Method and apparatus for managing a battery system

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Method and Apparatus for Managing a Battery System". The invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing a battery system. The apparatus provides a power line to connect a battery to a signal converter, and provides a fuel gauge circuit to measure the voltage of the power line, detect noise on the power line, and control the operation of sensors and / or the fuel gauge circuit in response to the detected noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to methods and apparatus for managing battery systems. Background Technology

[0002] Battery-powered systems may include sensors that monitor various battery conditions, such as thermistors and current sensors. Information from these sensors can then be used to estimate additional battery conditions, such as battery health, state of charge, and functional status. Therefore, accurate sensor information is required to accurately estimate these additional conditions.

[0003] The sensor generates an analog voltage signal and is typically connected to a signal converter that converts the analog voltage into a digital value. This signal converter, responsible for performing the conversion, is biased using a supply voltage provided by a battery through a power line. Fluctuations in the supply voltage on this power line can adversely affect the operation of the signal converter and thus the accuracy of the digital value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to methods and apparatus for managing battery systems.

[0005] The device provides a power line to connect a battery to a signal converter, and provides a fuel gauge circuit to measure the voltage of the power line, detect noise on the power line, and control the operation of the sensor and / or the fuel gauge circuit in response to the detected noise.

[0006] The technical problem solved by this invention is that conventional systems do not take into account the inaccuracies of signal converters caused by fluctuations in supply voltage when estimating various battery conditions such as battery health, battery charging status, and battery functional status.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided capable of connecting to a battery and a signal converter, wherein the battery and the signal converter are connected to a power line, and the signal converter generates data based on a sensor. The apparatus includes: a fuel gauge circuit configured to connect to the power line and receive data from the signal converter, wherein the fuel gauge circuit includes: a memory configured to store a voltage threshold; a voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of the power line; a noise detection circuit communicating with the memory and the voltage sensor, wherein the noise detection circuit is configured to: calculate a voltage change based on the measured voltage; and determine a noise level on the power line based on the calculated voltage change; and a data processor responsive to the noise detection circuit and configured to: process the data based on the noise level on the power line; and control at least one of the operation of the sensor and the data based on the noise level on the power line.

[0008] In one embodiment, the noise detection circuit is further configured to: compare the voltage change with a first voltage threshold; and compare the voltage change with a second voltage threshold, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0009] In one implementation, data processing includes averaging all received data if the voltage change is less than the first threshold.

[0010] In one implementation, data processing includes averaging only a portion of all received data if the voltage change is greater than the first threshold and the voltage change is less than the second threshold.

[0011] In one implementation, data processing includes rejecting received data if the voltage change is greater than a second threshold.

[0012] In one embodiment, the data processor is further configured to transmit a control signal to the sensor if the voltage change is greater than the second threshold; wherein the control signal prevents the sensor from operating.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fuel gauge is further configured to: detect the temperature of the battery; determine the remaining capacity of the battery; select an internal resistance value based on the remaining capacity and the detected temperature; calculate the current in the power line using the selected internal resistance value and the measured voltage; and calculate the current change based on the calculated current and a previously calculated current.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a method for operating a battery system having a power line connecting a battery to a signal converter, wherein the signal converter generates data based on a sensor, the method comprising: detecting noise on the power line, the detection of noise on the power line comprising: detecting a change in voltage on the power line; detecting a change in current on the power line; comparing the voltage change with a first noise threshold and a second noise threshold; and comparing the current change with a third noise threshold and a fourth noise threshold; reporting the noise detected on the power line, the reporting of the noise detected on the power line comprising: generating a first notification signal if the voltage change is greater than the first noise threshold and the second noise threshold; and generating a second notification signal if the current change is greater than the third noise threshold and the fourth noise threshold; and controlling at least one of the sensor and the data in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further includes: measuring the temperature of the battery and determining the internal resistance of the battery based on the measured temperature; and adjusting a first noise threshold, a second noise threshold, a third noise threshold, and a fourth noise threshold according to the determined internal resistance.

[0016] In one embodiment, controlling the sensor includes disabling the operation of the sensor in response to at least one of a first notification signal and a second notification signal; and controlling the data includes preventing the use of the data in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal.

