Abstract: A USB charger circuit includes at least a converter, a control circuitry, a first resistor, a second resistor, an error amplifier, a sense resistor and a diode. The converter has a transistor. The control circuitry is coupled to the transistor. The control circuitry is used for producing a drive signal to the transistor. The first resistor is connected between the output node of the converter and a first node. The second resistor is connected between the first node and a second node. The error amplifier is coupled to receive a voltage divided by the first resistor and the second resistor to compare to a reference voltage. The sense resistor is connected between the second node and ground. The diode is connected between the output node of the converter and a first node.

Abstract: A universal serial bus device includes: a core circuit having a first pin and a second pin, and having an input impedance looking into the core circuit from the first pin and the second pin; and a charging control circuit, coupled to the core circuit, arranged for selectively providing a voltage source to one of the first pin and the second pin; wherein the input impedance of the core circuit is configured to make the voltage source substantially intact when the voltage source is coupled to one of the first pin and the second pin.

Abstract: A network device includes several modules and a microcontroller for indicating working operations of the network device. The network device is configured for outputting a plurality of indicating control signals based on a detected signal power and a detected battery capacitance of the network device. The network device indicates the signal power and the battery capacitance based on the indicating control signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charge-controlling semiconductor integrated circuit including: a current-controlling MOS transistor; a current detection circuit including a 1/N size current-detecting MOS transistor; and a gate voltage control circuit, wherein the current detection circuit includes an operational amplifier circuit, a bias condition of the current-detecting MOS transistor becomes same as the current-controlling MOS transistor based on an operational amplifier circuit output, voltage drops in lines from drain electrode to a corresponding input point of the operational amplifier circuit become the same by a parasitic resistance, and when the output of the operational amplifier circuit is applied to a control terminal of the bias condition controlling transistor, the drain voltages become the same potential, and the line from the drain electrode of the current-detecting MOS transistor to the input point is formed to be redundantly arranged inside the chip so that a parasitic resistance becomes a predetermined valu

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a secondary battery using a power supply circuit, includes a discrimination circuit to discriminate a constant-current charging mode and a constant-voltage charging mode, and a controller to which a discrimination signal is supplied. When judged as being the constant-current charging mode, the controller sets the current in the constant-current charging mode by using the control signal. When judged as being the constant-voltage charging mode in accordance with the discrimination signal, the controller sets intermittently the end of charging detection current, and sets an end of charging detection period for judging the constant-current charging mode and the constant-voltage charging mode. When the discrimination signal indicates the constant-voltage charging mode in the end of charging detection period, the controller controls to shift to the end of charging detection mode.

Abstract: A setting current switching circuit 120 includes a comparator 127. A battery temperature signal corresponding to a battery temperature detected by a battery temperature detecting unit 8 is inputted to one input terminal (?) of the comparator 127 and a reference signal corresponding to a reference temperature is inputted to the other input terminal (+) of the comparator 127 to vary the setting charging current value of a charging current setting unit 80 and the setting full-charge current value of a full-charge current setting unit 90 correspondingly to the output of the comparator 127.

