Abstract: A retrofit module for lithium battery passivation, detection, activation and maintenance (PDAM) may include a test circuit, a load circuit, a microcontroller and means for electrically connecting the PDAM module to a target battery in a device. Upon power-up and/or joining or rejoining a network, and additionally at periodic intervals thereafter, the state of the target battery is determined and an activation algorithm is executed, the parameters of which are dependent upon the determined target battery state.

Abstract: A method of depassivating a battery may include receiving a determined state of the battery and applying, depending on the determined state, a depassivation algorithm to the battery. The algorithm may include applying a load across the battery for a predetermined amount of time that is dependent on the degree of battery passivation.

Abstract: A method for determining lithium battery passivation starts by applying a load across a lithium battery at the start of a test interval. Measurements of the battery's voltage are taken after applying the load, and then again periodically during the test interval. A final measurement of the battery's voltage at the end of the test interval. The state of the battery is then determined based on the first and final measurements, and at least one of the periodic measurements.

Abstract: A method of depassivating a battery may include receiving a determined state of the battery and applying, depending on the determined state, a depassivation algorithm to the battery. The algorithm may include applying a load across the battery for a predetermined amount of time that is dependent on the degree of battery passivation.

Abstract: A method for determining lithium battery passivation starts by applying a load across a lithium battery at the start of a test interval. Measurements of the battery's voltage are taken after applying the load, and then again periodically during the test interval. A final measurement of the battery's voltage at the end of the test interval. The state of the battery is then determined based on the first and final measurements, and at least one of the periodic measurements.

Abstract: A system includes a wireless communication device that joins a wireless communication network. Specifically, the wireless communication device measures a quality metric of the wireless communication network in response to a trigger to join the wireless communication network. The wireless communication device determines whether the quality metric indicates a high quality environment or a low quality environment for communicating signals. In response to the quality metric indicating the high quality environment, the wireless communication device selects a first pathway with an optimum transmission time between the wireless communication device and a central controller of the wireless communication network. In response to the quality metric indicating a low quality environment, the wireless communication device selects a second pathway comprising an optimum quality link between the wireless communication device and another wireless communication device in the wireless communication network.

Abstract: A system includes a wireless communication device that joins a wireless communication network. Specifically, the wireless communication device measures a quality metric of the wireless communication network in response to a trigger to join the wireless communication network. The wireless communication device determines whether the quality metric indicates a high quality environment or a low quality environment for communicating signals. In response to the quality metric indicating the high quality environment, the wireless communication device selects a first pathway with an optimum transmission time between the wireless communication device and a central controller of the wireless communication network. In response to the quality metric indicating a low quality environment, the wireless communication device selects a second pathway comprising an optimum quality link between the wireless communication device and another wireless communication device in the wireless communication network.