Pulse-width Modulation Patents (Class 320/145)
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Patent number: 7733038Abstract: Switching device for linking various electrical voltage levels in a motor vehicle, in which a drive voltage level has an electric drive machine which may be actuated by a power converter, and a drive energy accumulator which is associated with an intermediate circuit, and in which the drive voltage level is connected to a vehicle electrical system voltage level by an electrical converter. The electrical converter is designed as a coupling circuit which is connected at the drive side to at least one node point of a winding circuit of the electric drive machine and to a voltage potential relative to the intermediate circuit. The coupling circuit is connected at the vehicle electrical system side to the vehicle electrical system via a switching unit which has at least one non-diminishing, finite impedance.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Torsten Franke
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Patent number: 7719236Abstract: A portable electrical device may include a DC to DC converter coupled to a common node, a load coupled to the common node, and a controller configured to control the DC to DC converter. The DC to DC converter may be configured to provide a charging current to a rechargeable battery from an adapter when the controller operates said DC to DC converter in a first adapter supply mode. The DC to DC converter may be configured to provide a battery supply current to the load via the common node when the controller operates the DC to DC converter in a second adapter supply mode. The adapter supply current and the battery supply current may add together at the common node to simultaneously provide a load supply current to the load in the second adapter supply mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: O2Micro International LimitedInventor: Alexandru Hartular
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Publication number: 20100109600Abstract: A method is described wherein DC power is converted into battery charging power by means of an inductor carrying a current which is controlled by a power controller during an adjustable part of a pulse width period. The pulse width period is made adjustable in order to influence the power consumption of the controller which consumes a substantial amount of the total power consumed for controlled DC-DC conversion. Several additional features are provided to improve the efficiency and to further reduce the power consumed by both the converter and the power controller, which provides new uses for a variety of products and appliances having solar cells, such as road studs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: INTIVATION HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Anne Jurjen Osinga, Menno Kardolus, Jan Wanner, Jacobus Harmen Schijffelen
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Patent number: 7710079Abstract: A power manager is configured to manage power for a battery-powered application. A power source, a load and a battery are interconnected through a circuit path. Power from the power source is provided to the load and battery by a switching regulator. Various implementations are presented.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Steven L. Martin, Trevor W. Barcelo, Samuel H. Nork, Roger A. Zemke, David J. Simmons
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Publication number: 20100090657Abstract: Circuit arrangement for the parallel operation of battery, wherein each battery charger comprises respective pairs of direct current output terminals for connection to the battery to be charged, and between said pairs of output terminals a repetitive sequence of pulsating direct current voltage can be measured, and the peak values of the pulsating direct current voltage is higher than the nominal terminal voltage of the battery (B), and each battery charger (Ch1, Ch2, . . . Chn) comprises in series with the current path at least one electrolytic capacitor (C1, C2, . . . Cn), an inductance (L1, L2, . . . Ln) and at least one semiconductor means (D1, D2, . . . Dn) open in the direction of the charging current, the output terminals of the battery chargers are connected in parallel with each other and for each of the battery chargers (Ch1, Ch2, . . . Chn) it is true that in the respective charging periods the vectorial sum of the instantaneous voltages on the electrolytic capacitor (C1, C2, . . .Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Andras Fazakas
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Patent number: 7688026Abstract: An energy storage mobile charging adapter is disclosed, in which the output terminal of an AC/DC isolated converter circuit board are connected with input terminals of a charging adapter circuit board, a commercial power plug is connected with the input terminals of the AC/DC isolated converter circuit board, characterized in that, a lithium chargeable battery is electrically connected with the output terminal of the AC/DC isolated converter circuit board and the input terminals of a charging adapter circuit board through a lithium battery protection circuit board, the charging adapter plug is electrically connected to the output terminals of the charging adapter circuit board, and all of the above components are sealed in a plastic housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Shenzhen Meiouya Power Supply Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tai-Li An
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Publication number: 20100072951Abstract: The present invention aims to quickly charge a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a heat-resistant layer between a negative electrode and a positive electrode. A method according to the present invention for charging a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a heat-resistant layer between a negative electrode and a positive electrode is provided with a step of performing pulse charge on the secondary battery, a step of detecting a change amount of a cell voltage associated with a change in the concentration polarization of the non-aqueous electrolyte as a polarization voltage, and a step of terminating the pulse charge when the polarization voltage increases to or above a predetermined threshold value. According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly charge the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the heat-resistant layer between the negative electrode and the positive electrode at such a borderline level as not to cause overcharge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Takuya Nakashima
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Publication number: 20100066310Abstract: A battery charging and pulsating system including a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a charger electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the charger including a controller, a pulsator electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the pulsator including a controller, and a voltage measuring circuit electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the voltage measuring circuit being adapted to measure a voltage across the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, wherein the controller of the pulsator is adapted to activate the pulsator when the measured voltage is at least one of (1) at or below a predetermined threshold voltage and (2) at or above a predetermined gassing voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Daniel C. Biggs, JR.