Abstract: An alarm-including protection apparatus and method thereof are used to protect a lithium-ion battery with a plurality of series cells. The protection apparatus includes a voltage balance controller for detecting the terminal voltage of each cell and correcting the terminal voltage of each cell. A protection unit and the lithium-ion battery are connected in series. A microprocessor connects to the voltage balance controller and the protection unit for receiving the terminal voltage of each cell and figuring out a voltage difference between the maximum terminal voltage and the minimum terminal voltage of the series cells. According to the comparison result of the voltage difference and a plurality of critical voltage differences, the microprocessor is used to correct the terminal voltage of each cell, generate an alarm signal or stop charging to the lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: A generator assembly for converting human generated mechanical energy into electrical power for charging at least one rechargeable device is provided herein. The generator assembly generally includes a housing, a primary gear supported within the housing, an input mechanism mounted to the primary gear for receiving the human generated mechanical energy, an alternator for converting the mechanical energy converting the mechanical energy into electrical power, and a charging mechanism mounted to the housing with the charging mechanism directly connected to the alternator, where the charging mechanism has at least one rechargeable interface for transferring the electrical power to the rechargeable device. A method of charging at least one rechargeable device with a generator assembly and a method of authorizing use of a generator assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A method which supplies power to an electronic device from a power supply device. The method includes setting a minimum power level of a power supply battery of a power supply device, detecting a current power level of the power supply battery and determining a current supply of the power supply battery, determining if the current supply exceeds a preset minimum power level, setting a required power level for extracting power from the power supply battery, extracting the power from the power supply battery according to a preset required power level, and transferring the power to a power charging battery of the electronic device. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-bay battery charger comprises a power supply (10), a flyback converter (30) including a transformer (40) defining a primary circuit (50) and a secondary circuit (60), a primary circuit controller (70) and a secondary circuit controller (80). The primary circuit (50) includes a primary control switch (51) having a closed state for electrically connecting the transformer (40) to the power supply (10). The primary circuit controller (70) applies a voltage pulse to the primary control switch (51) for selectively closing the primary control switch (51). The secondary circuit controller (80) applies a regulation voltage to the primary circuit controller (70) for modulating a duty cycle of the voltage pulses as a function of a sensed battery voltage relative to a maximum voltage threshold of a rechargeable battery (20) connected to the secondary circuit and of a sensed battery current relative to a maximum current threshold of the rechargeable battery (20).

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an apparatus that includes a battery system, which includes at least one cell and a charge enable device to couple the at least one cell to a charging voltage. The apparatus also includes an excessive voltage detector to output a signal to control the charge enable device. The signal prevents charging of the at least one cell if an excessive charging voltage is detected based on an activation of a clamping component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to restore or recharge one or more cells of a battery. A switching module sources an element charging current from a first input voltage to the battery when a charging control signal is at a first logical level or sinks an element discharging current from the battery to a second input voltage when the charging control signal is at a second logical level. A controller module provides the charging control signal based upon a comparison of a reference voltage and a control voltage pulse, the control voltage pulse being generated by the controller module in response to a replica current, the replica current being proportional to the element charging current. A feedback module compares a voltage of the battery to a reference voltage to provide a charging error signal.

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

Abstract: A power supply circuit charging a secondary battery by a DC-DC converter using a switching element and an inductance element includes a current adjustment circuit. The current adjustment circuit adjusts a charging current of the secondary battery by turning on/off the switching element according to a voltage difference of a lower one of a reference voltage and a first control voltage corresponding to a temperature of the secondary battery from a current detection voltage corresponding to the charging current of the secondary battery.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for charging a battery with a digital charge reduction loop are described herein. In some embodiments, a system comprises an exemplary digital charge reduction loop which comprises a circuit for determining a charge-current adjustment signal, a counter for generating a digital count value, and a digital-to-analog converter. The circuit for determining a charge-current adjustment signal may base the determination on a source voltage of an input source. The counter may generate a digital count value based on the charge-current adjustment signal. The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) may generate a DAC control signal based on the digital count value of the counter, the DAC control signal being representative of an amount of charge current to be used to charge a battery.

Abstract: A battery takes in a charge current value or a discharge current value from a current detection device at predetermined sampling intervals. Then, based upon the current value, a power consumption quantity representing the extent to which power has been consumed during a sampling interval is calculated and a total power consumption quantity is determined by sequentially adding the power consumption quantity corresponding to each sampling interval. Based upon the total power consumption quantity calculated at each sampling interval, a determination device determines as to whether or not the battery needs to be refreshed, and the determination results are transmitted to the camera. The camera informs the user that the battery needs to be refreshed if the determination device judges that a refresh operation is necessary. The sampling interval may be set longer when the power to the camera is in an OFF state compared to when the power to the camera is in an ON state.

