Abstract: A circuit for dissipating injected parasitic charge includes a circuit stage, a pulse generating circuit and a switch. The circuit stage has an input node and an output node that injects a parasitic charge when switched OFF to the output node. The pulse generating circuit can generate a pulsed signal having an input for receiving a control signal. The control signal indicates the circuit stage is switching OFF, and has an output for outputting a pulsed signal in response to the control signal at the input. The pulsed signal can have a predetermined duration. The switch can be configured to be actuated by the pulsed signal output by the pulse generating circuit, and has a terminal connected to the output node of the circuit stage and a terminal connected to circuit to substantially dissipate the injected parasitic charge.

Abstract: A system for charging a high voltage battery includes a low DC voltage battery, a DC-to-AC converting circuit, a controller, an AC-to-DC converting circuit and a high DC voltage battery. The low voltage battery outputs a low DC voltage signal. The DC-to-AC converting circuit receives the low DC voltage signal to convert into a chopped DC voltage signal. The DC-to-AC converter outputs a high AC voltage signal corresponding to the chopped DC voltage signal. The controller controls a duty cycle of the chopped DC voltage signal. The AC-to-DC converting circuit converts the high AC voltage signal into a high DC voltage signal. The high voltage battery charges using the high DC voltage signal. A method for charging a high voltage battery is also provided.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a current flowing through a battery includes a driver and a filter coupled to the driver. The driver can generate a pulse signal in a first operating mode and generate a first signal in a second operating mode to control the current through the battery. The filter can filter the pulse signal to provide a filtered DC signal to adjust an on-resistance of a switch in series with the battery based on a duty cycle of the pulse signal in the first operating mode. The filter can receive the first signal and provide a second signal to drive the switch in a linear region in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A circuit for charging a battery pack includes a power converter and a charger controller. The power converter is operable for receiving an input power, and for providing a charging power for charging the battery pack. The power converter provides galvanic isolation between input circuitry and output circuitry of the circuit. The input circuitry shares a first ground potential with the input power, and the output circuitry shares a second ground potential with the charging power. The charger controller in the input circuitry includes a modulator for generating a driving signal to drive the power converter and control the charging power.

Abstract: A batter charger for charging a secondary batter using a power supply circuit which converts an AC input into a DC output, includes a first resistor for detecting constant-current control and a second resistor for detecting end of charging. The first resister and the second register are inserted in series in a current path of the charging current. The power supply circuit has output characteristics of a constant-current control characteristic and a constant-voltage control characteristic. The constant-current control is performed using a first detection voltage generated at the first resistor, and the constant-voltage control is performed by comparing a second detection voltage generated at a series resistor composed of the first resistor and the second resistor with a reference voltage using a comparator, and detecting an end of charging indicated by the second detection voltage fallen below the reference voltage.

Abstract: The management method comprises a charging phase and may comprise an optional prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery. Comparison of the absolute value of the slope of the voltage at the battery terminals with a full-charge threshold at the end of each period, when a pulsed current is applied, is used as end-of-charging criterion in the charging phase and/or as full-charge criterion in the phase of estimating the state of charge. The charging phase by pulsed current is interrupted when the slope reaches the full-charge threshold. This same comparison constitutes the criterion for estimating the necessity for going to a charging step after the prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: An electrical generator has an engine that provides a mechanical output that is converted to electrical current by an alternator. The engine is started by a battery-powered motor starter. The battery is charged during running of the electrical generator by a portion of the electrical current output by the alternator. The battery is charged according to a charging profile based on the temperature of the battery at start up of the electrical generator.

Abstract: A recharging device with voltage detection for an alkaline primary cell includes an oscillating unit that generates a pulse signal from an input power to charge the alkaline primary cell. The recharging device also includes a detecting unit configured to be electrically coupled to the alkaline primary cell. The detecting unit is also configured to detect a voltage of the alkaline primary cell and output a corresponding detection signal. The recharging device further includes a control unit electrically coupled to the oscillating unit and the detecting unit. The control unit controls the oscillating unit to operate in one of a first charge mode and a waiting mode based on the detection signal output by the detecting unit. The oscillating unit outputs the pulse signal when operated in the first charge mode and discontinues output of the pulse signal when operated in the waiting mode.

