Nokia Pop-Port

The Pop-Port interface (originally code-named "Tomahawk") is a discontinued plug-in port, available with many Nokia mobile phones. The port consists of one metal pin on either end, and a plastic tab containing thirteen contacts.

Contents

Functions

The port contains signals for hands-free microphone, stereo speakers, FBus Rx/Tx or USB signals for the phones supporting them, power output for feeding the accessories that do not have their own batteries, and the Accessory Control Interface (ACI), a bidirectional serial control bus for connection and authentication of phone accessories, with a specific ASIC inside accessories and a proprietary protocol. It is also used to upgrade USB-enabled phones software using a specific USB data cable and the Nokia Software Updater.

Criticism

A common problem with Pop-port is that it's very easy for the contacts to lose connection, thus resulting in drop-outs in audio (when a hands-free is used) or an unstable data connection (when a USB cable is used). This is a common problem when listening to music from the phone while having the phone in a pocket. The movement of the pocket when walking causes the contacts to lose connection, thus resulting in drop-outs in audio, which is something the more stable 2.5mm and 3.5 mm audio sockets aren't prone to. Two common solutions to this problem is to have the "front" side of the phone facing the inner side of the pocket, or o use a stereo bluetooth headset.

Another issue is that the contacts are exposed to dust and dirt (more than the contacts of a TRS socket are) which, combined with the small size of the contacts, may make connection impossible in some cases. Also, the plug's 'hook' tended to lose its hooking capability, making it even easier to accidentally lose connection. To make it even worse, the data cables had to be original in most cases, or else they would not work.

Post-2007 phones

Nokia phones made since 2007 do not use Pop-Port. Instead they use mini-USB or micro-USB sockets for data services and a 4-part 2.5mm or 3.5mm "standard" audio TRS socket. Some models also use microUSB for charging.

Available Pop-Port plug-ins

Similar connectors

A similar connector is the Sony Ericsson FastPort.

References

External links