Specifications

32
Figure 2.4.4-1: RJ-45 8-pin connectors. Reproduced with permission of
sparkfun.com.
2.4.5 USB (Out of Spec)
Another option would be to use USB connectors. While USB was discussed
earlier, this option would remove the standard USB communication protocol and
use it simply as a connector, similar to the “out of spec” usage of the RJ-45
connectors. In this case, there is another advantage – the cable could be
eliminated.
Rather than use a cable to connect the two units, possibly being a safety hazard
and also an inconvenience to the user, it would be more prudent to instead have
the portable unit directly dock to the base unit. To such an end, USB would be
ideal. As mentioned previously, it has the necessary durability and pin count to
be used for this arrangement.
The arrangement would be different than the previous USB section, however.
Instead of using a female USB Type B connector, the portable unit would utilize
the female USB Type A connector previously discussed. On the base unit end, a
USB male Type A connector (shown in Figure 2.4.5-1) would protrude from the
front of the unit. The portable unit could simply be placed on this connector,
mating the two connectors and creating a secured connection with no need for a
cable.