Abstract: An electronic device includes a printed circuit board having a first ground contact and a second ground contact; an antenna unit having a ground contact end coupled to the first ground contact of the printed circuit board; and a battery unit. The battery unit includes a cell body, a cell cover having an internal surface defining a first chamber for confining the cell body therein and an external surface defining a second chamber that projects from the first chamber. The cell cover is connected electrically to the second ground contact of the printed circuit board. A protection printed circuit board is contained within the second chamber in such a manner to electrically connect with the cell cover. An electric coupler interconnects the protection printed circuit board to the first ground contact of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring a state-of-charge of the energy storage device and determining a first set of electric power limits and a second set of electric power limits based on the state-of-charge of the energy storage device. The method further includes providing a power range for opportunity charging and discharging of the energy storage device based on the first set of electric power limits. The method further includes providing a power range for controlling output power of the energy storage device based on the second set of electric power limits.

Abstract: To provide a secondary battery pack system that controls battery packs which are connected in parallel without requiring a complex system configuration, a secondary battery pack system of the present invention that supplies power to an electronic device includes a plurality of battery packs each having a controller, a main body side connection circuit which is provided on the electronic device side so as to be connected to the plurality of battery packs, and a main body side discharge control signal line which is provided in the main body side connection circuit. The main body side discharge control signal line and controllers of the plurality of battery packs are connected to each other.

Abstract: A device may include a battery and a plurality of components receiving power from the battery. A voltage of the battery is maintained above a threshold voltage by decreasing a current drawn by one of the components when the battery voltage approaches the threshold voltage.

Abstract: This invention discloses a charging/discharging protective circuit for a secondary battery pack, having an over-charging/discharging voltage comparator, a reference voltage source and a battery status decision circuit. There is also a sampling circuit having a sequential pulse generator for generating pulses for selecting one of the batteries in the battery pack for testing purposes. The pulse generator provides M-channel gating pulses to the selection circuit of the battery under test and provides sampling pulses to the over-charging/discharging voltage comparators. The reference voltage source has a regulated output circuit. This invention uses time division inspection methods to provide a cost-effective solution for inspecting batteries in a battery pack.

Abstract: A battery charging system is disclosed. The battery charging system includes a battery cell, a voltage measurement circuit and an overvoltage protection circuit. The voltage measurement circuit measures a cell voltage of the battery cell. The overvoltage protection circuit is configured to stop charging the battery cell when a reading voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit reaches an overvoltage setting value. The battery charging system also includes a battery charger for charging the battery cell, and a control unit for supplying a control voltage to the battery charger to perform feedback control of an output voltage of the battery charger. The battery charger includes a voltage feedback input for receiving a feedback voltage and a setting value input for receiving a setting voltage. The control voltage is generated based on the reading voltage and the setting voltage.

Abstract: A power generation system has a generator, a power bus and an electrical accumulator unit. The electrical accumulator unit includes an independent controller that actively filters transients from the power bus.