[0017] The technical effect achieved by this invention is to provide a fuel gauge circuit to monitor noise in the battery system and control the operation of the sensor and / or process the sensor data based on the detected noise, thereby providing a more accurate estimate of battery conditions such as battery health, battery charging status and battery functional status. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention can be more fully understood by referring to the specific embodiments when considered in conjunction with the following exemplary drawings. Throughout the following drawings, similar reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements and steps in the various drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a fuel meter circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an example voltage data sample according to an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the internal resistance value as a function of SOC and temperature according to an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present technology for detecting noise by monitoring voltage fluctuations and operating the system.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present technology for detecting noise by monitoring current fluctuations and operating the system.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the open-circuit voltage values ​​as a function of SOC according to an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; and

[0026] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present technology for operating the system. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This technology can be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks can be implemented by any number of components configured to perform specified functions and achieve various results. For example, this technology can employ various voltage sensors, current sensors, coulomb counters, logic gates, timers, memory devices, signal converters, semiconductor devices such as transistors and capacitors, etc., capable of performing multiple functions.

[0028] The methods and apparatus for managing battery systems according to various aspects of this technology can operate in conjunction with any suitable battery-powered electronic system and / or device, such as "smart devices," wearable devices, consumer electronics, portable devices, medical devices, gaming systems, etc. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exemplary system 100 can be integrated into an electronic device (not shown) such as a smartwatch or wireless earphones, powered by a rechargeable battery 140 (such as a lithium-ion battery). System 100 may include a battery pack 105, a fuel gauge circuit 110, and a sensor system 135. Battery pack 105 may include the battery 140 and a temperature sensor 260, such as a thermistor. In an exemplary embodiment, system 100 may also include a power line 120 connected to the battery 140 and configured to provide a supply voltage V to the sensor system 135. DD .

[0029] The sensor system 135 may include: one or more sensors 130, such as a first sensor 130(1), a second sensor 130(2), and a third sensor 130(3); and one or more corresponding signal detectors 125, such as a first signal detector 125(1) connected to the first sensor 130(1), a second signal detector 125(2) connected to the second sensor 130(2), and a third signal detector 125(3) connected to the third sensor 130(3). The sensors 130 may include any sensor type and may be selected according to a specific application. For example, the sensors 130 may include current sensors for detecting current, thermistors for detecting temperature, passive infrared (PIR) sensors, etc.

[0030] Each signal detector 125 can receive an analog voltage signal from a corresponding sensor 130, and transmit the analog voltage signal V S The signal is converted into a digital signal D and transmitted to the fuel gauge circuit 110. For example, the first signal detector 125(1) can generate a first analog voltage signal V from the first sensor 130(1). S1 The corresponding first digital signal D1, the second signal detector 125(2) can generate a second analog voltage V from the second sensor 130(2). S2The corresponding second digital signal D2, and the third signal detector can generate a third analog voltage signal V from the third sensor 130(3). S3 The corresponding third digital signal D3.

[0031] The power line 120 may include any wire or connector suitable for delivering power from the battery 140 to the sensor system 135. In an exemplary embodiment, the power line 120 utilizes a supply voltage V DD Each of the bias signal detectors 125(1) to 125(3). Analog voltage V S Accurate detection and conversion depend on a stable supply voltage V DD (i.e., a stable supply voltage). However, internal characteristics of the battery 140, such as internal resistance, can cause fluctuations in the supply voltage V. DD Fluctuations in signal strength can affect the operation of signal detector 125 and thus the accuracy of digital signal D.

[0032] The fuel gauge circuit 110 can be configured to manage various battery operations and monitor various battery conditions. For example, the fuel gauge circuit 110 can be configured to measure the voltage V of the battery 140. B Measure the current I of battery 140 DD The remaining capacity of battery 140 is calculated (also expressed as a percentage and referred to as relative state of charge (RSOC) or state of charge (SOC)). For example, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may include a voltage detector 210, a remaining capacity calculator 220, and a current sensor 225. In various embodiments, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may also be configured to estimate various battery conditions, such as the state of health (SOH) of battery 140, the state of function (SOF) of battery 140, etc.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may also be configured to detect noise on the power line 120. For example, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may include a noise detection circuit 235 configured to detect noise by detecting fluctuations in voltage and / or current on the power line 120. The noise detection circuit 235 may generate one or more noise indicator signals indicating the level of noise detected on the power line 120.

