Abstract: An electronic disconnect switch module (12) in a motor vehicle has one or more pairs of high-current, high-side solid state switch devices (30A, 30B, 32A, and 32B). The source terminal of one device of each pair is connected to vehicle load circuits (27), the source terminal of the other device of each pair is connected to the vehicle battery bank (16), and the drain terminals of the devices of each pair are connected in common. The module also has a microcontroller (34) that interfaces the switch devices with the vehicle electrical system. Four feature groups are provided: Vehicle Electrical System Protection, Battery Charge Control, Battery Disconnect, and Battery Monitoring.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a battery charging control circuit. The charging control circuit includes: a constant-current charging unit and a trickle charging unit. The charging control circuit further includes a branch switch, a control unit, and a detection unit. The branch switch is connected between a power source and the rechargeable battery for enabling or disabling the constant-current charging unit. The control unit is between the constant-current charging unit and the branch switch for controlling the branch switch. The detection unit is used to detect a state of the rechargeable battery. If the detection unit detects the state of the rechargeable battery is correspond to a predetermined state, then the control unit controls the branch switch to disable the constant-current charging unit and enable the trickle charging unit.

Abstract: A charger with output voltage compensation includes an AC/DC circuit, an output interface, a charge controller, and a compensator. The AC/DC circuit converts an AC source into a DC source. The voltage of the DC source is elevated by a transformer and used to charge a battery via the output interface. The charge controller can further increase the voltage of the output interface in order to accelerate battery charging. The compensator compensates the voltage wasted by the circuit. Therefore, the invention can overcome energy waste caused by the internal resistance in the circuit, achieving satisfactory charging effects.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus includes a switching power source supplying a current to a battery pack, an input voltage detecting unit detecting an input voltage of the switching power source, a charging current control unit that detects a charging current of the battery and controlling the charging current in accordance with a charging current set value, and a microcomputer detecting whether the current supplied to the battery to be charged is less than a predetermined value on the basis of a detection signal of the input voltage detecting unit and controls the charging current set value in accordance with the input voltage. When it is discriminated that the input voltage is less than a predetermined value on the basis of the detection signal, the microcomputer sets the charging current set value to be a value less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: In a charging control circuit for controlling charging of a secondary battery, a charging transistor generates a charging current according to a control signal input to a control electrode and outputs the charging current to the secondary battery. The proportional current generation transistor generates and outputs a proportional current proportional to the charging current output by the charging transistor. The constant current charging controller controls the charging transistor so that the proportional current generated by the proportional current generation transistor attains a predetermined first value. The constant current charging controller controls a voltage of a current output terminal of the proportional current generation transistor so that a voltage difference between the voltage of the current output terminal of the proportional current generation transistor and a voltage of a current output terminal of the charging transistor is maintained at a predetermined second value.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery includes applying a charging current from a semiconductor device to the battery during a first battery charging time period. The method also includes measuring a charging voltage level at the battery during the first battery charging time period. During a non-charging voltage measurement time interval, the method includes temporarily stopping application of the charging current from the semiconductor device to the battery and measuring a non-charging voltage level at the battery while the charging current is not being applied to the battery.

Abstract: A protection circuit comprising: a second circuit to be connected to a first circuit, the first circuit including: a first reference voltage generating circuit configured to generate a first reference voltage; a first comparing voltage generating circuit configured to generate a first comparing voltage; a first comparator configured to output a first comparing output voltage; and a first control circuit, the second circuit including: a second comparing voltage generating circuit configured to be input with the first reference voltage and to generate a second comparing voltage to be compared with a battery voltage based on the first reference voltage; a second comparator configured to output a second comparing output voltage corresponding to relation in magnitude between the second comparing voltage and the battery voltage; and a second control circuit configured to control the supply of the charging voltage to the secondary battery corresponding to the second comparing output voltage.

