Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a first device in a stack, a command from a controller. The stack includes multiple devices. The method also includes dissipating, by the first device, an amount of power responsive to a difference between a longest response time for the devices to respond to the command, and a device response time for the first device to respond to the command.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a first device in a stack, a command from a controller. The stack includes multiple devices. The method also includes dissipating, by the first device, an amount of power responsive to a difference between a longest response time for the devices to respond to the command, and a device response time for the first device to respond to the command.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a set of N battery modules coupled together in series, a set of N battery monitors, and a controller. Each battery monitor in the set of N battery monitors is coupled to a respective battery module in the set of N battery modules and measures a battery parameter of the respective battery module. The controller determines a preprogrammed delay for each battery monitor and provides the respective preprogrammed delay to each battery monitory. The controller transmits a synchronization command to the set of N battery monitors, which wait the respective preprogrammed delays in response to receiving the synchronization command before stopping updates to values of the respective battery parameters. The controller transmits a read command to the set of N battery monitors, which transmit read responses to the controller comprising values of the battery parameters.

Abstract: A monitor circuit for use in a management system with modular subsystems includes: a sensor configured to measure parameter values of a monitored electrical component as a function of time; and storage coupled to the sensor and configured to store the parameter values. The monitor circuit also includes frame preparation circuitry coupled to the storage and configured to prepare frames that include the parameter values, wherein the prepared frames vary in length as a function of time.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a set of N battery modules coupled together in series, a set of N battery monitors, and a controller. Each battery monitor in the set of N battery monitors is coupled to a respective battery module in the set of N battery modules and measures a battery parameter of the respective battery module. The controller determines a preprogrammed delay for each battery monitor and provides the respective preprogrammed delay to each battery monitory. The controller transmits a synchronization command to the set of N battery monitors, which wait the respective preprogrammed delays in response to receiving the synchronization command before stopping updates to values of the respective battery parameters. The controller transmits a read command to the set of N battery monitors, which transmit read responses to the controller comprising values of the battery parameters.

Abstract: A monitor circuit for use in a management system with modular subsystems includes: a sensor configured to measure parameter values of a monitored electrical component as a function of time; and storage coupled to the sensor and configured to store the parameter values. The monitor circuit also includes frame preparation circuitry coupled to the storage and configured to prepare frames that include the parameter values, wherein the prepared frames vary in length as a function of time.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a set of N battery modules coupled together in series, a set of N battery monitors, and a controller. Each battery monitor in the set of N battery monitors is coupled to a respective battery module in the set of N battery modules and measures a battery parameter of the respective battery module. The controller determines a preprogrammed delay for each battery monitor and provides the respective preprogrammed delay to each battery monitory. The controller transmits a synchronization command to the set of N battery monitors, which wait the respective preprogrammed delays in response to receiving the synchronization command before stopping updates to values of the respective battery parameters. The controller transmits a read command to the set of N battery monitors, which transmit read responses to the controller comprising values of the battery parameters.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a first device in a stack, a command from a controller. The stack includes multiple devices. The method also includes dissipating, by the first device, an amount of power responsive to a difference between a longest response time for the devices to respond to the command, and a device response time for the first device to respond to the command.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the disclosure provide for a system. In at least some examples, the system includes a microcontroller, an energy storage element, a monitoring circuit, and a communication bridge. The monitoring circuit is coupled to the energy storage element and configured to determine whether a fault associated with the energy storage element is present, generate an indication of the fault when the fault with the energy storage element is present, and transmit the indication of the fault. The communication bridge is configured to receive the indication of the fault and assert a fault signal and transmit the fault signal to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A monitor circuit for use in a management system with modular subsystems includes: a sensor configured to measure parameter values of a monitored electrical component as a function of time; and storage coupled to the sensor and configured to store the parameter values. The monitor circuit also includes frame preparation circuitry coupled to the storage and configured to prepare frames that include the parameter values, wherein the prepared frames vary in length as a function of time.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the disclosure provide for a system. In at least some examples, the system includes a microcontroller, an energy storage element, a monitoring circuit, and a communication bridge. The monitoring circuit is coupled to the energy storage element and configured to determine whether a fault associated with the energy storage element is present, generate an indication of the fault when the fault with the energy storage element is present, and transmit the indication of the fault. The communication bridge is configured to receive the indication of the fault and assert a fault signal and transmit the fault signal to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A battery powered system includes a voltage level shifter, an anti-aliasing filter, a pair of switches, a unity gain differential buffer, a second pair of switches, and an analog-to-digital converter. The first pair of switches couple the differential output port of the voltage level shifter to the differential input port of the anti-aliasing filter. The second pair of switches couple the differential output port of the anti-aliasing filter to the differential input port of the unity gain differential buffer. The analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the differential output port of the unity gain differential buffer.

Abstract: A battery powered system includes a voltage level shifter, an anti-aliasing filter, a pair of switches, a unity gain differential buffer, a second pair of switches, and an analog-to-digital converter. The first pair of switches couple the differential output port of the voltage level shifter to the differential input port of the anti-aliasing filter. The second pair of switches couple the differential output port of the anti-aliasing filter to the differential input port of the unity gain differential buffer. The analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the differential output port of the unity gain differential buffer.

Abstract: A battery cell tab monitoring apparatus includes a conductive element electrically connected between two battery cells. The conductive element is connected to a sensing circuit including a pull-down current source connected to pull current from the conductive element and/or a pull-up current source connected to drive current into the conductive element. A voltage measuring circuit is connected to sense voltages during operation of the pull-down current source and the pull-up current source to be used to determine the status of the conductive element. For instance, voltages beyond certain fixed or variable thresholds indicate that the conductive element is flexing or cracking, which can be a precursor to its breaking. Voltages beyond other fixed or variable thresholds indicate that the conductive element is fully disconnected. The current sources used to push and pull the sensing currents may be used to bring the battery cells into balance when an imbalance is detected.