Abstract: A method in a wireless communication device includes detecting, with one or more control circuits actuation of the user interface actuator. The one or more control circuit can then determine whether the wireless communication device is disposed at a first predefined location, such as a first receiver of a wireless communication device accessory or a second predefined location. Where the wireless communication device is disposed at the first predefined location, the one or more control circuits can cause a wireless communication circuit to enter a first mode of operation, which can be a searching pairing mode of operation. Where the wireless communication device is disposed at the second predefined location, the one or more control circuits can cause the wireless communication circuit to enter a second mode of operation, which can be a listening pairing mode of operation.

Abstract: A method in a wireless communication device includes detecting, with one or more control circuits actuation of the user interface actuator. The one or more control circuit can then determine whether the wireless communication device is disposed at a first predefined location, such as a first receiver of a wireless communication device accessory or a second predefined location. Where the wireless communication device is disposed at the first predefined location, the one or more control circuits can cause a wireless communication circuit to enter a first mode of operation, which can be a searching pairing mode of operation. Where the wireless communication device is disposed at the second predefined location, the one or more control circuits can cause the wireless communication circuit to enter a second mode of operation, which can be a listening pairing mode of operation.

Abstract: A method in a wireless communication device includes detecting, with one or more control circuits actuation of the user interface actuator. The one or more control circuit can then determine whether the wireless communication device is disposed at a first predefined location, such as a first receiver of a wireless communication device accessory or a second predefined location. Where the wireless communication device is disposed at the first predefined location, the one or more control circuits can cause a wireless communication circuit to enter a first mode of operation, which can be a searching pairing mode of operation. Where the wireless communication device is disposed at the second predefined location, the one or more control circuits can cause the wireless communication circuit to enter a second mode of operation, which can be a listening pairing mode of operation.

Abstract: A unitary printed circuit board assembly includes a circuit board and a flexible substrate extending from, and continuous with, the circuit board. The flexible substrate includes a first portion extending from the circuit board and terminating a second portion. The second portion of the flexible substrate can be wrapped about a spring form. The assembly can be disposed in a housing defining a body and an ear insertion stem, with the spring form disposed within the ear insertion stem with arms of the spring form applying a biasing force against inner surfaces of the ear insertion stem.

Abstract: A wireless communication device can include one or more control circuits, a wireless communication circuit, and an audio output device. The one or more control circuits can receive audio source information identifying an audio source from a paired wireless communication device, and can detect whether the paired wireless communication device is within a communication radius. Where it is, the wireless communication device can receive single-channel audio information from the paired wireless communication device for delivery to the audio output device. However, where it is not, the wireless communication device can connect to the audio source using the audio source information, receive multi-channel audio information from the audio source, and deliver the multi-channel audio information to the audio output device.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit having two levels of safety protection is provided. The circuit is said to have “two levels” of safety because if any one component fails (either as a short circuit or as an open circuit) the remainder of the charging circuit ensures that a rechargeable battery coupled to the circuit will not be overcharged. The circuit includes both hardware and firmware protection components, with a microprocessor providing the firmware protection. Overvoltage protection, voltage regulation and current regulation are provided, along with a microprocessor capable of sensing a plurality of voltages across the circuit. The overvoltage protection, voltage regulator and current regulator each include safety actuation points. In parallel, the microprocessor may isolate a rechargeable battery from the cell if voltage and current minimums and maximums are exceeded.

Abstract: A charging circuit is provided for coupling a power source to a plurality of loads. The circuit includes a controller that continually senses the output voltage of the power source. The controller may also decouple the power source from the loads to measure the open circuit voltage of the power source. Once the open circuit voltage is known, the controller establishes a threshold voltage that is slightly below the open circuit voltage of the power supply. The controller then begins delivering current to one of the loads by way of a current regulator. Whenever the power source voltage is below the threshold voltage, the controller reduces the current flowing through the current regulator. When the power source voltage is above the threshold voltage, the controller increases the current flowing through the current regulator. In so doing, the charging circuit simultaneously charges both loads, thereby reducing overall charge time.

Abstract: A circuit and method for charging a rechargeable cell is provided. The circuit includes a voltage regulator coupled serially between a power source and a rechargeable cell. The circuit further comprises a controller capable of both monitoring the power dissipation across the voltage regulator and altering the current flowing through the voltage regulator. When the power dissipation in the voltage regulator exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller increases the current. Where the power source is a linear transformer, this increase of current will cause the transformer to become loaded. The loading causes the transformer output voltage to fall, thereby reducing the power dissipation in the voltage regulator below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A circuit and method for charging a rechargeable cell is provided. The circuit includes a voltage regulator coupled serially between a power source and a rechargeable cell. The circuit further comprises a controller capable of both monitoring the power dissipation across the voltage regulator and altering the current flowing through the voltage regulator. When the power dissipation in the voltage regulator exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller increases the current. Where the power source is a linear transformer, this increase of current will cause the transformer to become loaded. The loading causes the transformer output voltage to fall, thereby reducing the power dissipation in the voltage regulator below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A charging circuit for regulating current to a plurality of batteries is provided. The regulation is performed by a single control signal that is optionally scaled by resistor dividers. Switches coupled to the resistor dividers allow a microprocessor to actuate a particular resistor divider, thereby scaling the current flowing through a corresponding battery. As such, a single control signal, like a pulse width modulated signal, may be used to cause different currents to flow to different batteries, thereby leaving other output pins of the microprocessor open for other functions.

Abstract: A charging circuit for regulating current to a plurality of batteries is provided. The regulation is performed by a single control signal that is optionally scaled by resistor dividers. Switches coupled to the resistor dividers allow a microprocessor to actuate a particular resistor divider, thereby scaling the current flowing through a corresponding battery. As such, a single control signal, like a pulse width modulated signal, may be used to cause different currents to flow to different batteries, thereby leaving other output pins of the microprocessor open for other functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating data transfer between a personal electronic device and a host device includes a common node that connects at least one data line to the personal electronic device and at least one data line to the host device. A high impedance amplifier has an input electrically coupled to the common node and generates an amplified signal corresponding to a signal value present on the common node. A monostable circuit is responsive to the amplified signal and generates a plurality of electrical pulses when the amplified signal exhibits changes in value corresponding to a data transfer through the common node. A lamp driver circuit, that is responsive to the plurality of electrical pulses, generates pulses of light correspond to the electrical pulses. Each of the plurality of electrical pulses is of sufficient duration so that each of the pulses of light is of sufficient duration to be perceived by a human eye.

Abstract: An electronic accessory, powered by a battery having a first terminal and a second terminal includes a voltage comparator capable of comparing the battery voltage to at least one reference voltage and that generates a voltage comparator signal having a value that is a function of the battery voltage relative to the reference voltage. A gain control circuit couples an input signal to a first signal path when the voltage comparator signal is above a first value and to a second signal path when the voltage comparator signal is below a second value. The first signal path includes a first component that causes an amplifier to have a first gain. The second signal path includes a second component that causes the amplifier to have a second gain.