Electronic device and charging method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device and a charging method thereof are provided. The electronic device can include a battery, a charger configured to charge the battery, a switch network electrically connected to the battery, and a charging controller configured to control the switch network to change a connection relationship between the battery and control the charger to charge the battery while the battery is in the changed connection relationship.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0153287, filed on November 26, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The following description relates to electronic devices and methods for charging electronic devices. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, the use of portable electronic devices (such as smartphones and tablet PCs) has increased. Such devices can perform a variety of functions. For example, various functions can be performed on the device (such as voice communication, internet search, and image playback). Therefore, the amount of power consumed by the battery can be increased, and consequently, the battery capacity can also be increased to extend the time the device can be used.

[0004] Furthermore, based on the usage patterns of users of portable electronic devices, the demand for fast charging of high-capacity batteries is also increasing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one general aspect, an electronic device includes: a battery; a charger configured to charge the battery; a switching network electrically connected to the battery; and a charging controller configured to: control the switching network to change the connection relationship between the batteries, and control the charger to charge the battery while the batteries are in the changed connection relationship.

[0007] In high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller can be configured to: control the switching network to change the connection relationship from a parallel connection relationship to a series connection relationship, and while the battery is in a series connection relationship, control the charger to charge the battery with a voltage set to correspond to the high-voltage charging mode. In low-voltage charging mode, the charging controller can be configured to: maintain the connection relationship in a parallel connection relationship; and while the battery is in a parallel connection relationship, control the charger to charge the battery with a voltage set to correspond to the low-voltage charging mode.

[0008] The charging controller can also be configured to: determine the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode in response to the output voltage value of the power supply being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage; and determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to the output voltage value being less than the threshold voltage.

[0009] The charging controller can also be configured to: determine the required voltage value of the charger based on the output voltage value; and control the charger based on the determined required voltage value.

[0010] The charging controller can also be configured to: calculate the required charging current value based on the output voltage value of the power supply and the user's usage mode in response to the output voltage value being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, and determine the charging mode based on the calculated required charging current value.

[0011] The charging controller can also be configured to: determine the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode in response to a calculated required charging current value being greater than or equal to a threshold current; and determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to a calculated required charging current value being less than a threshold current.

[0012] The charging controller can also be configured to: determine the output voltage value of the power supply based on information about the output voltage range of the power supply and the maximum charging efficiency information for each output voltage in the output voltage range; calculate the required charging current value based on the determined output voltage value; and determine the charging mode based on one or both of the determined output voltage value and the calculated required charging current value.

[0013] The charging controller can also be configured to: determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to a determined output voltage value being less than a threshold voltage; determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to a determined output voltage value being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage and a calculated required charging current value being less than a threshold current; and determine the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode in response to a determined output voltage value being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage and a calculated required charging current value being greater than or equal to a threshold current.

[0014] The electronic device may further include: a first switch configured to be electrically connected to a charger and a load; and a second switch configured to electrically connect the charger to a battery.

[0015] The charging controller can also be configured to: in high-voltage charging mode, control a first switch to interrupt the electrical connection between the charger and the load.

[0016] In another general aspect, a method for charging an electronic device includes: controlling a switching network electrically connected to a battery to change the connection relationship between the batteries; and controlling a charger to charge the battery while the battery is in the changed connection relationship.

[0017] The steps of controlling the switch network may include: maintaining the connection as a parallel connection in a low-voltage charging mode; and changing the connection from a parallel connection to a series connection in a high-voltage charging mode. The steps of controlling the charger may include: charging the battery with a voltage set to correspond to the low-voltage charging mode while the battery is in a parallel connection in a low-voltage charging mode; and charging the battery with a voltage set to correspond to the high-voltage charging mode while the battery is in a series connection in a high-voltage charging mode.

[0018] The method may further include: determining the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode in response to the output voltage value of the power supply being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage; and determining the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to the output voltage value being less than the threshold voltage.

[0019] The steps of controlling the charger may include: determining the required voltage value of the charger based on the output voltage value, and controlling the charger based on the determined required voltage value.

[0020] The method may further include: calculating a required charging current value based on either or both of the power supply's output voltage value and the user's usage mode; and determining a charging mode based on the calculated required charging current value in response to the output voltage value being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage.

[0021] The steps for determining the charging mode may include: determining the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode in response to a calculated required charging current value being greater than or equal to a threshold current; and determining the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to a calculated required charging current value being less than a threshold current.

[0022] The method may further include: determining the output voltage value of the power supply based on information about the output voltage range of the power supply and the maximum charging efficiency information for each output voltage in the output voltage range; calculating the required charging current value based on the determined output voltage value; and determining the charging mode based on any one or both of the determined output voltage value and the calculated required charging current value.