Abstract: A refresh control system that selectively initiates a refresh charge cycle includes an energy storage device and an electric machine that is operable to charge the energy storage device. A control module monitors a usage period of the energy storage device and determines a bias factor. The control module determines a modified usage period threshold based on a usage period threshold and the bias factor. The control module regulates the electric machine to initiate a refresh charge cycle of the energy storage device when the usage period exceeds the modified usage period threshold.

Abstract: Electrical connection between a charging device and a secondary battery is checked during a wait time in which a charge mode of the charging device is selected. When the electrical connection is not successfully established, a charge current is not supplied from the charging device to the secondary battery.

Abstract: A charging circuit for charging a rechargeable battery (70) includes a charge management unit (40), a comparator (80) and a changeover switch (60). The changeover switch (60) includes a default state of connecting the rechargeable battery to the comparator (80), so that the comparator (80) produces a comparison result by comparing a battery voltage of the rechargeable battery (70) with a preset voltage threshold. The comparison result is transmitted to the charge management unit (40) and the charge management unit (40) controls the changeover switch (60) to switch from the default state to a controlled state if the battery voltage is less than the preset voltage threshold according to the comparison result. In the controlled state the changeover switch (60) connects the rechargeable battery (70) to the charge management unit (40), so that the charge management unit (40) charges the rechargeable battery (70).

Abstract: A system provides generator control for a power system within a vehicle. The system includes a battery, a generator that outputs power to charge the battery. A sensor detects a state of charge (SOC) value, a health value, a voltage, a current, a temperature, and a charging voltage of the battery. A controller controls a voltage output mode of the generator in response to at least one of a state of charge (SOC) value, a health value, a voltage, a current, a temperature, and a charging voltage of the battery detected by the sensor, the voltage output mode is in response to the SOC and the temperature of the battery.

Abstract: A duty cycle controller apparatus for producing a duty cycle signal for controlling switching of switches of a battery charger having an AC input for receiving power and an output for supplying power to charge a battery in response to switching of the switches, while maintaining a high power factor at the AC input. The duty cycle controller apparatus includes a current command signal generator having a plurality of signal inputs for receiving a plurality of signals representing a plurality of operating conditions of the charger, a plurality of current command outputs and a processor operably configured to generate a plurality of current command signals at the current command outputs in response to respective sets of operating conditions.

Abstract: A charging control device includes a control unit and a switching circuit. The control unit has an input end connected to a vehicle battery for receiving a battery voltage signal therefrom. The switching circuit includes at least two switch units, each of which is connected between an alternator and the vehicle battery and includes a conducting unit. The conducting unit includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) connected to the control unit and the alternator. The control unit controls the SCR of each switch unit to switch from a non-conducting state to a conducting state with reference to the battery voltage signal such that each switch unit permits supply of electricity from the alternator to the vehicle battery when the battery voltage signal is lower than a predetermined threshold, and interrupts supply of the electricity from the alternator to the vehicle battery when otherwise.

Abstract: A charger of the present invention includes a charging transistor and a charging integrated circuit. The charging transistor is series-connected with a secondary battery to supply a charging current to the secondary battery. The charging integrated circuit is incorporated into a package having a higher heat releasability than that of the charging transistor. The charging integrated circuit controls the charging transistor and besides, supplies a charging current to the secondary battery. For this purpose, the charging integrated circuit includes a current source supplying this charging current. The charging current from the current source is supplied to the secondary battery together with the charging current from the charging transistor to charge the secondary battery.

Abstract: A two-step charger includes an AC/DC power supply, a transformer, a compensator, a controller, a comparator and an isolating controller. The comparator detects whether a battery is connected to the transformer. If so, a command voltage of the charger is set at a high level. Since the battery voltage is lower than the command voltage, the controller orders the compensator to send out a compensating current. The current entering the primary side of the transformer is increased to promote the output current from the secondary side of the transformer. Once the comparator detects that the battery reaches as high as the charger, the command voltage is adjusted to a low level. The controller orders the compensator to stop outputting the compensating current. Therefore, a larger current can speed up battery charging. Once the battery is fully charged, the charging voltage is lowered to avoid high temperature.

Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, protection methods, circuits and devices are provided to protect against fault conditions within a battery pack that is operatively attached to a power tool or charger, so as to prevent internal or external damage to the battery pack or attached tool or charger. The exemplary methods, circuits and devices address fault conditions such as over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, over-temperature, etc.

Abstract: A multiple-battery charging system for enabling a vehicle with an internal-combustion engine or hybrid engine to be equipped with a plurality of electric storage batteries. The multiple-battery charging system automatically connects batteries to load, at times alternatingly and at times in parallel. All batteries are charged, together or seriatim, and maintained in a charged state, by a single conventional charging source (alternator) with which the vehicle is equipped. In abnormal operating circumstances, such as when one or more batteries are defective or shorted, or the alternator is defective, the multiple-battery charging system prevents an operator from depleting a battery to the point where necessary peripheral equipment, such as a wheelchair lift, can no longer be operated.

Abstract: A charge controlling circuit is provided in which a temperature of a main body of a portable cellular phone or an ambient temperature thereof is detected by a temperature sensor and, when the temperature is higher than or equal to an lower limit in a proper temperature range required by the secondary battery and is lower than a specified reference value, a charging current having a first current value is fed to the secondary battery and, when the temperature is lower than or equal to an upper limit in a proper temperature range required by the secondary battery and is higher than or equal to the specified reference value, a charging current having a second current value being less than the first current value is fed to the secondary battery. When the temperature is a value outside of a proper temperature range required by the secondary battery, the charging to the secondary battery is stopped.

Abstract: In a method and system for protecting a battery being charged by an electrical device, a current flowing through a cell stack of the battery is measured. If the measured current is greater than a predefined value the battery is isolated from the device. If subsequent current measurements made within a predefined time interval indicate that the measured current is less than or equal to the predefined value then the battery is recoupled to the device. If the measured current remains greater than the predefined value during the predefined time interval then a fuse is blown and the battery is disabled.

Abstract: Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices.

Abstract: An exemplary battery charger includes an input interface arranged to connect to a DC power source, having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; an output interface arranged to connect to a battery, having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a switch circuit connected between the positive terminals of the input interface and the output interface, comprising a control terminal; a detecting resistor connected between the negative terminals of the input interface and the output interface; a detecting circuit connected between the negative terminals of the input interface and the output interface to detect a voltage across the detecting resistor and output a digital signal; and a processor receiving the voltage signal to determine whether the battery is fully charged and generate a voltage signal to the control terminal of the switch circuit via an inverting circuit for turning off the switch circuit when the battery is fully charged.

Abstract: A control unit for triggering the personal protection arrangement, including a first semiconductor module that is configured to make available various supply voltages and to charge an energy reserve, and including at least one second semiconductor module that is likewise configured to charge the energy reserve, the first and the second semiconductor module each having a semiconductor support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to charge a battery. A wall adapter may provide a power to a battery charger in a collapsed mode of operation. In the collapsed mode of operation, the wall adapter may provide the battery charger with a collapsed power. The battery charger may provide a charging current and/or voltage in a constant current charge mode of operation and/or a constant voltage charge mode of operation using the collapsed power. When operating in the constant current charge mode of operation, the battery charger provides the charging current and/or voltage having a constant current until the voltage of the battery is less than or substantially equal to a constant charge voltage. Alternatively, when operating in the constant voltage charge mode of operation, the battery provides the charging current and/or voltage having a constant voltage until the voltage of the battery is less than or substantially equal to a float voltage.

Abstract: A storage battery includes a battery housing and a plurality of electrochemical cells in the battery housing electrically connected to terminals of the battery. A battery test module is mounted to the battery housing and electrically coupled to the terminals through Kelvin connections. A display or other output is configured to output battery condition information from the battery test module. The battery test module is configured to automatically carry out a battery test when a voltage across the battery falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an adjustable current source that is coupled to an external battery. The semiconductor device includes a feedback control module that is responsive to a voltage level at the external battery. The feedback control module also has an output that is directed to control the current supplied by the adjustable current source. Also, the feedback control module can selectively provide a signal to periodically and temporarily turn off the current supplied by the adjustable current source. A voltage at the external battery is measured during a time period when the current is turned on and during a time period when the current is turned off. While the current is turned off, the feedback control module can measure the external battery voltage so that it can be compared to the battery voltage while the adjustable current source is on.