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Patent number: 7680973Abstract: The invention provides for a sideband signal for the USB that has real-time interrupt capabilities. A system and method for hardware detection of an interrupt signal provides for the ability to superimpose a high frequency interrupt signal on a USB power line for transmission to a controller. Alternatively, an overcurrent flow may be generated from a peripheral device and detected by an overflow current detector on the USB. In response, the overflow current detector may output an interrupt/overflow current detection signal to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Floyd Goldstein, John Goodman, Dung Hua
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Publication number: 20100060240Abstract: The management method comprises a charging phase (F2, F3) and may comprise an optional prior phase (F1) of estimating the state of charge of the battery. Comparison of the absolute value of the slope (P) of the voltage at the battery terminals with a full-charge threshold at the end of each period, when a pulsed current is applied, is used as end-of-charging criterion in the charging phase and/or as full-charge criterion in the phase of estimating the state of charge. The charging phase by pulsed current (F3) is interrupted when the slope (P) reaches the full-charge threshold. This same comparison constitutes the criterion for estimating the necessity for going to a charging step (F2, F3) after the prior phase (F1) of estimating the state of charge of the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUEInventors: Fathia Karoui, Elisabeth Lemaire, Christine Lefrou
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Publication number: 20100027305Abstract: Power lines are connected to neutral points of motor generators, respectively, and an electric power is transmitted and received between a vehicle and a load outside the vehicle via the power lines. In this transmission, an ECU simultaneously PWM-controls all phases of one of inverters, and controls the other inverter to keep continuously the conducting state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Hichirosai Oyobe, Yoshinori Fujitake, Toru Wakimoto
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Patent number: 7649935Abstract: A digital timing read back and an adaptive feedforward compensation algorithm to reduce harmonic distortion is disclosed. More specifically, the approach generates harmonic components digitally with the same magnitude but at an opposite phase to the output harmonic distortion. An anti-distortion signal is generated and added to the input signal. The magnitude and phase of the harmonic distortion change with the modulation level or index and the frequency of the input signal. In addition, the harmonic distortion level varies significantly with different timing error statistics in different power devices. The inventive method takes the modulation level or index, the frequency of the input signal and the timing error statistics acquired through a digital read back circuit as input variables to determine the magnitude and phase of the anti-distortion signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Sigmatel, Inc.Inventors: Zukui Song, Michael W. Determan
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Publication number: 20090322287Abstract: A method for controlling a charging system having multiple loads is disclosed. Power is supplied from an AC/DC adapter to a first charger, a second charger, and system loads. The first charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a first battery pack when output power of a power source reaches a first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in a standard charging mode. The first charger is operated at a setting value according to a specific charging mode even when the output power of the power source reaches the first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in the specific charging mode. A second charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a second battery pack when the output power of the power source reaches a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: NORIHITO OZEKI, NORITOSHI YAMASAKI
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Patent number: 7633266Abstract: The present invention discloses a transformer used in a charger circuit, in which the input side of the transformer is connected to an AC input and PWM control circuit of the charger circuit, the output side of the transformer is connected to a constant current and/or constant voltage control circuit of the charger circuit. The AC input, PWM control circuit, the constant current and/or constant voltage control circuit are coupled through an optical coupling element, wherein the transformer includes a main output winding and an auxiliary output winding, and the auxiliary output winding is used to supply power for the optical coupling element and the constant current and/or constant voltage control circuit. The present invention further provides a high performance charger circuit adopting the transformer described above for improving electromagnetic compatibility, conversion efficiency and short circuit characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing LimitedInventors: Shu-Zhuang Lu, Chao-Qun Sun
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Publication number: 20090273317Abstract: An intelligentized high-frequency charger for batteries includes a monolithic processor control circuit, a charging control circuit and a detection circuit electrically connected to the said monolithic processor control circuit respectively. The said monolithic processor control circuit includes a monolithic processor, an auxiliary power supply circuit and a key display circuit electrically connected to the said monolithic processor respectively. The said charging control circuit includes a PWM circuit, a drive circuit, a rectifier and filter circuit, an output control circuit and a current sampling circuit. The detection circuit includes a cell detection circuit, a reverse connection detection circuit, a cell voltage detection circuit and an auto pole circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2006Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: SHANGHAI GREATWAY TOP POWER CO., LTD.Inventors: YePing Fan, ChengChuo Hu, DeJin Xu
