Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: a first circuitry to estimate variation of an internal impedance of a battery; a second circuitry to estimate a high power that the battery can supply for a first time-period, based on the estimated variation of the impedance of the battery; and a third circuitry to facilitate operation of one or more components of the apparatus in accordance with the estimated high power for the first time-period.

Abstract: An embodiment of a semiconductor package apparatus may include technology to determine history information for a battery, predict a peak power capacity of the battery based on the history information, and set a peak power parameter based on the predicted peak power capacity.

Abstract: A scheme to initiate fast charging of a battery based on inference, situation, and/or need. The scheme uses a situational fast charging algorithm that detects user's situation and judges if fast battery charging is needed and enables fast charging. Once the need for fast charging need is detected, there are at least two options to follow. In the first option, when a charger cannot provide enough power to support both system and battery fast charging, the system turns down system power (e.g., reduces display brightness) and starts fast charging with available charger power to a sufficient charge level. In the second option, when a charger can provide enough power to support both system and battery fast charging, the system starts fast charging to a sufficient charge level.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: a first circuitry to estimate variation of an internal impedance of a battery; a second circuitry to estimate a high power that the battery can supply for a first time-period, based on the estimated variation of the impedance of the battery; and a third circuitry to facilitate operation of one or more components of the apparatus in accordance with the estimated high power for the first time-period.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: a first circuitry to estimate variation of an internal impedance of a battery; a second circuitry to estimate a high power that the battery can supply for a first time-period, based on the estimated variation of the impedance of the battery; and a third circuitry to facilitate operation of one or more components of the apparatus in accordance with the estimated high power for the first time-period.

Abstract: In embodiments, an apparatus may include a battery life monitor. The battery life monitor may, in some embodiments, receive a battery level indicator indicative of a current charge level of a battery that is coupled with the apparatus and a first temperature that may indicate a temperature of a current location of the apparatus. The battery life monitor may also receive one or more additional temperatures that indicate respective temperatures of one or more locations in which the apparatus is likely to be operated prior to discharge of the current charge level of the battery. Based at least in part on the current charge level, the first temperature indicator, and the one or more additional temperatures, the battery life monitor may calculate one or more battery life estimates that correspond with the one or more locations. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment of a semiconductor package apparatus may include technology to determine history information for a battery, predict a peak power capacity of the battery based on the history information, and set a peak power parameter based on the predicted peak power capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: a first circuitry to estimate variation of an internal impedance of a battery; a second circuitry to estimate a high power that the battery can supply for a first time-period, based on the estimated variation of the impedance of the battery; and a third circuitry to facilitate operation of one or more components of the apparatus in accordance with the estimated high power for the first time-period.

Abstract: In embodiments, an apparatus may include a battery life monitor. The battery life monitor may, in some embodiments, receive a battery level indicator indicative of a current charge level of a battery that is coupled with the apparatus and a first temperature that may indicate a temperature of a current location of the apparatus. The battery life monitor may also receive one or more additional temperatures that indicate respective temperatures of one or more locations in which the apparatus is likely to be operated prior to discharge of the current charge level of the battery. Based at least in part on the current charge level, the first temperature indicator, and the one or more additional temperatures, the battery life monitor may calculate one or more battery life estimates that correspond with the one or more locations. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Because a rechargeable battery has an increased number of uses (e.g., cycles), the battery's internal impedance can increase and the efficiency of the battery can become degraded. This internal resistance can cause cutoff voltage thresholds and cutoff current thresholds to prematurely stop a phase of battery charging, as these cutoff values can be based on low-cycle count batteries. New cutoff values can, instead, be based on battery impedance. Use of an adjusted cutoff current threshold during a constant voltage cycle can increase the capacity of high-cycle count batteries. Use of an adjusted cutoff voltage threshold in step charging can increase the charging speed of high-cycle count batteries. These increases in efficiency by using adjusted cutoff values can increase as the battery is further high-cycle count, in comparison with low-cycle count cutoff values used with high-cycle count batteries.

Abstract: Because a rechargeable battery has an increased number of uses (e.g., cycles), the battery's internal impedance can increase and the efficiency of the battery can become degraded. This internal resistance can cause cutoff voltage thresholds and cutoff current thresholds to prematurely stop a phase of battery charging, as these cutoff values can be based on low-cycle count batteries. New cutoff values can, instead, be based on battery impedance. Use of an adjusted cutoff current threshold during a constant voltage cycle can increase the capacity of high-cycle count batteries. Use of an adjusted cutoff voltage threshold in step charging can increase the charging speed of high-cycle count batteries. These increases in efficiency by using adjusted cutoff values can increase as the battery is further high-cycle count, in comparison with low-cycle count cutoff values used with high-cycle count batteries.