Abstract: A charge control device includes a charge control circuit to control a charge of a secondary battery by controlling an output stage connected between a power supply and the secondary battery. The charge control circuit includes a first error amplifier to generate a first error voltage in response to a difference between a predetermined first reference voltage and a first feedback voltage. The value of the first feedback voltage is determined in accordance with a primary current supplied from the power supply to the output stage. The charge control circuit also includes a second error amplifier to generate a second error voltage in response to a difference between either one of a predetermined second reference voltage and the first error voltage, and a second feedback voltage. The value of the second feedback voltage is determined in accordance with a charge current supplied from the output stage to the secondary battery.

Abstract: An exemplary battery charging system includes a temperature sensor, a voltage measuring device, a processor and a charger. The temperature sensor is used for continuously sensing the current temperature of a rechargeable battery. The voltage measuring device is used for continuously measuring the current voltage U of the rechargeable battery. The processor is used for comparing the current temperature T with two temperature thresholds and comparing the current voltage U with two cut-off voltages, and generating a PWM control signal to the charger based on the results of the comparisons. The charger is used for charging the battery. When T reads as normal, the charger charges the battery using a first average current I1 and stops charging at U1. When T reads as hot, the charger charges the battery using a second average current I2 and stops charging at U2, wherein I1>I2, U1>U2.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for battery charging are disclosed herein. As just one example, a battery charger is disclosed that includes a current feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated current control output, and a voltage feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated voltage control output. In addition, the battery charger includes a transition circuit with a digital phase/frequency detector. The digital phase/frequency detector is operable to detect a duty cycle difference between the pulse width modulated current control output and the pulse width modulated voltage control output. Further, the transition circuit is operable to transition between application of a substantially current charge control to a charging node to application of a substantially constant voltage to the charging node based at least in part on the difference in duty cycle.

Abstract: A power management system includes a battery pack having a battery controller and includes an adapter operable for charging the battery pack and powering a system load. The adapter generates a power recognition signal indicative of a maximum adapter power and receives a control signal. The battery controller in the battery pack receives the power recognition signal and generates the control signal to adjust an output power of the adapter according to a status of the battery pack and a status of the system load.

Abstract: A protection circuit of a battery pack capable of detecting the error of a charging device from the battery pack. The protection circuit of the battery pack having a battery cell charged by a charging device, the protection circuit including a charge switch coupled to a high current path (HCP), the charge switch disposed between the battery cell and the charging device charging the battery cell and a controller sensing a voltage or a current of the charging device during a charge stop period stopping a charging of the battery cell and determining whether an error of the charging device occurs according to the voltage or the current of the charging device.

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: A battery management system for charging a battery by a charger includes a transistor and either a charge pump or a push-pull output driver. The transistor increases and decreases an electrical connection between the battery and a voltage from the charger and transmits a charge current from the charger to the battery by turning on and off in response to a pulse width modulated drive signal generated by the charge pump or the push-pull output driver. The charge pump or the push-pull output driver increases the drive signal when the voltage from the charger is above a pre-charge threshold voltage and decreases the drive signal when the voltage from the charger is below the pre-charge threshold voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a portable device incorporating a battery and a battery charger. In the portable device, there are a plurality of system components configured to facilitate a plurality of functions that the portable device is designed to perform. The battery in the portable device is configured for providing an internal power supply to the plurality of system components in the absence of an external input power supply. The battery charger is configured for charging the battery when the external input power supply is available. The battery charger disclosed herein is capable of supplying system power to the system components when voltage of the battery that is being charged is below a limit, thereby allowing the portable device to operate when voltage of the battery drops below the limit.

Abstract: The present invention is applicable to the technical field of charging electrical storage devices, and provides a charging circuit including an energy input, an input power detecting module, an electric energy storage, a boost module, a battery, a charging switch device, a PWM power isolating driver module, and a control module. In the present utility model, when detecting a decrease in the input power through the input power detecting module, the control module of the charging circuit will control the boost module to increase the electric energy stored in the electric energy storage, thus the charging voltage for the battery is increased and the charging efficiency of the charging circuit is improved.

