Apple Approves Reference Design for Serial Port-to-Dock Connector (iPhone)

Apple has approved a reference iPhone and iPod touch accessory design that would allow a tethered connection between these devices and a number of medical, scientific, retail, and industrial ones, iLounge reveals. A specialized application handing the communication would also be involved, the site claims.

“With the release of iPhone OS 3.0 and new toolkits from Apple in summer of 2009, it became possible for developers to create hardware accessories for use with applications running on an iPhone or iPod touch,” Redpark says. “In engineering a hardware accessory for the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, a developer must meet strict specifications established by Apple related to power budget, authentication and the structures used to communicate with an iPhone app.”

The company explains, “To demonstrate our capabilities in this area, we have developed a serial cable that can be used to connect the iPhone to serial devices used in networking, medical and scientific labs, industrial process control, building automation, point of sale systems and other markets. The serial cable has been approved as a reference design by Apple.” “We are able to customize the serial cable (in terms of its firmware, its length, and its form of serial connector) to meet the specific needs of a customer,” Redpark reveals.

The company pledges to help third parties develop new iPhone accessories, as well as assist these people in integrating iPhone connectivity into existing devices. “We understand how to work with Apple to bring hardware accessory products to market,” it promises.

Redpark Product Development‘s Serial Cable Reference Design for OEM use with the iPhone and iPod touch includes a 30-pin male Dock Connector on one end, and a box with a female connector on the other side. The company expects that the design will be suitable for use with the unreleased Apple tablet – the iPad – according to iLounge.