[0034] The fuel gauge circuit 110 may also be configured to receive and process data from the sensor system 135 and / or control various operations of the system 100 and / or the sensor system 135. For example, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may include a data processor 270 connected to the output terminal of the noise detection circuit 235 and one or more terminals of the sensor system 135.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, data processor 270 may receive multiple digital signals (e.g., digital signals from a first signal detector 125(1)), sample the signals, and calculate the average value of the sampled signals and / or other desired calculations using the sampled signals. For example, data processor 270 may include data subprocessor 255 that receives digital output signals (e.g., D1 to D3) and generates a data output signal D based on the sampled digital signals. OUT The data subprocessor 155 may include sampling circuitry (not shown) to sample the digital output signal and calculate the average value of the sampled signal. The calculated average value may be obtained from the data output signal D. OUT This indicates that the data subprocessor 155 can output the data signal D. OUT The data is transmitted to an application processor (not shown), which is configured to output data based on the data output signal D. OUT To calculate battery characteristics, such as the state of health (SOH) and state of function (SOF) of battery 140.

[0036] The fuel gauge circuit 110 can also be configured to control various operations of the system 100 and / or the sensor system 135. For example, the data processor 270 may include a control circuit 250 that controls the operation of the sensor system 135 based on a noise indicator signal received from the noise detection circuit 235. The control circuit 250 may also control operations such as the sampling rate and / or the number of calculations performed by the data subprocessor 255 based on the noise indicator signal received from the noise detection circuit 235.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may include a voltage detector 210 to measure the voltage of the battery 140 (which is also the voltage of the power line 120). The voltage detector 210 may include a voltage sensor (not shown) operating in conjunction with an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) and / or sampling circuitry (not shown). The voltage detector 210 may generate a digital voltage signal V based on the measured voltage. The voltage detector 210 may be connected to the power line 120 and the battery 140 and may include any circuitry and / or devices suitable for measuring voltage potential.

[0038] Current sensor 225 can measure the current on power line 120 by being directly connected to power line 120. Current sensor 135 may include any circuitry and / or device suitable for measuring current. For example, current sensor 225 may operate in conjunction with sensing resistor 260 integrated in power line 120, wherein current sensor 225 measures voltage changes across sensing resistor 260 to determine the current.

[0039] The remaining capacity calculator 220 can be configured to calculate the remaining capacity of battery 140 based on detected current. The remaining capacity (measured in ampere-hours) can be expressed as the battery's state of charge (SOC) (where SOC is expressed as a percentage). The capacity calculation circuit 125 can be connected to and receive current information from the current sensor 225. The capacity calculation circuit 125 can determine the remaining capacity based on the accumulated current over a period of time. The remaining capacity calculator 220 may include any circuitry and / or system suitable for calculating the remaining capacity of battery 140 according to conventional coulomb counting methods and techniques.

[0040] The fuel gauge circuit 110 may also include a signal converter, such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 215 for converting analog signals into digital signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the ADC 215 may be configured to receive an analog signal from the temperature sensor 260 and convert the analog signal into a digital voltage signal Vt, wherein the digital voltage signal Vt corresponds to the temperature of the battery 140.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may further include a memory 205 to store relevant battery data. For example, the memory 205 may store various predetermined thresholds, such as a first voltage threshold V. TH1 Second voltage threshold V TH2 First current threshold I TH1 Second current threshold I TH2 The values ​​of the above thresholds can be set based on the specific system application and / or the acceptable levels of fluctuation in voltage and current.

[0042] Memory 205 can also store relational data, such as internal resistance R as a function of SOC and temperature. INT Values ​​(e.g., such as) Figure 4 (As shown). Such relational data can be stored in a lookup table or in other suitable formats. The memory can also be configured to store known battery characteristic values, such as the open-circuit voltage as a function of SOC (e.g., as shown). Figure 7 (As shown). Memory 205 may include any number or type of storage devices, such as registers, ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), etc.

[0043] The current calculator 230 can be based on the internal resistance R of the battery 140. INT The current I is calculated from the voltage change relative to the open-circuit voltage (OCV). C The internal resistance R of battery 140 INTThe SOC (State of Charge) of battery 140 can be determined based on the state of charge (SOC) and temperature of battery 140. In an exemplary embodiment, current calculator 230 can be configured to receive or otherwise retrieve the SOC from remaining capacity calculator 220 and digital voltage signal Vt. Current calculator 230 can convert the digital voltage signal Vt into a corresponding temperature measured in degrees Celsius. Current calculator 230 can then retrieve the internal resistance R from memory 205 based on SOC and temperature. INT For example, if the current calculator 230 receives a 40% SOC value and a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, the current calculator 230 can retrieve an internal resistance value of 250 mΩ.

