Abstract: A method for managing a battery with multiple battery cells is disclosed. The method includes monitoring parameters of the battery cells by an information acquisition unit. Parameters of the battery cells include individual cell voltages. The method further includes selecting, by a controller one of multiple charging modes in which the battery cells are charged according to the cell voltages. The charging modes include a constant current charging mode, a constant voltage charging mode, and a pulse charging mode.

Abstract: A power supply system can include a primary power supply coupled to an output, and a secondary power supply coupled to the output. The primary power supply provides power to the output when a voltage level of the secondary power supply is less than a first predetermined level. The secondary power supply provides power to the output when the voltage level of the secondary power supply is greater than the first predetermined level. The secondary power supply not only provides power to the output, but also charges the primary power supply when the voltage level of the secondary power supply is greater than a second predetermined level that is greater than the first predetermined level.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a plurality of primary power sources operable for powering a load and charging a secondary power source, and a power management unit coupled to the plurality of primary power sources and the secondary power source. The power management unit is operable for selectively directing power of each of the primary power sources to the load according to a power requirement of the load. The power management unit is further operable for directing power of the secondary power source to the load if the power requirement of the load exceeds a total power capacity of the plurality of primary power sources.

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and a cell monitor. The cell monitor is embedded in the battery cell and is operable for monitoring the battery cell and for generating an alert signal indicative of a predetermined condition of the battery cell.

Abstract: A low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) includes a regulating circuit, an amplifier, and a first compensating path. The regulating circuit is configured to receive an input signal at an input terminal and provide an output signal at an output terminal in response to a control signal received at the control terminal. The amplifier may have a first input terminal coupled to a first input path and an output terminal be coupled to the control terminal of the regulating circuit via a path to provide the control signal. The first compensating path is coupled between a first node on the first input path and a first node on the path coupling the output terminal of the amplifier to the control terminal of the regulating circuit, the first compensating path including a first compensating capacitor.

Abstract: A computer capable of playing real time applications includes a processing circuit configured to operate in a first power state, a second power state, and a third power state where the processing circuit consumes less power in the second state than in the first state, and less power in the third state than in the second state; and a real time subsystem coupled to the processing circuit, wherein the real time subsystem includes a buffer. The buffer is further configured to store data and output the data to an output device thereby enabling the processing circuit to enter the third power state while the buffer is outputting said data.

Abstract: A low-power audio CD player for portable computers permits operation of the CD-ROM subsystem when power is not being supplied to the computer subsystem. In one embodiment of the invention, the computer subsystem comprises a system CPU, a digital-audio generating circuit, a digital computer bus coupling the CPU and the digital-audio generator circuit, and a digital computer bus controller. The CD audio subsystem comprises an audio device capable of playing an audio CD and coupled to the digital computer bus controller, an audio amplifier circuit coupled to the audio device, and an audio interface coupled to the digital computer bus in parallel to the digital computer bus controller and the audio device. The audio interface is adapted to generate signals to operate the audio device and play the audio CD when power is not being supplied to the computer subsystem or to the CPU.