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: A power supply device for a vehicle includes a battery serving as a first electric storage device, a battery serving as a second electric storage device, a motor generator driving a wheel, a selection switch selecting one of the first and second electric storage devices and connecting the selected electric storage device to the motor generator, and a control device controlling switching of the selection switch in accordance with a state of charge of each of the first and second electric storage devices. In the case where the selection switch selects the first electric storage device, when charging is performed and the state of charge of the first electric storage device becomes higher than a first prescribed level, the control device instructs the selection switch to select the second electric storage device.

Abstract: The object is to provide a safe non-contact electric power transmission apparatus reducing unnecessarily consumed electric power, while intermittently-operated or otherwise restrained electric power transmission is not performed, and heat is not generated when a metal such as a foreign object is placed.

Abstract: A charger capable of safely charging an apparatus even when the current limit value of an external power supply is less than the maximum charging current of the charger or when the battery voltage is low. Charger 100 has backup charging circuit 160 that performs charging using a current that is less than the charging current of charging control section 120. Control circuit 170 performs control so that charging control circuit 123 of charging control section 120 fixes charging control transistor 121 to OFF, makes backup charging circuit 160 operate, and performs backup charging using minute current Ichsub when battery voltage Vb is lower than predetermined value Vbx1, and fixes control transistor 111 of DC/DC converter 110 to ON when supply voltage Vc is less than a first supply voltage value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a circuit is formed to couple a battery to a charging voltage at least a portion of a time when the charging voltage is greater than zero volts and is less than a first voltage value. The circuit is also formed to decouple the battery from the charging voltage approximately when the charging voltage is greater than the first voltage and also approximately when the charging voltage is no greater than zero volts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery charger and a method for preventing both an overshoot charging current and an overcharged battery voltage during a mode transition. The battery charger includes a charging regulation circuit having an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal, in which the charging regulation circuit outputs a charging current whose amount is regulated based on a first regulation signal at the control terminal. The battery charger also includes an operational amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal, and an output terminal for generating the first regulation signal; The battery charger contains a first switch unit and a second switch unit for controlling current flow in the battery charger.

Abstract: A battery monitoring device of a battery pack configured for powering a cordless power tool may include an integrated circuit connected to a microprocessor of the pack that is external to the integrated circuit, and which is connected to each of N battery cells of the pack. The integrated circuit may be configured to take, singly or sequentially, a sampled reading comprising one of an individual cell voltage or a total pack voltage for all cells in the pack. The sampled reading is filtered in the integrated circuit prior to being read by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system interface having an interface for dual battery packs provides for power up sequencing of battery packs and pack switching under the control of a host processor within associated system electronics. The host processor communicates with each battery pack via a pack interface that includes a single wire mode control signal and a single wire status signal. The mode control signal allows the host processor to control the operational mode of selector switches within the respective battery pack. The single wire status signal provides status information to the host processor regarding the state of the selector switches within the respective battery pack. The mode and status signals are multi-state signals that permit at least three states to be identified via the single wire interface. Selector switches are provided only in the battery packs. No selector switches are included in the system electronics to minimize voltage drops between the selected battery pack and the system electronics.