Abstract: A battery pack, and a method of controlling the battery pack are disclosed. The battery pack detects consumption current when a load is not turned on, and shuts off power when a load is turned off or in stand-by mode, thereby preventing consumption current of the load from flowing.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a battery's state-of-health. An initial battery voltage is measured after a first voltage drop during an initiation of an engine cranking phase. A battery voltage is monitored during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A lowest battery voltage is determined during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A determination is made if a voltage difference between the lowest battery voltage and the initial battery voltage at the initiation of the engine cranking phase is less than a voltage threshold. A low battery state-of-health is identified in response to the voltage difference being less than the voltage threshold.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a battery heating circuit, comprising a switch unit 1, a switching control module 100, a damping component R1, and an energy storage circuit, wherein: the energy storage circuit is connected with the battery and comprises a current storage component L1 and a charge storage component C1; the damping component R1, the switch unit 1, the current storage component L1 and the charge storage component C1 are connected in series; the switching control module 100 is connected with the switch unit 1 and is configured to control ON/OFF of the switch unit 1, so as to control the energy flowing between the battery and the energy storage circuit. For example, the heating circuit can improve the charge/discharge performance of the battery, improve safety when the battery is heated, and effectively protect the battery.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a battery heating circuit comprises a switch unit 1, a switching control module 100, a damping component R1, an energy storage circuit, and an energy superposition unit, wherein: the energy storage circuit is connected with the battery and comprises a current storage component L1 and a charge storage component C1; the damping component R1, the switch unit 1, the current storage component L1, and the charge storage component C1 are connected in series; the switching control module 100 is connected with the switch unit 1, and configured to control ON/OFF of the switch unit 1, so as to control the energy flowing between the battery and the energy storage circuit.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a multi-mode power management unit (PMU) includes a number of switchable conductive paths, where each of the switchable conductive paths corresponds to at least one of a number of power modes. The multi-mode PMU further includes a shared inductor residing in each of the switchable conductive paths. A current can flow through the shared inductor in a same direction in each of the power modes. The multi-mode PMU further includes a controller configured to set one of the power modes using one of the switchable conductive paths. The power modes can include a battery-to-electronic system power mode and a charge-battery power mode. The power modes can further include a battery-to-electronic system/camera flash power mode, a power port-to-electronic system/battery power mode, and a battery-to-electronic system/backlight LED power mode.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a power supply (10) comprising a primary cell (11) adapted to provide a primary cell current. The primary cell (11) comprises an anode, a cathode current collector and an electrolyte, whereby a passivation layer is formed on a surface of the anode as a result of a chemical reaction between the anode and the electrolyte. To ensure that the passivation layer remains essentially intact for the lifetime of the primary cell, the power supply (10) further comprises a current limiter (12) that is configured to prevent the magnitude of the primary cell current exceeding a value that would damage the passivation layer.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage sensor module monitoring a voltage of each of a plurality of battery cells, including: first and second terminals each receiving a voltage applied between both ends of the plurality of battery cells; third and fourth terminals each receiving a voltage applied between both ends of a battery cell to be monitored which is included in the plurality of battery cells; a first reference voltage generation circuit connected to each of the first and second terminals and generating a first reference voltage based on the voltage applied between the both ends of the plurality of battery cells; and a first comparator circuit comparing a first regulated voltage generated based on a voltage applied between the third and fourth terminals, with the first reference voltage. As a result, low voltage detection can be performed with accuracy even when an output of a battery cell decreases.

Abstract: The battery system includes a battery pack having a plurality of power sources arranged in parallel groups that are connected in series. Each parallel group includes a plurality of power sources connected in parallel. Each power source includes a battery. The system also includes electronics configured to repeatedly charge the battery pack according to a charging protocol. The charging protocol is configured such that the voltage of any one battery in the battery pack does not exceed its maximum operational voltage after failure of a battery in the battery pack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of controlling power in battery operated systems. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a switching regulator for boosting voltage on a depleted battery to power up a system. The system may communicate with an external system to increase the current received from the external system. Embodiments of the present invention include circuits for controlling power received from external power sources such as a USB power source. In another embodiment, input-output control techniques are disclosed for controlling the delivery of power to a system or charging a system battery, or both, from an external power source.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling output of a rechargeable battery that prevents the life span of the rechargeable battery from being shortened while ensuring starting of the engine. The rechargeable battery controller is mounted on a vehicle including an engine functioning as a power source. The controller includes a control unit for instructing a vehicle ECU, which is installed in the vehicle, to stop discharging the rechargeable battery when an index indicating the charged state of the rechargeable battery satisfies a discharge suspension condition. The control unit includes a monitor unit for changing the discharge suspension condition so as to continue discharging the rechargeable battery continues when the rechargeable battery is expected to supply power to the starter motor of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discharge method for a hybrid battery pack to thereby extend its usage life. The discharge method determines which one of the battery sets installed in a hybrid battery pack should be held active to discharge electricity according to their parameters of battery state of health (SOH), wherein at least two of the battery sets are different in cell type. Accordingly, the method can optimize the discharging efficiency of the hybrid battery pack and then extend its usage life.