[0023] The step of determining the charging mode may include: determining the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to a determined output voltage value being less than a threshold voltage; determining the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to a determined output voltage value being greater than or equal to the threshold voltage and a calculated required charging current value being less than a threshold current; and determining the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode in response to a determined output voltage value being greater than or equal to the threshold voltage and a calculated required charging current value being greater than or equal to the threshold current.

[0024] The method may further include: in a high-voltage charging mode, controlling a switch to interrupt the electrical connection between the charger and the load.

[0025] In another general aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the methods described above.

[0026] In another general aspect, a method for charging an electronic device includes: determining a charging mode of the electronic device in response to the electronic device being connected to a power source; and charging a battery in the determined charging mode. The batteries are connected in parallel before the electronic device is connected to the power source. The steps of charging the battery include: charging the battery while it is connected in parallel in response to the charging mode being determined to be a first charging mode; and changing the connection relationship between the batteries so that they are connected in series in response to the charging mode being determined to be a second charging mode, and charging the battery while it is connected in series.

[0027] Other features and aspects will become clear from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a charging system is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 An example of how an electronic device operates is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 This illustrates an example of an operation performed by a charging controller in an electronic device.

[0031] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example of a switching network in an electronic device is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of a charging circuit in an electronic device is shown.

[0033] Figure 8 An example of how an electronic device operates is shown.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for charging an electronic device.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device.

[0036] Figure 11 An example showing a charging indicator for an electronic device.

[0037] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, features, and structures. The drawings may not be to scale, and for clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to those orders set forth herein, but may be changed as will become clear upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0039] The features described herein may be implemented in various forms and are not to be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided only to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein, which will become clear upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0040] It should be noted here that the use of the term "may" (e.g., what an example or embodiment may include or implement) with respect to an example or embodiment indicates that there exists at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements such a feature, but all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0041] Throughout this specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on" another element, "connected to," or "bonded to" another element, the element may be directly "on" the other element, directly "connected to," or directly "bonded to" the other element, or one or more other elements may be present in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, directly "connected to," or "bonded to" another element, no other elements may be present in between. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more.

[0042] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the examples described herein, the first component, first assembly, first region, first layer, or first part mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as a second component, second assembly, second region, second layer, or second part.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” specify the presence of the features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof described, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] Figure 1 An example of a charging system 100 is shown.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 The charging system 100 includes an electronic device 110 and a power supply 120.

[0046] Electronic device 110 may be, for example, a mobile electronic device or a portable electronic device. For example, electronic device 110 may be, but is not limited to, a smartphone or a tablet PC. Electronic device 110 may be referred to as, for example, a user terminal, a user equipment, or a wireless communication device.

[0047] Electronic device 110 is connected to power supply 120. In one example, power supply 120 may be an adapter, and electronic device 110 may be connected to the adapter via a cable. In another example, power supply 120 may be a wireless power transmitter, and electronic device 110 may form an electromagnetic coupling with the wireless power transmitter and may receive wireless power from the wireless power transmitter.

[0048] Electronic device 110 includes multiple batteries. When receiving power from power source 120, electronic device 110 can charge the batteries. In one example, in a low-voltage charging mode, electronic device 110 can charge the batteries while they are connected in parallel with each other. In a high-voltage charging mode, electronic device 110 can change the connection between the batteries from a parallel connection to a series connection and charge the batteries. In other words, in high-voltage charging mode, electronic device 110 can charge the batteries while they are connected in series. Therefore, electronic device 110 can perform fast charging by increasing the voltage instead of increasing the current, and thus prevents heat generation through conduction losses caused by current, and can perform charging with high efficiency.

[0049] Figure 2 An example of the operation of electronic device 110 is shown.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 Electronic device 110 may include, for example, connector 210, overvoltage protector (OVP) 220, charger 230, charge controller 240, first battery 250, second battery 260, and switch network 270. Figure 2 In the example, electronic device 110 includes two batteries (i.e., a first battery 250 and a second battery 260). However, Figure 2 The number of batteries shown is merely an example. For instance, electronic device 110 may include three or more batteries.

[0051] Connector 210 can be connected to the cable of power supply 120. Connector 210 may include, but is not limited to, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) type C port.

[0052] When connector 210 is connected to the cable of power supply 120, charging controller 240 can control either or both of switching network 270 and charger 230. In one example, charging controller 240 determines the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode. Before connector 210 is connected to the cable of power supply 120, first battery 250 and second battery 260 are connected in parallel, and charging controller 240 controls switching network 270 such that in high-voltage charging mode, the connection between first battery 250 and second battery 260 changes from a parallel connection to a series connection. Furthermore, charging controller 240 controls charger 230 to charge the first battery 250 and second battery 260, which are configured in a series connection, with a voltage set to correspond to the high-voltage charging mode.

