground ring  305  so that solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ) are positioned within window  307  ( FIG. 29 , step  128 ;  FIGS. 30E and 30F ).  FIG. 30E  depicts PCB  304  inserted into ground ring  305 .  FIG. 30F  depicts a longitudinal cross-section view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 30E  taken through line A-A′ and contact pads  313 ( 2 ).  FIG. 30F  depicts ground spring arms  322   a ,  322   b  in contact with the top and bottom surfaces of ground ring  305 . Also, it can be seen that ground ring protuberances  324   a ,  324   b  define the maximum off-center position PCB  304  can occupy within the ground ring. More specifically, PCB  304  can only move vertically within ground ring  304  as far as the protuberances allow. Further, it can be seen that solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ) disposed on contact bonding pads  312 ( 1 ) . . .  312 ( 8 ) are aligned within window  307 . In some embodiments the next step of assembly comprises depositing flux on solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ) through window  307 . This can be done, for example, with an automated atomized spray nozzle, or by an operator with a dispenser. 
     Next, contact assemblies  316   a ,  316   b  (formed in  FIG. 29 , step  126 ) may be positioned within window  307  on each side of ground ring  305  for attachment to PCB  304  ( FIG. 29 , step  130 ,  FIG. 30G ). The contact assemblies employed in some embodiments are illustrated in FIGS.  30 H- 30 J.  FIG. 30H  shows a top perspective view while  FIG. 30I  shows a plan view from the bottom and  FIG. 30J  shows a side view. Each contact assembly  316   a ,  316   b  may include a molded frame  315  that can be formed from a dielectric material such as polypropylene. In other embodiments the frame is made of a liquid crystal polymer that may be partially filled with glass fiber. One embodiment has eight contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ) that are insert molded and secured by frame  315 . Frame  315  may be equipped with one or more alignment posts  323  that protrude from a bottom surface of frame  315  as shown in  FIG. 30F . Alignment posts  323  may be tapered and may have a beveled distal end fit within alignment rules in PCB  304  and are designed to align frame  315  with PCB  304 . In some embodiments, the frame may have alignment tabs  318  disposed on the perimeter of the frame that align each frame  315  within openings  307 . Further, the frame may have one or more crushable combs  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 8 ) that protrude from the bottom surface of the contact assembly  316   a ,  316   b  and help ensure correct spacing between frame  315  and PCB  304  in the vertical direction. 
     Each contact  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ) in contact assembly  316   a ,  316   b  can be made from a variety of conductive materials, for example, phosphor-bronze, copper or stainless steel. Further, the contacts can be plated to improve their performance and appearance with, for example, nickel/gold, multi-layer nickel/gold, nickel/palladium, or any other acceptable metal. The contacts may be cut to size in a progressive stamping and forming process from a metal sheet and insert molded in frame  315 . Each contact may be comprised of more than one metallic component and further, each contact may have one or more metallic protrusions  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 16 ) disposed on the bottom surface of the contact assembly.  FIG. 30I  depicts the bottom view of one embodiment with eight contacts, where each contact has two protrusions.  FIG. 30J  shows a side view of an exemplary contact assembly  316   a ,  316   b  where it can be seen that crushable combs  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 8 ) protrude a greater distance from the bottom of the contact assembly than do contact protrusions  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 16 ). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 30K and 30L  to illustrate the contact assembly attachment process for one particular embodiment. The detailed steps in the flow chart depicted in  FIG. 31  will be used to illustrate the process employed in this embodiment. Ground ring  305  and PCB  304  may be placed in a fixture to hold the components in place ( FIG. 31 , step  130   a ;  FIG. 30K ). Contact assembly  316   a  can be positioned in window  307  of ground ring  305  and alignment posts  323  may be engaged with guide holes  326  in PCB  304  ( FIG. 31 , step  130   b ). The contact assembly alignment tabs  318  may precisely position contact assembly  316   a  in window  307 . Crushable combs  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 8 ) may be in physical contact with PCB  304 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 30K , a hot bar tool  328  with a step  329  can be used to hot bar solder contact assembly  316   a  to PCB  304 . In step  130   c , the hot bar tool may be heated to a temperature above the melting temperature of solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ). For example, if the solder bumps are composed of a tin/silver/copper alloy comprised of approximately three percent silver, one-half percent copper with the remainder tin, the hot bar tool may be heated above 221 degrees centigrade. The higher the temperature of the hot bar tool, the faster the solder may reflow. In step  130   d , the hot bar tool may travel down, in the direction of arrow  331 , towards the contact assembly until it physically touches the top surface of contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ). In step  130   e , the hot bar tool may push the contact assembly further in the direction of arrow  331 , partially deforming crushable combs  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 8 ) against PCB  304 . The crushable combs may be designed specifically for this purpose and may impart a controlled amount of force resisting movement of contact assembly  316   a  in the direction of arrow  331 . Alignment tabs  318  and alignment posts  323  may keep the contact assembly centered in window  307  (see  FIG. 30A ) during the assembly process. Step  329  of hot bar tool  328  may be precision formed to maintain the top surface of contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ) coplanar and at a controlled height during the attachment process. In step  130   e , the contact assembly may be further pushed in the direction of the arrow until contact protrusions  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 16 ) come into contact with solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ). Hot bar tool  328  may be configured to impart a controlled force in the direction of arrow  331  at this time so no damage to the contact assembly results. 
