Abstract: This invention includes a power management method and apparatus for portable electronic devices, like cellular phones for example, to which accessories may be attached. These accessories include MP-3 players, personal digital assistants, and pagers. In a simple embodiment, a battery pack having a fuel gauge and power management controller measure an energy profile required by the host. From this profile the power management controller can determine when accessories are attached to the host by the amount of power being drawn. When the capacity of the cell is reduced below a predetermined threshold, the power management controller notifies the user that a limited amount of operational time remains and accessories should be turned off. In another embodiment, the power management controller automatically allocates power between the host and accessories once the predetermined threshold has been reached.

Abstract: This invention includes a power management method and apparatus for portable electronic devices, like cellular phones for example, to which accessories may be attached. These accessories include MP-3 players, personal digital assistants, and pagers. In a simple embodiment, a battery pack having a fuel gauge and power management controller measure an energy profile required by the host. From this profile the power management controller can determine when accessories are attached to the host by the amount of power being drawn. When the capacity of the cell is reduced below a predetermined threshold, the power management controller notifies the user that a limited amount of operational time remains and accessories should be turned off. In another embodiment, the power management controller automatically allocates power between the host and accessories once the predetermined threshold has been reached.