blackaeronaut Wrote:Well... iPods and iPhones are unique in that they gotta talk to a chip inside a USB to make sure they get a proper charge, yes?
Nope. An iPod/iPhone/iPad will charge if it gets the standard 5v (it should tolerate 4.75 to 5.25) on the power pins and 2.5v across the data lines.
If you want to charge that iDevice faster (safely step the voltage up to 12v across the power pins)? Or transfer data? Or act as an external control interface?
Then we can talk about control chips.
But you can build a charger for an iDevice into a altoids tin with standard batteries, wires and resistors. No Chips needed.
edit: and it looks like i was wrong, you don't even need the 2.5v across the data lines:
http://www.instructables....arger-in-an-Altoids-tin/
So my guess would be an echo of what spud has said. A power saving 'feature'.
-Terry
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"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy