Charger integrated circuit and electronic device including the charger integrated circuit

Abstract

Disclosed is a charger integrated circuit and an electronic device including the charger integrated circuit. A charger integrated circuit for charging a battery device, the battery device including a first battery and a second battery connected in series with each other. The charger integrated circuit includes: a first charger connected to a connection node between the first battery and the second battery; a second charger connected between an input voltage terminal and a high voltage terminal of the battery device; and a balancing circuit for balancing the voltages of the first battery and the second battery. In a first charging mode, the first charger supplies a first charging current to the connection node. In a second charging mode, the second charger directly charges the battery device by supplying a second charging current to the high voltage terminal.

Description

[0001] Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0136156, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 7, 2018, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0006922, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 18, 2019, both entitled "Charger Integrated Circuit for Charging a Battery Device and Electronic Device Including the Charger Integrated Circuit", are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments relate to a charger, and more particularly, to a charger integrated circuit for charging a battery device including a plurality of batteries and an electronic device including the charger integrated circuit. Background Art

[0003] A portable electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) includes a battery. With the advent of the fifth generation (5G) era, the power required for mobile phones has increased. Since the usage time of 5G mobile phones is reduced due to the limitation of the current battery capacity, the demand for increasing the battery capacity has increased. At the same time, the importance of fast charging of the battery has also increased. Other applications also require batteries with these characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, there is provided a charger integrated circuit (IC) for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery connected in series. The charger IC includes: a first charger connected to a connection node between the first battery and the second battery; a second charger connected between an input voltage terminal and a high voltage terminal of the battery device; and a balancing circuit electrically connected to the battery device. In a first charging mode, the first charger provides a first charging current to the connection node using an input voltage received from the input voltage terminal. In a second charging mode, the second charger directly charges the battery device by providing a second charging current to the high voltage terminal using the input voltage received from the input voltage terminal. The balancing circuit is configured to balance the voltages of the first battery and the second battery.

[0005] According to another aspect, there is provided an electronic device including: a charger integrated circuit (IC) for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery connected in series with each other; and at least one sense resistor disposed outside the charger IC. The at least one sense resistor is connected in series with at least one of the first battery and the second battery. The charger IC includes: a first charger connected to a connection node between the first battery and the second battery, and in a first charging mode, the first charger provides a first charging current to the connection node; and a balancing circuit electrically connected to the battery device to balance the voltages of the first battery and the second battery.

[0006] According to another aspect, there is provided an electronic device, comprising: a battery device including a first battery and a second battery connected in series with each other, a connection node between the first battery and the second battery, and a high-voltage terminal connected to the first battery; and a charger integrated circuit (IC) for charging the battery device. The charger IC includes: a first charger connected to the connection node; and a second charger connected to the high-voltage terminal. In a first charging mode, the first charger supplies a first charging current to the connection node. In a second charging mode, the second charger directly charges the battery device by supplying a second charging current to the high-voltage terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art by describing exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 An electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 An electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 An example circuit diagram of the first switch shown in

[0011] Figure 4 The first charging mode of a charger integrated circuit (IC) according to an embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 5 The second charging mode of a charger IC according to an embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 6 The battery-only mode of a charger IC according to an embodiment is shown;

[0014] Figure 7 An example of a modification of a charger IC according to an embodiment is shown;

[0015] Figures 8 to 11 Charger ICs according to embodiments are shown respectively;

[0016] Figures 12A to 12C Electronic devices according to embodiments are shown respectively;

[0017] Figures 13 to 16 Circuit diagrams of charger ICs according to embodiments are shown respectively;

[0018] Figure 17 An electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0019] Figure 18A andFigure 18B An electronic device according to an embodiment is shown separately;

[0020] Figure 19 An electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 20 An electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0022] Figure 21 A flowchart showing a charging control method according to an embodiment; and

[0023] Figure 22 An electronic device according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Description

[0024] Figure 1 An electronic device 10 according to an embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 1 , the electronic device 10 may include a charger integrated circuit (IC) 100, where the charger integrated circuit (IC) 100 may be referred to as a "battery charger". For example, the charger IC 100 may be implemented as an IC chip and mounted on a printed circuit board. For example, the electronic device 10 may include any battery-powered electronic device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a wearable device, a global positioning system (GPS), an e-book terminal, a digital broadcast terminal, an MP3 player, a digital camera, an electric vehicle, etc.).

[0025] In addition, the electronic device 10 may include a battery device 200. In an embodiment, the battery device 200 may be embedded in the electronic device 10. In an embodiment, the battery device 200 may be removed from the electronic device 10. The battery device 200 may include a first battery BAT1 and a second battery BAT2 connected in series with each other. The battery device 200 may further include a first terminal T1 connected to a connection node ND between the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. Accordingly, the first terminal T1 may be referred to as a "connection terminal" or a "connection node". Hereinafter, the connection node and the connection terminal may have substantially the same meaning. In addition, the battery device 200 may further include a second terminal T2 connected to the positive terminal of the first battery BAT1. Accordingly, the second terminal T2 may be referred to as a "high voltage terminal". In addition, the battery device 200 may include a ground terminal connected to the negative terminal of the second battery BAT2. In some embodiments, the battery device 200 may include three or more batteries connected in series with each other.

[0026] In an embodiment, the first battery BAT1 may be a first battery cell, the second battery BAT2 may be a second battery cell, and the battery device 200 may be a multi-cell battery including a plurality of battery cells connected in series with each other. For example, the battery device 200 may be implemented as a battery pack. In an embodiment, the first battery BAT1 may be a first battery pack, the second battery BAT2 may be a second battery pack, and the battery device 200 may be implemented as a battery device including a plurality of battery packs connected in series with each other. In an embodiment, at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack may be a multi-cell battery including a plurality of battery cells. In an embodiment, at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack may be a single-cell battery including one battery cell.

[0027] The charger IC 100 may include a first charger 110, a second charger 120, and a balancing circuit 130, and may charge the battery device 200. In an embodiment, the first charger 110, the second charger 120, and the balancing circuit 130 may be implemented as a single IC. In some embodiments, at least one of the first charger 110, the second charger 120, and the balancing circuit 130 may be implemented as a separate IC. For example, the first charger 110 and the second charger 120 may be implemented as a first IC, and the balancing circuit 130 may be implemented as a second IC.

