Handheld option pack interface

摘要

An interface of an option pack configured to be used in conjunction with the main unit of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). An option pack comprising a connector configured to mate with the main unit of a PDA and provide a plurality of signal paths and a memory storage device such as an EEPROM can be used to store identification and functionality information to be conveyed to the main unit upon insertion of the option pack connector into the main unit. The interface on the option pack provides serial and parallel exchanges between the option pack and main unit and provides safeguards against draining the power on the main unit upon insertion. Further, the interface allows a software application and associated drivers to be downloaded onto the main unit temporarily and removed when a user has no further use for the application or option to save memory space on the main unit.