Palm Multi-Connector
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Products | Palm Multi-Connector |
The Palm Multi-Connector—also referred to as the Athena Connector—is an interface designed by Palm, Inc. to manage power, audio, and data connections.
Use
This connector is implemented in various Palm devices, including the LifeDrive, Tungsten E2 and T5 models, Treo 650, 680, 700p, 750, 755p, as well as the Palm TX and Palm Centro.
Changes
Palm, Inc. progressively updated its connector designs over time:
- Initial devices featured either unique connectors or utilized the Palm Serial interface.
- Between approximately 2001 and 2004, some models adopted the Palm Universal Connector.
- Certain budget-oriented handhelds incorporated standard Mini USB ports.
- The Multi-Connector was introduced later as the standard for palmOne and Palm handheld products.
This connector facilitates functionalities such as charging, data synchronization (HotSync), and audio output—capabilities that were absent in the preceding Universal Connector. Furthermore, it supports connections to external peripherals like microphones and GPS receivers.
Specification
Structurally, the connector consists of two segments: a longer section containing thirteen pins (numbered 5 through 17) and a shorter segment with three pins (1 through 3). Cable shielding contacts (pins 4 and 18) are positioned adjacent to the thirteen-pin section.
| Pin # on device/Multiconnector | Pin # on charger/adapter connector | Pin # on data/cable connector | Name | Direction relative to device | Default state when unattached | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | VDOCK | Power | CHRG_IN | DC charging voltage at 5 V | ||
| 2 | 2 | ADAPTER_ID | Input | VCC with weak pull-up resistor | Identification of adapter type | ||
| 3 | 3 | VDOCK_RTN | Power | Ground (GND) | Return path for DC charging current | ||
| 4 | 1 | SHIELD | Shielding contact | Ground (GND) | Cable shielding connection | ||
| 5 | 2 | VBUS | Power | VBUS_IN | USB charging voltage, typically 5 V at up to 500 mA | ||
| 6 | 3 | USB_DP | Bidirectional I/O | Floating state | USB Data positive line (+) | ||
| 7 | 4 | USB_DN | Bidirectional I/O | Floating state | USB Data negative line (–) | ||
| 8 | 5 | DGND | Power ground reference | Ground (GND) | Digital ground and return for VBUS line | ||
| 9 | 6 | Reserved | Not applicable | Not applicable | No connection recommended | ||
| 10 | 7 | TXD | Input/output | VCC with weak pull-up | Data transmission line at TTL level (3.3 V logic) | ||
| 11 | 8 | RXD | Input | VCC with weak pull-up | Data reception line at TTL level (3.3 V logic) | ||
| 13 | 10 | POWER_OUT | Output | High impedance | Power supply output for external accessories | ||
| 14 | 11 | SPKR_L | Analog output | AC coupled | Left channel speaker output | ||
| 15 | 12 | SPKR_R | Analog output | AC coupled | Right channel speaker output | ||
| 16 | 13 | AGND | Power ground reference | Ground (GND) | Analog ground connection | ||
| 17 | 14 | MIC_IN | Analog input | DC coupled | Microphone input signal line | ||
| 18 | 15 | SHIELD | Shielding contact | Ground (GND) | Cable shield connection |
Pins numbered ten and eleven operate at TTL voltage levels and are not compatible with direct interfacing to RS-232 serial ports.
Opinion
Users familiar with previous connectors such as the Universal Connector have expressed dissatisfaction with the Multi-Connector. Common complaints include the inconvenience of replacing existing cables, cradles, keyboards, sleds, and other accessories due to incompatibility. Additionally, this connector is often regarded as delicate, more difficult to unplug, and somewhat prone to damage.
For charging purposes on the Treo series, simply applying +5 volts to the VDOCK pin and grounding VDOCK_RTN suffices.
External links
- Palm OS Platform Developer Guide – Refer to section 14 for details on the Multi-connector pin configuration
- Palm Multi-connector pin configuration
- Palm Developer Network