Magnetic connector with optical signal path
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorJohn C. DiFonzo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims23
A connector system comprising:
- a first connector comprising:
- a ferromagnetic attraction plate forming a raised guide having a first opening forming a recess;
- a first pin to provide an electrical connection for a first power supply voltage;
- a second pin to provide an electrical connection for a second power supply voltage, where the first pin and the second pin are located in the recess;
- a third pin to transmit optical data, the third pin located in a second opening in a first corner of the ferromagnetic attraction plate;
- a fourth pin to transmit optical data, the fourth pin located in a third opening in a second corner of the ferromagnetic attraction plate, the second corner diagonally opposite the first corner;
- a fifth pin to receive optical data, the fifth pin located in a fourth opening in a third corner of the ferromagnetic attraction plate;
- and
- a sixth pin to receive optical data, the sixth pin located in a fifth opening in a fourth corner of the ferromagnetic attraction plate, the fourth corner diagonally opposite the third corner.
A connector system comprising:
- a first connector comprising:
- a raised guide surrounded by a recess;
- a first pin to provide an electrical connection for a first power supply voltage;
- a second pin to provide an electrical connection for a second power supply voltage, where the first pin and the second pin are located on the raised guide;
- a third pin to transmit optical data, the third pin located in the recess;
- a fourth pin to transmit optical data, the fourth pin located in the recess;
- a fifth pin to receive optical data, the fifth pin located in the recess;
- a sixth pin to receive optical data, the sixth pin located in the recess, where the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth pins are arranged to be symmetrical about a major axis and minor axis of the first connector;
- and
- a magnet to be magnetically attracted to a magnetic element in a second connector such that the second connector is magnetically held to the first connector when the second connector and first connector are coupled.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.