[0053] In another example, the charging controller 240 determines the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode. Since the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are connected in parallel before the cable connecting connector 210 to the power supply 120, the charging controller 240 maintains the parallel connection between the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 in the low-voltage charging mode. Furthermore, the charging controller 240 controls this connection via the control signal SET. VDC The charger 230 charges the first battery 250 and the second battery 260, which are configured in parallel connection, using a voltage set to correspond to a low-voltage charging mode. (Refer to the following...) Figure 3 The charging controller 240 is described in further detail.

[0054] Power supply 120 outputs or supplies power to electronic device 110, and power is transmitted to OVP 220 via connector 210.

[0055] When the voltage VBUS of the power supply 120 is less than a predetermined level, the OVP 220 can output power to the charger 230. When the voltage VBUS of the power supply 120 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, the OVP 220 can disconnect the switch included in the OVP 220 to prevent power from being output from the OVP 220. Therefore, the electronic device 110 or at least one circuit of the electronic device 110 can be protected from overvoltage power.

[0056] The OVP 220 may include, for example, overvoltage protection circuitry.

[0057] Charger 230 converts the power output from OVP 220. For example, charger 230 may include a step-down DC to DC (DC / DC) converter, and the step-down DC / DC converter may convert or step down the voltage VBUS of the power output from OVP 220 to voltage VDC.

[0058] The charger 230 charges the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 with the converted power. For example, the charger 230 can charge the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 connected in series in a high-voltage charging mode with a voltage set to correspond to a high-voltage charging mode, and can charge the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 connected in parallel in a low-voltage charging mode with a voltage set to correspond to a low-voltage charging mode.

[0059] When the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are fully charged or charging is terminated in high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 can activate the switch signal SET. SW The control switch network 270 allows the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 to be connected in parallel.

[0060] Figure 3 An example of the operation performed by the charging controller 240 in the electronic device 110 is shown.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 In operation 310, the charging controller 240 communicates with the power supply 120. For example, when connector 210 is connected to the cable of power supply 120, the charging controller 240 can receive information about power supply 120 from power supply 120 via ports included in connector 210 (e.g., CC1 and CC2 ports or D+ and D- ports). The information about power supply 120 may include, but is not limited to, information about the output voltage range of power supply 120.

[0062] In operation 320, the charging controller 240 determines the charging mode in response to communication with the power supply 120.

[0063] For example, the charging controller 240 determines the output voltage value of the power supply 120 and the charging mode based on at least one of the states of the electronic device 110 and the output voltage range of the power supply 120. In one example, when the electronic device 110 needs to be fast charged and when the power supply 120 is able to output a high voltage (e.g., at least 10 volts (V)), the charging controller 240 may determine that the output voltage value of the power supply 120 is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage (e.g., 10V). In this example, since the output voltage value of the power supply 120 is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, the charging controller 240 may determine the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode. In another example, when the electronic device 110 needs to be fast charged but the power supply 120 is unable to output a high voltage, the charging controller 240 may determine that the output voltage value of the power supply 120 is less than the threshold voltage. In this example, since the output voltage value of the power supply 120 is determined to be less than the threshold voltage, the charging controller 240 may determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode. In another example, when electronic device 110 needs to be charged but does not need to be fast charged, charging controller 240 can determine that the output voltage of power supply 120 is less than a threshold voltage and can determine the charging mode as low voltage charging mode.

[0064] In another example, the charging controller 240 may determine the charging mode based on at least one of the required charging current value and the output voltage value of the power supply 120. For example, the charging controller 240 may determine the output voltage value of the power supply 120 as described above. In this example, when the determined output voltage value is less than a threshold voltage, the charging controller 240 may determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode. When the determined output voltage value is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, the charging controller 240 may calculate the required charging current value based on at least one of the determined output voltage value and the user's usage mode. When the user's usage mode indicates that the user is using the electronic device 110 during charging (e.g., making a phone call or watching a video), the required charging current value may be calculated as relatively high. When the calculated required charging current value is greater than or equal to the threshold current (e.g., 3 amperes (A)), the charging controller 240 may determine the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode. When the calculated required charging current value is less than the threshold current, the charging controller 240 may determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode.