Abstract: There is provided a battery module including: a power storage unit storing power; a first authentication unit carrying out first authentication via a first authentication route; a second authentication unit carrying out second authentication via a second authentication route; and a discharging control unit controlling discharging from the power storage unit to an external appliance, wherein the first authentication unit is operable, when the first authentication has succeeded, to share key information to be used in the second authentication with an authentication party for the second authentication, the second authentication unit carries out the second authentication using the key information shared with the authentication party, and the discharging control unit is operable, when the second authentication has succeeded, to permit discharging from the power storage unit.

Abstract: A safety circuit includes a thermal fuse electrically connected in a main current path so that an electric current flowing in the main current path flows through the thermal fuse; a switching element electrically connected to the thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open and interrupt the electric current flowing in the main current path when the switching element is turned on; a microcontroller electrically connected to the switching element and the main current path to turn on the switching element when an overcurrent flows in the main current path; and a noise removing unit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the switching element.

Abstract: The operation of a discharging apparatus for correcting variations in voltage and remaining capacity among battery blocks forming a battery pack is performed more reliably. When power supply from a battery pack to a motor/generator is not being performed and when a variation amount of remaining capacity among the battery blocks forming the battery pack is larger than a predetermined value, a discharge request section issues a command to start power supply from a battery block to a discharge control unit corresponding to at least a battery block having the largest remaining capacity among the battery blocks. The discharge control unit receives the start command for power supply from the battery block and issues a command to a discharging section to discharge the battery block in response to start of the power supply from the battery block.

Abstract: A battery abnormality detection circuit includes: a SOC detection unit that detects a SOC of a secondary battery; an internal resistance detection unit that detects an internal resistance value of the secondary battery; a first state acquisition unit that acquires a first SOC and a first resistance value at a predetermined first timing; a second state acquisition unit that acquires a second SOC and a second resistance value at a second timing a storage unit that stores in advance relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between a SOC and an internal resistance value of the secondary battery; a reference variation value setting unit that sets a reference variation value indicating an amount of variation from an internal resistance value corresponding to the first SOC to an internal resistance value corresponding to the second SOC on the basis of the relationship information stored in the storage unit; and a determination unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the seco

Abstract: A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The cell can be in the configuration of a coin cell or the anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added. _The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent mixture which may include an organic cyclic carbonate such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbon. The cell after assembly is subjected to a two step preconditioning (prediscahrge) protocol involving at least two distinct discharge steps having at lease one cycle of pulsed current drain in each step and at least one rest period (step rest) between said two steps, wherein said step rest period is carried out for a period of time at above ambient temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of controlling power in battery operated systems. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a switching regulator for boosting voltage on a depleted battery to power up a system. The system may communicate with an external system to increase the current received from the external system. Embodiments of the present invention include circuits for controlling power received from external power sources such as a USB power source. In another embodiment, input-output control techniques are disclosed for controlling the delivery of power to a system or charging a system battery, or both, from an external power source.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of controlling the battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery cell and a capacitor connected in parallel to the battery pack. Accordingly, the battery power and the distance travelled by an electric transport device that requires an instantaneous high power output, such as an E-bike, may be increased.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a power cell for providing power to a load or for receiving a charge from a charger, a first protection circuit for protecting from overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions, and a second protection circuit for protecting from overtemperature conditions. The protection circuits independently control one or more electronic switching devices, through which passes substantially all of the current supplied by the power cell. When overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions exist, the first protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition. Similarly, when an overtemperature condition exists, the second protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a multi-mode power management unit (PMU) includes a number of switchable conductive paths, where each of the switchable conductive paths corresponds to at least one of a number of power modes. The multi-mode PMU further includes a shared inductor residing in each of the switchable conductive paths. A current can flow through the shared inductor in a same direction in each of the power modes. The multi-mode PMU further includes a controller configured to set one of the power modes using one of the switchable conductive paths. The power modes can include a battery-to-electronic system power mode and a charge-battery power mode. The power modes can further include a battery-to-electronic system/camera flash power mode, a power port-to-electronic system/battery power mode, and a battery-to-electronic system/backlight LED power mode.