Abstract: A method of determining the state of charge (SOC) of a rechargeable battery, the method comprising charging the battery using a substantially constant charge current; measuring the battery temperature; and conducting a first measurement of the battery voltage at a time interval, t1, from the start of the charging, and a second measurement of the battery voltage at a time interval, t2, from the first measurement.

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: In one embodiment the present invention includes a system and method of charging a battery using a switching regulator. In one embodiment, a switching regulator receives an input voltage and input current. The output of the switching regulator is coupled to a battery to be charged. The switching regulator provides a current into the battery that is larger than the current into the switching regulator. As the voltage on the battery increases, the current provided by the switching regulator is reduced. The present invention may be implemented using either analog or digital techniques for reducing the current into the battery as the battery voltage increases.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit comprising: a semiconductor switch having an output connected to a rechargeable battery; a battery charge controller for receiving power from an external source, and supplying output power to a portable device and the input of the semiconductor switch, the current output of the battery charge controller being controllable; and a voltage sensing circuit for: measuring the voltage drop across the battery charge controller; and responding to the voltage drop across the battery charge controller by modulating the semiconductor switch to reduce the quantity of current supplied to the rechargeable battery when the voltage drop is too great; whereby the total power dissipated by the battery charge controller is controlled, the portable device receiving the power it needs to operate and the rechargeable battery receiving any additional available power.

Abstract: A constant voltage to constant current transferring controller includes a voltage signal transferring circuit, a current signal transferring circuit, and an error amplifier. The voltage signal transferring circuit receives a voltage detecting signal and a first reference voltage signal, and outputs a voltage signal transferring reference signal. The current signal transferring circuit receives a current detecting signal and a second reference voltage signal, and outputs a current signal transferring reference signal. The error amplifier receives the voltage signal transferring reference signal, the current signal transferring reference signal and a third reference voltage signal, and outputs an error amplifying signal.

Abstract: A power supply having a battery (2) that supplies electric power to an electric load (6), a current sensor (4) that detects the current of the battery (2), and a voltage sensor (5) that detects the voltage of the battery (2) includes abnormality determination means for determining that an open failure has occurred in the battery (2) when the voltage detected by the voltage sensor (5) is larger than a first predetermined change amount and the current detected by the current sensor (4) is smaller than a second predetermined change amount, and determining, if an open failure is not found in the battery (2), that an intermediate fixed failure has occurred in the current sensor (4) when the internal resistance of the battery (2) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for battery charging are disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery charging circuit comprises an AC to DC converter, a charging control switch, and a charger controller. The AC to DC converter provides a charging power to a battery pack. The charging control switch is coupled between the AC to DC converter and the battery pack. The charging control switch transfers the charging power to the battery pack. The charger controller detects a battery status of the battery pack and controls the charging control switch to charge the battery pack in a continuous charging mode or a pulse charging mode according to the battery status. The charger controller also controls the AC to DC converter to regulate the charging power according to the battery status.

Abstract: A switch embedded integrated circuit for battery protection includes a first pin to be connected with one terminal of a battery, a second pin to be connected with a load or charger, a third pin to be connected with another terminal of the battery, a MOSFET having a body diode thereof and connected between the first and second pins, a control logic circuit and a detection circuit. The detection circuit monitors the voltage between the first pin and the third pin to determine a detection signal for the control logic circuit to turn on or off the MOSFET and switch the direction of the body diode, thereby providing an over charging and an over discharging protection functions.

Abstract: A portable apparatus includes a system configured to receive a system current and perform a function, a charging battery configured to be charged with a charging battery current and supply power to the system, and a power management circuit configured to receive an externally supplied power, supply the system current to the system, and supply the charging battery current to the charging battery based on a sensed level of the system current, wherein the charging battery current decreases in proportion to the system current.