[0044] The current calculator 230 can also determine the voltage change relative to the open-circuit voltage. For example, the current calculator 230 can receive the measured voltage V from the voltage detector 210. B It receives the open-circuit voltage value from memory 205 and calculates the voltage change from the open-circuit voltage.

[0045] The current calculator 230 can then use the internal resistance value R. INT and the voltage change (ΔV) relative to OCV OCV ) calculate the current I according to the following formula C :I C =ΔV OCV / R INT The current calculator 230 can calculate the current I. C The signal is transmitted to the noise detection circuit 235.

[0046] The current calculator 230 may include any number of circuits and / or systems suitable for performing various functions and calculations, as described above. For example, the current calculator 230 may include storage devices (e.g., registers), a series of logic gates, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, etc.

[0047] Noise detection circuit 235 can be configured to detect noise on power line 120. In an exemplary embodiment, noise detection circuit 235 can detect noise on power line 120 by monitoring voltage fluctuations and current fluctuations on power line 120. For example, noise detection circuit 235 may include a first noise detector 240 for detecting voltage fluctuations and a second noise detector 245 for detecting current fluctuations.

[0048] The first noise detector 240 can receive voltage data (e.g., sampled voltage signal V) from the voltage detector 210. B And calculate the voltage change (ΔV) between each sampled value. For example, see Figure 3The first noise detector 240 can receive a first voltage of 4.01V and a second sample of 4.07V, and calculate the voltage change from the first sample to the second sample—in this case, the voltage change is 0.06V. Then, the first noise detector 240 can receive a third voltage of 4.02V and calculate the voltage change from the second sample to the third sample—in this case, the voltage change is -0.05V. The first noise detector 240 can continue to calculate the voltage change for each consecutive sample. The first noise detector 240 can include any circuitry and / or system suitable for calculating the difference between two values, such as a subtractor, a series of logic gates, etc.

[0049] The first noise detector 240 may also be configured to compare the calculated voltage change with one or more voltage thresholds. In an exemplary embodiment, the first noise detector 240 may compare the voltage change with a first voltage threshold V. TH1 Second voltage threshold V TH2 The voltage change is compared. For example, the first noise detector 240 may include a method for comparing the voltage change with a first voltage threshold V. TH1 A first comparator (not shown) for comparison and a second voltage threshold V for comparing the voltage change. TH2 A second comparator (not shown) is used for comparison. The first noise detector 240 may receive or otherwise retrieve the first voltage threshold V from memory 205. TH1 Second voltage threshold V TH2 Alternatively, the first noise detector 240 may include a device for storing a first voltage threshold V. TH1 Second voltage threshold V TH2 The register set.

[0050] The first noise detector 240 can respond to the voltage change and compare it with a first voltage threshold V. TH1 A first noise signal N1 is generated by comparison, and the voltage change can also be compared with a second voltage threshold V. TH2 A second noise signal N2 is generated by comparison. The first noise signal N1 and the second noise signal N2 can indicate the noise level detected on the power line 120. The first noise detector 240 can transmit the first noise signal N1 and the second noise signal N2 to the control circuit 250 for further analysis.

[0051] The second noise detector 245 can receive current data (e.g., calculated current I) from the current calculator 230. CThe second noise detector 245 receives a first current of 1.1A and a second current of 1.2A, and calculates the current change (ΔI) between each consecutive value. For example, the second noise detector 245 may receive a first current of 1.1A and a second current of 1.2A, and calculate the current change from the first sample to the second sample—in this case, the current change is 0.1A. The second noise detector 245 may continue to calculate the current change for each consecutive sample. The second noise detector 245 may include any circuitry and / or system suitable for calculating the difference between two values, such as a subtractor, a series of logic gates, etc.

[0052] The second noise detector 245 may also be configured to compare the calculated current change with one or more current thresholds. In an exemplary embodiment, the second noise detector 245 may compare the current change with a first current threshold I. TH1 Second current threshold I TH2 The comparison is performed. For example, the second noise detector 245 may include a method for comparing the current change with a first current threshold I. TH1 A third comparator (not shown) is used for comparison, and a second current threshold I is used to compare the current change. TH2 A fourth comparator (not shown) is used for comparison. The second noise detector 245 may receive or otherwise retrieve the first current threshold I from memory 205. TH1 Second current threshold I TH2 Alternatively, the second noise detector 245 may include a device for storing a first current threshold I. TH1 Second current threshold I TH2 The register set.

