Modular electronics
A computing device includes an integrated unit having a plurality of functional components, and an extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit operatively coupled to the integrated unit. The EHF communication unit includes a transducer configured to transmit and receive EHF electromagnetic signals, and convert between electrical signals and electromagnetic signals. The computing device includes a transceiver operatively coupled to the transducer. The EHF communication unit may enable at least one of the functional components of the computing device to be supplemented by a functional component of an external computing device.
1. A computing device, comprising:
an integrated unit comprising one or more functional components; and
an extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit operatively coupled to the integrated unit, the EHF communication unit including:
a transducer configured to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive an EHF electromagnetic signal, and convert between an electrical signal and the EHF electromagnetic signal;
a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver operatively coupled to the transducer, wherein the EHF communication unit enables at least one of the functional components of the integrated unit of the computing device to be supplemented by a functional component of an external computing device; and
a functionality expansion unit configured to identify and select the functional component of the external computing device by transmitting, receiving, or both transmitting and receiving the EHF electromagnetic signal through a coupling surface of the computing device.
2. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the coupling surface of the computing device comprises a port characteristic configured to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive the EHF electromagnetic signal from a coupling surface of the external computing device.
3. The computing device of claim 2 , wherein the port characteristic is included in a waveguide configured to propagate the EHF electromagnetic signal.
4. The computing device of claim 3 , wherein the waveguide comprises dielectric material.
5. A computing device, comprising:
an integrated unit comprising one or more functional components; and
an extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit operatively coupled to the integrated unit, the EHF communication unit including:
a transducer configured to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive an EHF electromagnetic signal and convert between an electrical signal and the EHF electromagnetic signal; and
a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver operatively coupled to the transducer, wherein the EHF communication unit enables at least one of the functional components of the integrated unit of the computing device to be supplemented by a functional component of an external computing device,
wherein a coupling surface of the computing device mates with a coupling surface of the external computing device at an appropriate proximity and orientation to permit an EHF communication link between the computing device and the external computing device.
6. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the functional components of the integrated unit and the external computing device comprise processor circuitry, display circuitry, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, graphics circuitry and a power source.
7. A computing device, comprising:
an integrated unit comprising one or more functional components;
an extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit operatively coupled to the integrated unit, the EHF communication unit including:
a transducer configured to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive an EHF electromagnetic signal, and convert between an electrical signal and the EHF electromagnetic signal; and
a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver operatively coupled to the transducer, wherein the EHF communication unit enables at least one functional component of the functional components of the integrated unit of the computing device to be supplemented by a functional component of an external computing device; and
an authentication unit configured to authenticate the external computing device prior to sharing of the functional component of the external computing device with the at least one functional component of the computing device.
8. A computing device, comprising:
an integrated unit comprising one or more functional components; and
an extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit operatively coupled to the integrated unit, the EHF communication unit including:
a transducer configured to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive an EHF electromagnetic signal, and convert between an electrical signal and the EHF electromagnetic signal; and
a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver operatively coupled to the transducer, wherein the EHF communication unit enables at least one of the functional components of the integrated unit of the computing device to be supplemented by a functional component of an external computing device,
wherein the computing device is selectively mated to the external computing device by a manually releasable coupling.
9. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the manually releasable coupling comprises a first magnet disposed in the computing device and a second magnet disposed in the external computing device such that a magnetic interaction between the first magnet and the second magnet couples the computing device and the external computing device when they are mated via a pair of coupling surfaces.
10. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the manually releasable coupling comprises a flange extending from at least one edge of the computing device in a direction normal to the plane of the external computing device, such that a frictional interaction between the flange and the external computing device couples the computing device with the external computing device.
11. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the computing device is configured to wirelessly receive power from a power supply of the external computing device via inductive power transmission.
12. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is configured to make an electrical connection with the external computing device.
13. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the manually releasable coupling comprises a ferromagnetic material disposed in the computing device and a magnet disposed in the external computing device such that a magnetic interaction between the ferromagnetic material and the magnet couples the computing device and the external computing device when they are mated via a pair of coupling surfaces.
14. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the manually releasable coupling comprises a mechanical registration feature.
15. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is at least one of a smartphone and a television.
16. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the external computing device is at least one of a smartphone, an electronic game device, and a device dock.
17. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the functional components of the integrated unit or functional component of the external computing device include at least one of display circuitry, non-volatile memory, an audio component, and a camera.
18. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the computing device is at least one of a smartphone and a television.
19. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the external computing device is at least one of a smartphone, an electronic game device, and a device dock.
20. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the functional components of the integrated unit or functional component of the external computing device include at least one of display circuitry, non-volatile memory, an audio component, and a camera.