Abstract: A system and method for determining if a USB port can source sufficient current to charge a rechargeable battery at a predetermined peak current level. Detection circuitry is disposed between the USB port and the battery. The detection circuitry includes a current source that is controlled to provide to the battery an increasing current that is sourced by the USB port. As the source current is increased from an initial value to a predetermined peak current source value, the output voltage of the USB port is monitored. If the USB port output voltage drops below a specified threshold voltage before the current source has ramped to the peak current source value, the load current is removed from the battery and an indication is provided that the USB port cannot provide the specified current. The detection process is then repeated after a specified delay interval.

Abstract: A battery charger integrated circuit with temperature control is disclosed that includes a temperature sensor circuit and a charging current generator circuit. Upon receiving a temperature reading voltage (VDT), the temperature sensing circuit is operable to generate a second reference voltage (VREF) that is a function of the first reference voltage (VREF1). The charging current generator circuit generates and continuously adjusts a reference current (I1) and a charging current (IOUT) according to the second reference voltage (VREF). Whenever the temperature reading voltage (VDT) exceeds the first reference voltage, the temperature sensor circuit is operable to adjust the second reference voltage (VREF).

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly safe charging circuit with which overcharge of a secondary battery will never occur even when a failure occurs in a transistor or the like that controls the charging voltage or charging current or when a protection circuit does not operate normally. In a secondary battery charging circuit 4 that charges a secondary battery E2 with an input power source voltage, the power source voltage is set to a voltage (e.g. 4.0 V) that is lower than the full-charge voltage (e.g. 4.2 V) of the secondary battery. When the voltage of the secondary battery E2 is lower than the power source voltage, a constant current circuit operates to perform constant current charging without voltage step-up, and when the voltage of the secondary battery E2 is higher than the power source voltage and lower than the full-charge voltage, a voltage step-up circuit operates to perform constant current charging with voltage step-up.

Abstract: A battery charging and power delivery system for a portable electronic device includes a first connection that connects the system to an AC/DC power adaptor. A second connection connects the system to the power bus of the portable electronic device. A third connection connects the system to a battery. A capacitor voltage divider circuit provides power to the system power bus through the second connection and provides power through the third connection. A controller provides control signals to the capacitor voltage divider and to the AC to DC power adaptor.

Abstract: A battery charger for an electronic device receives current limited power from an external power source, such as a Universal Serial Bus power interface. The battery charger can linearly regulate a charging current to an internal battery and limit the charging current so as not to demand current in excess of what the external power source can provide. A bi-directional pass element coupled between a system power terminal and the internal battery controls the charging current and effectively isolates the internal battery from a system load during charging of the battery while providing a low impedance path from the internal battery to the system load during discharging of the battery.

Abstract: A battery charger for an electronic device receives current limited power from an external power source, such as a Universal Serial Bus power interface. The battery charger can linearly regulate a charging current to an internal battery and limit the charging current so as not to demand current in excess of what the external power source can provide. A bi-directional pass element coupled between a system power terminal and the internal battery controls the charging current and effectively isolates the internal battery from a system load during charging of the battery while providing a low impedance path from the internal battery to the system load during discharging of the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, circuits, and systems for implementing an AC voltage adapter and battery charger system in a closed loop topology. Embodiments of the invention include methods for controlling an AC adapter charging a battery with steps for using a closed loop configuration to monitor one or more selected parameters in the charging loop. Feedback to the AC adapter is used for dynamically controlling the adapter output voltage. A preferred embodiment exemplifies a closed loop circuit for battery charging. The circuit includes an AC adapter and a monitoring circuit for monitoring the closed loop and for providing feedback to the AC adapter, controlling the adapter output voltage.

Abstract: A storage battery managing apparatus which ensures charge-discharge control of a storage battery in consideration of state variation of each unit cell even if the battery pack includes a number of component unit cells, and a vehicle controlling apparatus providing the same. A storage battery includes a plurality of chargeable-dischargeable unit cells connected in which battery management ICs detect the cell voltage of each unit cell, a voltage sensor detects a storage battery voltage and a current sensor detects currents to be charged and discharged in the storage battery. A degree of SOC imbalance is obtained by use of detected cell voltage of each unit cell when the storage battery is being neither charged nor discharged.

