Multipin Variable Rate Interface

摘要

A modular portable device system and method improves the quality of the interface between a core device and an add-on module via an interconnection system specifically applicable to modular systems. A multi-pin connector array accessible from outside the base device is configured and located to electrically connect to a mating array on the add-on module when the two devices are docked. The application processor of the base device uses different pins or pin sets of the interface to provide mutually exclusive data channels having distinct data rates for transmission of various types of data with less waste. In an embodiment, a control pin is used by the devices to signal a channel and associated data type to be transmitted.

主权项

1. A modular device system including:
a base portable electronic communication device comprising: a multi-pin connector array accessible from outside the base portable electronic communication device, the multi-pin connector array being configured and located to electrically connect to a mating array on an add-on module when the add-on module is docked to the base portable electronic communication device; and an application processor configured to control a plurality of device functions on the base portable electronic communication device, the application processor being configured to communicate to and from the add-on module via one or more of a plurality of selectable interfaces, each interface of the plurality of selectable interfaces supporting a different data rate than each other interface of the plurality of selectable interfaces.