According to recent patent filings, Apple Computer is considering building a universal power adapter producing multiple dc outputs to simultaneously charge several devices such as a MacBook, iPhone and iPad. The company has also thought about adding an all-in-one data and power cable to the adapter that would enable data transfer between the devices.
In patent application 20110278923, "Multi-Output Power Supply," the authors start with the fact that most commercially available adapters do not include multiple outputs for supplying different DC voltage levels.
"As such, users may often purchase a device-specific adapter for powering a device," it states. "However, this requires that the user carry a separate adapter for each device, which can be cumbersome when a user is traveling, as many users forget to bring all of the associated adapters required for various devices."
The application describes a single power adapter that includes a dc-dc converter to deliver additional output voltages. Digital power techniques would be used to intelligently control the various outputs to deliver the correct voltage for each connected device.
A second patent application, 20110225812, "Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices," covers "improved techniques for powering and/or charging peripheral devices through a data transmission lines." The illustrations show several possible configurations for charging a device like an iPhone or iPod from the same source that powers a MacBook.
"It would be desirable to remove the total number of connections made to a peripheral device so as to reduce the number of connectors and cables needed to operate the peripheral device," according to the patent filing. "By reducing the number of connectors and cables, the peripheral size and the cost of the product may be decreased as well as the ease of use of the peripheral device may