Abstract: A battery charger circuit includes a transistor having a first current electrode for receiving a charging voltage, a control electrode for receiving a control signal, and a second current electrode for providing an output voltage. The battery charger circuit further includes a rectifier having a terminal coupled to the second current electrode of the transistor, and another terminal coupled to a power supply voltage terminal. The battery charger circuit also includes a control and regulation circuit having an input for receiving a feedback signal representative of a temperature, and an output for providing the control signal. The control and regulation circuit operates in either a switching mode or a linear mode in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for charging battery packs. A battery pack connects to an external battery charger. A processor of the battery pack recognizes that the processor is connected the external battery charger. The external battery charger provides charging parameters to the battery pack. The processor sends charging parameters to the external battery in response to recognizing that the processor is connected to the external battery charger.

Abstract: A back-gate voltage generator circuit generating a back-gate voltage of a four-terminal back gate switching MOSFET for charge and discharge control is disclosed. The back-gate voltage generator circuit includes first and second n-type MOSFETs connected in series through a common source electrode. A voltage at the common source electrode of the first and second n-type MOSFETS connected in series serves as the back-gate voltage of the four-terminal back gate switching MOSFET, and the back-gate voltage is used as a reference voltage for generating signals for controlling the first and second n-type MOSFETS.

Abstract: A power manager is configured to manage power for a battery-powered application. A power source, a load and a battery are interconnected through a circuit path. Power from the power source is provided to the load and battery by a switching regulator. Various implementations are presented.

Abstract: A charger device is configured with electric conducting devices corresponding to electric conducting contact points of a battery. The electric conducting contact points are correspondingly associated with the charger device, a detector device and an automatic switching device. When the charger device is connected to the battery, the detector device determines size of charge current, and when the detector device determines that the charge current has not reached a set value, then the automatic switching device switches a normal charge mode to a boosting charge mode. The detector device stops the charger device from charging if the battery has already been charged for a predetermined time but has not reached a set value, and a display device displays that an abnormal state has occurred, thereby enabling the charger device to achieve the objective of providing good charging effectiveness and functionality to detect abnormalities when connecting to a battery.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling charging includes a transistor provided on a charging path between a position of a charging terminal and a position of a battery, an input voltage detecting circuit configured to detect a potential of a point on the charging path coupled to the charging terminal's side of the transistor, and a drive circuit configured to control an ON resistance of the transistor between a conductive state and a nonconductive state in response to the potential detected by the input voltage detecting circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a charger system for rechargeable lithium batteries, which comprises a power supply terminal, a first switch device, a second switch device, a charging unit, a DC/DC converter, and a controller. The power supply terminal provides power with two ends thereof respectively coupled to the first switch device and a protection circuit. The first switch device is coupled to the second switch device. The first switch device and the second switch device are respectively coupled to the protection circuit. The charging unit is coupled to the protection circuit and the second switch device and has a plurality of charging bays. The charging bays respectively receive lithium batteries and are respectively parallel coupled to constant-voltage chargers to charge the lithium batteries. The DC/DC converter is coupled to the constant-voltage chargers. The controller is coupled to the DC/DC converter, the charging unit and the protection circuit respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a rate of charge/discharge, C rate, or state of charge, SOC, of a battery having unknown characteristics comprises a circuit for applying at least a two-pulse current load to said battery. A change in voltage, ?V, resulting from the application of the second or a subsequent pulse is used to determine the C rate of the battery as a function of ?V. An Open Circuit Voltage, OCV, of the battery a time interval after the completion of the application of the second or subsequent pulse is used to determine the SOC of the battery as a function of OCV.

