POWER DISTRIBUTION IN A DOCKING STATION

摘要

Docking stations that may facilitate the sharing or transfer of power among a portable computing device, a docking station, and an accessory. One example may provide power from an accessory to a portable computing device. Switches may be used to avoid harm from inadvertent contact with voltages on exposed terminals. Another example may provide power directly from a battery on a portable computing device to an accessory. Another may limit this direct connection to a first type of accessory. Examples may limit a power connection to another type of accessory through a regulator. Another example may power one or more internal circuits either through a portable computing device or an accessory, depending on a mode of operation of the portable computing device.

主权项

1. A docking station comprising:
a housing; a connector insert located on the housing and arranged to mate with a connector receptacle on a portable computing device; a second connector to connect to an accessory; a first regulator having an input coupled to the connector insert to receive power from the portable computing device and having an output coupled to the second connector to provide power to a first type of accessory; and a switch having an input coupled to the connector insert to receive power from the portable computing device and having an output coupled to the second connector to provide power to a second type of accessory.