[0028] In addition, the charger IC 100 may further include an input voltage terminal T IN , a first output terminal T OUT1 , and a second output terminal T OUT2 . The input voltage terminal T IN may receive an input voltage CHGIN. In an embodiment, the input voltage terminal T IN may be electrically connected to the output terminal of a travel adapter (TA). The TA may convert alternating current (AC) power of about 110V to about 220V supplied from a household power supply or power supplied from another power source (e.g., a computer, a standalone charging station, etc.) into direct current (DC) power required for battery charging, and supply the DC power to the electronic device 10. In an embodiment, the input voltage terminal T IN may be electrically connected to the output terminal of an auxiliary battery. The charger IC 100 may use the DC power received from the TA or the auxiliary battery to charge the battery device 200.

[0029] The first charger 110 may be connected between the input voltage terminal T IN and the first output terminal T OUT1 , and the first output terminal T OUT1 is electrically connected to the first terminal T1 of the battery device 200. The second charger 120 may be connected between the input voltage terminal T INand the second output terminal T OUT2 therebetween, and the second output terminal T OUT2 is electrically connectable to the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200. In an embodiment, when the input voltage CHGIN is received, the first charger 110 and the second charger 120 may be selectively operated. In some embodiments, when the input voltage CHGIN is received, the first charger 110 and the second charger 120 may be operated simultaneously.

[0030] The first charger 110 may receive the input voltage CHGIN from the input voltage terminal T IN and generate a first charging current I CH1 from the received input voltage CHGIN. The first charger 110 may supply the first charging current I OUT1 to the first terminal T1 of the battery device 200 via the first output terminal T CH1 . For example, the first charger 110 may be a switching charger or a linear charger. In an embodiment, the first charger 110 may be activated in a first charging mode (e.g., normal charging mode).

[0031] The second charger 120 may receive the input voltage CHGIN from the input voltage terminal T IN and generate a second charging current I CH2 from the received input voltage CHGIN. The second charger 120 may supply the second charging current I OUT2 to the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200 via the second output terminal T CH2 . For example, the second charger 120 may be a direct charger. In an embodiment, the second charger 120 may be activated in a second charging mode (e.g., fast charging mode or high-speed charging mode). Accordingly, the battery device 200 may be charged faster in the second charging mode than in the first charging mode.

[0032] The balancing circuit 130 may balance the voltages of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. The balancing circuit 130 may charge an undercharged battery by using the energy of the overcharged battery among the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2, and thus, the voltages of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 may be balanced. The balancing circuit 130 may supply a balancing current I BAL to the battery device 200 to balance the voltages of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. In some embodiments, the battery device 200 may further include a third terminal T3, and the balancing circuit 130 may be connected to the battery device 200 via the third terminal T3. In an embodiment, the third terminal T3 may be electrically connected to the connection node ND.

[0033] In some embodiments, the balancing circuit 130 may be external to the charger IC 100. In an embodiment, the balancing circuit 130 and the battery device 200 may be implemented in one body. For example, the balancing circuit 130 may be implemented as part of the battery device 200, that is, the balancing circuit 130 may be an internal component of the battery device 200.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first battery BAT1 may be a first battery pack, the second battery BAT2 may be a second battery pack, and the first battery pack and the second battery pack may be connected in series with each other. For example, at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack may include a plurality of battery cells connected in series with each other. The first charger 110 may be connected to a connection node ND between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and the second charger 120 may be connected to the high-voltage terminal T2 of the battery device 200 (e.g., connected to the positive terminal of the first battery pack). In this case, the balancing circuit 130 may balance the voltage of the first battery pack and the voltage of the second battery pack.

[0035] In some embodiments, the charger IC 100 may further include a circuit or block that supports at least one of various functions (e.g., undervoltage lockout (UVLO) function, overcurrent protection (OCP) function, overvoltage protection (OVP) function, soft start function for reducing inrush current, foldback current limit function, hiccup mode function for short-circuit protection, overtemperature protection (OTP) function, etc.).

[0036] Figure 2 An electronic device 10A according to an embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 2 , the electronic device 10A may include a charger IC 100A, a battery device 200, and a system load SL. The charger IC 100A is Figure 1 an example of the charger IC 100 in

[0037] The charger IC 100A may include a switching charger 110A, a direct charger 120A, and a balancing circuit 130. The switching charger 110A may include first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4 and an inductor L, and is Figure 1An example of the first charger 110. For example, the first switch SW1 to the fourth switch SW4 can be implemented as power switches. However, the structure of the switching charger 110A is not limited thereto, and according to the embodiment, the number of switches or inductors included in the switching charger 110A can be changed differently. In addition, the switching charger 110A may further include a first output node N connected to the system load SL OUT1 and a second output node N connected to the battery device 200 OUT2 . Therefore, the switching charger 110A can be referred to as a "dual-output charger".

[0038] The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 can be connected in series with each other between the input voltage terminal T IN and the switching node LX, and can supply the input voltage CHGIN to the switching node LX. For example, the first switch SW1 can be turned on in the first charging mode. Therefore, the first switch SW1 can be referred to as a "charging switch". The third switch SW3 can be connected between the switching node LX and the ground terminal GND, and can supply the ground voltage to the switching node LX. The inductor L can be connected between the switching node LX and the first output node N OUT1 . The second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 can be alternately turned on.

[0039] The fourth switch SW4 can be connected between the first output node N OUT1 and the second output node N OUT2 . The fourth switch SW4 can be supplied with voltage from the inductor L via the first output node N OUT1 , and can supply voltage to the battery device 200 via the second output node N OUT2 . In an embodiment, when the fourth switch SW4 is turned on, the first charging current I CH1 can be supplied to the battery device 200 via the second output node N OUT2 . In addition, in an embodiment, when the fourth switch SW4 is turned on, the battery current can be supplied from the battery device 200 to the system load SL, and can flow in the opposite direction to the first charging current I CH1 . Therefore, the fourth switch SW4 can be referred to as a "battery switch".

[0040] The first switch SW1 to the fourth switch SW4 can be driven by control logic. In an embodiment, the control logic can be implemented as the control logic 140 included in the charger IC 100' included in Figure 7 . In an embodiment, the control logic can be implemented within the control block 160 of the interface (IF)-power management IC (PMIC) (IF-PMIC) 500 included in Figure 19 . In an embodiment, the control logic can be in Figure 22implemented within the PMIC 300 or the application processor (AP) 400.