Abstract: A charging device for charging primary cells includes a transforming rectifying unit, a voltage current processing unit, a microprocessor, an agitating unit, a detecting unit and a display unit. The transforming rectifying unit transforms an input power source into a direct-current output power source, which is transformed by the voltage current processing unit into a direct-current power source and charging power source. The charging power source is used for charging the battery set. The detecting unit detects an output voltage of the battery set and produces a detecting signal. The microprocessor controls an overall charging operation of the charging device according to the detecting signal, including making the agitating unit produce a sine pulse to chemically activate the battery set to remove the carbon deposition, and making the display unit show the charging status.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery charge method, including the steps of: conducting a pulsed charge control adapted to conduct a pulsed charge by repeating a cycle of a charge condition and a pause condition of a secondary battery at predetermined intervals; detecting a voltage detection adapted to detect the voltage of the secondary battery; determining a charge termination determination adapted to determine whether to terminate the charge of the secondary battery based on the battery voltage in a pause condition detected by the voltage detection step; and terminating a charge termination control adapted to terminate the pulsed charge when it has been determined by the charge termination determination step that the charge should be terminated.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes: a battery connection terminal for connection to a secondary battery; a power supply connection terminal for receiving, from a power supply unit which outputs a current for charging the secondary battery, the current; first and second switching elements, connected in series between the power supply connection terminal and the battery connection terminal, and turning on and off the current flowing from the power supply connection terminal to the battery connection terminal; a current detection unit for detecting the current flowing from the power supply connection terminal to the battery connection terminal; a charging control unit for supplying a pulse-shape charging current to the battery connection terminal by repeating a process of turning on the first and second switching elements, a process of turning on the first switching element and turning off the second switching element, and a process of turning off the first switching element and turning on the second switching element;

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a current flowing through a battery includes a driver and a filter coupled to the driver. The driver can generate a pulse signal in a first operating mode and generate a first signal in a second operating mode to control the current through the battery. The filter can filter the pulse signal to provide a filtered DC signal to adjust an on-resistance of a switch in series with the battery based on a duty cycle of the pulse signal in the first operating mode. The filter can receive the first signal and provide a second signal to drive the switch in a linear region in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A wireless transmission system having a transmitter and receiver is described. In one embodiment, the transmitter includes an electronically-controlled switch controlled by a first pulse width modulation control circuit, the switch configured to pull current through a first inductor when the switch is closed, the first pulse width modulation control circuit outputting a PWM output signal to control the switch. A first feedback signal obtained from a control input of the switch. A second feedback signal obtained from a terminal of the inductor, wherein a control feedback signal is computed, at least in part, as a difference between the first feedback signal and the second feedback signal is provided to the first pulse width modulation control circuit. In one embodiment, the receiver includes a second pulse with modulation controller, the second pulse width modulation controller controlling the receiver switch to deliver a desired power from the receiving coil to a load.

Abstract: Inductively coupled battery charging systems and methods are provided. Transmit circuitry can include a transmit coil operatively part of a transmit resonant circuit exhibiting resonance at a transmit resonant frequency and an unloaded Q value of at least about 20. Transmit coil can generate a magnetic field at about the transmit resonant frequency. Rechargeable battery assembly can include a receive coil configured to receive inductively coupled current, and circuitry configured to rectify the current and communicate charging power to a storage cell. Receive coil can be part of a receive resonant circuit that exhibits resonance at about the transmit resonant frequency. Transmit circuitry can be configured to regulate alternating current produced in the transmit coil based on current flowing in the transmit resonant circuit and/or maintain the magnetic field at about the transmit resonant frequency by maintaining about a ninety degree phase shift between a square wave input and output.

Abstract: A charge controlling circuit controls charging of a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. An electric power supplied from an external charger to the lithium-ion rechargeable battery is taken by a charging terminal. When the charging terminal is connected to the external charger, whether or not a charge prohibition condition is satisfied is determined by a CPU. A charging operation is prohibited when the charge prohibition condition is satisfied, but is permitted when the charge prohibition condition is not satisfied. Here, the charge prohibition condition includes a shortest time condition that a time during which the charging terminal is detached from the external charger is above a defined time decided in view of an instantaneous power interruption.

