MicroUSB accessory device with antenna
View Patent ↗A Lightning connector compatible accessory device includes circuitry that is completely enveloped by a mobile device when the accessory device is inserted in a Lightning connector. The accessory device may include a microUSB connector on one end of a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be offset in a housing.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a printed circuit board having microUSB contacts on a first end and Apple Lightning compatible contacts on a second end;
an integrated circuit die electrically and mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board;
a housing situated about the first end of the printed circuit board; and
an embedded antenna electrically coupled to the integrated circuit die.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the embedded antenna is formed with traces on the printed circuit board.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the embedded antenna is suspended within the housing.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the integrated circuit die comprises smartcard circuitry.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the smartcard circuitry includes circuitry to transmit information using radio frequency.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the smartcard circuitry receives power from the Apple Lightning compatible contacts.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the embedded antenna is oriented parallel to the printed circuit board.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the embedded antenna is oriented perpendicular to the printed circuit board.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the printed circuit board has a first portion that is completely enveloped by a mobile device when inserted into a Lightning connector, and the integrated circuit die is mechanically coupled to the first portion of the printed circuit board.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the integrated circuit die is coupled only to Apple Lightning compatible contacts that provide power.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the integrated circuit die is coupled to Apple Lightning compatible contacts that provide power and data.