Abstract: An overcharge detecting comparator (121) detects an overcharged state of a battery (101), and an overcurrent detecting comparator (120) detects an overcurrent state of the battery (101). In response to output signals from those comparators, a control circuit (210) performs on/off control of each of a switch (102) and a protection circuit (50). In response to an output signal from the control circuit (210), the protection circuit (50) is turned on, to thereby connect a resistor (125) to a path connecting a VSS terminal and an overcurrent detecting terminal, and is turned off, to thereby disconnect the resistor (125) from the path. As a result, even when the battery is in the overcurrent state, current consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to primary electrochemical cells having a jellyroll electrode assembly that includes a lithium-based negative electrode, a positive electrode with a coating comprising iron disulfide deposited on a current collector and a polymeric separator. More particularly, the invention relates to a cell design which optimizes cell capacity and substantially eliminates premature voltage drop-off on intermittent service testing. The resulting cell has a region of increased lithium thickness proximate to/under the terminal end of the outermost edge of the cathode strip.

Abstract: A charge and discharge control circuit which accommodates pulsed charge and pulsed discharge and can control charge and discharge of a secondary battery with safety, and a rechargeable power supply device having the same built therein are provided. The charge and discharge control circuit includes a delay time switching circuit for shortening a delay time of overcharge detection after charge inhibition is canceled. When overcharge is detected after the charge inhibition is canceled, the charge is inhibited in a delay time which is shorter than a normal delay time of the overcharge detection.

Abstract: A method for coupling an energy storage system to a variable energy supply system includes providing an energy storage system including at least one Vanadium redox battery and at least one battery charge controller. The method also includes electrically coupling the at least one battery charge controller to the variable energy supply system such that the at least one battery is configured to supply a substantially consistent energy output during fluctuating energy loads of the energy supply system.

Abstract: A rapid charging circuit for a lithium ion battery. The battery charger in accordance with the present invention compensates for the voltage drops across the various resistance elements in the battery circuit by setting the charging voltage to a level to compensate for the initial resistance of the series resistances in the circuit and an additional resistance selected to take into account the anticipated increase in resistance of the various circuit elements over time. The battery charger in accordance with the present invention periodically monitors the open-circuit voltage of the battery cell and reduces the charging voltage to when the battery cell voltage reaches the optimal value. Thus, during a constant current charging mode, the battery cell is driven at a relatively optimal charging current to reduce the charging time.

Abstract: In a charge control circuit that adjusts a charging current flowing through a battery to be charged from a power supply, a sense resistor is provided on a charging path to the battery from an external power supply. A charging current adjustment circuit adjusts the charging current based on an error voltage between a voltage drop across the sense resistor and a predetermined reference voltage. The charging control circuit is integrated in a package. The charging current is inputted to a current input terminal. A battery terminal outputs the charging current to the battery. The current input terminal and the battery terminal also function as terminals used to measure a resistance value of the sense resistor. A voltage monitoring terminal is provided to measure the reference voltage in an inspection process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy storage, containing at least one battery cell, and at least one Zener diode being disposed parallel to the at least one battery cell, wherein the cathode of the Zener diode is connected to the plus terminal of at least one battery cell, and the anode is connected to the minus terminal of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus comprises a charge/discharge control circuit for controlling charge to or discharge from a capacitor connected in parallel in a link section between a converter and an inverter, and a current control means for controlling discharge current from the charge/discharge control circuit. The current control means controls discharge current from the charge/discharge control circuit based on input current to the inverter or output current from the converter so that output current from the converter is equal to a prescribed value.

Abstract: A battery-powered apparatus which makes it possible to perform battery check with accuracy irrespective of whether a battery is used as an internal battery or an external battery and make the end voltages of the internal battery and the external battery coincide with each other. It is determined whether the battery or an accessory having the battery incorporated therein has been attached to the apparatus, and a predetermined voltage threshold level is set based on the determination result. The voltage value of the battery or the accessory having the battery incorporated therein is detected, and the detected voltage value and the voltage threshold level are compared with each other to decide whether or not it is possible to drive the apparatus.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides apparatus and methods for controlling lithium deposition during manufacture of implantable medical device batteries. A method includes processing materials to form the battery and performing a discharge conditioning process step. The discharge conditioning process step includes using a reduced discharge load and applying a discharge load intermittently to decrease formation of lithium deposits on negatively charged surfaces within the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery charger control circuit having a voltage detector to generate a signal indicative of a source voltage level to select one of a first charging mode and a second charging mode, and a charge controller coupled to the voltage detector to enable charging in accordance with one of the first charging mode and the second charging mode based on the signal from the voltage detector. The first and second charging modes establish charging at differing, non-zero rates. The source voltage level may be sampled at a sampling rate to minimize power consumed by monitoring the source voltage level.