Abstract: A synergistic system made up of a control unit having the function of identifying and monitoring the battery, and transmitting the information regarding the actual state of its energy conditions to a battery charger, made to attain energy saving and well as a greater functionality and efficiency of the identified battery.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to regulate an input voltage to provide a regulated output power. The regulated output power may include a smooth direct current (DC) component and an undesired alternating current (AC) component, the smooth DC component being an average of the regulated output power. A buck regulator module of the present invention regulates the smooth DC component to approximate a reference voltage. The buck regulator module additionally replicates the undesired AC component embedded within the regulated output power. A replicated undesired AC component is combined with the regulated output power to reduce the undesired AC component embedded within the output power.

Abstract: An on-vehicle charging apparatus charges a battery mounted on the vehicle. In the apparatus, a generator generates electric power to output voltage for charging the battery and a controller, which is located outside the generator, outputs a pulse signal for controlling a generated state of the generator. A reception device receives the pulse signal outputted from the controller. The received signal is subjected to filtering at a filter, where pulse signals whose cycles are different from a predetermined cycle are removed. Further, using the outputted pulse signal from the filter, a duty ratio of the pulse signal is calculated. A voltage outputted from the generator is regulated based on the calculated duty ratio.

Abstract: An energy management circuit (100) for use with one or more rechargeable cells (201) is capable of prohibiting discharge in response to temporal or other inputs. In one embodiment, a control circuit (102) applies a control signal to a discharge control node (105) when a charging current is applied for less than a charging duration threshold. The control signal causes a discharge disconnect switch (202) to open. In another embodiment, the control circuit (102) applies the control signal to the discharge control node (105) after failing to detect a charging current for at least a non-charging duration threshold. Discharge can again be allowed by applying a charging current for at least a reset duration.

Abstract: An intelligent voltage and current controlled PWM microcontroller type battery charger includes an electromagnetic interference filter, a bridge rectifier, a transformer and a switching power supply of a rectifier as a main structure and operates with a microcontroller unit of a PWM controller for charging various chargeable batteries. The microcontroller unit operated with a battery charging protection block include a battery charging loop circuit connected to two PWM controllers for modulating outputs if constant voltage values and constant current values to control a feedback of the switching power supply. A current detection block, a voltage detection block and a temperature protection block are operated with the microcontroller unit. A battery charging protection block and a delay startup battery charging protection system are connected to the microcontroller unit. The invention can achieve the effects of charging different types of batteries, saving energy, reducing carbon and protecting environment.

Abstract: When a control circuit detects from a signal CPO4 that a battery voltage is less than a sixth reference voltage, a constant current operation in VFM control is performed with respect to a switching transistor and a synchronous rectification transistor in accordance with signals RVDET and CPO3. Furthermore, when the control circuit detects from the signal CPO4 that the battery voltage becomes equal to or greater than the sixth reference voltage, the constant current operation in PWM control is performed in accordance with a signal CPO2. When an output signal CVDET from a constant current/constant voltage switching detection circuit becomes high level, operation control with respect to the switching transistor and the synchronous rectification transistor is switched from the PWM control of constant current operations to the PWM control of constant voltage operations in accordance with a signal CPO1.

Abstract: A circuit includes a pulse transformer having primary and secondary windings. An oscillating waveform is applied to the primary winding to induce an oscillating waveform at the secondary winding. A transistor in series with a first resistor is coupled between the secondary winding and the ground. An R-C network formed by a second and a third resistor and a capacitor is coupled to a base junction of the transistor. The R-C network causes a slow, tapered linear pinch off of the transistor's conductance to enable the circuit to output a triangular waveform, which is characterized by a relatively short linear rise time followed by a substantially long linear fall time. The R-C network is coupled to the secondary winding via a first and a second diode, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery charger for charging a battery (10), said battery charger comprising an AC/DC power supply means (1), a pulse width modulation controlled DC/DC converter (2) and a control unit (3) that is connected to the AC/DC power supply means (1) and the PWM-controlled DC/DC converter (2). The battery charger has a maximum output power while avoiding to blow up small battery packs if the control unit (3) is adapted to measure at least a voltage and a current at terminals of the battery (10) to be charged, calculate a power at the battery (10), compare the calculated power and the nominal maximum power of the AC/DC power supply means (1), and transmit a signal to the PWM-controlled DC/DC converter (2) to adjust a charging current supplied to the battery (10) based on the comparison result. A temperature at the battery can also be measured.