Abstract: A direct-current power source apparatus in which a lithium-ion capacitor unit is used as an electric storage system and which can fully utilize the lithium-ion capacitor unit and maintain the supply of electricity to a load is provided. An electric storage system includes a lithium-ion capacitor unit and a lead-acid battery connected in parallel with a load, and a voltage detecting section that detects the voltage of the lithium-ion capacitor unit. When the voltage detecting section detects that the voltage of the lithium-ion capacitor unit has reached a unit lower-limit voltage, a control circuit outputs a conduction signal for causing a switching circuit to get into a conductive state. When the switching circuit gets into a conductive state, the secondary battery supplies an electric power to a motor. At this time, the secondary battery charges the lithium-ion capacitor unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for discharging a high-voltage bus using semiconductor devices. A discharge system for a first voltage rail and a second voltage rail comprises a first semiconductor device coupled to a first voltage rail and a second semiconductor device coupled between the first semiconductor device and a second voltage rail. A control circuit is coupled to the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device. In response to a discharge condition, the control circuit is configured to activate the first semiconductor device and gradually activate the second semiconductor device, such that the energy potential between the first voltage rail and the second voltage rail is gradually dissipated through the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The battery charging apparatus is made with small and low-cost components. It includes a first transistor (T1) with a control input through which the charging current flows into a battery (B) and a current source (T3, T4, R1, R2) for a control current flowing to the control input of the first transistor. The current source sets or adjusts the control current so that the first transistor is non-conducting or blocked and the charging current flowing into the battery is shut off when a predetermined maximum charging voltage is reached at the battery.

Abstract: There is provided a discharge controller for a multiple cell battery that has a plurality of storage cells connected in series with each other. A discharge path from the storage cell is connected a load. The discharge controller includes: cell voltage detection units for detecting respective cell voltages of the storage cells; a switch group comprising a plurality of switches each connected between the storage cells; and a control unit for performing ON/OFF control on the respective switches individually in response to detection results detected by the cell voltage detection units so as to form the discharge path from the storage cell to the load.

Abstract: In the context of a notebook computer, multiple battery safety measures in the computer, battery pack, and individual battery cells. These battery packs include industry standard safety mechanisms as well as additional safeguards designed to increase safety. The additional safeguards can be categorized in the following ways. The first safeguard deals with multiple, independent levels of battery monitoring. The second safeguard employs abnormal condition detection methods. The third safeguard deals with improvements to mechanical and thermal design.

Abstract: The solar powered direct current (DC) load system is a reliable, versatile and user friendly system; it uses solar energy and rechargeable battery powering at least one type of DC load which are: a type of motor operation such as water pump and/or a type of at least one LED; the system comprises a battery discharge control circuit and a battery output circuit for DC load (FIG. 1), at least one rechargeable battery source (42-F1) which is protected by a preset voltage that limits the lowest discharge level, the circuits in the FIG. 1 are able to combine the circuits in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which enable operations of the day time and night time DC load to synchronize the day and night cycles; FIG. 4 is a combination system which incorporates circuits in the FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to create a water pumping system combined an illumination system which can turn on and off automatically; FIG. 4a with a switch and additional LEDs in addition to the FIG. 4; FIG.

Abstract: A battery pack has a case for storing a battery can, and a metal plane made of a conductive material and connected to the battery can in high frequency is provided on the outer circumference plane of the case. A mounting recessed part for removably mounting the battery pack is provided, and a printed circuit board is provided inside. In the mounting recessed part, a plurality of grounding terminals are electrically connected to a grounding layer of the printed circuit board, on an inner plane to which the metal plane of the battery pack abuts. When the battery pack is mounted in the mounting recessed part, electricity is carried between the metal plane and the grounding terminals, and the metal plane and the battery can are grounded to the grounding layer of the printed circuit board in high frequency.

