Abstract: Method and apparatus for synchronizing communication between a battery and an electronic device are disclosed. Bytes consisting of a number of bits are transmitted between the electronic device and the battery. A predetermined bit sequence is appended to at least some of the bytes prior to transmission. The time interval between given shifts in the predetermined bit sequence is used to synchronize the communication.

Abstract: Digital, serial communication over an interface between an electronic device (102) and a battery (103) attached thereto comprises transmission of bytes (300) consisting of a number of bits. Each bit is defined by one of a high level and a low level, and a leading bit (304) of each byte is of a first one of said high and low levels. The method comprises the step of transmitting the other of the high and low levels for a first period of time (403, 405) immediately prior to said leading bit (304). When the leading bit of a byte is always of the same level (i.e. either high or low) and a period of the opposite level precedes the leading bit, it is very easy and simple to ensure that the sending as well as the receiving party is ready for the communication to take place and adjusted to the actual direction of communication.

Abstract: A battery system and method are disclosed. The battery system and method include battery means for supplying operating power during battery operation of a battery power receiving device (e.g. a mobile phone). The battery system and method further includes a battery information circuit carried as a unit together with the battery means (e.g. in the form of a so-called battery pack for a mobile phone) for assembly with the battery power receiving device. The battery information circuit includes memory cells and is capable of communicating information with the battery power receiving device. The memory cells include bits encoded to represent an index for a table including battery information; and the battery power receiving device includes a memory capable of storing the table.

Abstract: Method and system for communication between a battery power receiving device and a battery pack are disclosed. The battery power receiving device has a battery information circuit that is carried with the battery power receiving device as a single unit. Battery information such as battery identification and capacity are stored in the battery power receiving device and the battery information circuit. The battery power receiving device uses the battery information if the battery identification stored therein coincides with the battery identification stored in the battery information circuit.

Abstract: A method enables digital, serial communication over an interface between an electronic device (102) and a battery (103) attached thereto. The digital, serial communication comprises transmission of bytes (300) consisting of a number of bits. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a byte from a first one of said electronic device and said battery, receiving said byte in the other of said electronic device and said battery, and retransmitting said received byte unchanged. Hereby, it is possible to compare the contents of the returned byte with the contents of the byte originally transmitted, and thus ensure that the byte was transmitted correctly. This simple procedure makes other error handling procedures such as parity bits unnecessary.

Abstract: An electronic device operates with an external accessory by initiating a serial data communication over an accessory control bus. If data communication is established with the external accessory, the electronic device operates in a first interface mode, when one or more operating parameters are transferred over the bus. If data communication is not established, the electronic device operates in a second interface mode, when no operating parameters are transferred over the bus.