Abstract: A storage voltage of a battery pack is controlled with control electronics. The storage voltage of a battery pack is sensed, and a discharge mechanism is triggered if the storage voltage is within a predetermined range of voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined range of voltage, or if the storage voltage is at or above a predetermined voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined voltage. Control electronics sense a storage voltage of a battery pack and trigger a discharge mechanism if the storage voltage is within a predetermined range of voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined range of voltage, or if the storage voltage is at or above a predetermined voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined voltage. The control electronics are coupled to an electronic device and a battery pack.

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 power supply apparatus 11 and a storage device 12 that stores power supplied by the power supply apparatus 11 interpose a power supply control circuit 10. The circuit has a charging current detector 13 to detect charging current IC flowing from the power supply apparatus 11 to the storage device 12; a blocking unit 15 to interrupt the backflow current IR that flows from the storage device to the power supply apparatus on the basis of an inputted blocking control signal SH; and a backflow monitoring unit 14 to monitor by sampling for the presence of the charging current IC until the charging current IC is detected, constantly to monitor for the presence of the charging current IC after the charging current IC has been detected, and to output a blocking control signal SH for cutting off the backflow current IR when the charging current IC is not flowing.

Abstract: A charging method includes a constant-current charging step wherein a constant charge current is supplied to a secondary battery to be charged to a predetermined end voltage; and a constant-voltage charging step wherein the predetermined end voltage is maintained by reducing the charge current after said secondary battery is charged to the end voltage, wherein: said constant-current charging step includes the charging step to be carried out with the end voltage set to OCV which is a voltage when no current is flowing, and with a voltage of a charge terminal of said battery pack set to an overvoltage above said OCV, and said constant-voltage charging step includes the step of reducing the voltage across the charge terminals to the after the voltage across the charge terminals is increased to the overvoltage or after the charge current of the charge terminal is reduced to or below a predetermined current level.

Abstract: A charging method for charging a battery module. The battery module receives a different charge voltage according to the voltage or current status of the battery module. The charge voltage is decreased to increase battery power when any battery voltage level is greater than a preset voltage. A charging system thereof is also disclosed.

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: In one implementation, a method for charging a battery system is provided. The method includes enabling determining if a charger is coupled to a battery system, the battery system including one or more cells and a charge enable transistor. The method also includes enabling determining if a voltage level of the cells is less than a predetermined first low voltage level. If the voltage level of the cells is less than the predetermined first low voltage level, enabling charging of the cells at a reduced rate including adjusting a voltage applied to the charge transistor gate terminal to regulate a voltage seen by the charger to a level that is less than a predetermined second voltage level. Additionally, when the voltage of the cells reaches the predetermined first low voltage level, the method includes substantially fully enabling the charge transistor to allow for charging at full rate by the charger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a charging control circuit for a rechargeable battery. 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 detection 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 detection switch is turned on or off depending on the enable or disable state of the constant-current charging unit. The control unit is connected between the detection switch and the branch switch for controlling the branch switch to turn on or off depending on the off or on state of the detection switch.

Abstract: Described herein is, for example, a battery or capacitor over voltage (overcharge) and under-voltage protection circuit, that, for example, is adapted to not draw current from the battery or capacitor to be charged unless charge energy is detected and to not charge an energy storage device when an over-charge condition is sensed. The protection circuit may, for example, not be turned on unless an over voltage condition is present. Incoming energy to the system can be shunted to ground via a shunt load of various types including resistive loads and active components such as a zener diode. In some embodiments, no switching of the inbound power is required. Within limits, no regulation of inbound power is needed. When inbound power is sufficient to charge the battery or capacitor, regulation can occur via the applied shunt regulator if overcharge voltage conditions exist. Either type of charge source, voltage or current, can be used to provide charge energy.

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: 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: In the battery charging device of the present invention, a U, V, W phase voltage generating circuit detects a voltage signal of a U phase sub-coil of a three-phase alternating current generator, and generates a signal of a triangular wave that is in synchronization with the U phase. Moreover, a first triangular wave is generated in synchronization with a phase from 0° to 180° of the U phase rectangular wave, and a second triangular wave is generated in synchronization with a phase from 180° to 360° of the U phase.