Abstract: Some embodiments discussed relate to a method and apparatus, comprising a power amplifier module, a transceiver module coupled to provide a signal to an input of the power amplifier module. The transceiver module comprising an integrated temperature sensor to sense an instantaneous operating temperature of the transceiver and providing a first sensor output signal dependent upon the operating temperature, and an integrated voltage sensor to sense a transceiver supply voltage and generate a second sensor output signal dependent upon the instantaneous transceiver supply voltage, and a processor configured to receive the first and the second sensor output signals, provide a control signal to the power amplifier module to reduce the output power of the power amplifier responsive to the first and the second sensor output signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for estimating discharge and charge power of battery applications, including battery packs used in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV). One charge/discharge power estimating method incorporates voltage, state-of-charge (SOC), power, and current design constraints and works for a user-specified prediction time horizon ?t. At least two cell models are used in calculating maximum charge/discharge power based on voltage limits. The first is a simple cell model that uses a Taylor-series expansion to linearize the equation involved. The second is a more complex and accurate model that models cell dynamics in discrete-time state-space form. The cell model can incorporate a inputs such as temperature, resistance, capacity, etc. One advantage of using model-based approach is that the same model may be used in both Kalman-filtering to produce the SOC and the estimation of maximum charge/discharge current based on voltage limits.

Abstract: Automatic cycle storage system comprising cycles each comprising a battery, and fixed docking structures to which the cycles can be locked and each comprising an electric power storage device connected to a central processing unit and electrical contacts. The electrical contacts on the cycle and the docking structure connect to each other when the cycle is locked to the docking structure, and the electric power storage device on the cycle then recharges the one on the docking structure.

Abstract: A device for appropriately controlling capacitive variations between battery blocks. A voltage measurement section periodically measures a terminal voltage of each battery block by way of respective potential detection lines electrically connected to both terminals of the respective battery blocks. A discharge section effects electric discharge of each battery block by electrically connecting both terminals of a discharge element to both terminals of the respective battery blocks by way of the potential detection line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a rechargeable battery pack can be configured to power an electronic device having a first battery. The rechargeable battery pack can comprise a second battery supplemental to the first battery, an external power input configured to couple to an external power source, a power output for powering the electronic device. The rechargeable battery pack can also comprise a first circuit comprising a first power path between the external power input and the power output, a second power path between the second battery and the power output, and a power switch set. When the external power source is decoupled from the external power input, the first power path is disabled by the power switch set, and the second power path is enabled by the power switch set. When the external power source is coupled to the external power input, the first power path is enabled by the power switch set, and the second power path is disabled by the power switch set. Other examples and embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a power cell for providing power to a load or for receiving a charge from a charger, a first protection circuit for protecting from overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions, and a second protection circuit for protecting from overtemperature conditions. The protection circuits independently control one or more electronic switching devices, through which passes substantially all of the current supplied by the power cell. When overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions exist, the first protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition. Similarly, when an overtemperature condition exists, the second protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition.

Abstract: In one aspect, an energy storage device component comprising a transition metal cathode comprising a transition metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, antimony and combinations thereof; a solid sodium halide phase; and an electrolyte phase is provided. The electrolyte phase comprises an electrolyte composition prepared from sodium chloride, lithium chloride and aluminum trichloride. The electrolyte composition is in contact with the cathode. The electrolyte composition comprises the reaction products obtained from an initial mixture of sodium chloride (NaCl), lithium chloride (LiCl) and aluminum trichloride (AlCl3). The initial mixture being characterized by an initial molar ratio of (NaCl+LiCl):AlCl3 in a range of from about 0.45:0.55 to about 0.55:0.45 and an initial molar ratio of NaCl:LiCl in a range of from about 0.1:1 to about 4:1. Also provided is an energy storage device and a method of operating the energy storage device.