[0053] The second noise detector 245 can respond to the current change and compare it with the first current threshold I. TH1 A third noise signal N3 is generated by comparison, and the current change can also be compared with a second current threshold I. TH2 A fourth noise signal N4 is generated by comparison. The third noise signal N3 and the fourth noise signal N4 can indicate the noise level detected on the power line 120. The second noise detector 245 can transmit the third noise signal N3 and the fourth noise signal N4 to the control circuit 250 for further analysis.

[0054] During operation, see Figures 1-3 and Figures 4-8The fuel gauge circuit 110 can determine the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 140 (e.g., using a remaining capacity calculator) and the temperature of the battery 140 (e.g., using a temperature sensor 260 in conjunction with an ADC 215 and a current calculator 230) (800). The fuel gauge circuit 110 can use the determined SOC and temperature to determine the internal resistance R of the battery 140 (e.g., the current calculator 230 can retrieve the internal resistance value R from memory 205 based on the SOC and temperature) (805). The fuel gauge circuit 110 can determine the open voltage (OCV) based on the determined SOC (e.g., the current calculator 230 can retrieve the OCV value corresponding to the determined SOC from memory 205) (810). The fuel gauge circuit 110 can measure the voltage on the power line 120 (e.g., using a voltage detector 210) (815). The fuel gauge circuit 110 can determine the voltage difference (ΔV) with respect to the OCV (820). The fuel gauge circuit 110 can calculate the current I based on the internal resistance and the voltage difference with respect to the OCV. C (For example, using a current calculator 230). The fuel meter circuit 110 can calculate the current change between the currently calculated current and the previously calculated current (for example, using a second noise detector 245, which receives a sequence of calculated currents from the current calculator 230) (830). The fuel meter circuit 110 can calculate the voltage change between the currently calculated voltage and the previously calculated voltage (for example, using a first noise detector 240, which receives a sequence of measured voltages from the voltage detector 210) (835). The fuel meter circuit 110 can detect noise on the power line 120 by monitoring fluctuations in voltage and / or current (840).

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, monitoring voltage fluctuations may include initiating a voltage fluctuation check (500) and determining whether battery 140 is in a "no-load" state or whether battery 140 is charging / discharging (505) (e.g., using a first noise detector 240). If battery 140 is in a "no-load" state, fuel gauge circuit 110 may generate an operating signal and transmit the operating signal to sensor system 135, wherein the operating signal directs sensor system 135 to continue normal operation and sensing functions (525).

[0056] If battery 140 is charging / discharging, the first noise detector 240 can determine whether the voltage change is greater than a first voltage threshold V. TH1 (510). If the voltage change is not greater than the first voltage threshold V TH1This indicates that there is almost no noise on the power line 120 (i.e., low-level noise), and the first noise detector 240 can generate an operating signal and transmit the operating signal to the control circuit 250 (530). The control circuit 250 can respond to the operating signal by adjusting the sampling rate of the incoming sensor data (e.g., D1 to D3) via the data subprocessor 255.

[0057] If the voltage change is greater than the first voltage threshold V TH1 This indicates that there may be some noise on power line 120. The first noise detector 240 can determine whether the voltage change is greater than the second voltage threshold V. TH2 (515). If the voltage change is not greater than the second voltage threshold V TH2 (but greater than the first voltage threshold V) TH1 If this is detected, it indicates the presence of some noise (i.e., medium-level noise) on the power line 120, and the first noise detector 240 can report the noise by generating a first noise signal N1 and transmitting it to the control circuit 250. The control circuit 250 can respond to the first noise signal N1 by adjusting the sampling rate of the incoming sensor data (e.g., D1 to D3) via the data subprocessor 255 (535). For example, the data subprocessor 255 can increase the sampling rate and use more data samples to calculate the sample average.