[0041] The direct charger 120A is Figure 1 an example of the second charger 120. The direct charger 120A can be activated in the second charging mode to directly charge the battery device 200 by supplying a second charging current I to a second terminal T2 connected to the positive terminal of the first battery BAT1. CH2 to directly charge the battery device 200. The direct charger 120A can directly charge the battery device 200 by a direct charging method in which the input voltage CHGIN is directly connected to the battery device 200. The charging efficiency of the direct charging method can be higher than that of the switching charging method using the switching charger 110A.

[0042] The balancing circuit 130 can be connected to the second terminal T2 and the third terminal T3 of the battery device 200 and the ground terminal GND. The balancing circuit 130 can regulate the voltages of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 to be equal by supplying a balancing current I to the third terminal T3. BAL For example, when the voltage of the first battery BAT1 is greater than the voltage of the second battery BAT2, the balancing current I BAL can flow along Figure 2 the arrow direction shown in, such that the energy of the first battery BAT1 is transferred to the second battery BAT2. Conversely, when the voltage of the first battery BAT1 is less than the voltage of the second battery BAT2, the balancing current I BAL can flow along Figure 2 the opposite direction of the arrow shown, such that the energy of the second battery BAT2 is transferred to the first battery BAT1.

[0043] Figure 3 is an example circuit diagram showing Figure 2 the first switch SW1 shown in. Referring to Figure 3 , the first switch SW1 can include a transistor TR1 and a diode D1. The transistor TR1 can be an NMOS transistor driven by a control signal CTRL1. For example, the transistor TR1 can include a source receiving the input voltage CHGIN, a gate to which the control signal CTRL1 is applied, and a drain connected to the second switch SW2. However, the transistor TR1 can also be implemented as a PMOS transistor. The diode D1 can be a parasitic diode of the transistor TR1, and even when the first switch SW1 is turned off, the diode D1 can prevent accidental leakage current from flowing toward the input voltage terminal. Figure 2 The second switch SW2 to the fourth switch SW4 shown in can be implemented similar to Figure 3 the first switch SW1 shown in.

[0044] Figure 4Shows the first charging mode of the electronic device 10A according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 4 , in the first charging mode, the switch charger 110A can be activated, and the direct charger 120A can be deactivated. In the first charging mode, the first switch SW1 to the fourth switch SW4 can be selectively turned on to generate a first charging path CP1. The first charging current I CH1 can be supplied to the connection node (i.e., the first terminal T1) of the battery device 200 via the first charging path CP1. The first charging power P CH1 in the first charging mode can correspond to the product of the first charging current I CH1 and the voltage V BAT2 across the second battery BAT2 (i.e., P CH1 = I CH1 × V BAT2 ). The first charging current I CH1 can be used to charge the second battery BAT2, and the balancing circuit 130 can balance the voltages of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 by using the balancing current I BAL .

[0045] According to an embodiment, the first charging mode can be a normal charging mode. For example, in the first charging mode, the input voltage CHGIN can be a relatively low voltage. Alternatively, in the first charging mode, the input voltage CHGIN can be a high voltage. In the first charging mode, the switch charger 110A can be used to charge the battery device 200. Since the switch charger 110A can stably supply the system voltage V SYS , regardless of the change in the input voltage CHGIN provided by the TA, the compatibility difficulties caused by the change of the TA can be solved. However, when the charging current is large, due to the loss in the switch charger 110A, a heat generation problem will occur.

[0046] Figure 5 Shows the second charging mode of the charger IC 100A according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 5 , in the second charging mode, the switch charger 110A can be deactivated, and the direct charger 120A can be activated. In the second charging mode, the first switch SW1 to the fourth switch SW4 can be turned off, and thus, a second charging path CP2 can be generated. The second charging current I CH2 can be supplied to the high-voltage terminal (i.e., the second terminal T2) of the battery device 200 via the second charging path CP2. The second charging power P CH2 in the second charging mode can correspond to the sum of the voltage V BAT1 of the first battery BAT1 and the voltage V BAT2 of the second battery BAT2 and the second charging current I CH2The product of (i.e., P CH2 = I CH2 × (V BAT1 + V BAT2 ))). The second charging current I CH2 can be used to charge the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2, and the balancing circuit 130 can balance the voltages of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 by using the balancing current I BAL .

[0047] According to an embodiment, the second charging mode may be a high-speed charging mode. For example, in the second charging mode, the input voltage CHGIN may be a voltage higher than that in the first charging mode. Optionally, in the second charging mode, the input voltage CHGIN may be a low voltage. In the second charging mode, the direct charger 120A can be used to charge the battery device 200 at high speed. In the second charging mode, the voltage across the direct charger 120A can be reduced by controlling the input voltage CHGIN. As a result, since both power loss and heat generation are reduced, the charging efficiency can be relatively good when the battery device 200 is charged at high speed by the direct charger 120A.

[0048] In some embodiments, both the switching charger 110A and the direct charger 120A can be activated in the second charging mode. In this case, the time required to charge the battery device 200 can be further reduced. In addition, in some embodiments, in the second charging mode, the direct charger 120A can charge the battery device 200, and the switching charger 110A can supply the system voltage to the system load SL (e.g., Figure 13 V in SYS ). For example, by turning on the first switch SW1, controlling the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 to turn on / off, and turning off the fourth switch SW4, the switching charger 110A can supply the system voltage V SYS to the system load SL in the buck mode. In addition, in some embodiments, in the second charging mode, the fourth switch SW4 can be turned on, and thus, the system voltage (e.g., Figure 13 V in SYS ) can be supplied from the battery device 200 to the system load SL.

[0049] Figure 6 is the battery-only mode of the charger IC 100A according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 6, in the battery-only mode, both the switched charger 110A and the direct charger 120A can be deactivated. In the battery-only mode, the fourth switch SW4 can be turned on, and thus, a discharge path DP can be generated. The battery-only mode can be a situation where the power supply is not connected (e.g., when no input voltage CHGIN is applied). In the battery-only mode, the effective battery capacity can correspond to the sum of the battery capacities of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2.

[0050] System current I SYS can be supplied to the system load SL via the discharge path DP. System current I SYS can be supplied from the voltage of the second battery BAT2 (i.e., the battery voltage), and the balancing circuit 130 can use the battery voltage from the first battery BAT1 to charge the second battery BAT2. In this case, since the system voltage V SYS is transmitted to the system load SL via the fourth switch SW4, even when the voltage of the second battery BAT2 (i.e., the battery voltage) fluctuates, the system voltage V SYS can also be stably transmitted to the load SL. However, when the battery voltage of the battery device 200 is less than a specific voltage, the fourth switch SW4 can be turned off, and the discharge path DP can be disconnected.

