Abstract: An energy management circuit (100) for use with one or more rechargeable cells (201) is capable of prohibiting discharge in response to temporal or other inputs. In one embodiment, a control circuit (102) applies a control signal to a discharge control node (105) when a charging current is applied for less than a charging duration threshold. The control signal causes a discharge disconnect switch (202) to open. In another embodiment, the control circuit (102) applies the control signal to the discharge control node (105) after failing to detect a charging current for at least a non-charging duration threshold. Discharge can again be allowed by applying a charging current for at least a reset duration.

Abstract: A method, a master short range accessory, and an ad-hoc personal area network device for pairing with multiple slave communication devices are disclosed. An audio user interface 310 may interact with a user. A primary device interface component 372 may create a primary audio connection with a primary mobile communication device 502 to facilitate a primary telephone conversation session with a primary communication partner 512. A secondary device interface component 372 may create a secondary audio connection with the secondary mobile communication device 504 to facilitate a secondary telephone conversation session with a secondary communication partner 532 while maintaining the primary audio connection. A processor 330 may send an audio hold indication to the primary communication partner 512 and mutes the primary audio connection.

Abstract: A method, a master short range accessory, and an ad-hoc personal area network device for pairing with multiple slave communication devices are disclosed. An audio user interface 310 may interact with a user. A primary device interface component 372 may create a primary audio connection with a primary mobile communication device 502 to facilitate a primary telephone conversation session with a primary communication partner 512. A secondary device interface component 372 may create a secondary audio connection with the secondary mobile communication device 504 to facilitate a secondary telephone conversation session with a secondary communication partner 532 while maintaining the primary audio connection. A processor 330 may send an audio hold indication to the primary communication partner 512 and mutes the primary audio connection.

Abstract: An energy management circuit (100) for use with one or more rechargeable cells (201) is capable of prohibiting discharge in response to temporal or other inputs. In one embodiment, a control circuit (102) applies a control signal to a discharge control node (105) when a charging current is applied for less than a charging duration threshold. The control signal causes a discharge disconnect switch (202) to open. In another embodiment, the control circuit (102) applies the control signal to the discharge control node (105) after failing to detect a charging current for at least a non-charging duration threshold. Discharge can again be allowed by applying a charging current for at least a reset duration.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit having two levels of safety protection is provided. The circuit is said to have “two levels” of safety because if any one component fails (either as a short circuit or as an open circuit) the remainder of the charging circuit ensures that a rechargeable battery coupled to the circuit will not be overcharged. The circuit includes both hardware and firmware protection components, with a microprocessor providing the firmware protection. Overvoltage protection, voltage regulation and current regulation are provided, along with a microprocessor capable of sensing a plurality of voltages across the circuit. The overvoltage protection, voltage regulator and current regulator each include safety actuation points. In parallel, the microprocessor may isolate a rechargeable battery from the cell if voltage and current minimums and maximums are exceeded.

Abstract: A charging circuit is provided for coupling a power source to a plurality of loads. The circuit includes a controller that continually senses the output voltage of the power source. The controller may also decouple the power source from the loads to measure the open circuit voltage of the power source. Once the open circuit voltage is known, the controller establishes a threshold voltage that is slightly below the open circuit voltage of the power supply. The controller then begins delivering current to one of the loads by way of a current regulator. Whenever the power source voltage is below the threshold voltage, the controller reduces the current flowing through the current regulator. When the power source voltage is above the threshold voltage, the controller increases the current flowing through the current regulator. In so doing, the charging circuit simultaneously charges both loads, thereby reducing overall charge time.