[0058] If the voltage change is greater than the second voltage threshold V TH2 This indicates the presence of an unacceptable amount of noise (i.e., high-level noise) on the power line 120, and the first noise detector 240 can report the noise by generating a second noise signal N2 and transmitting it to the control circuit 250. The control circuit 250 can respond to the second noise signal N2 by stopping the operation of the sensor system 135 and / or preventing sensor data from being processed in the data subprocessor 255. The data subprocessor 255 can respond to the signal (520) from the control circuit 250 by preventing the use of or otherwise ignoring of incoming sensor data (e.g., D1 to D3).

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, monitoring current fluctuations may include initiating a current fluctuation check (600) and determining whether battery 140 is in a "no-load" state or whether battery 140 is charging / discharging (605) (e.g., using a first noise detector 240). If battery 140 is in a "no-load" state, fuel gauge circuit 110 may generate an operating signal and transmit the operating signal to sensor system 135, wherein the operating signal directs sensor system 135 to continue normal operation and sensing functions (625).

[0060] If battery 140 is charging / discharging, the second noise detector 245 can determine whether the current change is greater than the first current threshold I. TH1 (610). If the current change is not greater than the first current threshold I. TH1 This indicates that there is almost no noise on the power line 120 (i.e., low-level noise), and the second noise detector 245 can generate an operating signal and transmit it to the control circuit 250. The control circuit 250 can respond to the operating signal (630) by adjusting the sampling rate of the incoming sensor data (e.g., D1 to D3) via the data subprocessor 255.

[0061] If the current change is greater than the first current threshold I TH1 This indicates that there may be some noise on power line 120. The second noise detector 245 can determine whether the current change is greater than the second current threshold I. TH2 (615). If the current change is not greater than the second current threshold I. TH2 (but greater than the first current threshold I) TH1 If this is detected, it indicates the presence of some noise (i.e., medium-level noise) on the power line 120, and the second noise detector 245 can report the noise by generating a third noise signal N3 and transmitting it to the control circuit 250. The control circuit 250 can respond to the third noise signal N3 by adjusting the sampling rate of the incoming sensor data (e.g., D1 to D3) via the data subprocessor 255 (635). For example, the data subprocessor 255 can increase the sampling rate and use more data samples to calculate the sample average.

[0062] If the current change is greater than the second current threshold I TH2 This indicates the presence of an unacceptable amount of noise (i.e., high-level noise) on the power line 120, and the second noise detector 245 can report the noise by generating a fourth noise signal N4 and transmitting it to the control circuit 250. The control circuit 250 can respond to the fourth noise signal N4 by stopping the operation of the sensor system 135 and / or preventing sensor data from being processed in the data subprocessor 255. The data subprocessor 255 can respond to the signal (620) from the control circuit 250 by preventing the use of or otherwise ignoring of incoming sensor data (e.g., D1 to D3).

[0063] In various implementations, the fuel gauge circuit 110 can simultaneously monitor voltage and current fluctuations. In such cases, the control circuit 250 can simultaneously receive noise signals (e.g., N1, N2, N3, N4) from the first noise detector 240 and the second noise detector 245, and can determine the presence of unacceptable noise on the power line 120 based on the combination of noise signals. For example, the control circuit 250 can only stop the operation of the sensor system 135 and / or the data subprocessor 255 when it receives both the second noise signal N2 (indicating unacceptable noise via voltage fluctuations) and the fourth noise signal N4 (indicating unacceptable noise via current fluctuations). Furthermore, if the operation of the sensor system 135 and / or the data subprocessor 255 is stopped due to unacceptable noise caused by voltage and / or current fluctuations on the power line 120, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may also be unable to calculate battery characteristics such as SOH, SOF, etc., because the data used to calculate these battery characteristics may be unavailable.

[0064] In other embodiments, the fuel gauge circuit 110 may monitor only voltage fluctuations or only current fluctuations at a given time. In such cases, the control circuit 250 may operate at a given time based solely on noise signals from either the first noise detector 240 or the second noise detector 245.

[0065] In the foregoing description, the technology has been described in conjunction with specific exemplary embodiments. The specific embodiments shown and described are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to further limit the scope of the technology in any way. In fact, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, fabrication, and other functional aspects of the methods and systems may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or steps between various components. In actual systems, multiple alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist.