Abstract: When pulse charging is performed in an overcharge state or an overdischarge state in a charge and discharge control circuit and a battery device, a problem in that a pseudo overcurrent phenomenon occurs repeatedly to hinder normal operations of the charge and discharge control circuit and the battery device is addressed, thereby providing a safe battery device. Thus, there are provided a charge and discharge control circuit and a battery device having a structure in which charge overcurrent detection in the overcharge state and discharge overcurrent detection in the overdischarge state are invalidated.

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 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. 5 is a combination system that incorporates circuits in the FIG.

Abstract: A battery includes multiple conductive plates and a permeable electrolytic material and an ion membrane located between the conductive plates. The battery also includes at least one wire located within one or more of the permeable electrolytic material and the ion membrane. The at least one wire can be configured to regulate a flow of ions through the ion membrane based on an electrical signal flowing through the at least one wire. The at least one wire could also be configured to generate a magnetic field within the permeable electrolytic material based on another electrical signal flowing through the at least one wire. The battery could further include a temperature sensor wire within the permeable electrolytic material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discharging a voltage in a battery pack. The apparatus includes a discharge resistance connected to a discharge target battery of plural batteries in the battery pack and discharging a voltage of the discharge target battery, a switching section for connecting the discharge target battery and the discharge resistance, a voltage measuring section for measuring a voltage of the discharge target battery, and a control section for controlling the switching section depending on the measured voltage value of the battery. The method includes measuring a voltage of the discharge target battery, calculating a PWM duty rate of a switching section connecting the discharge target battery and a discharge resistance using the measured voltage value and a value of the discharge resistance, and controlling the switching section based on the duty rate to maintain an energy consumed in the discharge resistance to be constant.

Abstract: A control signal generating circuit used in a battery management system may stably generate a control signal. The control signal generating circuit includes a first signal line transmitting a first control signal having an on-level or an off-level, a second signal line transmitting a second control signal having an on-level or an off-level, and a third signal line transmitting a third control signal having an on-level or an off-level. In addition, the control signal generating circuit includes a transistor including a first electrode coupled to the first signal line and a second electrode applied with the off-level. The transistor electrically connects the first and second electrodes and converts the first control signal into a fourth control signal by being turned on based on the second and third control signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery protection circuit for protecting a plurality of batteries connected in series. The battery protection circuit includes: a controller for monitoring the batteries and outputting control signals based on predetermined conditions associated with the batteries; a first N-channel MOSFET and a second N-channel MOSFET coupled in a common-drain configuration in a low-side path, wherein at least one of the first and second N-channel MOSFETs turns off in response to the control signal received from the controller when at least one of the predetermined conditions is detected; and a gate protection circuit for preventing gate-to-source voltages of the first and second N-channel MOSFETs from exceeding a predetermined gate-to-source voltage level.

Abstract: An apparatus includes battery gauge circuitry implemented on an integrated circuit. The battery gauge circuitry includes a plurality of switches that individually open in response to a voltage reduction on a battery cell associated with a respective one of the switches. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a logic device that determines if at least one of the switches is open. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a register that stores data that indicates if at least one switch is open. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a controller that initiates halting power delivery to a load if at least one of the switches is open. The controller also identifies the open switch.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery, battery set or battery pack having a circuit or a plurality of circuits for providing self-discharging thereof electrically connected in parallel are used to form rechargeable battery assemblies and electric power supply systems for use in electric and hybrid vehicles and the like.

Abstract: A battery dimensional change detection system and associated methods provide battery “swell” detection capabilities for an electronic device. In this way, excessive dimensional changes that are detected lead to shutting off the power supplied by the battery. According to one aspect, a battery dimensional change detection system broadly includes a testing circuit, a voltage detection device, and a shut-off switch. The testing circuit is formed by one or more electrically conductive members and extends across an exposed portion of the battery, such that the circuit possesses first and second terminal ends. The voltage detection devices engages the first and second terminal ends to measure the voltage across the testing circuit. Selectively responsive to the particular voltage measurement value, the shut-off switch may prevent further battery discharge in the electronic device, thereby acting to inhibit further battery dimensional change.

