DOCKING STATION WITH AUDIO OUTPUT

• US 20150070832A1
• Filed: 09/09/2013
• Published: 03/12/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Krueger, Scott, Kosut, Alexei, Ng, Tony Chi Wang, Schneider, Gerhard A., Watson, Robert D.
• Granted Patent: US 9,244,492 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.41
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/00 Circuits for transducers , loudspeakers or microphones

Abstract

Docking stations that may interface with various types of accessories. One example may physically and electrically support a connection to a portable computing device in either one or two orientations. One or more receptacles or dedicated or tethered cables may provide connections to one or more accessories. Examples may be able to authenticate and identify themselves to portable computing devices such that the devices know how to configure data outputs provided to the docking stations. An audio channel that converts digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal at an audio jack may be included. Multiplexing circuitry that allows reversible connectors to be used may also be included.

Claims

1. A docking station comprising:

a housing;

a connector insert located on the housing and arranged to mate with a connector receptacle on a portable computing device;

a second connector to connect to an accessory;

an audio jack located on the housing and arranged to accept an audio plug;

a first data path coupled between the connector insert and the audio jack; and

a second data path coupled between the connector insert and the second connector.

2. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising a digital-to-analog converter in the first data path between the connector insert and the audio jack, wherein the digital-to-analog converter receives digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal.

3. The docking station of claim 2 further comprising a bridge circuit located in the first data path between the connector insert and the digital-to-analog converter, wherein the bridge circuit receives data packets and provides digital audio data to the digital-to-analog converter.

4. The docking station of claim 1 wherein the first data path further comprises a branch from the connector insert to the second connector.

5. The docking station of claim 2 wherein the portable computing device comprises a smart phone.

6. The docking station of claim 2 wherein the second connector is located on the housing and comprises a connector receptacle.

7. The docking station of claim 2 wherein the second connector comprises a connector insert and the connector insert connects to the docking station via a cable.

8. The docking station of claim 2 wherein the connector insert comprises a Lightening connector insert.

9. A docking station comprising:

a housing;

a connector insert located on the housing and arranged to mate with a connector receptacle on a portable computing device;

a second connector to connect to an accessory;

a plurality of multiplexers coupled to the second connector;

a first data path coupled between the connector insert and the plurality of multiplexers; and

a second data path coupled between the connector insert and the plurality of multiplexers.

10. The docking station of claim 9 further comprising an audio jack located on the housing and arranged to accept an audio plug.

11. The docking station of claim 9 further comprising a digital-to-analog converter coupled between the connector insert and the audio jack, wherein the digital-to-analog converter receives digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal to the audio jack.

12. The docking station of claim 11 further comprising a bridge circuit located between the connector insert and the digital-to-analog converter, wherein the bridge circuit receives data packets and provides digital audio data to the digital-to-analog converter.

13. The docking station of claim 9 wherein the portable computing device comprises a smart phone.

14. The docking station of claim 9 wherein the second connector is located on the housing and comprises a connector receptacle.

15. The docking station of claim 9 wherein the second connector comprises a connector insert and the connector insert connects to the docking station via a cable.

16. The docking station of claim 9 wherein the connector insert comprises a Lightening connector insert.

17. A docking station comprising:

a housing;

a connector insert located on the housing and arranged to mate with a connector receptacle on a portable computing device;

a second connector to connect to an accessory;

a first data path coupled between the connector insert and the second connector;

a second data path coupled between the connector insert and the second connector; and

an identification path coupled between a microprocessor circuit and the connector insert.

18. The docking station of claim 17 further comprising a communication circuit on the identification path and coupled between the connector insert and the microprocessor.

19. The docking station of claim 18 further comprising an authentication circuit coupled to the microprocessor.

20. The docking station of claim 19 wherein the authentication circuit may provide authentication data and identification data to the microprocessor.