Abstract: A dynamic hibernation time apparatus monitors and ensures that battery packs in a computer system have sufficient energy capacity to sustain a proper saving of the hibernation file into the hard disk drive. The invention determines the memory size of the computer and adds the storage space needed to store the chip register contents to arrive at the determination of the hibernation file size. Next, the time necessary to save the hibernation file on the disk data storage device and the hibernation energy required to operate the disk data storage device to completely save the hibernation file are determined. When the battery capacity drops within a range of the previously computed hibernation energy, a warning message is generated at the user and the hibernation file is saved. The computer is shut down after the hibernation file has been properly saved.

Abstract: A dynamic hibernation time apparatus monitors and ensures that battery packs in a computer system have sufficient energy capacity to sustain a proper saving of the hibernation file into the hard disk drive. The invention determines the memory size of the computer and adds the storage space needed to store the chip register contents to arrive at the determination of the hibernation file size. Next, the time necessary to save the hibernation file on the disk data storage device and the hibernation energy required to operate the disk data storage device to completely save the hibernation file are determined. When the battery capacity drops within a range of the previously computed hibernation energy, a warning message is generated at the user and the hibernation file is saved. The computer is shut down after the hibernation file has been properly saved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuitry for selecting a master battery pack for supplying power to a computer system capable of incorporating multiple battery packs. A bi-directional master battery signal is communicated to the microcontroller of each installed battery pack and arbitration circuitry contained within the host computer system. The master battery signal operates in conjunction with a serial communications interface between each of the installed battery packs and the host computer system. Battery status information is communicated to the host computer system via the serial communications interface, and the host computer system then selects a master battery pack. The battery pack selected to be the master asserts the master battery signal while all other battery packs monitor this signal waiting for it to be deasserted. Other battery packs utilize the master battery signal to control their own charge and discharge circuitry.

Abstract: A computer system including circuitry for accurately and economically controlling the charge voltage and charge current at the terminals of its rechargeable battery. During a battery recharge, sensor circuitry coupled to the battery provides accurate data to a battery microcontroller regarding the charge voltage and charge current present at the battery terminals. A battery microcontroller relays this information to a multipurpose microcontroller. The battery microcontroller also provides the desired charging voltage and current as determined by the battery pack's charging algorithm. The multipurpose microcontroller uses the battery status information to program an addressable potentiometer. In turn, the potentiometer generates an adjustment signal that controls the output voltage of the computer's AC adapter. Preferably, the AC adapter is capable of being operated in a constant-power mode.

Abstract: A power supply system, for example, for use with a portable personal computer, includes a smart battery pack and a charging system. The smart battery pack is provided with a dedicated microcontroller for controlling the charging level of the battery charger system. In particular, the status of the battery including the voltage and temperature of the battery is applied to the microcontroller along with a signal representative of the current load demand of the computer system. The micro controller, in turn, provides a control signal in the form of fixed frequency, variable duty cycle pulse width modulated (PWM) signal for controlling the charging level of the battery charger system. The duty cycle of the PWM signal is used to regulate the charging current supplied by the battery charger. In particular, the DC value of the PWM signal is used as a reference to control the charging current of the regulator to provide a variable output charging current with a relatively wide current range.

Abstract: A power supply system, for example, for use with a portable personal computer, includes a smart battery pack and a charging system. The smart battery pack is provided with a dedicated microcontroller for controlling the charging level of the battery charger system. In particular, the status of the battery including the voltage and temperature of the battery is applied to the microcontroller along with a signal representative of the current load demand of the computer system. The micro controller, in turn, provides a control signal in the form of fixed frequency, variable duty cycle pulse width modulated (PWM) signal for controlling the charging level of the battery charger system. The duty cycle of the PWM signal is used to regulate the charging current supplied by the battery charger. In particular, the DC value of the PWM signal is used as a reference to control the charging current of the regulator to provide a variable output charging current with a relatively wide current range.

Abstract: A power supply system, for example, for use with a portable personal computer, includes a smart battery pack and a charging system. The smart battery pack is provided with a dedicated microcontroller for controlling the charging level of the battery charger system. In particular, the status of the battery including the voltage and temperature of the battery is applied to the microcontroller along with a signal representative of the current load demand of the computer system. The microcontroller, in turn, provides a control signal in the form of fixed frequency, variable duty cycle pulse width modulated (PWM) signal for controlling the charging level of the battery charger system. The duty cycle of the PWM signal is used to regulate the charging current supplied by the battery charger. In particular, the DC value of the PWM signal is used as a reference to control the charging current of the regulator to provide a variable output charging current with a relatively wide current range.