Palm Multi-Connector
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The Palm Multi-Connector (also Athena Connector) is a power, audio and data interface connector used by
Palm, Inc. has a non-standard connector policy:
- some machines connect via Palm Universal Connector (Old Standard for Palm Handhelds)
- some machines use a standard Mini USB (Some Low-Budget Handhelds)
- some machines use a Multi-Connector (New Standard for PalmOne and Palm Handhelds)
The Connector can be used to charge the device, transfer data to a computer, HotSync, and play audio. It is the new standard to replace the previous Palm Universal Connector, which performed similar functions but did not have an audio output capability.
This port has also been used to connect to an external microphone or to GPS units
The connector is divided in two sections: the longer one has thirteen pins numbered from left to right; the shorter one has three pins, on the left (14), top (15) and right (16).
- Pin Signal Description
- 1 MIC_IN
- 2 AGND
- 3 SPKR_R
- 4 SPKR_L
- 5 POWER_OUT
- 6 HOTSYNC
- 7 RXD
- 8 TXD
- 9 Reserved
- 10 DGND
- 11 USB_D-
- 12 USB_D+
- 13 VBUS
- 14 VDOCK_RTN
- 15 ADAPTER_ID
- 16 VDOCK
Pins 7 and 8 have TTL levels and can't be directly connected to the RS232 port. Pins 13 and 16 are connected to the +5V of the USB port; pins 10, 14 and 15 are connected to the USB GND. Pins 11 and 12 are the USB differential signals.
The Multi-Connector has received criticism from users who were familiar with previous connectors such as the Universal Connector. Users have been frustrated with the requirement to update their Universal Connector cables, cradles, keyboards, sleds, and attachments as they are incompatible. Another criticism is that the connector is fiddly, harder to remove and feels fragile.
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