Magnetic connector with optical signal path

• US 7,841,776 B2
• Filed: 09/30/2008
• Issued: 11/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: DiFonzo, John C., Culbert, Michael, Ligtenberg, Chris
• Primary Examiner(s): Lepisto; Ryan
• Application Number:
  US12/241,036
• Publication Number:
  US 20100080563A1
• Time in Patent Office: 791 Days
• Field of Search: 385/57, 385/74, 439/38, 439/39, 439/40
• US Class Current: 385/57
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3817 containing optical and electrical conductors cables including electrical and optical conductors H01B11/22; G02B6/3816 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3886 Magnetic means to align ferrule ends
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6616 with resistor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6675 with built-in power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/00 Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure contact members H01R13/02; securing contact members in or to a base or case or insulating of contact members H01R13/40; bases or cases H01R13/46; means for supporting coupling part when not engaged H01R13/60; means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement H01R13/62; means for preventing, inhibiting or avoiding incorrect coupling H01R13/64
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts

Abstract

Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.

Claims

1. A power and data transfer system comprising:

a power and data adapter comprising;

a first port for receiving a first power supply;

a second port for a data connection; and

a third port for providing a second power supply voltage, a ground, and an optical data signal;

a connector insert comprising;

a first pin to provide an electrical connection for the second power supply voltage;

a second pin to provide an electrical connection for the ground; and

a third pin to provide an optical connection for the optical data signal; and

a cable having a first conductor for the first power supply, a second conductor for the ground, and a fiber-optic cable for the optical data signal.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the power and data adapter detects whether the connector insert is connected to a receptacle, when the connector insert is connected to a receptacle, the power adapter supplies the second power supply to the second pin of the connector insert, and when the connector insert is not connected to a receptacle, the power adapter does not supply the second power supply to the second pin of the connector insert.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the power and data adapter determines whether the connector insert is connected to a receptacle by providing a current between the first pin and the second pin of the connector and measuring a resulting voltage.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the power and data adapter determines whether the connector insert is connected to a receptacle by receiving an identification signal at the third pin of the connector insert.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first power supply is an AC power supply received from a wall outlet.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector insert further comprises a fourth pin to provide an electrical connection for the second power supply and a fifth pin to provide an electrical connection for ground.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector insert further comprises a magnet.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a connector receptacle to couple with the connector insert, the connector receptacle comprising;

a first pin to provide the electrical connection for the second power supply voltage;

a second pin to provide the electrical connection for the ground; and

a third pin to provide the optical connection for the data signal,

wherein the connector insert comprises a plurality of magnets having opposing polarities relative to each other, such that when the connector insert is brought in close proximity to the connector receptacle, magnetic field lines travel through the attractor plate of the connector receptacle from one of the plurality of magnets in the connector insert to another one of the plurality of magnets in the connector insert, thereby increasing magnetic attraction between the connector inset and the connector receptacle.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the power and data adapter further comprises:

first circuitry for converting data received at the data connection to the optical data signal.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the power and data adapter further comprises:

second circuitry for converting the first power supply to the second power supply.

11. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a fourth pin to provide an electrical signal path from the power and data adapter.