[0051] In some embodiments, in the battery-only mode, only the fourth switch SW4 can be turned on, and the balancing circuit 130 can also be deactivated. Only the fourth switch SW4 included in the switched charger 110A can be turned on, and both the direct charger 120A and the balancing circuit 130 can be deactivated. Thus, the system current I SYS can be supplied only by the second battery BAT2 among the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2.

[0052] Figure 7 Shows a charger IC 100' according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 7 , the electronic device 10' can include a charger IC100' and a battery device 200. The charger IC 100' can correspond to Figure 1 a modified example of the charger IC 100, and can also include a control logic 140. Refer to Figures 1 to 6The description given can be applied to this embodiment. The control logic 140 can control the operations of the first charger 110, the second charger 120, and the balancing circuit 130. For example, the control logic 140 can control the switches included in the first charger 110, the second charger 120, and the balancing circuit 130 according to the first charging mode, the second charging mode, and the battery mode, respectively. In addition, the control logic 140 can control the voltage level of the input voltage CHGIN. For example, the control logic 140 can control the input voltage CHGIN such that the voltage level of the input voltage CHGIN in the second charging mode is greater than the voltage V across the first battery BAT1 BAT1 . For example, the control logic 140 can control the input voltage CHGIN such that the voltage level of the input voltage CHGIN in the second charging mode is greater than the voltage V across the second battery BAT2 BAT2 .

[0053] Figure 8 Shows a charger IC 100B according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 8 , the charger IC 100B can include a switching charger 110B, a direct charger 120A, and a balancing circuit 130. The charger IC 100B can correspond to Figure 2 an example of a modification of the charger IC100A shown in Figures 1 to 7 , and the description previously given with reference to Figure 2 can also be applied to this embodiment. The switching charger 110B can include a first switch SW1 to a third switch SW3, an inductor L, and a resistor R. In this way, the switching charger 110B can include a resistor R instead of the fourth switch SW4 included in the Figure 13 switching charger 110A of SYS . Therefore, even when the first switch SW1 to the third switch SW3 are turned off, the system load SL can receive a system voltage (e.g., Figure 6 V in SYS ) and a system current (e.g.,

[0054] I in

[0055] Figure 9 Shows a charger IC 100C according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 9 , the charger IC 100C can include a switching charger 110C, a direct charger 120A, and a balancing circuit 130. The charger IC 100C can correspond to Figure 2 an example of a modification of the charger IC100A shown inFigures 1 to 7 The description given can also be applied to this embodiment. The switching charger 110C may include a first switch SW1 to a third switch SW3 and an inductor L. The switching charger 110C may also include a first output node N commonly connected to a system load SL and a battery device 200 OUT1 , and thus, the switching charger 110C may be referred to as a "single-output charger".

[0056] Figure 10 FIG. shows a charger IC 100D according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 10 , the charger IC 100D may include a linear charger 110D, a direct charger 120A, and a balancing circuit 130. The charger IC 100D may correspond to Figure 2 an example of a modification of the charger IC100A shown in, and the description previously given with reference to Figures 1 to 7 can also be applied to this embodiment. According to this embodiment, the charger IC 100D may further include a charging switch SW C . When the charging switch SW C is turned on, the linear charger 110D may supply a first charging current I to a first terminal T1 of the battery device 200 via the first output node N OUT1 . CH1 .

[0057] Figure 11 FIG. shows a charger IC 100E according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 11 , the electronic device 10E may include a charger IC100E and a battery device 200A, and the battery device 200A may include a first battery BAT1 to a third battery BAT3 connected in series with each other. The battery device 200A may correspond to Figure 2 an example of a modification of the battery device 200 shown in, and may further include a third battery BAT3. The battery device may be implemented to include four or more batteries. A positive terminal of the third battery BAT3 may be electrically connected to a second terminal T2 corresponding to a high voltage terminal of the battery device 200A.

[0058] The charger IC 100E may include a switching charger 110A, a direct charger 120A, and a balancing circuit 130'. The balancing circuit 130' may be electrically connected to a second terminal T2 and a third terminal T3, a ground terminal GND, and a connection node ND' between the third battery BAT3 and the first battery BAT1. Thus, the balancing circuit 130′ may supply a first balancing current I to a connection node ND between the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 BAL1 , and may supply a second balancing current I to a connection node ND' between the third battery BAT3 and the first battery BAT1 BAL2 .

[0059] Figure 12A FIG. 20 shows an electronic device 20 according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 12A , the electronic device 20 may include a charger IC 100A, a battery device 200, a system load SL, and a first sense resistor Rsen1. The first sense resistor Rsen1 may be connected between a direct charger 120A and a second terminal T2 of the battery device 200. In an embodiment, the first sense resistor Rsen1 may be located on a printed circuit board and may be disposed outside the charger IC 100A. However, in some embodiments, the first sense resistor Rsen1 may be inside the charger IC 100A.

[0060] In an embodiment, the first sense resistor Rsen1 may monitor a first battery current flowing in a first battery BAT1 by sensing a current flowing through the first sense resistor Rsen1. For example, a battery gauge (e.g., Figure 19 170 in ) may be connected to the first sense resistor Rsen1, and thus, the first battery current flowing in the first battery BAT1 may be monitored. The electronic device 20 may control an operation of the charger IC 100A based on the first battery current.

[0061] Figure 12B FIG. 20' shows an electronic device 20' according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 12B , the electronic device 20' may include a charger IC 100A, a battery device 200, a system load SL, and a second sense resistor Rsen2. The second sense resistor Rsen2 may be connected between a fourth terminal T4 of the battery device 200 and a ground terminal GND, where the fourth terminal T4 is connected to a negative terminal of a second battery BAT2. In an embodiment, the second sense resistor Rsen2 may be located on a printed circuit board and may be disposed outside the charger IC 100A. However, in some embodiments, the second sense resistor Rsen2 may be inside the charger IC 100A.

[0062] In an embodiment, the second sense resistor Rsen2 may monitor a second battery current flowing in a second battery BAT2 by sensing a current flowing through the second sense resistor Rsen2. For example, a battery gauge (e.g., Figure 19 170 in ) may be connected to the second sense resistor Rsen2, and thus, the second battery current flowing in the second battery BAT2 may be monitored. The electronic device 20' may control an operation of the charger IC 100A based on the second battery current.