Abstract: A method of graduated residual battery power utilization of a long-life battery in a battery-powered device, comprising the steps of: defining at least one residual power level for the battery;assigning progressively limited battery-powered device functionalities for each of the at least one power level; and enabling the battery-powered device to be operated according to the at least one residual power level and the respective limited functionalities so as to extend the life of the battery and to avoid a depleted battery condition.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided which comprises a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter comprises at least one solid-state rechargeable battery (B1, B2) for storing energy for the DC-DC conversion and an output capacitor (C2).

Abstract: A battery-powered apparatus which makes it possible to perform battery check with accuracy irrespective of whether a battery is used as an internal battery or an external battery and make the end voltages of the internal battery and the external battery coincide with each other. It is determined whether the battery or an accessory having the battery incorporated therein has been attached to the apparatus, and a predetermined voltage threshold level is set based on the determination result. The voltage value of the battery or the accessory having the battery incorporated therein is detected, and the detected voltage value and the voltage threshold level are compared with each other to decide whether or not it is possible to drive the apparatus.

Abstract: Adaptive current limiting for any power source to limit power drain of one load on the power source to maintain a minimum power source voltage for proper operation of other loads on the power source. For battery applications, such as for flash systems, the invention allows the maximum output current of a boost converter to be utilized without having to calculate the system equivalent series resistance first. The invention also adjusts the current load up or down during a high load event to compensate for changes in other loads. The changes in current load are made in increments, with a hysteresis region avoiding constant up and down incrementing. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical device (100) includes a housing (102), a battery receiving region (104), device electrical circuitry (112), an energy converter (110), and an energy limiter (108). The battery receiving region (104), the circuitry (112), the energy converter (110) and the energy limiter (108) are located within the housing (102). The energy converter (110) has an input dynamic range for supplied electrical energy and converts the energy to a level suitable for powering the device circuitry (112). The energy limiter (108) limits the supplied electrical energy.

Abstract: A system and method for operating, or electrically communicating with, an electrical supply network are disclosed. A vehicle is coupled to the electrical supply network, a trigger causes a partial discharge of an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle into electric power network, discharging electrical energy into the electric power network from the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for an automatic discharge function for a vehicle having an electric or hybrid electric motor. The methods and system monitor the motor for occurrence of a power shutdown. If the power shutdown occurs, a contactor pair is opened, and immediate discharging of capacitance is initiated in response to opening the contactors pair. Discharging is continued until the capacitance is completely discharged.

Abstract: An electronic device identification system includes a rectifier bridge for providing an output DC voltage of fixed polarity from an input DC voltage of a corresponding or reverse polarity. The system further includes an identification component coupled across an input to the rectifier bridge. This enables identification of the identification component value via electrical detection circuitry applied to the input to the rectifier bridge.

Abstract: A cordless power tool system includes a power tool including with a motor disposed in the tool housing, and a variable speed circuit for controlling the speed of the motor. A power tool battery pack is electrically connectable to the power tool. The battery pack has an electric/electronic component connectable to the variable speed circuit. The variable speed circuit and/or the power tool are disabled if the variable speed circuit fails to detect the electric/electronic component.

Abstract: A control method for a system of a hand power tool and an accumulator battery is disclosed. The hand power tool is connectable to the accumulator battery via a current interface for supplying the hand power tool. The hand power tool features a data interface for communicating with the accumulator battery. Characterizing data of the hand power tool and/or data about an operating process of the hand power tool is transmitted to the accumulator battery via the interface.

Abstract: A battery pack including at least one battery cell, a switch, and battery state monitoring circuitry. The battery state monitoring circuitry may be configured to control an ON resistance of the switch to a first ON resistance when the switch is ON and the battery pack is in a stand-by-state and to control the ON resistance to a second ON resistance when the switch is ON and said battery pack is not in said stand-by-state, the first ON resistance greater than the second ON resistance. A cordless electrical device and method consistent with embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed at a method and system for recharging batteries for wireless electronic devices. According to one embodiment, a battery charging and monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a host machine providing a plurality of charging slots and a plurality of wireless devices coupled to and powered by a plurality of batteries. The host machine is adapted to communicate with the plurality of wireless devices through a plurality of wireless links to monitor the plurality of batteries coupled to the wireless devices. According to another embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is adapted to couple with at least a rechargeable battery and to negotiate with the rechargeable battery for an agreed range of power parameters. The electronic device is further adapted to accept power from and to provide power to the rechargeable battery at the agreed range of power parameters.

