1.5 Mobile Device Connectors

Question 1

Micro-USB and mini-USB

Answer 1

• EU standardized on Micro-USB
  
  • Common now worldwide
• Older devices may use Mini-USB
  
  • Slightly larger

Question 2

USB-C

Answer 2

• 24-pin double-sided USB connector
  
  • Used for both hosts and devices
• Acts as a USB 3.1 / USB 2.0 connection
  
  • Only the interface is different
• Includes an analog audio option
  
  • Headset support through a 3.5 mm jack

Question 3

Lightning

Answer 3

• Apple proprietary
• 8-pin digital signals
  
  • iPhone, iPad, iPod devices • Some advantages over Micro-USB
  • Higher power output for phones and tablets
  • Can be inserted either way
  • Simpler design, more durable

Question 4

Tethering

Answer 4

• Physically connect a device to your mobile
  
  • Use the Internet/data connection
• Enable Internet access from almost anywhere
  
  • May require service or configuration by wireless carrier

Question 5

Proprietary mobile interfaces

Answer 5

• Early mobile technology was all about cables
  
  • One cable for power
  • A completely different cable for data
• Every manufacturer was different - Intentionally
• The EU changed things
  
  • Common external power supply for all data-enabled mobile phones sold in the European Union

Question 6

NFC (Near Field Communication)

Answer 6

• Send small amounts of data wirelessly over a limited area
• Built into your phone
• Payment systems, transportation, in-person information
exchange
• Access token, identity “card”
• Short range with encryption support

Question 7

Bluetooth

Answer 7

• High speed communication over short distances
  
  • PAN (Personal Area Network)
• Connects our mobile devices
  
  • Smartphones
  • Tethering
  • Headsets and headphones
  • Health monitors
  • Automobile and phone integration
  • Smartwatches
  • External speakers

Question 8

Hotspot

Answer 8

• Turn your phone into a WiFi hotspot
   • Your own personal wireless router
   • Extend the cellular data network to
all of your devices
• Dependent on phone type and provider
   • May require additional charges and data costs

Question 9

IR (Infrared)

Answer 9

• Included on many smartphones, tablets, and
smartwatches
• Not really used for file transfers and printing
• Control your entertainment center
• Almost exclusively IR

Question 10

Headsets

Answer 10

• Hands-free audio - Earphones and microphone
• Wired
  
  • Connects to TRRS connector (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve)
• Wireless - Bluetooth headsets

Question 11

Speakers

Answer 11

• Mobile audio - Battery powered
• Wireless connection - Bluetooth link
• Stereo sound - Small package

Question 12

Game Pads

Answer 12

• Gaming console feel - Mobile phone or tablet

* Connect with Bluetooth - Wireless connectivity

Question 13

Extra battery packs / battery chargers

Answer 13

• Power is key - And in short supply
• Swappable battery pack
  
  • Carry an extra or two
• External USB chargers
  
  • Phones and tablets
  • And any other USB devices

Question 14

Protective covers

Answer 14

• Screen protector
  
  • Avoid scratches
  • May be difficult to install
• Device protector
  
  • Wrap the entire device
  • Waterproofing options are available
  • Can create problems for docking stations

Question 15

Credit card readers

Answer 15

• Phone or tablet becomes a point of sale terminal
  
  • Connections to audio/mic TRRS jack
  • Great for small and mobile businesses
• Uses the Internet link for approvals
  
  • Immediate feedback
• Additional features
  
  • Email receipts
  • Sign with your finger

Question 16

Memory / microSD

Answer 16

• Increase storage capacity of smartphone or tablet
  
  • Common on Android devices
  • Not available on iOS devices
• MicroSD cards
  
  • Small form factor, with increasing capacities