[0063] Figure 12C FIG. 20'' shows an electronic device 20'' according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 12C, the electronic device 20" may include a charger IC 100A, a battery device 200, a system load SL, and a first sense resistor Rsen1 and a second sense resistor Rsen2. The first sense resistor Rsen1 may be connected between the direct charger 120A and the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200. The second sense resistor Rsen2 may be connected between the fourth terminal T4 of the battery device 200 and the ground terminal GND, where the fourth terminal T4 is connected to the negative terminal of the second battery BAT2. In an embodiment, the first sense resistor Rsen1 and the second sense resistor Rsen2 may be located on a printed circuit board and may be arranged outside the charger IC 100A. However, in some embodiments, at least one of the first sense resistor Rsen1 and the second sense resistor Rsen2 may be inside the charger IC 100A.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first sense resistor Rsen1 may monitor the first battery current flowing in the first battery BAT1 by sensing the current flowing through the first sense resistor Rsen1. For example, a battery gauge (e.g., Figure 19 170 in Figure 19 ) may be connected to the first sense resistor Rsen1, and thus, the first battery current flowing in the first battery BAT1 may be monitored. Additionally, in an embodiment, the second sense resistor Rsen2 may monitor the second battery current flowing in the second battery BAT2 by sensing the current flowing through the second sense resistor Rsen2. For example, a battery gauge (e.g.,

[0065] Figure 13 170 in Figure 13 ) may be connected to the second sense resistor Rsen2, and thus, the second battery current flowing in the second battery BAT2 may be monitored. The electronic device 20" may control the operation of the charger IC 100A based on the first battery current and the second battery current. Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 3It is implemented by the first switch SW1. In the first charging mode, the first transistor Q11 can be turned on, and the second transistor Q12 and the third transistor Q13 can be alternately turned on. The fourth transistor Q14 can be turned on in the first charging mode and the battery-only mode.

[0066] The direct charger 120B can include the first transistor Q21 and the second transistor Q22, and can correspond to Figure 2 an embodiment of the direct charger 120A in Figure 3 . For example, the first transistor Q21 and the second transistor Q22 can be implemented similar to

[0067] the first switch SW1 of IN . However, in some embodiments, the direct charger 120B can include three or more transistors. In addition, in some embodiments, the direct charger 120B can include only the second transistor Q22.

[0068] The balancing circuit 130A can include the first transistor Q31 to the fourth transistor Q34, and the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2. However, in some embodiments, the balancing circuit 130A may not include the second capacitor C2. The first transistor Q31 to the fourth transistor Q34 can be connected in series between the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200 and the ground terminal GND. The first capacitor C1 can be connected between the first node ND1 between the first transistor Q31 and the second transistor Q32 and the second node ND2 between the third transistor Q33 and the fourth transistor Q34. The second capacitor C2 can be connected between the first terminal T1 of the battery device 200 and the ground terminal GND. Hereinafter, the balancing operation of the balancing circuit 130A will be described in detail.

[0069] For example, when the voltage V BAT1 of the first battery BAT1 is greater than the voltage V BAT2 of the second battery BAT2, the first transistor Q31 and the third transistor Q33 can be turned on, and the second transistor Q32 and the fourth transistor Q34 can be turned off. Therefore, the first capacitor C1 receives the voltage V from the first battery BAT1 BAT1Charging. Next, when the first transistor Q31 and the third transistor Q33 are turned off and the second transistor Q32 and the fourth transistor Q34 are turned on, the charge stored in the first capacitor C1 is transferred to the second battery BAT2.

[0070] For example, when the voltage V of the second battery BAT2 BAT2 is greater than the voltage V of the first battery BAT1 BAT1 , the second transistor Q32 and the fourth transistor Q34 can be turned on, and the first transistor Q31 and the third transistor Q33 can be turned off. Thus, the first capacitor C1 is charged from the voltage V of the second battery BAT2 BAT2 . Next, when the second transistor Q32 and the fourth transistor Q34 are turned off and the first transistor Q31 and the third transistor Q33 are turned on, the charge stored in the first capacitor C1 is transferred to the first battery BAT1.

[0071] The first transistors Q11 to Q14, the first transistor Q21 and the second transistor Q22, and the first transistors Q31 to Q34 can be driven by control logic. In an embodiment, the control logic can be implemented as the control logic 140 included in the Figure 7 charger IC 100' therein. In an embodiment, the control logic can be implemented within the control block 160 included in the Figure 19 IF-PMIC 500. In an embodiment, the control logic can be implemented within the Figure 22 PMIC 300 or AP 400.

[0072] Figure 14 is a circuit diagram showing the charger IC 100G in the electronic device 10G according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 14 , the charger IC 100G can correspond to Figure 13 an example of a modification of the charger IC 100F. The charger IC 100G can include a balancing circuit 130B, which, compared with the balancing circuit 130A in Figure 13 , further includes fifth transistors Q35 to Q38 and third and fourth capacitors C3 and C4. However, in some embodiments, the balancing circuit 130B may not include the second capacitor C2 or the fourth capacitor C4. The fifth transistors Q35 to Q38 can be connected in series between the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200 and the ground terminal GND. The third capacitor C3 can be connected between the third node ND3 between the fifth transistor Q35 and the sixth transistor Q36 and the fourth node ND4 between the seventh transistor Q37 and the eighth transistor Q38. The fourth capacitor C4 can be connected between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200.

[0073] Figure 15 is a circuit diagram showing a charger IC 100H in an electronic device 10H according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 15 , the charger IC 100H may correspond to Figure 13 a modified example of the charger IC 100F. The charger IC 100H may include a balancing circuit 130C, and the balancing circuit 130C includes a first transistor Q41 and a second transistor Q42, a first inductor L1, and a second capacitor C2 and a fourth capacitor C4. The first transistor Q41 and the second transistor Q42 may be connected in series between a second terminal T2 of the battery device 200 and a ground terminal GND. The first inductor L1 may be connected between a first node ND1 between the first transistor Q41 and the second transistor Q42 and a first terminal T1 of the battery device 200. The second capacitor C2 may be connected between the first terminal T1 and the ground terminal GND, and the fourth capacitor C4 may be connected between the second terminal T2 and the first terminal T1.

[0074] Figure 16 is a circuit diagram showing a charger IC 100I in an electronic device 10I according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 16 , the charger IC 100I may correspond to Figure 15 a modified example of the charger IC 100H. The charger IC 100I may include a balancing circuit 130D, and compared with the balancing circuit 130C in Figure 15 , the balancing circuit 130D further includes a third transistor Q43 and a fourth transistor Q44 and a second inductor L2. The third transistor Q43 and the fourth transistor Q44 may be connected in series between the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200 and the ground terminal GND. The second inductor L2 may be connected between a second node ND2 between the third transistor Q43 and the fourth transistor Q44 and the first terminal T1 of the battery device 200.