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: Current control circuitry for controlling current supplied from a source, that may be a current-constrained source, to a load and a battery. A current limit control circuit limits current supplied by the source to the load in accord with a programmed current limit. Load current is measured, and an input charger control circuit controls magnitude of current to the battery based on the difference between measured load current and battery current programmed to be supplied to the battery, such that the sum of load current and battery current is maintained within the programmed current limit.

Abstract: An intelligent adaptive energy management system and method for an electronic device such as a cell phone or laptop computer. The system comprises at least two batteries that work cooperatively. The system includes multiple features that may be used alone or in combination. One feature includes one or more sensors capable of measuring various characteristics of the battery cells such as temperature, voltage, and shape deformation. The sensors communicate the measured data to a control module which may control cell charging, cell discharging, cell balancing, and/or terminating the use of one or more of the cells. A second feature is to enhance the scalability of the batteries by making the battery cells logically and/or physically removable and configurable so that the capacity of the batteries can be scaled on demand. A third feature is to provide intelligent charging and discharging methodologies. One alternate discharge method discharges the cells intelligently using measured rotational turns.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for protecting a rechargeable cell at least from excessive discharge current due to over discharge of the rechargeable cell, includes (a) a first excessive discharge current detection circuit configured to detect first excess of a voltage at an electric current detection terminal exceeding a first voltage level (Vs3), (b) a second excessive discharge current detection circuit configured to detect second excess of the absolute voltage at the electric current detection terminal exceeding a second voltage level (Vs4) higher than the first voltage level, (c) a delay circuit configured to cause each of the first and second excessive discharge current detection circuits to delay output by a predetermined delay time, and (d) a delay reducing circuit configured to produce a delay time reducing signal for reducing the delay time at a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, a battery pack which may removably attachable to a cordless power tool and to a charger may include at least one battery cell and a power limiting device. The power limiting device may be arranged in series with the at least one battery cell for limiting power output of the battery pack based on the component that is connected to the pack. Current and hence power out of the battery pack may be controlled as a function of total internal impedance in the battery pack, which may be adjusted depending on the component that is connected to the pack.

Abstract: Techniques for high performance inverter charger systems are described herein. In one embodiment, a power supply system includes, but is not limited to, an inverter to generate an AC (alternating current) output based on a DC (direct current) input, a current sensing circuit coupled to the inverter to sense an amount of current drawn from the inverter, and a microcontroller coupled to the inverter and the current sensing circuit to reduce the AC output of the inverter according to a predetermined algorithm stored within the microcontroller, in response to a detection that the amount of current drops below a predetermined threshold. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for controlling a battery-charger device with a closed-loop architecture. The circuit includes sensing means for sensing an operative quantity of the device, control means, and driving means. The control means alternately controls the sensing means to track the operative quantity during a tracking phase and to hold the operative quantity during a holding phase. The driving means provides a regulation signal that regulates the operative quantity based on a comparison between the operative quantity sensed by the sensing means and a reference value. The control means causes the driving means to hold the regulation signal during at least part of each of the holding phases. Also provided is a method of controlling a battery-charger device with a closed-loop architecture.

Abstract: A device for powering one or more electric/electronic devices operatively associated with a low-voltage circuit breaker takes energy from a power supply line. An electronic regulator receives the energy collected as an input and delivering as an output to the electric/electronic device a power supply voltage (Vout) having a value within a preset range with respect to a reference voltage (VR). The electronic regulator includes an energy storage device chargeable by the energy collected, at the terminals of which a voltage (VCL) is established that is indicative of the power supply voltage (Vout) delivered to the electric/electronic device.

Abstract: A portable device includes a battery, electronic circuitry, and a peak current provider that provides a peak current to the electronic circuitry. Power is supplied to the portable device by connecting a battery to a peak current provider, charging the peak current provider, and supplying a current from the battery to electronic circuitry of the portable device, when a current required by the electronic circuitry is less than or equal to a preset value, and disconnecting the battery from the peak current provider and supplying a current from the peak current provider to the electronic circuitry, when a current required by the electronic circuitry is greater than the preset value.