[0065] In another example, the charging controller 240 may determine the required charging current value and the output voltage value of the power supply 120 based on information about the output voltage range of the power supply 120 and the maximum charging efficiency information for each voltage, and may determine the charging mode based on the determined required charging current value and the determined output voltage value. Table 1 below shows examples of the maximum charging efficiency information for each voltage. In Table 1, n is a positive integer greater than 8. However, the number of voltages shown in Table 1 is merely an exemplary example, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] [Table 1]

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] For example, when the maximum output voltage of power supply 120 is V8 (V), charging controller 240 can search for the highest value from the maximum charging efficiency a_V1 mapped to voltage V1 (V) to the maximum charging efficiency a_V8 mapped to voltage V8 (V). When the maximum charging efficiency a_V6 is the highest value among the maximum charging efficiencies a_V1 to a_V8, charging controller 240 can determine the voltage V6 mapped to the maximum charging efficiency a_V6 as the output voltage value of power supply 120, and can determine the required charging current value based on the determined output voltage value. When the determined output voltage value is less than the threshold voltage, charging controller 240 can determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode. When the determined output voltage value is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage and the required charging current value is less than the threshold current, charging controller 240 can determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode. When the determined output voltage value is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage and the required charging current value is greater than or equal to the threshold current, charging controller 240 can determine the charging mode as a high-voltage charging mode.

[0070] In operation 330, when the charging mode is determined, the charging controller 240 can control either or both of the charger 230 and the switch network 270.

[0071] For example, the charging controller 240 can determine the required voltage value of the charger 230 based on a determined output voltage value and a determined charging mode, control the charger 230 based on the determined required voltage value, and control the switching network 270 based on the determined charging mode. In one example, when the output voltage value of the power supply 120 is determined to be 15V and the charging mode is determined to be a high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 can determine the required voltage value of the charger 230 to be 10V based on the voltage conversion ratio of the high-voltage charging mode (e.g., 1.5:1), and control the charger 230 based on the determined required voltage value. In other words, when the output voltage value of the power supply 120 is determined to be 15V, the charging controller 240 can send a request or instruction to the charger 230 to make the output voltage VDC of the charger 230 reach 10V. Furthermore, the charging controller 240 can control the switching network 270 to connect the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 in series. In another example, when the output voltage of power supply 120 is determined to be 9V and the charging mode is determined to be a low-voltage charging mode, charging controller 240 can determine the required voltage value of charger 230 to be 4.5V based on the voltage conversion ratio of the low-voltage charging mode (e.g., 2:1), and can control charger 230 based on the determined required voltage value. In other words, when the output voltage of power supply 120 is determined to be 9V, charging controller 240 can send a request or instruction to charger 230 to make the output voltage VDC of charger 230 reach 4.5V. Furthermore, charging controller 240 can maintain the parallel connection between first battery 250 and second battery 260.

[0072] When the output voltage value of power supply 120 is determined, charging controller 240 can send the determined output voltage value to power supply 120 via connector 210. In other words, charging controller 240 can request power supply 120 to supply power corresponding to the determined output voltage value.

[0073] The power supply 120 supplies power to the electronic device 110 corresponding to a determined output voltage value, and the supplied power is input to the charger 230.

[0074] Charger 230 converts the supplied power and charges the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 based on the converted power. For example, in high-voltage charging mode, when 15V power is supplied from power source 120, charger 230 can step down the 15V to the required voltage of 10V, and can charge the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 while they are connected in series. In low-voltage charging mode, when 9V power is supplied from power source 120, charger 230 can step down the 9V to the required voltage of 4.5V, and can charge the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 while they are connected in parallel.

[0075] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example of a switch network 270 in an electronic device 110 is shown.

[0076] Reference Figure 4 The switch network 270 may include a plurality of switches, including switch 410, switch 420 and switch 430.

[0077] In the default configuration, for example, switch 420 is off, and switches 410 and 430 are on. Therefore, the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are connected in parallel.

[0078] As described above, in low-voltage charging mode, the parallel connection between the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 is maintained.

[0079] In high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 controls the switching network 270, causing the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 to be connected in series. Figure 4 In the example, the charging controller 240 uses gate driver 1 to turn off switch 410, uses gate driver 3 to turn off switch 430, and uses gate driver 2 to turn on switch 420. Therefore, in high-voltage charging mode, the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are connected in series.

[0080] When the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are fully charged or charging is terminated in high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 can control the switching network 270 to change the series-connected first battery 250 and the second battery 260 into a parallel connection. Figure 4 In the example, the charging controller 240 uses gate driver 1 to turn on switch 410, uses gate driver 3 to turn on switch 430, and uses gate driver 2 to turn off switch 420. Therefore, the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are connected in parallel.

