Abstract: The disclosure describes wireless terminals with first and second members held together by a hinge assembly with high-speed serial communication serial data transmission paths that extend through the hinge assembly.

Abstract: The socket system comprises a set of vertically-stackable sockets. A first socket mounts on a printed circuit board to receive a first chip module, and a second socket stacks on the first socket to receive a second chip module. The first socket includes a first set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the first chip module to the printed circuit board, and a second set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second socket to the printed circuit board. The second socket includes a third set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second chip module to the printed circuit board. System upgrades are enabled by replacing the chip modules.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a core modem assembly for a communication circuit that is well suited for mobile communication devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, and hand-held computers. The core modem assembly comprises a baseband module, an RF module, and a socket connector that provides electrical isolation between the baseband module and RF module. The core modem assembly achieves a very small form factor and provides shielding between the baseband module and RF module. Further, the core modem assembly uses a “plug and play” design allowing late customization and interchangeability of the modules.

Abstract: The socket system comprises a set of vertically-stackable sockets. A first socket mounts on a printed circuit board to receive a first chip module, and a second socket stacks on the first socket to receive a second chip module. The first socket includes a first set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the first chip module to the printed circuit board, and a second set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second socket to the printed circuit board. The second socket includes a third set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second chip module to the printed circuit board. System upgrades are enabled by replacing the chip modules.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a printed circuit board and a speaker box defining an acoustic volume between spaced apart first and second speaker box walls with the first speaker box wall being between the second speaker box wall and the printed circuit board. A loudspeaker may be coupled to the first speaker box wall, and the loudspeaker may include an acoustic actuator that is configured to generate displacements in response to an electrical signal applied thereto. The loudspeaker may further include a speaker membrane that is mechanically coupled to the acoustic actuator and that is configured to deflect in directions toward and away from the second speaker box wall responsive to displacements of the acoustic actuator. Related assemblies and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a substrate and an acoustic actuator mounted on a surface of the substrate. More particularly, the acoustic actuator may be configured to generate displacements along a direction parallel with respect to the surface of the substrate in response to an electrical signal applied thereto. A speaker box may define an acoustic volume, and the speaker box may include a speaker box wall with a speaker box opening therethrough adjacent the acoustic actuator. A speaker membrane may be provided across the speaker box opening adjacent the acoustic actuator, and the speaker membrane may be mechanically coupled to the acoustic actuator so that the speaker membrane is configured to deflect responsive to displacements generated by the acoustic actuator. Related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device, such as mobile terminal, PDA or media player, includes a housing and a plurality of audio transducers supported by the housing and positioned at spaced-apart positions. The device further includes an audio circuit configured to change an allocation of audio transmission and/or reception functions among the plurality of audio transducers responsive to a user's mechanical interaction with the device, e.g., responsive to a change in an attitude at which a user is holding the housing and/or a change in a position of a moveable component of the device, such as a moveable display.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, PDA, media player or the like, includes a plurality of displays including at least one display moveable to variably overlap at least one other of the plurality of displays. A position sensor circuit is operatively associated with the at least one moveable display and is configured to detect movement thereof. A display controller circuit is configured to control respective images displayed on the plurality of the displays responsive to the position sensor circuit.

Abstract: A speaker is integrally formed with a multi-layered printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes a flexible membrane layer with a conductive pattern thereon. Positive and negative elements are disposed on opposing sides of the flexible membrane. A drive circuit connects to the flexible membrane layer and applies current to the flexible membrane layer responsive to an audio signal to generate audible sounds.

Abstract: Mobile terminals are provided including a portable housing. A display is rotatably coupled to the portable housing for movement between a closed position proximate the housing to an open position extending from the housing. A keypad moveably coupled to the portable housing. A coupling mechanism couples to the display and to the keypad and translates rotational movement of the display between the open and closed position to a selected displacement of the keypad.

Abstract: To improve the consumer experience with portable electronic devices, a high-resolution digital camera function is incorporated into a multifunction portable electronic device. In exemplary embodiments, a clamshell portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, is provided with a digital camera/video function. The lens of the camera/video function is separated from an image sensor in a manner such that the two are not linearly aligned. Light coming through the lens is reflected by a reflective element, such as prism, onto the image sensor. The sensor is movable relative to a fixed position of the prism to provide an auto focus feature. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is movable along a portion of the width of the portable electronic device, the width being substantially greater in distance than the thickness of one of the clamshell portions.

Abstract: An improved system for incorporating a high-resolution digital camera function into a multifunction portable electronic device is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a clamshell portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, is provided with a digital camera function. The lens of the camera function is located in one portion of the clamshell, and the image sensor is located in another portion of the clamshell. When the clamshell is closed, the lens and image sensor become optically aligned so that the camera function may be employed. By providing a system in which the digital camera function is used with the clamshell in the closed position, the potential focal length is effectively doubled as compared to that in the typical clamshell mobile telephone.

Abstract: The disclosure describes wireless terminals with first and second members held together by a hinge assembly with high-speed serial communication serial data transmission paths that extend through the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A wireless communication device comprises a first housing detachably connected to a second housing in a first orientation and a second orientation. An electrical connector connects circuitry in the first and second housings regardless of whether the first and second housings are joined together in the first orientation or in the second orientation. A wireless interface connects the circuitry in the first and second housings when the first and second housings are separated.