Abstract: A forced discharge mechanism for a storage battery for forcibly establishing conduction between a pair of power transport paths that are respectively connected to a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal of the storage battery includes an electric resistor for establishing conduction between the power transport paths, and the electric resistor is movable due to a buoyant force of liquid that has entered.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembled battery total voltage detection and leak detection apparatus which is reduced in size and is reduced in manufacturing costs. Detection of a total voltage is performed at a measurement time of a total voltage of an assembled battery 1 by connecting an output of a positive electrode resistance voltage dividing circuit composed of resistors 9 and 10 to + input of a differential amplifier 20 and connecting an output of a negative electrode resistance voltage dividing circuit composed of resistors 12 and 11 to ? input of the amplifier 20, and it performs leak detection at a leak detection time by connecting an output of a positive electrode resistance voltage dividing circuit to + input of the amplifier 20 and connecting + input of the amplifier 20 to the minus input of the differential amplifier 20 to measure an output voltage of the amplifier 20.

Abstract: A high voltage output monitoring device and system of a power battery comprises a monitoring module, a control module and a central processor module, wherein the monitoring module carries out high voltage output monitoring, pre-charge monitoring and relay switching times monitoring; the control module controls a relay switch; the central processor module carries out processing and analysis of monitor signals, packs relay state signals, sends the packed relay state signals to a battery management system (8), prognosticates a relay health condition, sends alarming signals to the battery management system (8), judges the pre-charge state, controls a high voltage system to be opened or closed, receives the control of the battery management system, and forces the high voltage system to be opened or closed.

Abstract: The present invention implements a software controlled thermal feedback system for battery charging circuitry in portable devices, specifically in cellular telephones. The charging hardware block is integrated into a mixed-signal analog base-band (ABB) circuit. In addition to standard function controls, integrated within the ABB are silicon temperature sensors used to monitor the temperature of any silicon components integrated on the ABB and detect any temperature change due to thermal heating. The temperature value is passed to the digital base band (DBB) circuit. Here, a microcontroller is programmed to perform power management functions relating to the ABB. Thermal control software, implemented on the DBB microcontroller, monitors the silicon temperature of the ABB and adjusts the power levels on the ABB accordingly to provide a controlled chip temperature.

Abstract: A projection device includes: a projector unit that has at least a light source and a projection optical system housed in a chassis; a control unit that is assembled with a chassis separate from the chassis of the projector unit; and a rotation support member that rotatably supports the projector unit and the control unit around a rotation axis that extends perpendicular to a surface of the chassis of the projector unit and a surface of the chassis of the control unit, with these surfaces facing to one another.

Abstract: A CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates an electric power allocation ratio between a first power storage device and a power storage device connected to a second converter by means of a switching device, to be used during a CD mode, based on a remaining electric power amount of each power storage device. A CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates a deviation amount between SOC of each of the first power storage device and the power storage device connected to the second converter and a target value thereof, and calculates an electric power allocation ratio to be used during a CS mode, based on the calculated deviation amount.

Abstract: A battery that includes an electrochemical cell having an internal bore therethrough is described herein. The battery also includes a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore The voltage converter is configured to convert a first voltage produced by the electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for discharging a high voltage network (2) in a vehicle, the high voltage network (2) comprising at least one energy store (1) and a plurality of high voltage consumers (3). For discharging the high voltage network (2), the electrical energy store (1) is first separated from the remaining on-board power supply system (2) and at least one of the high voltage consumers (3) is switched on so that the charge stored in the network is discharged via the consumers (3).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for supplying power to electronic devices, comprising a housing, an electric power source connector coupled to the housing, an electronic circuit enclosed in the housing and electrically coupled to the power source connector, and a universal serial bus connector coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic circuit, wherein the connector is capable of supplying electrical power to one or more electronic devices for battery charging. The electronic circuit is capable of controlling the charging of the batteries of more than one device and can be enabled to provide data communication between data devices. The apparatus may receive power from a utility power outlet or from another electronic device through the USB connector.