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Patent number: 7602151Abstract: A charger with output voltage compensation includes an AC/DC circuit, an output interface, a charge controller, and a compensator. The AC/DC circuit converts an AC source into a DC source. The voltage of the DC source is elevated by a transformer and used to charge a battery via the output interface. The charge controller can further increase the voltage of the output interface in order to accelerate battery charging. The compensator compensates the voltage wasted by the circuit. Therefore, the invention can overcome energy waste caused by the internal resistance in the circuit, achieving satisfactory charging effects.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Asian Power Devices Inc.Inventors: Yu-Chi Lai, Sheng-Fa Chi
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Publication number: 20090237028Abstract: This power supply device includes a series circuit of a first switching element and a second switching element connected in parallel with a DC power supply unit, and a smoothing filter circuit which includes a series circuit of an inductor and a smoothing capacitor connected in parallel with the second switching element. The power supply device also includes a control unit and a drive circuit for generating first and second PWM pulses by respectively driving the first and second switching elements ON and OFF, and for creating a dead time between those switching pulse signals. And this control unit changes the frequency of the switching pulse signal according to the pulse width of either the first PWM pulses or the second PWM pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Masanori YORINOBU, Shigeru Okamoto, Hajime Katsushima
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Publication number: 20090212739Abstract: A method of charging a battery includes applying a charging current from a semiconductor device to the battery during a first battery charging time period. The method also includes measuring a charging voltage level at the battery during the first battery charging time period. During a non-charging voltage measurement time interval, the method includes temporarily stopping application of the charging current from the semiconductor device to the battery and measuring a non-charging voltage level at the battery while the charging current is not being applied to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: SIGMATEL, INC.Inventors: Matthew Felder, Russell A. Schultz
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Publication number: 20090206796Abstract: A high frequency battery charger includes a converter, drive logic, and control logic. The converter transforms a DC voltage into a high frequency AC voltage. The drive logic controls a conversion of the high frequency AC voltage through a train of pulses. The control logic adjusts the output of the converter to maximize a charging cycle of a battery. The method of transforming an AC input into a direct current output used to charge a rechargeable battery includes transforming an AC input into a first DC output; transforming the first DC output into a high frequency AC output; transforming the high frequency AC output into a second DC output; and passing a charging current to an external load when the load is correctly connected to an output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: David R. Pacholok, Thomas Finis Johnson, Xiao Ping Chen
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Patent number: 7560902Abstract: A duty cycle controller apparatus for producing a duty cycle signal for controlling switching of switches of a battery charger having an AC input for receiving power and an output for supplying power to charge a battery in response to switching of the switches, while maintaining a high power factor at the AC input. The duty cycle controller apparatus includes a current command signal generator having a plurality of signal inputs for receiving a plurality of signals representing a plurality of operating conditions of the charger, a plurality of current command outputs and a processor operably configured to generate a plurality of current command signals at the current command outputs in response to respective sets of operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Xantrex InternationalInventor: Thomas Michael Unger
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Patent number: 7554294Abstract: A battery health monitor (BHM) that operates as a battery-mountable full-spectrum alternating current (ac) impedance meter that facilitates monitoring a state-of-charge and a state-of-health of a battery. The BHM is used for monitoring one or more electrical parameters, e.g., impedance, of a battery. The BHM includes: a current sink coupled to the first terminal and configured to sink therefrom an oscillatory current so as to cause the battery to produce at a first terminal thereof an oscillatory voltage equal to or less than a dc operating voltage of the battery that would be present at the first terminal in the absence of the oscillatory current; and a voltage sensor configured to sense the oscillatory voltage at the first terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Rengaswamy Srinivasan, Hassan M. Saffarian, Terry E. Phillips, Paul R. Zarriello, Bliss G. Carkhuff, Subhas Chalasani
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Patent number: 7545120Abstract: In a method and system for converting an alternating current (AC) input to a direct current (DC) output, an AC-DC adapter includes a rectifier module operable to receive the AC input and generate a first DC output. The AC-DC adapter includes a buck converter module operable to receive the first DC output and generate the DC output responsive to a control signal. A controller module, included in the AC-DC adapter is operable to receive a first feedback signal input indicative of a target voltage required by a load and a second feedback signal input indicative of the DC output to generate the control signal. The controller module adjusts the control signal responsive to the first and second feedback signal inputs so that the DC output is maintained to be within a predefined range of the target voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: John J. Breen, Brent A. McDonald