Abstract: An adapter for replacing an original battery, light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a first type with a replacement battery light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a second and different type may comprise first terminals configured similarly to terminals of an original battery, light or battery powered device, second terminals for connecting to a replacement battery, light or battery powered device, and an electronic circuit for controlling charging of the battery of the replacement battery, light or battery powered device connected to the second terminals when a battery charging device for a battery of the first type is connected to the first terminals.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a battery management system includes a charger controller for controlling a charging current of a battery according to a status of a load which is powered by the battery, and a counter coupled to the charger controller for determining a charging time according to such status. Advantageously, a first charging current is selected when the load is off. A second charging current that is less than the first charging current is selected when the load is on. Furthermore, a frequency of the counter is set to a first frequency when the load is off. The frequency is set to a second frequency that is less than the first frequency when the load is on.

Abstract: A circuit for charging a battery pack includes a power converter and a charger controller. The power converter is operable for receiving an input power, and for providing a charging power for charging the battery pack. The power converter provides galvanic isolation between input circuitry and output circuitry of the circuit. The input circuitry shares a first ground potential with the input power, and the output circuitry shares a second ground potential with the charging power. The charger controller in the input circuitry includes a modulator for generating a driving signal to drive the power converter and control the charging power.

Abstract: A technique for dynamically adjusting an output voltage of forward converter circuits for a battery charging operation is provided. The technique allows for varying voltage at the charging battery by manipulating the duty cycles of two forward converter circuits. The present disclosure provides methods and systems for increasing synchronized duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits in response to a changing battery charge state that requires a higher voltage output then changing a phase shift between the duty cycles in response to further increases in output voltage demand. The present disclosure also provides methods and systems for setting a phase shift between duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits based on battery rating and then altering pulse width in response to changing battery charge state.

Abstract: A pulse charge method for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, includes: a charge control step of pulse charging by supplying a pulsed current periodically to the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery; a battery voltage detection step of measuring a battery voltage of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery; a comparison step of comparing the battery voltage, measured in the battery voltage detection step when the pulsed current is supplied, with a predetermined set voltage; and a charge end control step of ending the pulse charging when a comparison result shows that the measured battery voltage is equal to or higher than the set voltage.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery by using a charge power supply that charges the rechargeable battery at constant voltage is provided. A pulse charge operation is performed at a charge process start. The charge process is stopped when current in the pulse charge operation is not greater than a predetermined value and it is determined that the rechargeable battery is in a full-charge state. On the other hand, the rechargeable battery is charged at constant voltage when the current in the pulse charge operation is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging either a normal or a sulfated type of a storage battery includes a first charging stage, a second charging stage, and a final third charging stage. The first charging stage applies a pulsed voltage with a high peak and average voltage to the battery until an average current of about 12 amperes is attained, at which time transition into the second charging stage occurs. A pulse width modulator reduces the average voltage and average current to a safe level and continue to charge the battery for about 20 minutes. At that time transition into the third charging stage occurs wherein a low ripple 14.8 VDC steady state current-limited voltage is applied to the battery for a second duration of about four hours, after which charging is complete and the apparatus shuts itself off.

Abstract: A system for charging a high voltage battery that includes a low DC voltage battery, a DC-to-AC converting circuit, a controller, a AC-to-DC converting circuit and a high DC voltage battery. The low voltage battery outputs a low DC voltage signal. The DC-to-AC converting circuit receives the low DC voltage signal to convert into a chopped DC voltage signal. The DC-to-AC converter outputs a high AC voltage signal corresponding to the chopped DC voltage signal. The controller controls a duty cycle of the chopped DC voltage signal. The AC-to-DC converting circuit converts the high AC voltage signal into a high DC voltage signal. The high voltage battery charges using the high DC voltage signal. A method for charging a high voltage battery is also provided.

Abstract: A secondary battery charge control method includes: a charge control step of executing charging by supplying a charge current to a secondary battery; a charge information acquisition step of acquiring information relating to the charging executed in the charge control step; a storage step of storing the information acquired in the charge information acquisition step as charge data; and a charge inhibition determination step of determining whether to inhibit the charging in the charge control step on the basis of the charge data of a previous cycle that have been stored in the storage step when charging in the charge control step is started again after charging in the charge control step has been completed.