[0066] The technology has been described in conjunction with specific exemplary embodiments. However, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of this technology. The descriptions and drawings are to be considered in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this technology. Therefore, the scope of the technology should be determined by the general embodiments described and their legally equivalent forms, rather than solely by the specific examples given above. For example, unless otherwise expressly stated, the steps listed in any method or process embodiment may be performed in any order, and are not limited to the explicit order provided in the specific examples. Furthermore, the components and / or elements listed in any apparatus embodiment may be assembled in various arrangements or otherwise configured to produce substantially the same results as this technology, and are therefore not limited to the specific configurations illustrated in the specific examples.

[0067] The beneficial effects, other advantages, and problem solutions have been described above for specific implementation schemes. However, any beneficial effect, advantage, problem solution, or any element that makes any specific beneficial effect, advantage, or solution appear or become more apparent should not be construed as a critical, required, or necessary feature or component.

[0068] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any variations thereof are intended to refer to a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those listed but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Except for those not specifically referenced, other combinations and / or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the implementation of this technology may vary without departing from its general principles or be otherwise particularly suited to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operational requirements.

[0069] The present technology has been described above in conjunction with exemplary embodiments. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology.

[0070] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided capable of connecting to a battery and a signal converter, wherein the battery and the signal converter are connected to a power line, and the signal converter generates data based on a sensor. The apparatus includes: a fuel gauge circuit configured to connect to the power line and receive data from the signal converter, wherein the fuel gauge circuit includes: a memory configured to store a voltage threshold; a voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of the power line; a noise detection circuit communicating with the memory and the voltage sensor, wherein the noise detection circuit is configured to: calculate a voltage change based on the measured voltage; and determine a noise level on the power line based on the calculated voltage change; and a data processor responsive to the noise detection circuit and configured to: process the data based on the noise level on the power line; and control at least one of the operation of the sensor and the data based on the noise level on the power line.

[0071] In one embodiment, the noise detection circuit is further configured to: compare the voltage change with a first voltage threshold; and compare the voltage change with a second voltage threshold, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0072] In one implementation, data processing includes averaging all received data if the voltage change is less than the first threshold.

[0073] In one implementation, data processing includes averaging only a portion of all received data if the voltage change is greater than the first threshold and the voltage change is less than the second threshold.

[0074] In one implementation, data processing includes rejecting received data if the voltage change is greater than a second threshold.

[0075] In one embodiment, the data processor is further configured to transmit a control signal to the sensor if the voltage change is greater than the second threshold; wherein the control signal prevents the sensor from operating.

[0076] In one embodiment, the fuel gauge circuit further includes an application processor that is responsive to the data processor and configured to calculate at least one of the following based on the processed data: the battery's health status, the battery's functional status, and the battery's charging status.

[0077] In one embodiment, the memory is further configured to store: the internal resistance of the battery as a function of the battery's temperature and remaining capacity; and the open-circuit voltage as a function of the remaining capacity.

[0078] In one embodiment, the fuel gauge is further configured to: detect the temperature of the battery; determine the remaining capacity of the battery; select an internal resistance value from the memory based on the remaining capacity and the detected temperature; calculate the current of the power line using the selected internal resistance value and the measured voltage; and calculate the current change based on the calculated current and the previously calculated current.

[0079] According to a second aspect, a method for operating a battery system having a power line connecting a battery to a signal converter, wherein the signal converter generates data based on a sensor, the method comprising: detecting noise on the power line, the detection of noise on the power line comprising: detecting a change in voltage on the power line; detecting a change in current on the power line; comparing the voltage change with a first noise threshold and a second noise threshold; and comparing the current change with a third noise threshold and a fourth noise threshold; reporting the noise detected on the power line, the reporting of the noise detected on the power line comprising: generating a first notification signal if the voltage change is greater than the first noise threshold and the second noise threshold; and generating a second notification signal if the current change is greater than the third noise threshold and the fourth noise threshold; and controlling at least one of the sensor and the data in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal.

[0080] In one embodiment, the method further includes: measuring the temperature of the battery and determining the internal resistance of the battery based on the measured temperature.

[0081] In one implementation, the method further includes adjusting a first noise threshold, a second noise threshold, a third noise threshold, and a fourth noise threshold based on the determined internal resistance.

[0082] In one embodiment, controlling the sensor includes disabling the operation of the sensor in response to at least one of a first notification signal and a second notification signal.

[0083] In one implementation, controlling the data includes preventing the data from being used in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal.