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Patent number: 7535195Abstract: Circuitry for powering a load and charging of a battery from a power source by a smart power supply is provided. The smart power supply controls the maximum current for battery charging based in part upon variables such as the maximum rate of charge of the battery and maximum source current. The smart power supply is thus capable of providing the power requested by the load, and use the remaining power for battery charging.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Neal Lane Horovitz, Luan Vu
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Patent number: 7528579Abstract: A high frequency battery charger includes a converter, drive logic, and control logic. The converter transforms a DC voltage into a high frequency AC voltage. The drive logic controls a conversion of the high frequency AC voltage through a train of pulses. The control logic adjusts the output of the converter to maximize a charging cycle of a battery. The method of transforming an AC input into a direct current output used to charge a rechargeable battery includes transforming an AC input into a first DC output; transforming the first DC output into a high frequency AC output; transforming the high frequency AC output into a second DC output; and passing a charging current to an external load when the load is correctly connected to an output.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Schumacher Electric CorporationInventors: David R. Pacholok, Thomas Finis Johnson, Xiao Ping Chen
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Publication number: 20090103341Abstract: This invention relates to a power module for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle including an integrated converter having a rectifier changing AC to DC, a DC/DC converter changing from a first voltage to a second voltage, and a battery storing electrical energy. The integrated converter operates in three modes 1) AC plug-in charging mode, 2) boost mode supplying power from the battery to the electrical bus and 3) buck mode supplying power from the electrical bus to the battery. The integrated converter utilizes the same single inductor during each of the three operating modes to reduce cost and weight of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Young Joo Lee, Ali Emadi
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Patent number: 7511458Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a DC-DC converter for stepping down a charging input voltage, and a charging current controller having two input terminals and one output terminal. The input terminals receive a voltage based on a charging current drawn from a voltage stepped down by the DC-DC converter. The voltage at the output terminal serves as a control voltage for controlling the charging current drawn from the stepped-down voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignees: NEC Electronics Corporation, Dai Nippon Printing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Mori, Yasushi Sato
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Publication number: 20090072794Abstract: An on-vehicle charging apparatus charges a battery mounted on the vehicle. In the apparatus, a generator generates electric power to output voltage for charging the battery and a controller, which is located outside the generator, outputs a pulse signal for controlling a generated state of the generator. A reception device receives the pulse signal outputted from the controller. The received signal is subjected to filtering at a filter, where pulse signals whose cycles are different from a predetermined cycle are removed. Further, using the outputted pulse signal from the filter, a duty ratio of the pulse signal is calculated. A voltage outputted from the generator is regulated based on the calculated duty ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoya Okuno
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Patent number: 7504803Abstract: A charging method and device for a rechargeable battery to make more stable and faster full charging possible. One embodiment of a charging method for the rechargeable battery includes charging the battery by applying a constant current, and then charging the battery by applying a constant current pulse having uniform pulse width. The charging method further includes charging the battery by applying or interrupting the constant current and then applying the dynamic constant current pulse based on a voltage across terminals of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyu-Woong Cho
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Publication number: 20090066295Abstract: A method for charging a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the step of repeating pulse charging and charging pause, in which a pulse charging time is arbitrarily set between a lower limit value and an upper limit value, the lower limit value being an inverse time Tx of a frequency Fx of the high frequency side at which an imaginary part of an alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a first local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fx, and the upper limit value being an inverse time Ty of a frequency Fy at the low frequency side at which an imaginary part of the alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a second local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Mitsuhiro TAKENO
