Semiconductor circuit

Abstract

A semiconductor circuit includes: a first selection circuit that selects a first battery or a first capacitor; a second selection circuit that selects a second battery or a second capacitor; a voltage measurement circuit that measures a first voltage of the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit, and measures a second voltage of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit; a controller that compares the first voltage and the second voltage to generate a comparison result; and a switching circuit that receives a signal based on a target output voltage, connects the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit and the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit under an interconnection relationship based on the comparison result, to provide an output voltage to an output terminal in response to the target output voltage.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0019006, filed on February 17, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to semiconductor circuits, and more specifically, to circuits for balancing dischargeable energy sources. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices, such as wearable and mobile devices, may include multiple batteries. Capacity variations may exist between batteries due to factors such as manufacturing processes. Furthermore, due to other electrochemical characteristics between batteries, electronic devices with batteries connected in series, parallel, or hybrid configurations may exhibit voltage imbalances. Battery balancing can be applied to reduce these voltage differences. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a semiconductor circuit capable of improving battery efficiency. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a semiconductor circuit for maintaining a stable output voltage.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a semiconductor circuit is provided, comprising: a first selection circuit for selecting a first battery or a first capacitor; a second selection circuit for selecting a second battery or a second capacitor; a voltage measurement circuit for measuring a first voltage of the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit, and measuring a second voltage of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit; a controller for comparing the first voltage and the second voltage to generate a comparison result; and a switching circuit for receiving a signal based on a target output voltage, and connecting the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit and the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit in an interconnection relationship based on the comparison result, to provide an output voltage to an output terminal in response to the target output voltage.

[0007] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a semiconductor circuit is provided, comprising: a plurality of batteries; a switching circuit for connecting one of the plurality of batteries in series and / or in parallel with one or more other batteries in the plurality of batteries; a voltage measuring circuit for measuring a measured voltage of each of the plurality of batteries; and a controller provided with a target output voltage, determining a series connection state or a parallel connection state of the plurality of batteries based on the number of the plurality of batteries and the measured voltage of each of the plurality of batteries, and providing the switching circuit with a control signal including the determined series connection state or the parallel connection state of the plurality of batteries.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a semiconductor circuit is provided, comprising: a first battery; a second battery different from the first battery; a switching circuit for connecting the first battery and the second battery in series or in parallel; and a selection circuit for connecting the second battery to a first capacitor instead of the first battery when the first battery is discharged, wherein the switching circuit connects the first capacitor and the second battery in series or in parallel according to the voltage of the first capacitor, and wherein when the first capacitor is to be charged, the first capacitor is connected in parallel to the second battery, and when the first capacitor is to be discharged, the first capacitor is connected in series to the second battery.

[0009] However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon which this disclosure pertains from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and other embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 These are hybrid schematic block diagrams and circuit diagrams used to illustrate semiconductor circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 These are hybrid schematic block diagrams and circuit diagrams used to illustrate semiconductor circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 These are hybrid schematic block diagrams and circuit diagrams used to illustrate semiconductor circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 It is used to illustrate exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A mixed schematic block diagram and circuit diagram of the operation of semiconductor circuits;

[0015] Figure 5 It is used to illustrate exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A mixed schematic block diagram and circuit diagram of the operation of semiconductor circuits;

[0016] Figure 6 These are hybrid schematic block diagrams and circuit diagrams used to illustrate semiconductor circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 These are hybrid schematic block diagrams and circuit diagrams used to illustrate semiconductor circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 It is used to illustrate exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A mixed schematic block diagram and circuit diagram of the operation of semiconductor circuits;

[0019] Figure 9 These are hybrid schematic block diagrams and circuit diagrams used to illustrate semiconductor circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 These are hybrid schematic block diagrams and circuit diagrams used to illustrate semiconductor circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 A battery control circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 The semiconductor circuit 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes: batteries BAT1 to BAT3, capacitors C1 to C3, selection circuits 110, 120, and 130, voltage measurement circuits 112, 122, and 132, a switching circuit 200, and a controller 300. Although the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130 and the first to third batteries BAT1 to BAT3 are shown in the figures, the number of selection circuits and the number of batteries are not limited thereto. Furthermore, although in Figure 1The first selection circuit 110, the second selection circuit 120, and the third selection circuit 130 are shown separately, but they can be implemented as a single selection circuit. Furthermore, although separate voltage measurement circuits 112, 122, and 132 are shown, they can be incorporated into selection circuits 110, 120, and 130 or into a single selection circuit.

[0024] The first battery BAT1 and the first capacitor C1 are connected to the first selection circuit 110. The first selection circuit 110 can select the first battery BAT1 and / or the first capacitor C1 according to the selection signal provided from the controller 300. The first selection circuit 110 can connect the selected first battery BAT1 and / or the selected first capacitor C1 to the switching circuit 200.

