An interface apparatus (20) such as a docking station interfaces various electronic devices (30, 40, 50) and reduces the number of required connector pins and input/output (I/O) ports. According to an exemplary embodiment, the interface apparatus (20) includes a first circuit (22), a second circuit (24) and a third circuit (26). The first circuit (22) provides an output signal indicating a connection to a first electronic device (10). The second circuit (24) controls a switching function of the interface apparatus (20) responsive to a first electrical signal from the first electronic device (10). The third circuit (26) generates a control signal for controlling a second electronic device (50) responsive to a second electrical signal from the first electronic device (10). The output signal, the first electrical signal, and the second electrical signal are transmitted between the interface apparatus (20) and the first electronic device (10) through a single lead.