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Publication number: 20090027011Abstract: A batter charger for charging a secondary batter using a power supply circuit which converts an AC input into a DC output, includes a first resistor for detecting constant-current control and a second resistor for detecting end of charging. The first resister and the second register are inserted in series in a current path of the charging current. The power supply circuit has output characteristics of a constant-current control characteristic and a constant-voltage control characteristic. The constant-current control is performed using a first detection voltage generated at the first resistor, and the constant-voltage control is performed by comparing a second detection voltage generated at a series resistor composed of the first resistor and the second resistor with a reference voltage using a comparator, and detecting an end of charging indicated by the second detection voltage fallen below the reference voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Koji Umetsu
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Publication number: 20090015207Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery charger and a method for charging a plurality of batteries. The battery charger includes: a current source for supplying a source current which has a charge current portion and a diverted current portion; bypass sections; voltage clamp sections; sense sections; a feedback section for processing information from the sense sections; and a controller for modifying the source current based on the information from the feedback section. Each bypass section is connected to a battery for diverting the diverted current. Each voltage clamp section is connected to the bypass section for clamping a voltage across the battery when the voltage increases to a predetermined level. Each sense section is connected to the bypass section for determining the diverted current and/or the charge current.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: ElectriTek-AVT, Inc.Inventor: Randolph A. Ibrahim
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Patent number: 7477041Abstract: The battery charging method uses a pulsed current alternately taking first and second amplitudes during first and second periods (t1, t2). At least one of the parameters, amplitude and duration, of the current during the first period (t1) is automatically servo-controlled as a function of a first value of the slope (P1) of the voltage (U), measured at the terminals of the battery to be charged. The first slope value (P1) is calculated at least at the end of the first period (t1). Likewise, a second value of the slope (P2) of the voltage (U) can be calculated at least at the end of the second period (t2) and at least one of the parameters of the current during the second period (t2) can be automatically servo-controlled as a function of the second slope value (P2). The different parameters of the pulsed charging current are thus continuously servo-controlled as a function of the voltage slope to keep the slope (P) within a range comprised between 1 mV/s and 6 mV/s.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Murielle Le Gall, Daniel Benchetrite, Olivier Bach
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Publication number: 20090001937Abstract: A power management system includes a battery pack having a battery controller and includes an adapter operable for charging the battery pack and powering a system load. The adapter generates a power recognition signal indicative of a maximum adapter power and receives a control signal. The battery controller in the battery pack receives the power recognition signal and generates the control signal to adjust an output power of the adapter according to a status of the battery pack and a status of the system load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: O2Micro, Inc.Inventors: William Densham, Han-Jung Kao, Liusheng Liu
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Publication number: 20080297118Abstract: A battery charging circuit includes a power supply circuit being connected via a switching element and a current-limiting resistor to a battery to subject the battery to a trickle charge, and a control circuit turning on and off the switching element on a given duty to subject the battery to the trickle charge by means of a pulsed charge. The control circuit includes an on-timing adjustment circuit detecting a battery voltage to control the duty of turning on and off the switching element. The on-timing adjustment circuit makes a duty ratio smaller in a state of a low battery voltage than in a state of a high battery voltage and turns on and off the switching element to perform the trickle charge by means of the pulsed charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Hisanori Honma, Takashi Kabasawa
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Publication number: 20080258688Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include techniques for charging a battery using a regulator. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an electronic circuit comprising a regulator having an input coupled to a power source for receiving a voltage and a current and an output for providing an output current, an input voltage detection circuit coupled to the power source, and an adjustable current limit circuit for controlling the input or output current of the regulator, wherein input voltage detection circuit monitors the voltage from the power source and the adjustable current limit circuit changes the input or output current of the regulator to optimize the power drawn from power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Summit Microelectronics, Inc.Inventors: M. Abid Hussain, George Konstantinos Paparrizos, Takashi Kanamori, Thomas J. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20080258687Abstract: A battery charger includes: a step-down switching converter connected to provide power at a predetermined average current from an input voltage V+ to an output node VOUT; a regulating switch connected to provide power at a predetermined voltage from the input node V+ to the output node VOUT; a mixed mode control circuit configured to charge a battery connected to the output node VOUT in a predetermined sequence that includes: a preconditioning phase where the regulating switch provides power to the battery; and a constant current phase where the switching converter delivers power to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: ADVANCED ANALOGIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: John S.K. So, Kevin D'Angelo