Abstract: Provided is a power supply unit for supplying power to an electric apparatus, comprising an indicator unit, an introduction-detecting unit for detecting introduction of the electric apparatus into a vehicle for transportation of the electric apparatus, a voltage-detecting unit for detecting the voltage of the power source, a memory unit for storing a first voltage and a second voltage lower than the first voltage, a judgment unit for determining whether the voltage of the power source detected by the voltage-detecting unit is higher than the first voltage and a forced discharge unit. The forced discharge unit is configured to cause the indicator unit to notify if the electric apparatus is in a state prohibiting introduction into the vehicle and forcibly discharge the power source.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a switching element, a heat resistor, and a fuse. The switching element turns to ON if the battery pack becomes in an abnormal state. The heat resistor is connected to the switching element and a battery in series. Current flows through the heat resistor when the switching element turns to ON. The fuse is located in a position where the fuse is heated by the heat resistor through which the current flows. The fuse is connected to the battery in series so that the fuse is disconnected with heat by the heat resistor at high temperature. Thus, the fuse cuts off a current flow in the battery. If the battery pack is in an abnormal state, when the capacity or voltage of the battery is less than a preset capacity or voltage value, the fuse is disconnected with heat by turning the switching element to ON.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for performing a test on a rechargeable battery to indirectly determine a state of protection circuitry associated with the battery. The method may discharge the battery by controlling a pull-down current into a system, determine if the battery voltage falls below a first threshold level within a predetermined amount of time, and if so provide a pre-charge current to the battery.

Abstract: A method and system for power source management of a portable device, A power source used to supply electrical energy for a portable device should ideally operate with a constant terminal voltage. However, the terminal voltage of a cell or group of cells used as a source of electrical energy can be expected to reduce in amplitude over its operational lifetime. Near the end of operational lifetime, the terminal voltage of such a source can be expected to decrease rapidly. Furthermore, the source terminal voltage will also exhibit significant variations in amplitude in response to changes in electric current demands on the source. Such source voltage variations can impair or even prevent proper operation of the electronic circuits within the portable device. Power management for proper operation of a portable device is necessary to ensure proper device operation and to prevent loss of data.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power source apparatus, which comprises supplying electric power to an electronic device on which a secondary battery is mounted from a power source apparatus having a fuel cell and an auxiliary power source. Electric power is supplied intermittently to a charging terminal of the electronic device by means of a switch for controlling conduction and interruption of an output terminal of the power source apparatus.

Abstract: If a voltage of each of a plurality of capacitor cells forming a capacitor is lower than a system malfunction voltage V(1), and if the voltage of any one of the capacitor cells is higher than a cell charge inhibition voltage V(2) lower than the system malfunction voltage V(1), an ECU executes a program including a step of setting a limit value WIN(C) of electric power to be stored in the capacitor to be “0”.

Abstract: A power supply system capable of providing electric power to an electronic device having a first battery includes a battery pack (100) and an attachment apparatus (300). The battery pack includes a body (110) having at least a first recess (221), a second battery inside the body, and at least one of a first circuit (500) capable of dynamically changing a charge current supplied to the second battery based on a power consumption level of the electronic device, and a second circuit (600) capable of dynamically switching the electronic device between a recharging state and a non-recharging state depending on a status of the battery pack. The attachment apparatus includes a frame (310), an extension (350) protruding from the frame, and attachment features (461) suitable for working with the recess to attach the battery pack and the attachment apparatus to each other and to the electronic device.

Abstract: A battery includes a battery chassis defining a housing. A tamper detection system is located in the housing and is operable to detect an access of the housing. A disabling system is located in the housing, coupled to the tamper detection system, and operable to disable a power supply function in response to the tamper detection system detecting the access of the housing.

Abstract: A protecting circuit monitors a voltage of a secondary battery and supplies the signal to permit a discharge to a gate terminal of a discharge control FET when the voltage is equal to or more than a lower limit value in a rated voltage range. When the discharge control FET receives this signal, it is connected and passes a discharge current. In the other cases, it shuts off the discharge current. Further, when the voltage is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a signal of a voltage of a battery voltage or more is supplied from a voltage converter to the gate terminal. When the voltage is equal to or less than an upper limit value in the rated voltage range, the protecting circuit supplies the signal to permit a charge to a gate terminal of a charge control FET. Further, when the voltage is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the voltage output from the voltage converter is supplied to the gate terminal.