[0081] Reference Figure 5The switching network 270 may also include a switching controller 510. For example, when a switching signal SET is received from the charging controller 240... SW At that time, the switch controller 510 is based on the switch signal SET SW To control each of switches 410 to 430. In one example, when the switch signal SET... SW When the series connection between the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 is indicated, the switch controller 510 can use gate driver 1 to turn off switch 410, use gate driver 3 to turn off switch 430, and use gate driver 2 to turn on switch 420. Therefore, the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 can be connected in series. In another example, when the switch signal SET... SW When indicating a parallel connection between the first battery 250 and the second battery 260, the switch controller 510 can use gate driver 1 to turn on switch 410, use gate driver 3 to turn on switch 430, and use gate driver 2 to turn off switch 420. Therefore, the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 can be connected in parallel.

[0082] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Examples of charging circuits 610 and 710 in electronic device 110 are shown.

[0083] Reference Figure 6 The charging circuit 610 in the electronic device 110 includes, for example, a charger 230, a charging controller 240, and switches 620 and 630. Figure 6 In the example, the switch network 270 is located outside the charging circuit 610.

[0084] Reference Figure 7 Compared to the charging circuit 610, the charging circuit 710 in the electronic device 110 also includes a switch network 270. In other words, the charging circuit 710 includes a charger 230, a charging controller 240, a switch network 270, and switches 620 and 630.

[0085] Each of the charging circuits 610 and 710 can be, for example, a charging management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0086] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example, switch 620 electrically connects charger 230 to the system or load, and switch 630 electrically connects charger 230 to the first battery 250 and the second battery 260.

[0087] In high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 controls the switch network 270 to connect the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 in series, turn on switch 630, and turn off switch 620. For example, in high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 controls switch 620 to interrupt the electrical connection between the charger 230 and the load. In low-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 turns on switch 630 and turns off switch 620. The charging controller 240 uses a switching signal Q... DH To control switch 620, via switch signal Q CH To control switch 630, and via switch signal SET VDC To control the charger 230.

[0088] According to one example, in either a high-voltage charging mode or a low-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 may turn on switch 620. For example, when a user uses electronic device 110 (e.g., when a user watches video while electronic device 110 is charging), in either a high-voltage charging mode or a low-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 may turn on switch 620, allowing power to be supplied to the system (e.g., a display or processor). In this example, the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 may be charged more slowly than when switch 620 is off.

[0089] Figure 8 An example of the operation of electronic device 800 is shown.

[0090] Reference Figure 8 The electronic device 800 may include a connector 210 (not shown), an OVP 220, a first charger 810, a second charger 820, a charging controller 240, a first battery 250, a second battery 260, a switching network 270, and a system 830. Figure 8 In the example, electronic device 800 includes two batteries (i.e., a first battery 250 and a second battery 260). However, the configuration of the described electronic device 800 is merely an example, and electronic device 800 may include three or more batteries.

[0091] Electronic device 800 can be, for example, a mobile electronic device or a portable electronic device. For example, electronic device 800 can be, but is not limited to, a smartphone or a tablet PC.

[0092] For example, the first charger 810 may include a buck DC / DC converter, and the second charger 820 may include a 2:1 switching capacitor converter.

[0093] System 830 includes components configured to receive power from a first battery 250 and a second battery 260. For example, system 830 may include components described below. Figure 10The system may be a memory, display, or processor as described. However, the system is not limited to the example components described.

[0094] The charging controller 240 can control either or both of the first charger 810 and the second charger 820, such that VDC is the desired voltage value determined by the charging controller 240. For example, the charging controller 240 can control the desired voltage value determined by the switching signal SET. VDC2 Control the first charger 810. Alternatively, the charging controller 240 can be controlled via the switch signal SET. VDC1 The second charger 820 is controlled. In one example, when the output voltage of the power supply 120 is determined to be 15V in high-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 can determine the desired voltage value to be 10V and can control either or both of the first charger 810 and the second charger 820 such that VDC is 10V. In this example, the charging controller 240 can control the switching network 270 such that the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are connected in series. In another example, when the output voltage of the power supply 120 is determined to be 9V in low-voltage charging mode, the charging controller 240 can determine the desired voltage value to be 4.5V and can control either or both of the first charger 810 and the second charger 820 such that VDC is 4.5V.

[0095] above Figures 1 to 7 The description also applies to Figure 8 An example. For the sake of brevity, here is an example of... Figure 8 This description will not be repeated.

[0096] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for charging an electronic device.

[0097] Reference Figure 9 In operation 910, the electronic device 110 / 800 controls the switching network 270 electrically connected to the first battery 250 and the second battery 260, thereby changing the connection relationship between the first battery 250 and the second battery 260. For example, in a high-voltage charging mode, the electronic device 110 / 800 can use the switching network 270 to change the connection relationship between the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 from a parallel connection relationship to a series connection relationship.

