Portable device having integral voltage connector

• US 7,701,739 B2
• Filed: 03/01/2005
• Issued: 04/20/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: iGo, Inc.
• Original Assignee: iGo, Inc.
• Inventors: Mollo, Charles R.
• Primary Examiner(s): BERHANE, ADOLF D
• Application Number:
  US11/069,488
• Publication Number:
  US 20050141252A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,876 Days
• Field of Search: 363/37, 363/65, 363/142, 307/25, 307/26, 307/64, 307/65, 307/80
• US Class Current: 363/142
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/263 Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC G06F1/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/20 Charging or discharging characterised by the power electronics converter
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/008 Plural converter units for generating at two or more independent and non-parallel outputs, e.g. systems with plural point of load switching regulators
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/10 Arrangements incorporating converting means for enabling loads to be operated at will from different kinds of power supplies, e.g. from ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 3/33561 having more than one ouput with independent control

Abstract

A portable electronic device having integral programming circuitry for signaling a power converter connected thereto to provide suitable power signals. Integrating the programming circuitry into the portable electronic device reduces the manufacturing cost and size of the power converter cable connector that is directly coupled to the portable electronic device. Many embodiments of the present invention are provided, including integrating the programming circuitry as part of the portable device electronics, or, onto the portable electronic device connector itself. This programming circuitry can comprise of at least one electrical component that may be passive or active.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device comprising:

a device input comprising a device input connector adapted to receive a DC input signal from a remote power converter configured to charge or power the portable electronic device;

wherein the device input connector is configured to operably connect and disconnect with a cable of the remote power converter;

programming circuitry integrated in the portable electronic device in communication with the device input and responsive to the DC input signal, wherein the programming circuitry comprises at least one electrical component adapted to electrically receive the DC input signal; and

wherein the programming circuitry generates and transmits a programming signal to the remote power converter, and wherein the programming signal is configured to facilitate establishing at least one suitable electrical parameter of the DC input signal as a function of the programming signal.

2. The portable electronic device as specified in claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical component comprises a passive component.

3. The portable electronic device as specified in claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical component comprises an active component.

4. The portable electronic device as specified in claim 3, wherein the active component comprises a microcontroller.

5. The portable electronic device as specified in claim 1, wherein the at least one suitable electrical parameters is a DC voltage of the DC input signal.

6. The portable electronic device as specified in claim 1, wherein the at least one suitable electrical parameters is a DC current of the DC input signal.

7. A method comprising:

receiving a DC input signal from a remote power converter at a device input connector of a portable electronic device, wherein the device input connector is configured to operably connect and disconnect with a cable of the remote power converter;

generating a programming signal at programming circuitry, wherein the programming circuitry is integrated in the portable electronic device, and wherein the programming circuitry comprises at least one electrical component electrically adapted to receive the DC input signal;

transmitting the programming signal to the remote power converter, wherein the programming signal is configured to facilitate establishing at least one suitable electrical parameter of the DC input signal as a function of the programming signal.

8. The method as specified in claim 7 wherein the at least one electrical component includes at least one passive electrical component.

9. The method as specified in claim 7 wherein the at least one electrical component includes at least one active electrical component.

10. The method as specified in claim 8 wherein the at least one passive electrical component comprises at least one resistor.

11. The method as specified in claim 9 wherein the at least one active electrical component comprises a microcontroller.

12. The method as specified in claim 7 wherein the at least one electrical parameter is a DC voltage of the DC input signal.

13. The method as specified in claim 7 wherein the at least one electrical parameter is a DC current of the DC input signal.

14. A power system comprising:

a power converter configured to provide a DC signal; and

a portable electronic device configured to receive the DC signal from the power converter, wherein the power converter further comprises a cable with a first connector and wherein the portable electronic device further comprises an integrated device input connector;

wherein the portable electronic device comprises programming circuitry integrated in the portable electronic device and responsive to the DC signal, wherein the programming circuitry comprises at least one electrical component adapted to electrically receive the DC signal; and

wherein the programming circuitry generates and transmits a programming signal to the power converter, and wherein the programming signal is configured to facilitate establishing at least one suitable electrical parameter of the DC signal as a function of the programming signal.

15. The power system of claim 14, wherein the portable electronic device is at least one of an MP3 player, a digital camera, a PDA, or a smartphone.

16. The power system of claim 14, wherein the first connector and device input connector are operably connectable and disconnectable.

17. The power system of claim 14, wherein the power converter is enclosed within a first housing, and wherein the portable electronic device is enclosed within a second housing.