     As mentioned above, solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ) may be coated with flux. In some embodiments the coating of flux may not only improve the wetting of the solder to contact protrusions  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 16 ), it may also enable more efficient heat transfer from contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ) to the solder bumps. In step  130   f , hot bar tool  328  may transfer thermal energy through the contacts and into the solder bumps. Once an adequate amount of thermal energy has been transferred into the solder bumps, they may transition to a liquid state when heated above their melting temperature. Once in a liquid state, the solder bumps offer little resistance to additional movement of contact assembly  316   a  in the direction of arrow  331 . In step  130   g , the contact assembly may then be pushed further by the hot bar tool, causing increased deformation of crushable combs  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 8 ), until the hot bar tool “stops” on flat  319   a  of ground ring  305 .  FIG. 30L  depicts the stop position of the hot bar tool. In this figure it can be seen that step  329  of hot bar tool  328  may be used to precisely position the top surface of contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ) a known distance below flat  319   a  of ground ring  305 . In some embodiments, step  329  has a height between 0.1 and 0.01 mm and thus recesses the contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ) that same amount from surface  319   a  of ground ring  305 . In other embodiments, step  329  is not included and the contacts are pressed flush with surface  319   a . Also, during step  130   g , contact protrusions  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 16 ) on the bottom surface of contact assembly  316   a  may be wetted by the liquefied solder bumps  313 ( 1 ) . . .  313 ( 8 ). In step  130   h , the hot bar tool may then be cooled until the liquefied solder bumps cool to a temperature below the liquidus temperature of the solder alloy and solidify. In step  130   i , the hot bar tool may then be then retracted and the assembly can be removed from the fixturing. 
     In some embodiments the contact attachment process is performed on one side of ground  305  ring at a time, while in other embodiments the process is performed simultaneously on both sides of the ground ring. In some embodiments crushable combs  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 8 ) may deform between 0.02 mm and 0.12 mm. In other embodiments the crushable combs may deform between 0.05 mm and 0.09 mm. In some embodiments the heating of the crushable combs by hot bar tool  328  makes them easier to deform. The partially assembled connector may look like  FIG. 30M  with contact assemblies  316   a ,  316   b  installed in either side of ground ring  305 . The partially assembled connector may then be cleaned. 
     The next step of assembly may involve placing a partially assembled connector (see  FIG. 30M ) in an insert molding tool and forming a thermoplastic or similar dielectric overmold  338  around contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ) and within window  307  of ground ring  305  ( FIG. 29 , step  132 ;  FIGS. 30M-30P ). This process may provide a smooth and substantially flat mating surface  341  in the contact region of ground ring  305 .  FIG. 30N  illustrates the insert molding process of one embodiment. An insert molding tool  335  may be configured to seal against the top surfaces ground ring  305 . A step  336  on mold tool  335  may simultaneously seal against the top surfaces of contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ). The mold tool may further be equipped to seal against PCB  304 . To simultaneously seal all of these surfaces and protect against dielectric overmold bleeding, the insert mold tool may be equipped with spring loaded inserts to accommodate dimensional variations of connector components. The insert mold tool may also be configured to inject dielectric overmold  338  from the rear of the connector, shown generally by arrow  337 . In one embodiment the insert mold tool has a recessed gate for injecting the dielectric overmold. In some embodiments, ground spring protuberances  324   a ,  324   b  (see  FIG. 30F ) may accurately maintain the position of PCB  304  within ground ring  305  during the dielectric overmold injection process. In some embodiments, dielectric overmold  338  may be polyoxymethylene (POM). In other embodiments, dielectric overmold  338  may be a nylon-based polymer. 