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Patent number: 7425815Abstract: Circuitry for charging a battery includes a switch for coupling the power source to the battery. The switch is turned on and off in accordance with a periodic control signal including a plurality of periods. Each period includes a first duration during which the control signal is in a first state and a second duration during which the control signal is in a second state. The switch is turned on when the control signal is in the first state to couple the power source to the battery, and turned off when the control signal is in the second state to decouple the power source from the battery. Since the switch is periodically turned off while the battery is being charged, the average amount of heat generated by the switch is reduced, thereby preventing excessive thermal emission from the battery charging circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, Scott J. Davidson
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Publication number: 20080211455Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for contact-less charging of battery operated devices is presented. There is a host charger with a power converter and resonant tank circuit and a portable device where the battery is located, with a battery charging control IC. The method obviates the need for a voltage controller in each of both the host and the portable stages, thus decreasing complexity and increasing efficiency. The charging of the battery in the portable device is controlled by a charging controller therein, which is in continual electric communication with the host, whose output power the control IC dynamically monitors and controls. Two embodiments for the charging circuitry in the portable device are presented. In one embodiment component count is minimized but battery charging is not optimized when the battery voltage is very low. In the other embodiment charging efficiency is maximized regardless of the output voltage of the battery, but additional components are utilized.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2006Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Dong-Young Park, Sung-Wook Moon, Sung-Wook Choi, Gwang-Hee Gwon, Sub Han, Jung-Bum Kim
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Publication number: 20080203969Abstract: The battery pack charging method charges a battery pack, which is a plurality of lithium ion rechargeable batteries connected in series, to full charge by constant current and constant voltage charging. Constant current charging is performed until total voltage reaches a prescribed total voltage. Subsequently, constant current charging is switched to constant voltage charging until full charge is reached. In addition, the voltage of each battery being charged is detected. When the voltage of any battery exceeds a first specified voltage, charging is switched to pulse charging.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Toshitake Kurihara, Tatsuo Mori, Katsuhiro Suzuki
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Publication number: 20080197812Abstract: In one embodiment, a battery management system includes a charger controller for controlling a charging current of a battery according to a status of a load which is powered by the battery, and a counter coupled to the charger controller for determining a charging time according to such status. Advantageously, a first charging current is selected when the load is off. A second charging current that is less than the first charging current is selected when the load is on. Furthermore, a frequency of the counter is set to a first frequency when the load is off. The frequency is set to a second frequency that is less than the first frequency when the load is on.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Stefan Maireanu, Chun Lu, Jianping Xu, Xiaohua Lei, Zhitong Lei, Yongqiang Yu
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Patent number: 7394225Abstract: A multiple cell battery charger configured in a parallel topology provides constant current charging. The multiple cell battery charger requires fewer active components than known serial battery chargers, while at the same time preventing a thermal runaway condition. The multiple cell battery charger in accordance with the present invention is a constant voltage constant current battery charger that includes a regulator for providing a regulated source of direct current (DC) voltage to the battery cells to be charged. The battery charger also includes a pair of battery terminals coupled in series with a switching device, such as a field effect transistor (FET) and optionally a battery cell charging current sensing element, forming a charging circuit. In a charging mode, the serially connected FET conducts, thus enabling the battery cell to be charged. The FETs are controlled by a microprocessor that monitors the battery cell voltage and cell charging current and optionally the cell temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: International Components CorporationInventors: Huang Tai Guang, Li Wen Hua, Robert Wentink
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Patent number: 7388348Abstract: The portable solar energy system stores electrical energy generated by a solar panel, which is made of an array of photovoltaic cells, in a dc storage battery, and upon demand converts the dc voltage of the battery to an ac output suitable for supplying conventional electrical appliances. The battery is a sealed lead-acid type and may be an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery. The system includes an energy storage and converting unit, which houses the battery and a dc-to-ac inverter. The inverter converts the stored energy of the battery, supplied at a low dc voltage, into the ac voltage and current required for supplying conventional appliances. A charge controller manages the flow of current from the solar panel to optimize the state of charge of the battery and to maximize the useful life of the battery. Additional circuitry monitors the discharge level of the battery to limit deep discharging.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Inventor: Alan D. Mattichak
