Abstract: A battery system includes a battery module, an active cell balancing circuit, and a battery controller. Each cell has diametrically-opposed positive and negative cell tabs. The circuit includes voltage sensors and, at each end of the battery module, first and second tiers of switches and an energy storage element. Each voltage sensor is located between a different pair of adjacent cells. The controller receives measured voltages from the sensors indicative of an electric potential between adjacent battery cells. Responsive to the measured voltages, the controller commands the first tier to selectively connect or disconnect designated pairs of cells to the corresponding second tier. The controller also commands the second tier to selectively connect or disconnect the designated cells to a corresponding energy storage element. This action shuttles energy between the designated pairs of battery cells to balance a state of charge.

Abstract: A high-voltage electrical system includes a high-voltage electrical bus, a low-voltage controller performing battery management system (BMS) functions, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) connected to the HV electrical bus. The RESS has contactors connected to the voltage rails, a battery pack, a current sensor outputting a voltage signal indicative of pack current, cell monitoring units (CMUs) connected to designated battery cells that measure corresponding cell voltages, and voltage isolation hardware between the CMUs and the LV controller. The voltage isolation hardware includes the contactors and may include a transformer. The RESS and LV controller are connected via LV serial connections such that the LV controller performs the designated BMS functions, including monitoring the pack current and controlling an open/closed state of the contactors. A powertrain system includes the electrical system, an electric machine, and a coupled load.

Abstract: A battery module includes battery cells and a cell monitoring unit (CMU). The CMU includes a radio frequency (RF) communications circuit and a cell sense circuit connected to a substrate, the latter in wireless communication with the RF communications circuit. The cell sense circuit measures battery data, including a cell voltage and a cell temperature of each battery cell. The CMU includes a microprocessor in communication with the RF communications and cell sense circuits. The microprocessor determines when the battery module has been dormant for a predetermined dormancy duration during which the battery cells are neither charging nor discharging. Responsive to such dormancy, a Long-Term Data Storage Mode is executed in which the RF communications circuit paired with the cell sense circuit, collects the battery data at a calibrated interval, and wirelessly transmits the battery data to flash memory of the CMU for storage therein.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery module, an active cell balancing circuit, and a battery controller. Each cell has diametrically-opposed positive and negative cell tabs. The circuit includes voltage sensors and, at each end of the battery module, first and second tiers of switches and an energy storage element. Each voltage sensor is located between a different pair of adjacent cells. The controller receives measured voltages from the sensors indicative of an electric potential between adjacent battery cells. Responsive to the measured voltages, the controller commands the first tier to selectively connect or disconnect designated pairs of cells to the corresponding second tier. The controller also commands the second tier to selectively connect or disconnect the designated cells to a corresponding energy storage element. This action shuttles energy between the designated pairs of battery cells to balance a state of charge.

Abstract: A high-voltage electrical system includes a high-voltage electrical bus, a low-voltage controller performing battery management system (BMS) functions, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) connected to the HV electrical bus. The RESS has contactors connected to the voltage rails, a battery pack, a current sensor outputting a voltage signal indicative of pack current, cell monitoring units (CMUs) connected to designated battery cells that measure corresponding cell voltages, and voltage isolation hardware between the CMUs and the LV controller. The voltage isolation hardware includes the contactors and may include a transformer. The RESS and LV controller are connected via LV serial connections such that the LV controller performs the designated BMS functions, including monitoring the pack current and controlling an open/closed state of the contactors. A powertrain system includes the electrical system, an electric machine, and a coupled load.

Abstract: A battery module for use with a controller includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) mounted to a plurality of battery cells. The PCBA includes a substrate, a radio frequency (RF) communications circuit, a cell sensing circuit, and a conductive interconnecting member. The cell sensing circuit is operable for measuring a respective cell voltage of each of the battery cells. The conductive interconnect member forms an electrical connection between the battery cells. The RF communications circuit is in wireless communication with the controller and is operable for wirelessly transmitting the measured cell voltages to the controller. A battery system includes a master battery controller and the battery pack. A vehicle includes an electric machine operable for generating output torque for propelling the vehicle, as well as the battery system noted above.

Abstract: A battery module for use with a controller includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) mounted to a plurality of battery cells. The PCBA includes a substrate, a radio frequency (RF) communications circuit, a cell sensing circuit, and a conductive interconnecting member. The cell sensing circuit is operable for measuring a respective cell voltage of each of the battery cells. The conductive interconnect member forms an electrical connection between the battery cells. The RF communications circuit is in wireless communication with the controller and is operable for wirelessly transmitting the measured cell voltages to the controller. A battery system includes a master battery controller and the battery pack. A vehicle includes an electric machine operable for generating output torque for propelling the vehicle, as well as the battery system noted above.