Customizing and/or multiplexing universal serial bus pins

An electronic device comprising:

• a processor;
• a USB connector coupled to the processor that operates as a connecting and communication port to enable connection of the electronic device to a universal serial bus (USB) receiving connector of an accessory device;
• a memory component coupled to the processor and having stored thereon data identifying a plurality of operational modes that can be utilized with a USB-connected accessory device;
• an AACMS mechanism including configuration and operational mode selection (COMS) logic that performs the functions of:
• responsive to detection of a physical coupling of the USB connector with a USB receiving connector of an accessory device:
• initiates an authentication and configuration protocol on the electronic device to authenticate the accessory;
• and sets the accessory to a first operating mode of the plurality of operational modes following successful authentication of the accessory;
• receives, on one or more signal and communication lines established over a connection of USB pins of the USB receiving connector with pins of the USB connector, one or more types of information during authentication of the accessory, which one or more types of information identifies to the electronic device one or more operational modes of the accessory corresponding to one or more functional features of the accessory;
• in response to a request to change an operational mode of the accessory to a second operational mode among the plurality of operational modes:
• generates a voltage level change on a first signal line of the USB pins of the electronic device's USB connector to communicate to the accessory that a change in a present operational mode of the accessory is being initiated;
• and
• modifies an accessory usage setting of the electronic device, relative to functional operation of the accessory when the accessory is in the second operational mode, to enable the electronic device to utilize one or more functional features associated with the second operational mode of the accessory.

An accessory for use with an electronic device comprising:

• a universal serial bus (USB) receiving connector;
• an integrated circuit (IC) electrically coupled to the USB connector, wherein the IC comprises authentication information of the accessory and one or more types of information that identifies to a connected electronic device one or more alternate operational modes of the accessory corresponding to one or more functional features of the accessory;
• logic associated with the IC that responsive to detection of a connection to the electronic device via the USB connector, transmits to the electronic device, via one or more signal and communication lines established over the connection of pins of a USB connector of the electronic device with pins of the USB receiving connector, one or more types of information required to perform authentication and configuration of the accessory, including the one or more types of information that identifies the one or more alternate operational modes supported by the accessory;
• and
• operational mode switching (OMS) logic that, in response to detecting a voltage level change on an identifier (ID) line of the USB receiving connector from the electronic device, identifies a next operational mode from a current operational mode in which the accessory is operating, changes to the next operational mode and activates features of the accessory associated with the next operational mode.