Abstract: A system for controlling the delay applied to one branch of a pulse width modulation amplifier. The delay typically incorporated whether input signal level is low and diminished when the input signal level increases. The system may be implemented using a switch, a level detector and a timer, which in conjunction determine whether the delay unit is included in the branch or bypassed. The system may also use a programmable delay that can adjust the period of delay applied or be programmed to operate as a pass-through where delay is no longer beneficial for providing high signal quality.

Abstract: An exemplary charging circuit (200) includes for charging a load component (210) includes a power supply unit (220), a feedback circuit, and a sampling resistor (230). The power supply unit includes a pulse width modulation circuit (221) and a power output terminal (222) configured to output a direct current supply. The feedback circuit includes an amplifying comparator (241), a constant voltage circuit (242), a transistor (243), and an optoelectrical coupler (244). The constant voltage circuit is configured to generate a reference voltage and apply the reference voltage to a negative input terminal of the amplifier comparator. An output terminal of the amplifier comparator is connected to the pulse width modulation circuit via the transistor and the optoelectrical coupler. The sampling resistor includes a current sampling terminal connected to a positive input terminal of the amplifier comparator.

Abstract: An intelligent adaptive energy management system and method that manages the charge and discharge process as well as the environmental quality of the energy resource to maximize its safety and its energy output. 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 and their environment such as cell temperature, rate of rise in cell temperature, cell voltage, cell density, cell internal resistance and cell shape deformation. The sensors communicate the measured data to a controller which controls activities such as cell charging, cell discharging, cell balancing, and/or cell availability to provide energy to the device served. Another feature includes a charging module in communication with the controller adapted to provide varying types and/or durations and/or amplitudes of the charge to the cells.

Abstract: Method and system for forming or charging batteries or power cells. The system includes control processor; input switch coupled to a power supply, charging switch coupled to the battery, filter network between the input and charging switches, battery temperature sensor, input voltage sensor, and charging voltage and current sensors. The control processor monitors the sensors and controls the switches to deliver a charging waveform to the battery selected to perform an efficient charging of the battery. The method includes applying a charging current pulse, having a current value and a pulse width, to the battery at a repetition rate; monitoring battery temperature; determining whether to change the current value, repetition rate or pulse width; and changing them when determined. Battery resistance can be a determinant. A sensor on a battery post can monitor battery temperature. A hardware temperature sensor can monitor system temperature and be used to detect system resonance.

Abstract: Electronic devices that include batteries can be adapted to provide one or more indications of a low battery condition. An electronic device such as a controller can include a battery and can be adapted to determine a first low battery condition. A first indication can be provided in response to the first low battery condition. In some cases, a second battery condition can be determined and a second indication can be provided in response to the second battery condition. The indications provided to the user can be made progressively more noticeable over time, until the battery is replaced.

Abstract: A battery charging system and method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle with power from an external power source, such as a standard 110 volt or 220 volt AC wall outlet. The method senses various internal and external conditions and uses this information to charge the plug-in electric vehicle in an optimum fashion that reduces charging time yet avoids damage to components of the charging system. In one embodiment, the battery charging system includes an external power source, a battery charger with sensors for monitoring the external power source and the charger, a battery unit with sensors for monitoring the battery, a battery charging control module for processing the information, and a user interface that allows user-specified custom charging constraints. All of these components, with the exception of external power source, may be located on the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery charger may be configured to charge a battery by way of a charging cable. A DC gain of a voltage control loop of the battery charger may be limited to a predetermined value to compensate for voltage drop on the charging cable. For example, a DC gain of an error amplifier on the voltage control loop may be limited to a predetermined value for cable voltage drop compensation. The error amplifier may use a reference signal that is generated as a function of the error signal. The DC gain of the error amplifier may be limited by connecting a resistor to form an RC circuit on an output node of the error amplifier.

Abstract: A controllably alternating buck mode DC-DC converter conducts cycle by cycle analysis of the direction of inductor current flow to decide whether to operate in synchronous buck mode or standard buck mode for the next successive cycle. For each cycle of the PWM waveform controlling the buck mode DC-DC converter, a mode control circuit examines and latches data representative of the direction of inductor current flow relative to the chargeable battery. If the inductor current flow is positive, a decision is made to operate in synchronous buck mode for the next PWM cycle, which allows positive current to charge the battery; if the inductor current drops to zero, a decision is made to operate the converter in standard buck mode for the next PWM cycle, so as to prevent current from flowing out of the battery and boosting the system bus.