       FIG. 30O  depicts one embodiment after the insert molding process. In some embodiments, a mating surface  341  may be disposed below the top surface of ground ring  305  and be substantially coplanar with the top surface of contacts  306 ( 1 ) . . .  306 ( 8 ).  FIG. 30P  shows a simplified cross-section of  FIG. 30O  in the region of mating surface  341 . From this illustration it can be seen that mating surface  341  may reside in a depression below the top surface of the ground ring. In some embodiments the depression may be between 0.01 to 0.1 mm below the top surface of ground ring  305 . This depression may protect the contacts from touching surfaces, such as that of a mating device, potentially causing damage to the top surface of the contacts. In some embodiments the recess may extend around the entire perimeter of window  307  (see  FIG. 30M ). In further embodiments the recess may be deeper in some areas and shallower in others. In other embodiments the recess may be deeper towards the rear of the connector and substantially coplanar with the top surface of ground ring  305  towards the distal end of the connector. In yet further embodiments, mating surface  341  of dielectric overmold  338  may be substantially coplanar with flat  319   a  of ground ring  305 . In some embodiments, dielectric overmold  338  may be used to aid in retaining the contacts within the connector. 
     When connector  300  is part of a cable, the next step of assembly may comprise attaching a cable bundle  342  to the partially assembled connector ( FIG. 29 , step  134 ;  FIG. 30Q ). The cable bundle may have individual conductors (e.g., wires)  343 , for attachment to conductor bonding pads  310  of PCB  304 . The individual conductors may be cut and stripped and the jacket of the cable bundle may also be cut and stripped. Each conductor may be soldered to its respective conductor bonding pad using an automated, a semi-automated or a manual process. In one embodiment the conductors are aligned in a fixture and each conductor is automatically soldered to each conductor bonding pad. In another embodiment each conductor is welded to its respective conductor bonding pad. In some embodiments, where connector  300  is part of an electronic device or accessory that does not attach a cable to the connector, for example, a docking station, individual wires, a flex circuit or the like may electrically connect bonding pads  304  to circuitry in the device. Myriad conductor attachment processes may be used without departing from the invention. 
     The next several figures illustrate further example assembly steps when connector  300  is part of a cable as shown in  FIG. 30Q . In such instances, the next step of assembly may involve overmolding a portion of the connector, including electronic components attached to PCB304, and the cable ( FIG. 29 , step  136 ;  FIG. 30R ). A first insert molding operation may be performed, encapsulating PCB  304  in plastic material, and forming a connector body  347 . A second insert molding process may be performed afterwards creating a strain relief sleeve  348  attached to the rear face of connector body  347  and extending over cable  342  for a short distance. In some embodiments the connector body may be made partially from insert molded plastic and partially from other materials. The first and second insert molding materials may be any type of plastic or other non-conductive material. In one embodiment, both materials are thermoplastic elastomers wherein the second insert molding material is of a lower durometer than the first insert molding material.  FIG. 30R  depicts an embodiment with a two piece conductive metal shield  345   a ,  345   b  that may be installed over a portion of connector body  347  and electrically bonded to ground ring  305  with tab  346 . In some embodiments, shield  345   a ,  345   b  may be installed first and connector body  347  may be molded in a subsequent operation. In some embodiments, shield can  346  may be welded to ground ring  305 . In some embodiments shield  345   a ,  345   b  may be made from steel while in other embodiments copper or tin alloys may be used. 
     The next step of assembly may involve attaching an enclosure  349  to body  347  ( FIG. 29 , step  138 ;  FIGS. 30R-30T ). In  FIG. 30R , enclosure  349  is illustrated in a preassembled position, located on cable bundle  342 . The enclosure may be sized appropriately to slide over connector body  347 , substantially enclosing the connector body within the enclosure. The enclosure can be manufactured from any type of plastic or other non-conductive material and in one embodiment is made from ABS. 