[0098] In operation 920, electronic device 110 / 800 controls charger 230 / first charger 810 and second charger 820 to charge first battery 250 and second battery 260, which have a changed connection relationship. For example, electronic device 110 / 800 can control charger 230 / first charger 810 and second charger 820 to charge the first battery 250 and second battery 260, which are connected in series, with a set high voltage in a high-voltage charging mode. Electronic device 110 / 800 can also control charger 230 / first charger 810 and second charger 820 to charge the first battery 250 and second battery 260, which are connected in parallel, with a set low voltage in a low-voltage charging mode.

[0099] When receiving power from power source 120, electronic device 110 / 800 charges the first battery 250 and the second battery 260. In low-voltage charging mode, electronic device 110 / 800 charges the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 while they are connected in parallel. In high-voltage charging mode, electronic device 110 / 800 charges the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 while they are connected in series.

[0100] above Figures 1 to 8 The description also applies to Figure 9 An example. For the sake of brevity, here is an example of... Figure 9 This description will not be repeated.

[0101] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of electronic device 1000.

[0102] Reference Figure 10 The electronic device 1000 includes, for example, a charging circuit 1010, a first battery 250, a second battery 260, a power management circuit 1020, a memory 1030, a display 1040, a processor 1050, and a communication interface 1060.

[0103] The description of electronic device 1000 applies to each of electronic devices 110 and 800. Furthermore, the descriptions of electronic devices 110 and 800 also apply to electronic device 1000.

[0104] For example, Figure 2 The charger 230 and the charging controller 240 are integrated into the charging circuit 1010. In another example, the charger 230, the charging controller 240, and the switching network 270 may be integrated into the charging circuit 1010.

[0105] The charging circuit 1010 may correspond to, for example Figure 6 The charging circuit 610 or Figure 7 The charging circuit 710.

[0106] As described above, the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 are connected in series in the high-voltage charging mode and in parallel in the low-voltage charging mode.

[0107] The first battery 250 and the second battery 260 can supply power to any one or any combination of two or more of the memory 1030, display 1040, processor 1050, and communication interface 1060.

[0108] The power management circuit 1020 manages the power supplied to the electronic device 1000.

[0109] The power management circuit 1020 estimates the state of each of the first battery 250 and the second battery 260. For example, the power management circuit 1020 may collect sensing data (e.g., any one or any combination of two or more of voltage data, current data, and temperature data) of each of the first battery 250 and the second battery 260. The power management circuit 1020 may estimate the state of each of the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 based on the sensing data of the first battery 250 and the second battery 260. The state of each battery may include, for example, any one or any combination of two or more of charge state, lifetime state, and abnormal state. Abnormal states may include, for example, any one or any combination of two or more of overvoltage, undervoltage, overcharge, overdischarge, overheat, and short circuit.

[0110] The power management circuit 1020 can perform balancing of the first battery 250 and the second battery 260. For example, the power management circuit 1020 can perform balancing when the state of charge of the first battery 250 and the state of charge of the second battery 260 are not equal.

[0111] The power management circuit 1020 can be referred to as the "main PMIC" to communicate with... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The charging PMIC is separated.

[0112] The memory 1030 may store at least one instruction executed by the processor 1050. Furthermore, the memory 1030 may store data generated by the processor 1050. The memory 1030 may also store at least one application or software.

[0113] The display 1040 can display at least one piece of information. For example, the display 1040 can visually display the remaining power in each of the first battery 250 and the second battery 260. In addition, the display 1040 can visually display data executed by the processor 1050.

[0114] The processor 1050 can perform arithmetic and logical operations and graphics processing. In addition, the processor 1050 can execute applications or software and store the execution results in the memory 1030 and / or visually display the execution results on the display 1040.

[0115] Processor 1050 can perform authentication. In one example, processor 1050 can use a fingerprint sensor to receive a user's fingerprint data and can perform user authentication based on the fingerprint data. In another example, processor 1050 can use a camera to receive a user's facial image data and can perform user authentication based on the facial image data.

[0116] The communication interface 1060 enables the electronic device 1000 to communicate with external devices. For example, the communication interface 1060 includes any one or any combination of any two or more of the following components: a component configured to perform mobile communication (e.g., fourth-generation (4G) communication and / or fifth-generation (5G) communication), a component configured to perform Wi-Fi communication, a component configured to perform near-field communication (NFC), and a component configured to perform Bluetooth communication.

[0117] In addition, the electronic device 1000 includes an output device (e.g., a speaker or vibration generator) configured to provide output to a user and an input device (e.g., a microphone) configured to receive input from a user.