Abstract: A system and method of dynamically charging a lead-acid battery that has been in a deep discharged state for an extended period of time or is deeply sulfated includes an alternating current (AC) line input connected to a transformer. The output of the transformer is connected to a pair of silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs). The SCRs are in turn connected to terminals of a lead-acid battery. A pair of signal diodes is used to obtain waveform information for the AC input for phase control to trigger the SCRs. The outputs of the signal diodes and the SCRs are connected to a phase regulated output controller. A turn-on time for the SCRs is delayed to create a differential voltage between the transformer output and a voltage of the battery. The differential voltage is applied to terminals of the battery at an increased frequency rate to break battery sulfation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery charger and a method for preventing an overshoot charging current during a mode transition. The battery charger includes a charging regulation circuit for outputting a charging current whose amount is regulated based on a regulation signal at a control terminal, a first current sensing unit for sensing a current level and outputting an error signal based on both the current level and a first reference signal, an operational amplifier for generating the regulation signal, and a reference voltage generator which includes an ADC for converting the error signal outputted by the current sensing unit to a digital signal, and a DAC for converting the digital signal to a reference voltage.

Abstract: To provide a system for controlling the charging of a secondary battery (battery), which is capable of keeping an initial charging/discharging characteristic of the battery in consideration of a change in environmental temperature and deterioration of the battery with elapsed time. An ordinary charging portion for performing a first charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level less than a full-charge level is used in combination with a refresh charging portion for performing a second charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level more than the full charge level. After the charging by the ordinary charging portion is continuously repeated by a specific number of times, for example, ten times, the next charging is performed by the refresh charging portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating pre-charge current in a battery system, such as a battery system of an information handling system, by controlling duty cycle of the charging current provided to battery cell/s of the battery system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a synchronous rectification type battery charging circuit, comprising: a charging main circuit for charging a battery; an anti-reflection switch tube, connected between a voltage input of the synchronous rectification type battery charging circuit and the charging main circuit; and a control logic and driving circuit, for controlling turning-on and cutting-off of the charging main circuit and the anti-reflection switch tube, characterized in that the synchronous rectification type battery charging circuit further including a protection circuit which outputs to the control logic and driving circuit an indicating signal for representing turning-on or cutting-off of the charging main circuit and the anti-reflection switch tube, according to a value of an input voltage of the synchronous rectification type battery charging circuit.

Abstract: A charger includes input terminals whereto positive and negative voltages from a power source unit are applied, output terminals generating an output charging a secondary battery, upon being applied with the voltage from the input terminals via positive and negative power source lines, a first field effect type transistor and a second field effect type transistor having a region between a drain and a source inserted in at least one of the positive and negative power source lines, and having a first parasitic diode with a polarity reverse against charge current, and a second parasitic diode with a polarity forward direction with charge current respectively, a first detection circuit and a second detection circuit having series connections of a plurality of resistors inserted between the positive and negative power source lines, the first circuit is between the input terminals and the first transistor, and the second circuit is between the first transistor and the second transistor, and a charge control unit su

Abstract: The charging circuit for charging a battery of an electronic device using a connected AC power adaptor includes circuitry responsive to an applied regulated voltage for charging the battery connected to the charging circuitry. The circuitry prevents the regulated voltage applied to the circuitry from falling below a settable voltage level. Additionally, the circuitry switches a charging current between a quick charge level and a trickle charge level responsive to a state of a transistor.

Abstract: A protection method for preventing battery cells from over-discharging and being overcharged, a control circuit, and a battery unit are provided. In the protection method, when a set signal “1” is supplied to a set terminal, a flip-flop outputs “1”. The gate of a discharge control FET then becomes “1”, so that the discharge control FET is OFF regardless of a discharge control signal supplied from a voltage monitor circuit. When a reset signal “1” is supplied to a reset terminal, the flip-flop outputs “0”. The discharge control FET is then switched on and off in accordance with the output of a discharge control circuit of the voltage monitor circuit. In this manner, battery cells connected to an electronic device do not over-discharge, even when they are left unused for a long period of time. Thus, the battery unit can be prevented from deteriorating and shortening the life thereof.

Abstract: An electronic system for the continuous monitoring of voltage charge within the electrical system of a motor vehicle having an electrical generation source and a secondary electrochemical cell or battery. The system comprises a programmable in-vehicle monitor having a flashing LED indicator that alerts the vehicle operator of the condition of the electrical system. An example of the invention comprises a plug-in housing for use in a vehicle accessory-power-socket. Additionally, a method of market distribution is disclosed.