Abstract: An extraction system detects a voltage stored in a capacitor and then extracts energy from the capacitor when the voltage falls below a predetermined value. The capacitor may be an ultracapacitor formed in silicon or another semiconductor material, and the predetermined value may equal or be based on a minimum operating voltage of a load driven by the ultracapacitor. Once the energy is extracted, the system converts the energy into a voltage sufficient to continue driving the load. Energy extraction may be performed by a variety of circuits including a linear regulator, a switched capacitor voltage converter, an adiabatic amplifier, and a DC-to-DC boost converter. The system may further include a monitoring circuit which detects dynamic changes in the converted ultracapacitor voltage over to maintain the operating voltage of the load.

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: An apparatus and method for detecting total voltage of an assembled battery including a number of serially-connected electric cells. Voltages of the respective cells are detected and added up, correlation between the resulting total voltage and a total voltage obtained by detecting the voltage of the assembled battery directly from its terminals is obtained, and a corrective arithmetic operation is carried out inside the device to correct the total voltage obtained through direct detection. The total voltage is detected with a high degree of accuracy without the need for individual adjustment operations using a variable resistance, high-accuracy external tester.

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: A main transistor and a reverse current prevention transistor are provided in series between an input terminal and an output terminal. An input diode is provided between a connection point of the reverse current prevention transistor and the main transistor and a reference voltage terminal in such a direction that the anode becomes the reference voltage terminal side. A control unit controls the gate voltage of the main transistor according to a DC voltage. The reverse current prevention transistor is arranged in such a direction that the anode of its body diode becomes the input terminal side. The reverse current prevention transistor is biased to be turned on in a normal state that the input terminal becomes high potential and the reference voltage terminal becomes low potential.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting power distribution to a host system at a supply locus from one of a voltage source or a battery includes: (a) a current transfer unit having a first and a second connection; the second connection being coupled with the battery; and (b) a control device switchingly coupling the first connection to effect alternating connection with the voltage source and with a low potential. The control device is sensingly coupled with the voltage source and within the apparatus for receiving indicating signals. The control device responds to the indicating signals to control the alternating connection to achieve stepped up delivery of voltage presented by the battery unit to the supply locus when the indicating signals indicate a first circumstance. The control device responds to the indicating signals to switchingly control the alternating connection to achieve charging the battery when the indicating signals indicate a second circumstance.

Abstract: A signaling device includes an electrical circuit which discharges an electrical energy storage device through an electrically powered alert mechanism via a biased open transition switch upon disruption of electrical power in an electrical system of a work machine. A work machine is further provided having an alert device coupled with a normally closed electrical power circuit, the alert device being activated upon opening of the normally closed electrical circuit via a transistor switch. An associated method includes using the signaling device to alert a work machine operator to a predetermined condition by closing a normally open electrically switch to connect an electrical energy storage device with an electrically powered alert mechanism, via an electronic controller or via interruption of electrical power in a normally closed electrical circuit of a work machine.

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 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: A charge-up circuit includes a charge-up transistor configured to supply a charge-up current to a secondary battery in accordance with a control signal, a detection resistor connected in series with the charge-up transistor to detect the charge-up current, a current-to-voltage conversion circuit configured to generate and output a monitor voltage in accordance with the charge-up current based on each voltage at both end terminals of the detection resistor, a reference voltage generator configured to generate a predetermined reference voltage and including a voltage adjusting mechanism to generate the reference voltage from the constant voltage so that the charge-up current becomes a desired current, and a charge-up current control circuit configured to control the charge-up transistor so that the monitor voltage becomes the reference voltage.

Abstract: A voltage converter including a capacitive voltage divider combined with a buck converter and battery charger. The converter includes four capacitors, a switch circuit, an inductor and a controller. The capacitors form a capacitor loop between an input node and a reference node and include a fly capacitor controlled by the switch circuit, which is controlled by a PWM signal to half the input voltage to provide a first output voltage on a first output node, and to convert the first output voltage to the second output voltage via the inductor. The controller controls the PWM signal to regulate the second output voltage, and provides a voltage control signal to control the input voltage to maintain the first output node between a predetermined minimum and maximum battery voltage levels. A battery charge path is coupled to the reference node and battery charge mode depends upon the battery voltage.

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: 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: 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: The method of charging a battery array performs constant current, constant voltage charging of a battery array while detecting the voltage of each battery. The battery array is a plurality of series connected batteries. The charging method detects the voltage of each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds a preset maximum specified voltage, charging power is reduced for constant current, constant voltage charging of the battery array.