[0084] According to a third aspect, a system includes: a battery; a power line connecting the battery to a signal converter, wherein the signal converter generates data based on a sensor; and a fuel gauge circuit connected to the power line and configured to: receive data from the signal converter; measure the voltage of the power line; calculate a voltage change based on the measured voltage; calculate a current change in the power line based on the measured voltage; determine a noise level on the power line based on the calculated current change and the calculated current-voltage change; report noise detected on the power line; and control at least one of the sensor and the data in response to the reported noise.

[0085] In one embodiment, the processor determines the noise level on the power line by comparing the voltage change with a first noise threshold and a second noise threshold; and by comparing the current change with a third noise threshold and a fourth noise threshold.

[0086] In one embodiment, the processor reports noise on the power line by: generating a first notification signal if the voltage change is greater than the first noise threshold and the second noise threshold; and generating a second notification signal if the current change is greater than the third noise threshold and the fourth noise threshold.

[0087] In one embodiment, controlling the sensor includes disabling the operation of the sensor in response to at least one of a first notification signal and a second notification signal; and controlling the data includes preventing the use of the data in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal.

[0088] In one embodiment, the fuel gauge circuit further includes a memory configured to store: the internal resistance of the battery as a function of the battery's temperature and remaining capacity; and the open-circuit voltage as a function of the remaining capacity.

[0089] In one embodiment, the fuel gauge circuit is configured to: detect the temperature of the battery; determine the remaining capacity; select an internal resistance value from the memory based on the remaining capacity; calculate the current in the power line using the selected internal resistance value, an open-circuit voltage value, and the measured voltage; and calculate the current change based on the calculated current and the previously calculated current.

Claims

1. A device capable of connecting to a battery and a signal converter, wherein the battery and the signal converter are connected to a power line and the signal converter generates data based on a sensor, the device being characterized by comprising: A fuel gauge circuit, configured to be connected to the power line and receive data from the signal converter, wherein the fuel gauge circuit includes: A memory configured to store a first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold; A voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of the power line; A noise detection circuit, which communicates with the memory and the voltage sensor, is configured to: Calculate voltage changes based on the measured voltage; The noise level on the power line is determined based on the calculated voltage change; Compare the voltage change with the first voltage threshold; and The voltage change is compared with a second voltage threshold, wherein the second voltage threshold is greater than the first voltage threshold; and A data processor, which is responsive to the noise detection circuit and configured to: The data is processed based on the noise level on the power line; and The operation of the sensor and at least one of the data are controlled based on the noise level on the power line. In order to process the data based on the noise level on the power line, the data processor is further configured to adjust the sampling rate of the received data based on a comparison of the voltage change with a first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that processing the data includes: If the voltage change is less than the first voltage threshold, then the average value of all received data is calculated.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that processing the data includes averaging only a portion of the received data in the following case: The voltage change is greater than the first voltage threshold; and The voltage change is less than the second voltage threshold.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that processing the data includes: If the voltage change is greater than the second voltage threshold, the received data is rejected.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data processor is further configured to: transmit a control signal to the sensor if the voltage change is greater than the second voltage threshold; wherein the control signal prevents operation of the sensor.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel gauge is further configured to: Detect the temperature of the battery; Determine the remaining capacity of the battery; The internal resistance value is selected based on the remaining capacity and the detected temperature. Calculate the current in the power line using the selected internal resistance value and the measured voltage; as well as The current change is calculated based on the calculated current and the previously calculated current.

7. A method for operating a battery system having a power line connecting a battery to a signal converter, wherein the signal converter generates data based on a sensor, the method being characterized by comprising: Detecting noise on the power line, the noise detection on the power line includes: Detect voltage changes on the power line; Detect changes in current on the power line; The voltage change is compared with a first noise threshold and a second noise threshold; and The current change is compared with a third noise threshold and a fourth noise threshold; The report includes noise detected on the power line, comprising: If the voltage change is greater than the first noise threshold and the second noise threshold, a first notification signal is generated; and If the current change is greater than the third noise threshold and the fourth noise threshold, a second notification signal is generated; and The sensor and at least one of the data are controlled in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, further characterized in that it comprises: Measure the temperature of the battery and determine the internal resistance of the battery based on the measured temperature; as well as This includes adjusting the first noise threshold, the second noise threshold, the third noise threshold, and the fourth noise threshold based on the determined internal resistance.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Controlling the sensor includes disabling the operation of the sensor in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal; and Controlling the data includes preventing the use of the data in response to at least one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal.

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