The power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the received energy from the power socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile device.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary connector, and an identification subsystem.

The plug unit is operative to couple the adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy from the power socket.

The primary connector is electrically coupled to the power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the mobile device.

EP1198049 2002-04-17 Charging circuit for charging a mobile terminal through an USB interface WO2001001330A1 2001-01-04 RECHARGEABLE MOBILE HAND-HELD FINGERPRINT SCANNER WITH A DATA AND POWER COMMUNICATION INTERFACE.

More particularly, the invention relates to power adapters for use with mobile devices.

Description of the Related Art Providing an external source of power to a mobile device, such as a personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile communication device, cellular phone, wireless two-way e-mail communication device, and others, requires design considerations with respect to both the mobile device and the power source.

With regard to the mobile device, most mobile devices provide a distinct power interface for receiving power from a power source, for instance to recharge a battery, and a separate data interface for communicating.

For example, many mobile devices presently use USB (Universal Serial Bus) interfaces for communicating and use a separate power interface, such as a barrel connector, for receiving power.

It is desirable, however, to have a combined power and data interface.

The mobile devices that do have combined power and data interfaces typically use non-standard and sometimes proprietary interfaces.

Consequently, combined interfaces for a particular manufacturers mobile device may not be compatible with combined interfaces for mobile devices provided by other manufacturers.

Although the USB interface can be used as a power interface, the USB is typically not used for that purpose by mobile devices.

In accordance with the USB specification, typical USB power source devices, such as hubs and hosts, require that a USB device participate in a host-initiated process called enumeration in order to be compliant with the current USB specification in drawing power from the USB interface.

Although a mobile device could be adapted to participate in enumeration when drawing power over the USB interface, it would be preferable in many situations, such as when a host would not be available, as often happens during normal use of a mobile device, to be able to utilize alternate power sources such as conventional AC outlets and DC car sockets that are not capable of participating in enumeration to supply power to the mobile device via a USB interface.

SUMMARY An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile device through an industry standard port is provided.

In accordance with another aspect, a USB adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile device through a USB port is provided.

The USB adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary USB connector, and an identification subsystem.

The plug unit is operative to couple the USB adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy from the power socket.

Us Patent Nos Usb Serial Adapter