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Publication number: 20080129255Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology provide voltage regulator-alternator configurations that can distribute loads among a plurality of alternators, and fail-safe mechanisms used in connection with such voltage regulator-alternator configurations. For example, certain embodiments of the present technology provide electrical systems that include voltage regulators with connections over which control signals, which indicate whether a detected voltage is higher or lower than a target voltage, can be transmitted to other voltage regulators and received from other voltage regulators. For example, certain embodiments of the present technology provide voltage regulators that include connections over which control signals can be transmitted to other voltage regulators and received from other voltage regulators.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: German Holguin
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Patent number: 7339354Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a lithium-ion based rechargeable battery in a short time is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Akira Sanpei
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Patent number: 7298114Abstract: A NiH/NiCd (nickel hydrogen/nickel cadmium) battery charger with the function of emergency power supply unit having a main body with a charging chamber and a charging circuit positioned within the main body to allow an electric connection to the charging chamber and the power input interface. This charging control circuit is controlled by an electrical switch which divides the charging chamber into two or more parts. When the power input interface is connected, the electrical switch shuts off automatically to make the batteries in the charging chamber to be charged in groups. This is the function of charger. When the power input interface is switched off, the batteries in different circuit are joined in series to supply power as an emergency power supply unit. Therefore, with the design principle of “separate charging and common sharing”, it can protect the rechargeable batteries and provide power in lacking of power supply unit outdoors.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Fu-I Yang
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Patent number: 7274171Abstract: A charging circuit for a secondary battery includes a constant-voltage circuit part outputting one of a plurality of predetermined constant voltages and charges the secondary battery by applying the constant voltage thereto, a detection circuit part detecting a battery voltage of the secondary battery, and a control circuit part controlling the selection of the constant-voltage in response to the detected battery voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Junji Nishida, Shinya Manabe
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Patent number: 7235955Abstract: A controllably alternating buck mode DC-DC converter conducts cycle by cycle analysis of the direction of inductor current flow to decide whether to operate in synchronous buck mode or standard buck mode for the next successive cycle. For each cycle of the PWM waveform controlling the buck mode DC-DC converter, a mode control circuit examines and latches data representative of the direction of inductor current flow relative to the chargeable battery. If the inductor current flow is positive, a decision is made to operate in synchronous buck mode for the next PWM cycle, which allows positive current to charge the battery; if the inductor current drops to zero, a decision is made to operate the converter in standard buck mode for the next PWM cycle, so as to prevent current from flowing out of the battery and boosting the system bus.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventors: Eric Magne Solie, Thomas A. Jochum
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Patent number: 7227337Abstract: A battery charger with a discrete switched regulator provides relatively high efficiency and relatively low cost. Unlike known battery chargers which incorporate switched regulator ICs, the battery charger in accordance with the present invention utilizes the microprocessor for a dual function. In particular, the microprocessor not only controls the charging characteristics of the battery charging circuit but also directly controls the power output of the battery charger by direct control of the discrete switched regulator circuit. By using a discrete switched regulator circuit and redefining the role of the microprocessor, the battery charger in accordance with the present invention is relatively less expensive than known battery chargers which incorporate switched regulator ICs.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: International Components CorporationInventors: Huang Tai Guang, Xia Ju Jie, Li Wen Hua, Robert Wentink
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Patent number: 7200187Abstract: A digital modulator for driving a digital amplifier. The digital modulator has a subtractor which receives a digital input signal. A filter amplifier receives the output of the filter amplifier and is tuned to an idle frequency of the digital modulator. The digital modulator includes a delay element and a digital comparator. The digital comparator receives the output from the filter and applies it to the delay element. A feedback loop couples the output of the delay element to the subtractor.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Thomas J. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7088076Abstract: A power management topology for portable electronic devices that includes a feed-enabled AC/DC adapter that receives feedback data from a charge controller associated with the portable device. The feedback data can include battery charging current, battery voltage, or power requirements of the portable device. Using the feedback data, the external AC/DC adapter can adjust the DC output to meet the charging requirement of the battery and/or the power requirements of the portable device.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: O2Micro International LimitedInventors: William L. Densham, Vlad Mihail Popescu-Stanesti, Constantin Spiridon