Abstract: A battery charger utilizes three basic modes of operation that includes a maintenance mode, a rapid charge mode and time controlled limited charging mode. The device utilizes feedback from the battery being charged of voltage, current and temperature to determine the mode of operation and the time period during which the battery is being charged.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for a DC power supply senses the current in the return line of the power supply and compares the sensed current to a threshold that is generated within the regulator section of the power supply. When the sensed current exceeds the threshold, a detector circuit will sense the threshold being exceeded and override the voltage control circuit that is used to regulate the DC power supply and reduce or remove the output voltage until the sensed current falls below the threshold level. The current limiting action is preformed by controlling the conductance of the pass element so that the pass element is always operating within its safe operating area.