[0118] In addition, the electronic device 1000 may include sensors configured to sense a user’s biometric information (e.g., heart rate information).

[0119] above Figures 1 to 9 The description also applies to Figure 10 An example. For the sake of brevity, here is an example of... Figure 10 This description will not be repeated.

[0120] Figure 11 An example showing a charging indicator for an electronic device.

[0121] Reference Figure 11The electronic device 1000 may display an indication 1110 on a display 1040 to indicate whether to perform fast charging. In an example where the cable connecting the electronic device 1000 to the power supply 120 is connected, fast charging of the electronic device 1000 may be deemed appropriate when the maximum output voltage of the power supply 120 is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage (e.g., 10V) and when each of the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 has a relatively low remaining charge. The electronic device 1000 may display an indication 1110 on the display 1040 to indicate whether to perform fast charging and may ask the user whether they want to perform fast charging on the electronic device 1000. When the user selects "yes" in the indication 1110, fast charging of the electronic device 1000 may be performed by changing the connection between the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 from a parallel connection to a series connection. When the user selects "No" in indicator 1110, the electronic device 1000 can charge the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 at a low speed while configuring the first battery 250 and the second battery 260 in a parallel connection relationship.

[0122] In one example, when fast charging of electronic device 1000 is determined to be applicable, an instruction indicating that fast charging will be performed can be displayed on display 1040.

[0123] above Figures 1 to 10 The description also applies to Figure 11 An example. For the sake of brevity, here is an example of... Figure 11 This description will not be repeated.

[0124] Figures 1 to 11The power supply 120, OVP 220, charger 230, charging controller 240, switch controller 510, first charger 810, second charger 820, system 830, memory 1030, processor 1050, communication interface 1060, and other components that perform the operations described in this application are implemented by hardware components configured to perform the operations described in this application. Examples of hardware components that can be used to perform the operations described in this application include, where appropriate, controllers, sensors, generators, drivers, memories, comparators, arithmetic logic units, adders, subtractors, multipliers, dividers, integrators, and any other electronic components configured to perform the operations described in this application. In other examples, one or more of the hardware components performing the operations described in this application are implemented by computing hardware (e.g., by one or more processors or computers). A processor or computer may be implemented by one or more processing elements, such as logic gate arrays, controllers and arithmetic logic units, digital signal processors, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, field-programmable gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, microprocessors, or any other means or combination of means configured to respond to and execute instructions in a defined manner to achieve a desired result. In one example, the processor or computer includes or is connected to one or more memories storing instructions or software executed by the processor or computer. Hardware components implemented by the processor or computer may execute instructions or software (such as an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS) to perform the operations described in this application. The hardware components may also access, manipulate, process, create, and store data in response to the execution of instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular terms “processor” or “computer” may be used in the description of the examples described in this application, but in other examples, multiple processors or computers may be used, or a processor or computer may include multiple processing elements or multiple types of processing elements or both. For example, a single hardware component or two or more hardware components may be implemented by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more hardware components may be implemented by one or more processors, or processors and controllers, and one or more other hardware components may be implemented by one or more other processors, or additional processors and additional controllers. One or more processors, or processors and controllers, may implement a single hardware component or two or more hardware components. Hardware components may have any one or more different processing configurations, examples of which include: a single processor, a discrete processor, a parallel processor, Single Instruction Single Data (SISD) multiple processing, Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) multiple processing, Multiple Instruction Single Data (MISD) multiple processing, and Multiple Instruction Multiple Data (MIMD) multiple processing.

[0125] Figures 1 to 11 The methods for performing the operations described in this application, as shown, are executed by computing hardware (e.g., by one or more processors or a computer), wherein the computing hardware is implemented to execute instructions or software as described above to perform the operations performed by the methods described in this application. For example, a single operation or two or more operations may be executed by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more operations may be executed by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other operations may be executed by one or more other processors, or additional processors and additional controllers. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, may execute a single operation or two or more operations.

[0126] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement hardware components and perform the methods described above can be written as computer programs, code segments, instructions, or any combination thereof to individually or collectively instruct or configure one or more processors or computers to operate as a machine or special-purpose computer to perform operations performed by the hardware components and methods described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code (such as machine code generated by a compiler) that is directly executed by one or more processors or computers. In another example, the instructions or software include high-level code that is executed by one or more processors or computers using an interpreter. The instructions or software can be written using any programming language based on the block diagrams and flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding descriptions in the specification, wherein the block diagrams and flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding descriptions in the specification disclose algorithms for performing operations performed by the hardware components and methods described above.

