Abstract: There is provided a monitoring device which can be used as a battery monitor in a mobile communications device, such as a mobile phone. The monitoring device includes output registers, from which parameter values can be read by a processor unit. Advantageously, the device makes frequent measurements, and updates parameter values on the basis of those measurements. The updated stored parameter values can then be read by the processor. This has the advantage that the processor does not have to read a large number of values, in order to obtain the information required about the parameters. This therefore has the result that communications on the bus are reduced, and power consumption is reduced. For example, the parameters may include a maximum battery voltage, a minimum battery voltage, and an average battery voltage, as well as parameters relating to the current supplied to the battery during charging.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for synchronizing communication between a battery and an electronic device are disclosed. Bytes consisting of a number of bits are transmitted between the electronic device and the battery. A predetermined bit sequence is appended to at least some of the bytes prior to transmission. The time interval between given shifts in the predetermined bit sequence is used to synchronize the communication.

Abstract: Digital, serial communication over an interface between an electronic device (102) and a battery (103) attached thereto comprises transmission of bytes (300) consisting of a number of bits. Each bit is defined by one of a high level and a low level, and a leading bit (304) of each byte is of a first one of said high and low levels. The method comprises the step of transmitting the other of the high and low levels for a first period of time (403, 405) immediately prior to said leading bit (304). When the leading bit of a byte is always of the same level (i.e. either high or low) and a period of the opposite level precedes the leading bit, it is very easy and simple to ensure that the sending as well as the receiving party is ready for the communication to take place and adjusted to the actual direction of communication.

Abstract: A battery pack for a portable device is disclosed. The battery includes a circuit comprising a plurality of circuit components which are connected to each other via a chip on plastic technique thus obviating a need for a circuit carrying substrate such as a printed circuit board. In an alternative embodiment, the battery may be encased by a solid polymer material which can be used as the circuit component connecting means.

Abstract: There is provided a monitoring device which can be used as a battery monitor in a mobile communications device, such as a mobile phone. The monitoring device includes output registers, from which parameter values can be read by a processor unit.

Abstract: A battery system and method are disclosed. The battery system and method include battery means for supplying operating power during battery operation of a battery power receiving device (e.g. a mobile phone). The battery system and method further includes a battery information circuit carried as a unit together with the battery means (e.g. in the form of a so-called battery pack for a mobile phone) for assembly with the battery power receiving device. The battery information circuit includes memory cells and is capable of communicating information with the battery power receiving device. The memory cells include bits encoded to represent an index for a table including battery information; and the battery power receiving device includes a memory capable of storing the table.

Abstract: A voltage/current regulator regulates charging of a rechargeable battery in a portable apparatus that includes a transistor and a controller means coupled to the transistor for controlling the charging current to the battery. The controller determines the power dissipation in the transistor of the regulator. If the power dissipation is above a maximum allowed power dissipation, the controller decreases the charging current by a particular current step. Otherwise, the controller determines if the power dissipation will exceed the maximum allowed power dissipation if the charging current is increased by the current step. If not, the controller increases the charging current by the current step.

Abstract: Method and system for communication between a battery power receiving device and a battery pack are disclosed. The battery power receiving device has a battery information circuit that is carried with the battery power receiving device as a single unit. Battery information such as battery identification and capacity are stored in the battery power receiving device and the battery information circuit. The battery power receiving device uses the battery information if the battery identification stored therein coincides with the battery identification stored in the battery information circuit.

Abstract: A method enables digital, serial communication over an interface between an electronic device (102) and a battery (103) attached thereto. The digital, serial communication comprises transmission of bytes (300) consisting of a number of bits. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a byte from a first one of said electronic device and said battery, receiving said byte in the other of said electronic device and said battery, and retransmitting said received byte unchanged. Hereby, it is possible to compare the contents of the returned byte with the contents of the byte originally transmitted, and thus ensure that the byte was transmitted correctly. This simple procedure makes other error handling procedures such as parity bits unnecessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintenance charging a battery is disclosed. A battery is fully charged using conventional CC-CV techniques and subsequently is maintenance charged by applying a first maintenance voltage to the battery for a first predetermined time period. If desired, a second maintenance voltage may be applied to the battery for a second predetermined time period. An apparatus for maintenance charging a battery utilizes a timer and a charge controller to apply a maintenance voltage to a battery for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A battery pack for a portable electric apparatus has one or more than one battery cells and terminals for electric connection to the apparatus. The battery pack has a first terminal for receiving charging current from the apparatus, a second terminal for feeding supply current to the apparatus, and a third terminal for establishing a zero or ground line common to the apparatus and the battery pack. Furthermore, the battery pack has a first voltage converter arranged between the first terminal and the battery cell(s), and a second voltage converter arranged between the second terminal and the battery cell(s).

Abstract: A safety device for a portable battery-powered electric apparatus having a battery unit with one or more battery cells for supplying power to electric circuitry in the apparatus. The apparatus is connectable to a charging device for charging the battery unit while maintaining the supply of power to the apparatus. The safety device has a first fuse device connected between the battery unit and a first terminal of the apparatus for receiving charging current from the charging device, and a second fuse device connected between the battery unit and a second terminal of the apparatus for supplying power to electric circuitry in the apparatus. The fuse devices are operatively independent of each other, particularly in that the second fuse device maintains the electric connection between the battery unit and the electric circuitry in the apparatus, even when or if the first fuse device releases or opens in response to an undesired condition in the charging device.