Abstract: A safety circuit monitors a charging signal supplied by a charging circuit for charging a battery. Damage to the battery may occur when the voltage at the input terminal of the battery rises above the safe level for the battery. A voltage drop across a coupling circuit is used to generate an activation signal. The activation signal causes a power amplifier to lower the voltage of the charging signal before the charging signal can drive the inductances associated with the battery input terminal and leads to the point where damage to the battery may occur.

Abstract: Battery-powered tools may include battery 1 or battery pack BP and a drive source (e.g., motor M) for generating power using current supplied from the battery. A switch 3 may electrically connect the battery to the drive source. A voltage detector may detect the output battery voltage of the battery. Further, a processor 60, 210, a comparator 5 or another similar device preferably determines when a difference between (1) a first battery voltage detected at a first predetermined time period after the switch is turned OFF and (2) a second battery voltage detected at a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time period exceeds a predetermined value. This information may be utilized to determine whether to warn an operator of the battery powered tool that further operation using the battery 1 or battery pack BP should be discontinued.

Abstract: A safety circuit monitors a charging signal supplied by a charging circuit for charging a battery. Damage to the battery may occur when the voltage at the input terminal of the battery rises above the safe level for the battery. A voltage drop across a coupling circuit is used to generate an activation signal. The activation signal causes a power amplifier to lower the voltage of the charging signal before the charging signal can drive the inductances associated with the battery input terminal and leads to the point where damage to the battery may occur.

Abstract: A charging device with shunt and voltage division control by voltage detection is arranged to limit the charging current by shunting it, and further to control a main switch connected in series with the charging circuit by voltage division upon detecting a voltage rise in a rechargeable secondary battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of portable emergency power supply for use when storage batteries of mobile appliances such as cellular telephones, radios, camcorders, laptops and mini cassette players are discharged or become unusable. In particular, by utilizing solar cells, the present invention can supply power to mobile phones, laptops and mini cassette players and other devices during the daytime when the sun shines. The present invention provides a portable multi-voltage power source device that is capable of generating various levels of power voltages for diverse appliances requiring different electric voltages. The present invention includes at least one solar cell plate formed of a plurality of solar cells connected to each other and a power source selection unit to select one of a plurality of voltages by coupling the positive and negative poles of the connected solar cells in selected fashions.

Abstract: In an automobile power supply where plural voltages can be supplied, a plurality of batteries and a DC/DC converter are assumed to be unnecessary, and it is possible to operate even when the controller breaks down. High-voltage terminal 11 and low-voltage terminal 12 are provided in battery 6. High-voltage FET 4 for controlling the power supply in one direction from high-voltage terminal 11 to inverter 3 is connected between inverter 3 and high-voltage terminal 11. Low-voltage FET 5 for controlling the power supply in one direction from inverter 3 to low-voltage terminal 12 between inverter 3 and low-voltage terminal 12 is connected.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive has an electric machine which can be alternatively driven as a motor or as a generator and has a d.c. connection to which a supply voltage can be applied, from a first energy source and/or a second energy source. The first energy source is designed for base load supply of the electric machine, while the second energy source comprises an energy accumulator designed for a short-term peak load supply of the electric machine. Also, vehicle braking energy can be stored by way of the electric machine in its generator operating mode. According to the invention, the second energy source in the form of an energy accumulator is coupled via a bidirectional DC/DC converter to a supply connection of the first energy source connected with the direct-voltage connection of the electric machine.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus comprising a controller to control on-off controllable switch elements of an AC power source output short circuit and including a first control section to control the on-off controllable switch elements so that they are at an on-state when an instantaneous terminal voltage of a battery exceeds a first set value and a second control section to control the on-off switch elements so that they are at an on-state when an average voltage of the battery exceeds a second set value and serving to control them when a power source switch is closed.