     A cross-sectional view of the enclosure  349  is shown in  FIG. 30S . This figure further depicts bonding material  350  deposited on two locations on an inside surface of enclosure  349 . The bonding material may be deposited with a syringe and needle assembly  351  as shown, or it can be deposited with myriad other techniques without departing from the invention. The final assembly step is shown in  FIG. 30T  and comprises sliding enclosure  349  over connector body  347  until the enclosure substantially encloses the connector body. 
     Bonding material  350  may be cured, adhering the inside surface of enclosure  349  to the outside surface of connector body  347 . In some embodiments the bonding material may be a cyanoacrylate that cures in the presence of moisture. In other embodiments the bonding material may be an epoxy or urethane that is heat cured. Other bonding materials are well known in the art and may be employed without departing from the invention. 
     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. 32  is a simplified illustrative block diagram representing an electronic media device  400  that includes an audio plug receptacle  405  according to embodiments of the present. Electronic media device  400  may also include, among other components, connector receptacle  410 , one or more user input components  420 , one or more output components  425 , control circuitry  430 , graphics circuitry  435 , a bus  440 , a memory  445 , a storage device  450 , communications circuitry  455  and POM (position, orientation or movement sensor) sensors  460 . Control circuitry  430  may communicate with the other components of electronic media device  400  (e.g., via bus  440 ) to control the operation of electronic media device  400 . In some embodiments, control circuitry  430  may execute instructions stored in a memory  445 . Control circuitry  430  may also be operative to control the performance of electronic media device  400 . Control circuitry  430  may include, for example, a processor, a microcontroller and a bus (e.g., for sending instructions to the other components of electronic media device  400 ). In some embodiments, control circuitry  430  may also drive the display and process inputs received from input component  420 . 
     Memory  445  may include one or more different types of memory that may be used to perform device functions. For example, memory  445  may include cache, flash memory, ROM, RAM and hybrid types of memory. Memory  445  may also store firmware for the device and its applications (e.g., operating system, user interface functions and processor functions). Storage device  450  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  450  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  400 . Storage device  450  may also store programs or applications that may run on control circuitry  430 , 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  450  may instead be stored in memory  445 . 
     Electronic media device  400  may also include input component  420  and output component  425  for providing a user with the ability to interact with electronic media device  400 . For example, input component  420  and output component  425  may provide an interface for a user to interact with an application running on control circuitry  430 . Input component  420  may take a variety of forms, such as a keyboard/keypad, trackpad, mouse, click wheel, button, stylus or touch screen. Input component  420  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  425  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  425  may be controlled by graphics circuitry  435 . Graphics circuitry  435  may include a video card, such as a video card with 2D, 3D or vector graphics capabilities. In some embodiments, output component  425  may also include an audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic media device  400 . For example, output component  425  may include a headset, headphones or ear buds that may be coupled to electronic media device  400  with a wire or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth headset). 
     Electronic media device  400  may have one or more applications (e.g., software applications) stored on storage device  450  or in memory  445 . Control circuitry  430  may be configured to execute instructions of the applications from memory  445 . For example, control circuitry  430  may be configured to execute a media player application that causes full-motion video or audio to be presented or displayed on output component  425 . Other applications resident on electronic media device  400  may include, for example, a telephony application, a GPS navigator application, a web browser application and a calendar or organizer application. Electronic media device  400  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  450  or memory  445  that is compatible with the particular operating system. 
     In some embodiments, electronic media device  400  may also include communications circuitry  455  to connect to one or more communications networks. Communications circuitry  455  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  400  to other devices within the communications network. Communications circuitry  455  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  455  may be operative to create a communications network using any suitable communications protocol. Communications circuitry  455  may create a short-range communications network using a short-range communications protocol to connect to other devices. For example, communications circuitry  455  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  455  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  400  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. Communications circuitry  445  may be used to initiate and conduct communications with other communications devices or media devices within a communications network. 
     Electronic media device  400  may also include any other component suitable for performing a communications operation. For example, electronic media device  400  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  400  may also include POM sensors  460 . POM sensors  460  may be used to determine the approximate geographical or physical location of electronic media device  400 . As described in more detail below, the location of electronic media device  400  may be derived from any suitable trilateration or triangulation technique, in which case POM sensors  460  may include an RF triangulation detector or sensor or any other location circuitry configured to determine the location of electronic media device  400 . 
