The Problem with Today's Power Adapters

Today's Power adapters may be used to supply power to a variety of portable electronic devices, including laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, digital media players, cameras, and so on, to operate such devices and/or to charge a rechargeable battery in such devices. The power supplied from power adapters is typically received from an external power source supplying alternating currently (AC) voltage. The power adapter may then convert the AC voltage into a direct current (DC) voltage that could be used by a connected electronic device.

Most commercially available adapters don't include multiple outputs for supplying different DC voltage levels for powering multiple electronic devices and/or multiple internal batteries. As such, users may often purchase a device-specific adapter for powering a device. However, this requires that the user carry a separate adapter for each device, which could be cumbersome when a user is traveling, as many users may forget to bring all of the associated adapters required for various devices. Additionally, many adapters may be relatively heavy and bulky, making them difficult to carry while in transit. Likewise, having multiple adapters in a stationary location (such as a home or office) may be confusing.

What is needed is a way to supply power to multiple connected electronic devices so that a user does not have to carry additional power adapters while traveling with multiple portable electronic devices.

Apple's Proposed Solution

Apple's patent application covers embodiments that may provide power to multiple electronic devices using a single power adapter. The embodiments typically, but not necessarily, include a DC-to-DC converter and multiple outputs for supplying power to two or more electronic devices. The DC-to-DC converter may be provided in the adapter itself, or may be provided in a cord or a connector that may be connected to the adapter and an electronic device. Additionally, some embodiments include a relay for intelligently controlling power supplied through the outlets so that power is supplied only to voltage or manufacturer compatible electronic devices.

The Rectifier

One embodiment takes the form of an apparatus for providing power to an electronic device may include a power input configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply, and a rectifier operatively connected to the power input and configured to convert the input voltage to a first voltage. The rectifier may further be configured to transmit the first voltage to a first power output operatively connected to the rectifier. The apparatus may further include a power converter operatively connected to the rectifier and configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage different than the first voltage and a first relay operatively connected to the rectifier to selectively prevent the first voltage from being transmitted through the first power output. The power converter may further be configured to transmit the second voltage to a second power output operatively connected to the power converter.

Adding a Second Relay

In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a second relay operatively connected to the power converter to selectively prevent the second voltage from being transmitted through the second power output. In another embodiment, the first relay may include a first logic configured to determine whether an electronic device operatively connected to the first power output is compatible with the first voltage. In a further embodiment, the second relay may include a second logic configured to determine whether an electronic device operatively connected to the second power output is compatible with the second voltage. In another embodiment, the first logic may be operatively connected to a first control line.

Implementing MagSafe

In some embodiments, first control line and the first power output may be contained within a single output connector. In other embodiments, the connector may terminate in a magnetic connector. In another embodiment, the first logic may be configured to determine whether an electronic device is compatible with the first voltage based at least partially on whether the control line is in an active or inactive state. A further embodiment may include a housing enclosing at least the first power output and the second power output.

Another embodiment takes the form of a connector cable. The connector cable may include a power input configured to receive a first voltage and a power converter operatively connected to the power input. The power converter may be configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage having a second voltage level. The connector cable may further include a first connector operatively connected to the power input, a second connector operatively connected to the power converter, and a connector housing enclosing at least the first and second connectors.

Apple's patent FIG. 2A shown below illustrates an embodiment of an adapter connected to a multi-output connector cord connected to multiple electronic devices; FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a multi-output adapter connected to multiple electronic devices.

Apple's patent FIG. 4A shown below illustrates an embodiment of a single-output adapter that may be connected to multiple connector cords, each connected to a respective electronic device; FIG. 4C is a block diagram of another embodiment of a single-output adapter that may be connected to multiple connector cords using a mechanical interlock plug.

Apple's patent application was originally filed in Q2 2010 by inventors Aleksandar Pance, Nicholas Rundle and John Field.

Other Noteworthy Patent Applications Published Today

We may list other patent applications here later today.

Notice: Patently Apple presents a detailed summary of patent applications with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent application should be read in its entirety for full and accurate details. Revelations found in patent applications shouldn't be interpreted as rumor or fast-tracked according to rumor timetables. Apple's patent applications have provided the Mac community with a clear heads-up on some of Apple's greatest product trends including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, iOS cameras, LED displays, iCloud services for iTunes and more. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.

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