[0075] Figure 17 shows an electronic device 30 according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 17 , the electronic device 30 may include a charger IC 100J, a wireless power receiver 150, a battery device 200, and a system load SL. The charger IC 100J may correspond to Figure 2 a modified example of the charger IC 100A in Figure 2 , and the switching charger 110F may further include a fifth switch SW5 and a sixth switch SW6. However, compared with the switching charger 110A in IN1 and a second input voltage terminal T electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 150IN2 .

[0076] The charger IC 100J can support a wired charging mode and a wireless charging mode. In the wired charging mode, the fifth switch SW5 and the sixth switch SW6 can be turned off, and the charger IC 100J can receive an input voltage CHGIN from the output terminal of TA via the first input voltage terminal T IN1 In the first charging mode of the wired charging mode, the switched charger 110F can be activated, and a first charging current I can be provided to the first terminal T1 of the battery device 200 CH1 . In the second charging mode of the wired charging mode, the direct charger 120A can be activated, and a second charging current I can be provided to the second terminal T2 of the battery device 200 CH2 .

[0077] In the wireless charging mode, the first switch SW1 can be turned off, the direct charger 120A can be deactivated, and the fifth switch SW5 and the sixth switch SW6 can be turned on. Therefore, the charger IC 100J can receive wireless power WCIN from the wireless power receiver 150 via the second input voltage terminal T IN2 . The wireless power receiver 150 can generate power according to a wireless charging method (e.g., one of various wireless charging methods such as magnetic induction, magnetic resonance, electromagnetic induction, non-radiative WiTricity, etc.). For example, the wireless power receiver 150 can be implemented as a wireless rectifier.

[0078] In an embodiment, the wireless power receiver 150 can be implemented as a unit for both wireless charging and magnetic secure transmission (MST). In this case, the charger IC 100J can further support the MST mode. When an electronic device 30 containing credit card information directly or indirectly contacts a credit card payment terminal (e.g., a point-of-sale (POS) terminal), the MST technology can perform settlement, and the credit card payment terminal automatically loads the credit card information embedded in the electronic device 30. Using the MST technology, the credit card information can be transmitted to the credit card payment terminal through a magnetic signal. In the MST mode, the first switch SW1 can be turned off, the direct charger 120A can be deactivated, and the charger IC 100F can be electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 150.

[0079] Figure 18A An electronic device 40 according to an embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 18A , the electronic device 40 can include a charger IC100A and a system load SL, and the electronic device 40 can be equipped with a battery device 200B. The battery device 200B can correspond to Figure 2An example of a modification of the battery device 200 in [reference], and may further include a third sense resistor Rsen3 compared to the battery device 200. The battery device 200B may include a first battery BAT1 connected to the second terminal T2, a third sense resistor Rsen3 between the first battery BAT1 and the first terminal T1, and a second battery BAT2 between the terminal T1 and the ground terminal GND. However, in some embodiments, the third sense resistor Rsen3 may be located between the second terminal T2 and the first battery BAT1.

[0080] In an embodiment, the battery device 200B may further include a sense terminal connected to a node between the first battery BAT1 and the third sense resistor Rsen3. A battery gauge (e.g., Figure 19 170 in [reference]) may be connected to the sense terminal and the first terminal, and thus, a first battery current flowing in the first battery BAT1 may be monitored. The electronic device 40 may control the operation of the charger IC 100A based on the first battery current.

[0081] Figure 18B An electronic device 40' according to an embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 18B [reference], the battery device 200C may be mounted on the electronic device 40'. The battery device 200C may correspond to Figure 2 an example of a modification of the battery device 200 in [reference], and may further include a fourth sense resistor Rsen4 compared to the battery device 200. The battery device 200C may include a first battery BAT1 connected between the second terminal T2 and the first terminal T1, a fourth sense resistor Rsen4 between the first terminal T1 and the second battery BAT2, and a second battery BAT2 between the fourth sense resistor Rsen4 and the ground terminal GND. However, in some embodiments, the fourth sense resistor Rsen4 may be located between the second battery BAT2 and the ground terminal GND. In addition, in some embodiments, the battery device 200C may include Figure 18A the third sense resistor Rsen3 in [reference] and Figure 18B the fourth sense resistor Rsen4 in [reference].

[0082] In an embodiment, the battery device 200C may further include a sense terminal connected to a node between the fourth sense resistor Rsen4 and the second battery BAT2. A battery gauge (e.g., Figure 19 170 in [reference]) may be connected to the sense terminal and the first terminal, and thus, a second battery current flowing in the second battery BAT2 may be monitored. The electronic device 40' may control the operation of the charger IC 100A based on the second battery current.

[0083] Figure 19 An electronic device 50 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0084] Reference Figure 19 , the electronic device 50 may include an IF-PMIC 500, and the battery device 200 may be a part of the electronic device 50. The IF-PMIC 500 may include a charger IC 100, a wireless power receiver 150, a control block 160, and a battery gauge 170. The IF-PMIC 500 may further include a light-emitting diode (LED) driver, a universal serial bus (USB) Type-C block, and the like.

[0085] The wireless power receiver 150 may be implemented as a unit for both wireless charging and MST. The control block 160 may control the operations of the first charger 110, the second charger 120, and the balancing circuit 130. For example, the control block 160 may drive the switches included in the first charger 110 and the second charger 120, and the balancing circuit 130 according to the first charging mode, the second charging mode, and the battery mode, respectively. In addition, the control block 160 may control the voltage level of the input voltage CHGIN. However, the functions of the control block 160 may be executed in a microcontroller unit (MCU), which may be external to the IF-PMIC 500.

[0086] The battery gauge 170 may monitor the remaining amount, voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the battery device 200. In an embodiment, the battery gauge 170 may be connected to at least one sense resistor, and the at least one sense resistor is connected to at least one of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 included in the battery device 200. Therefore, the battery gauge 170 may monitor the battery current flowing through at least one of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. However, the battery gauge 170 may be external to the IF-PMIC 500. In some embodiments, the battery gauge 170 may be included in the battery device 200.

