Dock connector: Difference between revisions
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== Laptops == |
== Laptops == |
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Docking connectors for [[laptop computer]]s are usually embedded into a mechanical device that supports and aligns the laptop and sports various single function ports and a power source that are aggregated into the docking connector. |
Docking connectors for [[laptop computer]]s are usually embedded into a mechanical device that supports and aligns the laptop and sports various single function ports and a power source that are aggregated into the docking connector. Docking connectors would carry interfaces such as [[keyboard (computing)|keyboard]], [[serial port|serial]], [[parallel port|parallel]], and [[video port|video]] ports from the laptop and supply power to it. |
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== Mobile devices == |
== Mobile devices == |
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Revision as of 07:14, 19 August 2013
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2012) |
A dock connector is a connector used to attach a mobile electronic device simultaneously to multiple external resources. The dock connector will typically carry a variety of signals and power, through a single connector, to simplify the process of docking the mobile device. A dock connector may be embedded in a mechanical fixture used to support or align the mobile device or may be at the end of a cable.
The dock connector was originally associated with laptops, but other mobile devices use the concept.
Laptops
Docking connectors for laptop computers are usually embedded into a mechanical device that supports and aligns the laptop and sports various single function ports and a power source that are aggregated into the docking connector. Docking connectors would carry interfaces such as keyboard, serial, parallel, and video ports from the laptop and supply power to it.
Mobile devices
Many mobile devices feature a dock connector. The simplest form of the dock connector today takes the form of a simple cable with the dock connector on one end and a USB connector on the other. This cable only has the USB signals in the dock connector, but is sufficient to synchronize and charge the devices. At the other end of the spectrum, dock connectors are used to completely merge devices into a variety of accessories, both mechanically and electrically.
Because of the popularity of mobile devices, many third parties have used dock connector interfaces for accessories. This includes many variations of external speakers, including stereo systems and clock radios. Automotive accessories for the mobile devices are numerous and include charging cradles, FM transmitters for playing audio through the car's speakers and a full GPS receiver. There are also original and aftermarket cables with dock connectors for direct integration with the car's audio system and controls.
Apple
 | |||
| Type | Data and power connector | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Production history | |||
| Designer | Apple Inc. | ||
| Produced | 2003 | ||
| Superseded by | Lightning | ||
| General specifications | |||
| Pins | 30 | ||
Audio Docking Station
In 2008 Apple Inc worked closely with the long standing audio brand Altec Lansing to introduce the first ever certified Audio Docking Station for Apple devices.[1]
30-pin
The Apple dock connector is a proprietary 30-pin connector that is common to Apple devices (iPods, iPhones. and iPads) predating the announcement of the Lightning connector on September 12, 2012. Originally, the Apple dock connector carried USB, FireWire, some controls and line-level audio outputs. As the iPod evolved, so did the signals in the dock connector. Video was added to the connector. FireWire was phased out of the iPods, which led to a discontinuity in usage of the dock connector. Older implementations of the Apple dock connector may have been using the FireWire power pin to supply power, and cannot charge later iPods, iPhones, or iPads, thus requiring an after-market adapter to allow charging.
Lightning
Apple introduced a new 8-pin dock connector, named Lightning, on September 12, 2012, with their announcement of the iPhone 5, the fifth generation iPod Touch, and the seventh generation iPod Nano, which all feature it. On October 23, 2012 Apple announced the iPad mini and the new iPad would also have this feature with their release. Apple Lightning cables have pins on both sides of the plug and can be inserted with either side facing up.[2] The new connector replaces the 30-pin dock connector used by previous generation iPods, iPhones, and iPads, although Apple continues to sell the iPad 2, iPhone 4/4S, and iPod Touch 4 with 30 pin connector at the time of the October 23 iPad introductions.
See also
- Docking station
- PDMI, a portable device interconnection standard from CEA