     POM sensors  460  may also include one or more sensors or circuitry for detecting the position orientation or movement of electronic media device  400 . 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  430  may be configured to read data from one or more of POM sensors  460  in order to determine the location orientation or velocity of electronic media device  400 . One or more of POM sensors  460  may be positioned near output component  425  (e.g., above, below or on either side of the display screen of electronic media device  400 ). 
       FIG. 33  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular electronic media device  480 . Device  480  includes a multipurpose button  482  as an input component, a touch screen display  484  as a both an input and output component, and a speaker  485  as an output component, all of which are housed within a device housing  490 . Device  480  also includes a primary receptacle connector  486  and an audio plug receptacle  488  within device housing  490 . Each of the receptacle connectors  486  and  488  can be positioned within housing  490  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  480 . For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components are not shown in  FIG. 33 . Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use with plug connectors that are configured to mate with primary receptacle connector  486 , but in some embodiments can also be used with audio plug receptacle  488 . Additionally, in some embodiments, electronic media device  480  has only a single receptacle connector  486  that is used to physically interface and connect the device (as opposed to a wireless connection which can also be used) to the other electronic devices. 
     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. For example, various embodiments of the invention were described above with respect to dual orientation connectors. Other embodiments include connectors that have more than two possible insertion orientations. For example, a connector system according to the invention could include a plug connector that has a triangular cross-section to fit within a triangular cavity of a corresponding receptacle connector in any one of three possible orientations; a plug connector that has a square cross-section and fits within a receptacle connector in any one of four possible insertion orientations; a plug connector that has a hexagonal cross-section to fit within a corresponding receptacle connector in any one of six possible orientations; etc. Also, in some embodiments, a plug connector of the invention is shaped to be inserted into a receptacle connector in multiple orientations but only includes contacts on a single side of the plug connector. Such a connector can be operatively coupled in anyone of its multiple orientations to a receptacle connector that has contacts on each of the surfaces of the interior cavity. As an example, one embodiment of a plug connector similar to connector  80  shown in  FIGS. 8A-8B  could have contacts formed only in region  46   a  and not in region  46   b . Such a plug connector could be operatively coupled to a receptacle connector, such as receptacle connector  85  shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B , in either of two orientations if the receptacle connector had appropriate contacts on both the upper and lower surfaces of interior cavity  87 . The connector could also be operatively coupled to receptacle connector  85  having contacts only on the upper surface of cavity  87  if it is inserted within cavity  87  with side  44   a  in an “up” position as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     As still another example,  FIGS. 13A-13C  described an embodiment where each contact in contact region  46   a  is electrically connected to a matching contact in contact region  46   b  on the opposite side of the connector. In some embodiments, only a subset of contacts in region  46   a  are electrically connected to contacts in region  46   b . As an example, in one embodiment that includes eight contacts formed in a single row within each contact region  46   a  and  46   b  similar to connector  100  shown in  FIG. 13A , contacts  106 ( 4 ) and  106 ( 5 ) in region  46   a  are each electrically connected to corresponding contacts  106 ( 4 ) and  106 ( 5 ) in region  46  while contacts  106 ( 1 ) . . .  106 ( 3 ) and  106 ( 6 ) . . .  106 ( 8 ) are electrically independent from each other and are electrically independent from contacts within region  46   b . Thus, such an embodiment may have fourteen electrically independent contacts instead of the eight. In still other embodiments, none of the contacts in region  46   a  are electrically coupled to contacts in region  46   b . Also, in another embodiment of adapter  200  connector  202  can be a 30-pin plug connector having the pinout shown in  FIG. 28B  while connector  205  is an eight contact receptacle connector similar to receptacle connector  140  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     Also, while a number of specific embodiments were disclosed with specific features, a person of skill in the art 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: 20180718
Publication Date: 20191112
Grant Date: 20191112
Priority Date: 20111107
Inventors: GOLKO, ALBERT J.
JOL, ERIC S.
SCHMIDT, MATHIAS W.
TERLIZZI, JEFFREY J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/40013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/516", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6588", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/40078", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6691", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/44", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/40078", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F13/102", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/665", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/40013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/28", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6588", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R25/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R25/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6588", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/516", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/85", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6691", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/28", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/40013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6588", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/40078", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/665", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R25/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/28", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6691", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/516", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2107/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R29/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6471", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/631", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F13/382", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/665", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47143023