Abstract: A trailer battery charge system for an electrical connection device between a vehicle and a trailer. The trailer battery charge system generally includes a first switching device that allows current to flow to an electrical terminal associated with a trailer battery of the trailer. A voltage sensor generates a voltage signal based on a voltage at the electrical terminal associated with the trailer battery. A control module controls the first switching device to charge the trailer battery based on the voltage signal.

Abstract: A limit value of an output current of power converter is defined as a first current value when a voltage at both ends of capacitor is higher than a voltage at both ends of battery, and a limit value of the output current thereof is defined as a second current value when the voltages are substantially equal to each other, the first current value is set to be smaller than the second current value. Thus, when a voltage at both ends of capacitor and a voltage at both ends of battery are substantially equal, heat is hardly generated. The limit value of the output current is set to a maximum current consumed by load. When a voltage at both ends of capacitor is higher than a voltage at both ends of battery, the limit value of the output current is set to be smaller than the second current value, and thereby heat generation is suppressed. Thus, the size of the heat dissipating components can be reduced, and a power supply system whose entire size can be minimized can be provided.

Abstract: Communication between an information handling system and battery has improved reliability by repeated communications of information from the battery using different commands from the information handling system. A battery management unit responds to a first command from an information handling system by sending information stored at a first address associated with the command and then saving the first address at second address. A power manager of the information handling system sends a second command having the second address to the battery management unit. The battery management unit responds to the second command by retrieving the first address stored at the second address, retrieving information stored at the first address and sending the information to the power manager. The power manager restricts operations of the battery, such as charges or discharges, unless the information received in response to the first and second commands matches.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for automobile battery management is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing balanced and individualized charging to a battery pack is provided. The apparatus uses microcontrollers to determine a charge level of the batteries, and correspondingly controls a power balancer to apply a charge current to the battery in relation to the charge level, and dissipates the remaining charge current as heat energy. In one embodiment, a system controller controls a balanced charging operation of the battery system, provides an interface for a user to monitor cell-level parameters, and protects the battery cells from undercharging or overcharging during the charging or discharging operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging a lithium-ion accumulator with a negative electrode at an operating potential larger than 0.5 volts relatively to the Li+/Li pair, which comprises a first charging step at a constant voltage between 2 volts and 5 volts.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for charging a secondary battery including a charge current detection circuit detecting a charge current output from a charging transistor, and generating a signal including the charge current information; a voltage comparison circuit comparing a voltage of the battery with one or more predetermined voltages, and generating a signal including the voltage comparison information; and a charge controlling circuit controlling the charging transistor according to information on the voltage of the battery and the signals output from the charge current detection circuit and the voltage comparison circuit such that the charging transistor performs constant current charging or constant voltage charging, wherein the charge controlling circuit stops applying a charge current for a predetermined time in the beginning of charging, and judges that the battery is abnormally connected when the voltage of the battery becomes less than a predetermined voltage within the predetermined time.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a battery through controlling a charging regulation circuit is provided. The battery charger includes a current sensing unit and an operational amplifier. The current sensing unit monitors a charging current applied to the battery when the battery charger operates under a constant current mode, thereby generating a first regulation signal to the charging regulation circuit. The operational amplifier compares a battery voltage of the battery with a first reference voltage to generate a comparison result. When the battery charger operates under the constant current mode, the comparison result controls a charging mode transition from the constant current mode to a constant voltage mode. When the battery charger operates under the constant voltage mode, the comparison result acts as a second regulation signal to control the charging regulation circuit.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for generating a stable output voltage and being applicable to a transient load fluctuation. The DC-DC converter detects an input current, and compares the input current with a rated current of an external power supply. The DC-DC converter controls a positive charging current that is supplied to a secondary battery in accordance with a consumption current of a load so that the input current does not exceed the rated current. The DC-DC converter further controls a negative charging current that is supplied from the secondary battery to the load when the load requires an input current exceeding the rated current.

Abstract: A battery charger apparatus for charging a battery, comprises a charge-current control circuit for receiving a charge-current control signal to control an amount of charge current being drawn from an input source, e.g.