[0087] Figure 20 An electronic device 60 according to an embodiment is shown. Reference Figure 20 , the electronic device 60 may include a charger IC 610 and a battery device 620. The electronic device 60 may correspond to Figure 1 a modified example of the electronic device 10, and its repeated description is omitted. The battery device 620 may include a first battery BAT1 and a second battery BAT2 connected in series with each other. The battery device 620 may further include a first terminal T1 connected to the connection node ND between the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2.

[0088] The charger IC 610 may include a charger 611 and a balancing circuit 612. In addition, the charger IC 610 may further include an input voltage terminal T IN and an output terminal T OUT . The input voltage terminal T INIt can receive an input voltage CHGIN. The charger 611 can be connected between the input voltage terminal T IN and the output terminal T OUT . And the output terminal T OUT can be electrically connected to the first terminal T1 of the battery device 620. The charger 611 can receive the input voltage CHGIN from the input voltage terminal T IN , and generate a charging current I by using the received input voltage CHGIN CH . The charger 611 can supply the charging current I to the first terminal T1 of the battery device 620 via the output terminal T OUT . The charger 611 can include at least one of the first charger and the second charger disclosed above. CH

[0089] The balancing circuit 612 can balance the voltage of the first battery BAT1 and the voltage of the second battery BAT2. The balancing circuit 612 can supply a balancing current I BAL to the battery device 620 to balance the voltage of the first battery BAT1 and the voltage of the second battery BAT2. In some embodiments, the battery device 620 may further include a third terminal T3, and the balancing circuit 612 can be connected to the battery device 620 via the third terminal T3. In an embodiment, the third terminal T3 can be electrically connected to the connection node ND.

[0090] Figure 21 is a flowchart of a charging control method according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 21 , the charging control method can include operations performed in a time series in, for example, the charger IC 100 in Figure 1 . The description given above with reference to Figures 1 to 20 can also be applied to this embodiment, and its repeated description is omitted.

[0091] It can receive an input voltage (S110). For example, the charger IC 100 can receive the input voltage CHGIN via the input voltage terminal T IN . For example, an electronic device can be connected to TA, and thus, the operation S110 can be executed.

[0092] It can determine whether the mode is the first charging mode (S120). For example, the first charging mode can be a normal charging mode. For example, the input voltage CHGIN received via the input voltage terminal T IN in the first charging mode can be a low voltage. For example, the control logic in the charger IC 100, the control block in the IF-PMIC, the control block in the PMIC, the MCU, or the application processor can determine whether the mode is the first charging mode. As a result of the determination, when the mode is the first charging mode, the operation S130 can be executed, and when the mode is not the first charging mode, the operation S160 can be executed.​

[0093] When in the first charging mode, the charger IC 100 can activate the first charger 110 (S130). For example, the first switch SW1 to the fourth switch SW4 in the switch charger ( Figure 2 such as 110A) can be turned on. The first charger 110 can supply a first charging current I to the connection node T1 between the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 included in the battery device 200 CH1 (S140). The balancing circuit 130 can balance the voltage of the first battery BAT1 and the voltage of the second battery BAT2 (S150).

[0094] When in the second charging mode (i.e., when it is determined in S120 that the mode is not the first charging mode), the charger IC 100 can activate the second charger 120 (S160). For example, the second charging mode can be a fast charging mode. For example, the input voltage CHGIN received via the input voltage terminal T IN in the second charging mode can be a high voltage, and the voltage level of the input voltage CHGIN can be adjustable. For example, the first transistor Q21 and the second transistor Q22 included in the direct charger ( Figure 13 such as 120F) can be turned on. The second charger 120 can supply a second charging current I to the high voltage terminal T2 of the battery device 200 CH2 (S170).

[0095] It can be determined whether the charging of the battery device 200 is completed (S180). As a result of the determination, when the battery device 200 is fully charged, operation S190 can be executed. Otherwise, operation S120 can be executed again. The charger IC 100 can operate in the battery-only mode or the buck mode (S190). For example, in the battery-only mode, a system current I can be supplied from the battery device 200 to the system load SL SYS . For example, in the case of the buck mode, a system current I from the input voltage CHGIN can be supplied to the system load SL via the first charger 110 SYS .

[0096] Figure 22 An electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 22 , the electronic device 1000 may include a charger IC 100, a battery device 200, a PMIC 300, and an AP 400. The electronic device 1000 may include a charger IC 100 for receiving power from the outside and for charging the battery device 200. The charger IC 100 can be implemented according to Figures 1 to 21 the various embodiments shown.

[0097] The PMIC 300 can receive the battery voltage and manage the power required to drive the AP 400. In addition, the PMIC 300 can be implemented to generate or manage the voltages required for the internal components of the electronic device 1000. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may include multiple PMICs, each PMIC including the PMIC 300. In an embodiment, the PMIC 300 can receive the battery voltage from the battery device 200. In an embodiment, the PMIC 300 can receive the system voltage via the charger IC 100. In an embodiment, the PMIC 300 can directly receive the input voltage CHGIN.

[0098] The AP 400 can control the entire electronic device 1000. In an embodiment, the AP 400 can control the charger IC 100 and can control the charger IC 100, for example, in a first charging mode, a second charging mode, or a battery-only mode. In an embodiment, when the electronic device 1000 is connected to the TA, the AP 400 can communicate with the TA and adjust the input voltage CHGIN output from the TA. In an embodiment, the AP 400 can be implemented as a system-on-chip (SOC) including one or more IP blocks.

[0099] According to one or more embodiments, the charger integrated circuit can support both high-voltage charging and low-voltage charging of the battery device by including both a first charger and a second charger that are activated in different charging modes. By charging the battery device using a direct charger during high-speed charging (e.g., high-voltage charging), heat generation of the electronic device can be reduced, and the charging time of the battery device can be reduced.

[0100] In addition, by charging the battery device using a switching charger or a linear charger during a normal charging mode (such as low-voltage charging), the system voltage supplied to the system load can be stably supplied. In addition, while maintaining the battery voltage supplied to the system load, the effective usable capacity of the battery can be the sum of the capacities of the batteries connected in series. Therefore, the battery usage time can be increased.

[0101] One or more embodiments provide a charger integrated circuit (IC) and an electronic device including the charger IC that can support both high-voltage charging and low-voltage charging and can stably supply system power to the battery device.