Abstract: A battery pack, a battery charger, a method for charging a battery pack are provided. The battery pack includes a secondary battery, a switch element for controlling charging and discharging the secondary battery, a controller for controlling the switch element, and a communication unit for performing with a battery charger. During charging, an initial charging is switched to a quick charging when a voltage of the secondary battery reaches a predetermined voltage, and the battery charger judges the battery pack as abnormal when the voltage does not reach the predetermined voltage within a timeout period after the initial charging is started. At least one of the timeout period and the predetermined is stored. At least one of the timeout period and the predetermined voltage to be read out is transmitted through the communication unit to the battery charger.

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 portable telecommunications device comprises a charging interface for connection to an external power supply, a voltage and current ratio converter configured to convert an input voltage at the charging interface into an output voltage for charging a battery; and a controller configured to control the converter.

Abstract: A voltage detection circuit detects an input voltage in first and second periods to average by using a switch circuit and a sampling circuit. At this time, the input voltage of the second period is added to the input voltage of the first period so that a polarity of variations is opposite, the variations being in relative errors of a plurality of resistors for dividing the input voltage, in input offset voltages of a voltage amplifier for amplifying an inputted minute voltage, and in input offset voltages of a comparator for comparing an amplified voltage value with a certain level.

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: An integrated circuit is disclosed including a primary input for receiving an input voltage, a battery voltage input for receiving a battery voltage signal and an output for providing an output voltage higher than the battery voltage. First circuitry responsive to the input voltage is provided for turning off the output voltage responsive to an input over voltage condition. Second circuitry responsive to the battery voltage signal is provided for turning off the output voltage responsive to a battery over voltage condition. Third circuitry provides for over current protection.

Abstract: A system is provided for charging a battery with an AC adapter. The system includes a first closed loop electrical path between the battery and the AC adapter. The first closed loop electrical path includes a first monitoring circuit for monitoring at least one first parameter of the system and a control circuit for dynamically adjusting the AC adapter output to the battery in response to the at least one first parameter exceeding an associated predetermined threshold. The system includes a second closed loop electrical path between the battery and the AC adapter. The second closed loop electrical path includes a second monitoring circuit for monitoring at least one second parameter of the system and a protection circuit responsive to the at least one second parameter exceeding an associated predetermined threshold for protecting the system until the AC adapter reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a battery through controlling a charging regulation circuit is provided. The battery charger includes a constant voltage mode controller, a current sensing unit, and a reference voltage generator. The constant voltage mode controller is for comparing a battery voltage of the battery with a first reference voltage to generate a regulation signal, and utilizing the regulation signal to control the charging regulation circuit to regulate a charging current applied to the battery. The current sensing unit is for monitoring the charging current to generate an error signal. The reference voltage generator is for setting the first reference voltage according to the error signal. By adding a voltage generator to the battery charger, the overshoot charging current will be reduced and the mode transition will become smooth.

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: There is provided a charging apparatus that, even when an AC adapter is connected and there is heavy load, makes it possible to reduce heat produced due to the power loss of a control transistor, reduce cost and area for implementation, and improve safety. Charging apparatus 100 has: P-channel MOS transistors M1 and M2 that control charging current; current detecting resistance Rs that is connected to current output terminals of P-channel MOS transistors M1 and M2 and detects the charging current; switch 130 that is arranged on a path that bypasses current detecting resistance Rs; and load 300 that receives power supply from battery 200 without involving current detecting resistance Rs when switch 130 is closed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an amplifier for use with a nonlinear load. In one embodiment, a method is provided for driving a flash lamp. The method comprises providing an amplifier having a resonant reset topology, coupling an output of the amplifier to the flash lamp to provide a pulsed power output to the flash lamp, and driving the amplifier with a controller to provide a pulse width modulation output to the flash lamp. The pulsed output from the amplifier has a period selected to prevent a streamer of said flash lamp from extinguishing during an active use.

Abstract: A current is provided from a power source to a load through a pass circuit that is series coupled to a sense resistor. A current trip-point detection circuit is arranged to detect a change in the current that is provided to a load. The current trip-point detection circuit includes at least two resistors that are series coupled from the sense resistor to a current source. A comparator compares a sense voltage to a tap-point between the two resistors such that the comparator asserts a trip-point detection signal when the current to the load reaches a predetermined threshold. The sense voltage can correspond to the voltage across the load or some other voltage that is proportional to the voltage across the load. The circuit arrangement has a simplified design that sets the trip-point as a percentage of the maximum output current. The current level trip-point can be temperature compensated.

