Apple Files Patent for Universal Connector

Apple has filed a patent for a Universal Connector receptacle that could accept different types of connector inserts.

Apple notes that currently electronic devices may include many connector receptacles. For example, a laptop computer may have connectors for Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), power, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and other types of interfaces.

The company says this isn't ideal as the need for numerous receptacles takes up space inside the device, increases design complexity, and restricts future compatibility. The solution is a receptacle that can automatically determine which type of connector has been inserted.


In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector receptacle may have a number of relatively small pads or contacts arranged in an array or other pattern. These pads or contacts may be on a top, bottom, or both a top and bottom surface of the receptacle. Still other pads or contacts may be placed on sides of the receptacle. Each pad or contact may be configured to be connected to a power, ground, or signal line. When a connector insert is engaged with the connector receptacle, the connector receptacle may determine, for each connector receptacle pad, whether the pad has formed an electrical connection with a relatively larger connector insert contact.

More at the link below...

Read More [via AppleInsider]