[0102] In the drawings, embodiments are described and illustrated in terms of functional blocks, units, modules, and / or methods. Those skilled in the art will understand that these blocks, units, modules, and / or methods are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits (such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc.) that can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing technologies or other manufacturing technologies. In cases where these blocks, units, modules, and / or methods are implemented by a microprocessor or the like, they can be programmed using software (such as microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and they can be optionally driven by firmware and / or software. Alternatively, each block, unit, module, and / or method can be implemented by dedicated hardware or as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (such as one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) that performs other functions. Additionally, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, each block, unit, and / or module of an embodiment can be physically divided into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and / or modules. Further, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the blocks, units, and / or modules of an embodiment can be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules.

[0103] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein. Although specific terms have been used, they have been used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing this application, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment can be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charger integrated circuit for charging a battery device, the battery device including a first battery and a second battery connected in series with each other, the charger integrated circuit including: A first charger connected to a connection node between the first battery and the second battery, and in a first charging mode, the first charger supplies a first charging current to the connection node using an input voltage received from an input voltage terminal; A second charger connected between the input voltage terminal and a high voltage terminal of the battery device, and in a second charging mode, the second charger directly charges the battery device by supplying a second charging current to the high voltage terminal using the input voltage received from the input voltage terminal; And A balancing circuit electrically connected to the connection node, the high voltage terminal, and a ground terminal, and configured to supply a balancing current to the connection node to balance the voltages of the first battery and the second battery, wherein the first charging mode corresponds to a normal charging mode, and the second charger is deactivated in the first charging mode, wherein the second charging mode corresponds to a fast charging mode, and the first charger is deactivated in the second charging mode, such that the first charger is not connected to both the battery device and the system load in the second charging mode, wherein the balancing circuit balances the voltages of the first battery and the second battery by charging an undercharged battery using the energy of an overcharged battery among the first battery and the second battery via using the balancing current.

2. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein The first battery includes a first battery cell, the second battery includes a second battery cell, and the battery device includes a multi-cell battery.

3. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The first charger includes a switching charger.

4. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 3, wherein, The switching charger includes: A first switch, a second switch, and a third switch connected in series with each other between the input voltage terminal and the ground terminal; An inductor connected between a switching node between the second switch and the third switch and a first output node; and A fourth switch connected between the first output node and a second output node, wherein the first output node is electrically connected to the system load, and the second output node is electrically connected to the connection node.

5. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 3, wherein, The switching charger includes: A first switch, a second switch, and a third switch connected in series with each other between the input voltage terminal and the ground terminal; An inductor connected between a switching node between the second switch and the third switch and a first output node; and A resistor connected between the first output node and the second output node, wherein the first output node is electrically connected to the system load, and the second output node is electrically connected to the connection node.

6. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 3, wherein, The switching charger includes: A first switch, a second switch, and a third switch connected in series with each other between the input voltage terminal and the ground terminal; and An inductor connected between a switching node between the second switch and the third switch and a first output node, wherein the first output node is electrically connected to the system load and the connection node.

7. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The first charger includes a linear charger.

8. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The second charger includes a direct charger, wherein the direct charger has at least one switch connected between the input voltage terminal and the high voltage terminal.

9. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1 further comprises: At least one sensing resistor connected in series with at least one of the first battery and the second battery.

10. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one sense resistor includes at least one of a first sense resistor connected between a second charger and a first battery and a second sense resistor connected between a second battery and a ground terminal.

11. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The battery device further includes a third battery connected in series with the first battery and the second battery, and a high voltage terminal of the battery device is connected to a positive terminal of the third battery.

12. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1 further comprises: Control logic for controlling the balance circuit, the input voltage, and at least one of the first charger and the second charger.

13. The charger integrated circuit according to claim 1 further comprises: A wireless power receiver for transmitting wireless power to the first charger, wherein the first charger includes a first input node connected to an input voltage terminal and a second input node connected to the wireless power receiver, and the first charger receives an input voltage via the first input node in a first charging mode and receives wireless power via the second input node in a wireless charging mode.

14. An electronic device, comprising: A charger integrated circuit for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery connected in series with each other; and At least one sense resistor disposed outside the charger integrated circuit, the at least one sense resistor being connected in series with at least one of the first battery and the second battery, wherein the charger integrated circuit includes: A first charger connected to a connection node between the first battery and the second battery, and in a first charging mode, the first charger provides a first charging current to the connection node; A second charger connected between an input voltage terminal and a high voltage terminal of the battery device, and in a second charging mode, the second charger directly charges the battery device by providing a second charging current to the high voltage terminal using an input voltage received from the input voltage terminal; and A balance circuit electrically connected to the connection node, the high voltage terminal, and the ground terminal, and configured to provide a balance current to the connection node to balance the voltages of the first battery and the second battery, wherein the first charging mode corresponds to a normal charging mode, and the second charger is deactivated in the first charging mode, wherein the second charging mode corresponds to a fast charging mode, and the first charger is deactivated in the second charging mode such that the first charger is not connected to both the battery device and the system load in the second charging mode, wherein the balance circuit balances the voltages of the first battery and the second battery by charging an undercharged battery using the energy of an overcharged battery among the first battery and the second battery via using the balance current.

15. An electronic device, comprising: A battery device including a first battery and a second battery connected in series with each other, a connection node between the first battery and the second battery, and a high voltage terminal connected to the first battery; and A charger integrated circuit for charging the battery device, wherein the charger integrated circuit includes: A first charger connected to the connection node, and in a first charging mode, the first charger provides a first charging current to the connection node; A second charger, connected to the high-voltage terminal, directly charges the battery device by providing a second charging current to the high-voltage terminal in a second charging mode; and A balancing circuit, electrically connected to the connection node, the high-voltage terminal, and the ground terminal, wherein the first charging mode corresponds to a normal charging mode and the second charger is deactivated in the first charging mode, wherein the second charging mode corresponds to a high-speed charging mode and the first charger is deactivated in the second charging mode such that the first charger is not connected to both the battery device and the system load in the second charging mode, wherein, in the first charging mode, a first charging current is used to charge a second battery, and in the second charging mode, a second charging current is used to charge a first battery and a second battery, wherein the balancing circuit balances the voltages of the first battery and the second battery by charging an undercharged battery using the energy of an overcharged battery among the first battery and the second battery.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15 further comprises: At least one sense resistor, connected in series with at least one of the first battery and the second battery.

17. The electronic device according to claim 15 further comprises: A wireless power receiver, transmitting wireless power to the first charger, wherein, the first charger includes a first input node connected to an input voltage terminal and a second input node connected to the wireless power receiver, and the first charger receives an input voltage via the first input node in the first charging mode and receives wireless power via the second input node in the wireless charging mode.

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