[0127] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement hardware components and perform the methods described above, along with any associated data, data files, and data structures, may be recorded, stored, or fixed on or in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include: read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, magnetic tape, floppy disk, magneto-optical data storage device, optical data storage device, hard disk, solid-state drive, and any other means, wherein any other means is configured to store instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures in a non-transitory manner and to provide instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures to one or more processors or computers, such that one or more processors or computers can execute the instructions. In one example, instructions or software, along with any associated data, data files, and data structures, are distributed across a networked computer system, such that the instructions or software, along with any associated data, data files, and data structures, are stored, accessed, and executed in a distributed manner through one or more processors or computers.

[0128] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be clear upon understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, apparatus, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as included in the disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a battery; a charger configured to charge the battery; a switch network electrically connected to the battery; and a charge controller configured to: control the switch network to change a connection relationship among the battery, and control the charger to charge the battery while the battery is in the changed connection relationship, wherein the charge controller is further configured to: determine a charging mode of the electronic device as a high-voltage charging mode in response to a calculated required charging current value of the electronic device being greater than or equal to a threshold value; control the switch network such that the battery is connected in series in the high-voltage charging mode; determine a first required voltage value of the charger based on a first conversion ratio and a first output voltage value of a power source in the high-voltage charging mode; determine the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to the calculated required charging current value being less than the threshold value; control the switch network such that the battery is connected in parallel in the low-voltage charging mode; and determine a second required voltage value of the charger based on a second conversion ratio different from the first conversion ratio and a second output voltage value of the power source in the low-voltage charging mode. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, in the high-voltage charging mode, the charge controller is further configured to control the charger to charge the battery based on the first required voltage value while the battery is in the series connection, and wherein in the low-voltage charging mode, the charge controller is further configured to control the charger to charge the battery based on the second required voltage value while the battery is in the parallel connection. 3.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, the charge controller is further configured to: determine the charging mode as the high-voltage charging mode in response to the first output voltage value being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage; and determine the charging mode as the low-voltage charging mode in response to the second output voltage value being less than the threshold voltage. 4.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, the charge controller is further configured to: determine the charging mode as the high-voltage charging mode in response to the charging current value being greater than or equal to a threshold current; and determine the charging mode as the low-voltage charging mode in response to the charging current value being less than the threshold current. 5.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a first switch configured to electrically connect the charger to a load; and a second switch configured to electrically connect the charger to the battery. the charge controller is further configured to control the first switch to interrupt the electrical connection between the charger and the load in the high-voltage charging mode.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein, 7.A method of charging an electronic device, the method comprising: determining a charging mode of the electronic device as a high-voltage charging mode in response to a calculated required charging current value of the electronic device being greater than or equal to a threshold value; controlling a switch network electrically connected to a battery of the electronic device such that the battery is connected in series in the high-voltage charging mode; determining a first required voltage value of a charger of the electronic device based on a first conversion ratio and a first output voltage value of a power source in the high-voltage charging mode; determining the charging mode as a low-voltage charging mode in response to the calculated required charging current value being less than the threshold value; controlling the switch network such that the battery is connected in parallel in the low-voltage charging mode; and ​ ​ In the low-voltage charging mode, a second required voltage value of the charger is determined based on a second conversion ratio different from the first conversion ratio and a second output voltage value of the power supply. 8.The method of claim 7, further comprising: in the high-voltage charging mode, charging the batteries based on the first required voltage value while the batteries are in series connection; and in the low-voltage charging mode, charging the batteries based on the second required voltage value while the batteries are in parallel connection. 9.The method of claim 7, further comprising: in response to the first output voltage value being greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, determining the charging mode as the high-voltage charging mode; and in response to the second output voltage value being less than the threshold voltage, determining the charging mode as the low-voltage charging mode. 10.The method of claim 7, further comprising: in the high-voltage charging mode, controlling the switches to interrupt the electrical connection between the charger and the load. 11.A method of charging an electronic device, the method comprising: in response to the electronic device being connected to a power supply, determining a charging mode of the electronic device; and charging the batteries in the determined charging mode, wherein the batteries are connected in parallel before the electronic device is connected to the power supply, and wherein the step of charging the batteries comprises: in response to the charging mode being determined as a high-voltage charging mode, changing the connection relationship between the batteries such that the batteries are connected in series, determining a first required voltage value of a charger of the electronic device based on a first conversion ratio and a first output voltage value of the power supply in the high-voltage charging mode, and charging the batteries based on the first required voltage value while the batteries are in series connection; and in response to the charging mode being determined as a low-voltage charging mode, determining a second required voltage value of the charger based on a second conversion ratio different from the first conversion ratio and a second output voltage value of the power supply, and charging the batteries based on the second required voltage value while the batteries are in parallel connection. 12.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 7-11.

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