Abstract: The bidirectional synchronous soft-switching DC-to-DC buck-boost controller of the present disclosure comprises a means for controlling electronic switches for synchronous voltage rectification on both electrical sides of the regulator (the high-voltage side and the low-voltage side). This allows the controller to use carefully-timed switches, in conjunction with other circuit components such as inductors and capacitors, to regulate energy flow. The controller also contains a means for sensing voltage on both of said sides. This allows the controller to determine the optimal switching rate for a given operating mode via an algorithm. The algorithm is executed electronically using a means such as, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a parallel processor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a non-welded leaf spring battery cell connector which allows for unrestricted outgassing during Lithium-Ion thermal runaway. The connector also has a low-resistance electrical connection surface for applications with rough, uneven contact surfaces such as those on refurbished Lithium-Ion battery cells. The connector is compatible with both protected and unprotected Lithium-Ion cells, as it allows for up to about 5 mm of vertical travel to support varying battery cell lengths caused by battery protection circuits. The leaf spring connector for Lithium-Ion battery cells is made of a conductive sheet of metal, cut and folded into a leaf-spring connector for a removable, non-welded battery cell. The leaf spring connector has one or more areas of material removed, as to not block the flow of caustic gasses during emergency outgassing.

Abstract: The invention addresses individual electronic components on a shared communication bus by using spatial indexing to route data based on the physical location of the electronic components. The spatially indexed two-line data bus maps a spatial grid to a plurality of indexed connection points, which are geometrically arranged in physical space, to a set of electrically conductive grid lines. The grid lines form a communication network which can be connected to electronic components physically located on the mapped spatial grid. In the preferred embodiment, the grid lines are comprised of copper traces on a printed circuit board (PCB). In another embodiment, the grid lines are comprised of connecting wires. The electronic components are connected electrically in parallel with the grid lines.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a battery connector for cylindrical battery cells having a positively charged anode contiguous with the circular, or oval, first end, a negatively charged cathode contiguous with the circular, or oval, second end, and straight parallel sides electrically connected with said cathode. The battery connector has an electrically nonconductive outer shell, open-ended on one side, with a cylindrical inner cavity into which one end of the battery cell is inserted. In the preferred embodiment, the nonconductive outer shell is comprised of plastic. In another embodiment, the nonconductive outer shell may be comprised of a Silicon-based material, but other embodiments are also possible. In the preferred embodiment, the nonconductive outer shell is sufficiently tall, and the cylindrical cavity's diameter is sufficiently narrow, to substantially prevent either the anode or the cathode of the battery cell from contacting both battery terminals simultaneously.

Abstract: A battery management system comprises a printed circuit board having a current collector circuit and at least one independent battery cell management circuits. Each battery cell management circuit can sense and regulate the voltage and amperage of a single battery cell, such that each battery cell is independently managed for operation. Each battery cell management circuit includes a means for independently connecting a battery cell with said current collector circuit for electrical energy transfer. Said battery cell management circuits further include operational voltage and amperage values for a battery cell, which may vary over time, based on predetermined parameters. Each battery cell management circuit further includes operational limits, and a means for independently disconnecting a battery cell from said current collector circuit for electrical energy transfer. The battery cell management circuits can be operated concurrently for electrical energy transfer.

Abstract: A composite thermal control substrate for heating and cooling printed circuit boards (PCBs), or other temperature-sensitive equipment, which thermally connects said equipment to a single thermally conductive surface plane, while maintaining electrical isolation of the equipment and its components. The thermally conductive surface plane provides a large, uniform, flat, exposed thermal control surface which can be connected to industrial thermal control systems, such as heat sinks, air or liquid heat exchangers, thermoelectric cooling systems, or heating elements. This provides a substantially large and efficient heat collection and dissipation surface area, and more thermal mass, providing increased thermal stability and flexibility in the design and application of external heating or cooling systems for PCBs or other temperature-sensitive equipment. Furthermore, the composite thermal control substrate is manufactured and applied separately from the panel-based PCB manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating data comprises a group of radios intercommunicating data through a channel using a time division multiple access having a plurality of timeslots. The system further comprises a first radio of the group of radios selecting a data communication selection, said first radio communicating a request control signal to a leader radio of the group of radios. When a request control acknowledge signal is received from a leader radio at the first radio, suspending time division multiple access intercommunicating data within the group of radios using the plurality of timeslots and communicating data through the channel.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for facilitating radio frequency (RF) communication between devices using guaranteed time slots (GTSs). Embodiments include designating, at a personal area network (PAN) coordinator, a contention access period (CAP) during which a plurality of devices on a network can transmit unsolicited media access control (MAC) commands to the PAN coordinator via RF communications. Embodiments further include facilitating direct RF communication between the plurality of devices, by broadcasting a beacon, at the PAN coordinator, designating GTSs for the plurality of devices, wherein each GTS specifies a time period during which one of the plurality of devices on the network is authorized to send or receive data.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus adapted to perform a secure firmware upgrade. The apparatus includes a first memory and a second memory. The first memory stores a private key for use in decrypting content and a unique identifier corresponding to the apparatus. The second memory includes a first version of firmware for the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to perform an operation that includes receiving a first request to perform a firmware update operation for the apparatus. The operation also includes transmitting a second request for a second version of firmware to a remote server, the second request specifying the unique identifier corresponding to the apparatus. Additionally, in response to transmitting the second request, an encrypted firmware package is received from the remote server. The operation further includes decrypting the encrypted firmware package using the private key and installing the decrypted firmware package on the apparatus.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus adapted to perform a secure firmware upgrade. The apparatus includes a first memory and a second memory. The first memory stores a private key for use in decrypting content and a unique identifier corresponding to the apparatus. The second memory includes a first version of firmware for the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to perform an operation that includes receiving a first request to perform a firmware update operation for the apparatus. The operation also includes transmitting a second request for a second version of firmware to a remote server, the second request specifying the unique identifier corresponding to the apparatus. Additionally, in response to transmitting the second request, an encrypted firmware package is received from the remote server. The operation further includes decrypting the encrypted firmware package using the private key and installing the decrypted firmware package on the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for facilitating radio frequency (RF) communication between devices using guaranteed time slots (GTSs). Embodiments include designating, at a personal area network (PAN) coordinator, a contention access period (CAP) during which a plurality of devices on a network can transmit unsolicited media access control (MAC) commands to the PAN coordinator via RF communications. Embodiments further include facilitating direct RF communication between the plurality of devices, by broadcasting a beacon, at the PAN coordinator, designating GTSs for the plurality of devices, wherein each GTS specifies a time period during which one of the plurality of devices on the network is authorized to send or receive data.