Abstract: A charging system that concurrently charges a main system and a battery for powering the main system when the charging system is connected to an adapter. The charging system includes a current sensing resistor, a first current control circuit for regulating the current in a linear battery charger and a second current control circuit for controlling the maximum adapter current. The charging system further includes a first temperature control circuit for regulating the current in the battery charger and a second temperature control circuit for controlling the maximum power dissipation of the charging system. The charging system further includes a linear regulator for providing power to the main system from the adapter and a main system voltage control circuit and a battery voltage control circuit. The charging system apportions the adapter current between the main system and the battery charger giving priority to the main system.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a battery from a power source is provided. The battery charger includes a current sense circuit in series with the power source and the battery. A linear preregulator includes a first controlled switch coupled to the power source to generate a regulated output. The first controlled switch is responsive to a preregulator control signal, varying the first controlled switch impedance so that the regulated output is generated. A control circuit is powered by the preregulator regulated output. The control circuit generates the preregulator control signal and a charger control signal. A second controlled switch is coupled between the regulated output and the battery. The impedance of the second controlled switch is varied in response to the charger control signal so that a regulated flow of charge is supplied to the battery.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes a first charge source for connection to a first engine and at least a second charge source for connection to at least a second engine. A first battery is connected to the first charge source. At least a second battery is connected to the second charge source. At least a third battery is provided and is connected to a load. A switch is adapted in the first mode of operation to connect the third battery to the first charge source, and in a second mode of operation to connect the third battery to the second charge source. In a third mode of operation, the switch can isolate the third battery from the first and second charge sources as a fail-safe, and provide an alarm of this status. The invention is particularly adapted for use in marine vessels to prevent start batteries from discharging to a point where the voltage is insufficient to start an engine. A switch assembly and a method according to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power supply circuit, which is connected to a battery having an overcurrent protective device, includes a capacitor which is connected in parallel to the battery to be charged by the battery, and a restricting device which restricts an output current of the battery so that the output current of the battery is not interrupted by the overcurrent protective device while the capacitor is being charged with the battery.

Abstract: A power supply constructed and arranged so that the power supply is charged during an interval during the rising edge and during an interval during the falling edge, and so that the charging circuitry does not charge the capacitor at the peak of the AC cycle.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery device includes battery voltage detection means which detects the terminal voltage of a rechargeable battery comprising a nickel hydride metal battery and switching means which switches on and off the charging current of the rechargeable battery continuously or intermittently. A value corresponding to the internal resistance R of the rechargeable battery is determined from the battery voltage Von immediately before the charging current is switched off and the open battery voltage Voff after the charging current is switched off. The value Z(int) corresponding to the early-stage internal resistance R of the rechargeable battery and the value Z(now) corresponding to the latest internal resistance R of the rechargeable battery are compared to determine the operation life of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical apparatus, program and method for a user to display a preliminary charging state in a battery. In one aspect, the present invention provides an electrical apparatus that is capable of receiving a battery for supplying electric power to a main unit by discharging after charging, comprising preliminary charge judging means for judging whether or not the battery is in a preliminary charging state that is a recovery from over-discharge, and display means for displaying an indication of preliminary charging if the preliminary charge judging means judges that the battery is in the preliminary charging state.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a battery from a power source is provided. The battery charger includes a current sense circuit in series with the power source and the battery. A linear preregulator includes a first controlled switch coupled to the power source to generate a regulated output. The first controlled switch is responsive to a preregulator control signal, varying the first controlled switch impedance so that the regulated output is generated. A control circuit is powered by the preregulator regulated output. The control circuit generates the preregulator control signal and a charger control signal. A second controlled switch is coupled between the regulated output and the battery. The impedance of the second controlled switch is varied in response to the charger control signal so that a regulated flow of charge is supplied to the battery.

Abstract: An electrical accessory device controller system and process for controlling for a motor vehicle having a vehicle battery and an alternator. The system is provided with an electrical interface for an electrical accessory device, a device for detecting the voltage of the vehicle electrical system, and a power supply control unit to connect the electrical accessory device to the battery according to the detected battery voltage or to disconnect the electrical accessory device from it. Furthermore, there is an auxiliary energy storage device rechargeable by the alternator and which is connected to the power supply control unit. The power supply control unit is made such that depending on the detected voltage of the vehicle electrical system it electrically connects the auxiliary power storage device to the electrical accessory device to the battery or disconnects the electrical accessory device from it.