Abstract: A topology is described in which each pair of cells in a string shares a single inductor. Switches permit the single inductor to selectively charge one or the other of the cells. In a variant of the topology, the inductor together with additional switches permit selectively charging multiple cells simultaneously (even one or both cells simultaneously in a pair of cells), drawing upon either an external energy source or upon one or multiple other cells in the string. In this way the number of inductors is minimized while providing isolation among the charging circuits.

Abstract: An arrangement provides simulation of important battery factors such as state of charge or state of health, and the estimates are provided to the human user in ways that permit the human user to make better use of the battery, for example in an electric car. The arrangement uses modeling elements that communicate with each other by means of an analog bus. Some lines on the analog bus are voltages that are intended to be inputs to the simulation or actual measured values from a physical system. Other lines, importantly, are “voltages” that are intended to communicate characteristics of interest such as open-circuit voltage of a cell. Still other lines may be “voltages” that merely pass messages between modeling elements, the voltages not necessarily representing any real-life measurable such as the afore-mentioned temperature value.

Abstract: A method, an algorithm, and circuits for implementation of a high-accuracy voltage divider are described that include a capability of fault detection. The disclosure allows for correction of non-catastrophic faults, such as significant changes of the components' values. The performance of the circuit built as described is vastly superior to operations achievable with the modern-day components utilized in previous standard and known configurations.

Abstract: A series array of electrochemical cells is charged by first applying a first charging current to the series array, thereby applying the first charging current to each of the cells in the series array. When one of the cells reaches a predefined maximum voltage, the series charging current is ceased. A second charging current is then selectively applied to various of the cells in the series array, topping up each of the cells in the series array. Priority is given to the weakest cell in the array. If there is an idle time for the battery load before the array is connected to a load, then charge is transferred from fully charged cells to weaker cells, thereby reducing charge imbalance among the cells. The array is connected to a load and power is drawn from the series array.

Abstract: A current sensing approach makes use of two shunts in series, embedded in a switching fabric, each shunt the object of a differential measurement of voltage drop across the shunt. Methodical make-before-break cycling of the switches in the switching fabric permit real-time or very near-real-time measurement of nearly all of the errors such as offset errors present in each differential-measurement path. Additional differential measurement paths can be connected with the shunts, with RFI filtering at shorter time constants to serve electronic fuse needs.

Abstract: A method, circuit, and topology are provided for utilization of this circuit in Li-Ion or any other battery that benefits from balancing between individual cells. The whole system is characterized as having high efficiency (and thus low heat losses) compared to previous art implementations. The actions of the circuit are continuous and bi-directional in respect to each cell.

Abstract: A current sensing approach makes use of two shunts in series, embedded in a switching fabric, each shunt the object of a differential measurement of voltage drop across the shunt. Methodical make-before-break cycling of the switches in the switching fabric permit real-time or very near-real-time measurement of nearly all of the errors such as offset errors present in each differential-measurement path. Additional differential measurement paths can be connected with the shunts, with RFI filtering at shorter time constants to serve electronic fuse needs.