Patent attributes
Disclosed herein is a mobile media device cable assembly for connecting a mobile media device with an accessory device, e.g., a docking station, audio system (stereo) or video system (television). The cable assembly provides multi-pin connections while the device is in a case or cover. The assembly comprises a flexible cable having a plurality of wires for transmitting audio, video, data, and power signals. The plurality of wires are in communication with respective pins of multi-pin female and male connectors on either terminus of the flexible cable. A first ground return comprising a flexible wire shield encapsulates the plurality of wires, and a second ground return comprising a flexible wire shield is surrounded by the first ground return. The second ground return encapsulates and electrically isolates the wires a subset of the plurality of wires, i.e., the wires that transmit audio and video signals, to prevent electric signal crossover. In one embodiment, at least two pins of each of the female and male connectors are electrically associated with the second ground return. In another embodiment, the multi-pin male connector comprises a first printed circuit board, where one end of the board is soldered to the plurality of wires and has a maximum dimension of 16 mm, and a housing associated with the multi-pin male connector has a maximum dimension of 27 mm.