[0025] The second battery BAT2 and the second capacitor C2 are connected to the second selection circuit 120. The second selection circuit 120 can select the second battery BAT2 and / or the second capacitor C2 based on a selection signal provided from the controller 300. The second selection circuit 120 can connect the selected second battery BAT2 and / or the selected second capacitor C2 to the switching circuit 200.

[0026] The third battery BAT3 and the third capacitor C3 are connected to the third selection circuit 130. The third selection circuit 130 can select the third battery BAT3 and / or the third capacitor C3 according to the selection signal provided from the controller 300. The third selection circuit 130 can connect the selected third battery BAT3 and / or the selected third capacitor C3 to the switching circuit 200.

[0027] Here, the first battery BAT1, the second battery BAT2, and the third battery BAT3 can be batteries with substantially the same structure. The first battery BAT1, the second battery BAT2, and the third battery BAT3 can be non-rechargeable disposable batteries, such as alkaline batteries and / or dry cell batteries. Additionally, the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, and the third capacitor C3 can be capacitors with substantially the same structure.

[0028] The first voltage measurement circuit 112 can be connected to the first selection circuit 110. The first voltage measurement circuit 112 can be connected to the first battery BAT1 or the first capacitor C1 selected by the first selection circuit 110 to measure the first voltage V1 of the selected first battery BAT1 or the first capacitor C1. The measured first voltage V1 of the first battery BAT1 or the first capacitor C1 can be provided to the controller 300.

[0029] The second voltage measurement circuit 122 can be connected to the second selection circuit 120. The second voltage measurement circuit 122 can be connected to the second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120 to measure the second voltage V2 of the selected second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2. The measured second voltage V2 of the second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2 can be provided to the controller 300.

[0030] The third voltage measurement circuit 132 can be connected to the third selection circuit 130. The third voltage measurement circuit 132 can be connected to the third battery BAT3 or the third capacitor C3 selected by the third selection circuit 130 to measure the third voltage V3 of the selected third battery BAT3 or the third capacitor C3. The measured third voltage V3 of the third battery BAT3 or the third capacitor C3 can be provided to the controller 300.

[0031] The switching circuit 200 can be connected in series or parallel to the first battery BAT1 and / or the first capacitor C1 selected by the first selection circuit 110, the second battery BAT2 and / or the second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120, and / or the third battery BAT3 and / or the third capacitor C3 selected by the third selection circuit 130, and can be used to generate the output voltage Vx. The switching circuit 200 is connected to the output terminal to provide the output voltage Vx. See below for reference. Figure 2 The structure of the switching circuit 200 is described in more detail.

[0032] The controller 300 can provide selection signals to the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130. The first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130 can select first batteries BAT1 to third batteries BAT3 and / or first to third capacitors C1 to C3 based on the selection signals. The selection signals may include, for example, information about the number of batteries to be supplied to the semiconductor circuit 100. For example, if the number of batteries supplied to the semiconductor circuit 100 is 1, one of the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130 can select the corresponding battery, and the remaining selection circuits can each select the corresponding capacitor. If the number of batteries supplied to the semiconductor circuit 100 is 2, two of the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130 can select the corresponding batteries, while the remaining selection circuits can select the corresponding capacitors. If the number of batteries supplied to the semiconductor circuit 100 is 3, all of the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130 can select the corresponding batteries.

[0033] The selection signal may include, for example, information about the discharging battery. For instance, if the first battery BAT1 is discharged in the semiconductor circuit 100 which is provided with the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3, the first selection circuit 110 can select the first capacitor C1, the second selection circuit 120 can select the second battery BAT2, and the third selection circuit 130 can select the third battery BAT3.

[0034] The controller 300 can compare the voltages measured by the first to third voltage measurement circuits 112, 122, and 132 to generate a comparison result. The controller 300 can determine the interconnection relationships between the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 or the first capacitor C1 to the third capacitor C3 selected by the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130 based on the number of batteries to be supplied to the semiconductor circuit 100, the generated comparison result, and the target output voltage of the semiconductor circuit 100. In this document, the target output voltage can represent the output voltage required by the electronic device including the semiconductor circuit 100.

[0035] The controller 300 can provide the switching circuit 200 with control signals including the determined interconnection relationships. The switching circuit 200 can, within a defined time period, connect in parallel or series the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 or the first capacitor C1 to the third capacitor C3 selected by the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130, according to the control signals. The interconnection relationships can be adjusted based on the comparison results generated by the controller 300. Therefore, in the semiconductor circuit according to embodiments of this disclosure, the battery interconnection relationships are not deterministic, but can be adjusted based on the number of batteries, the target output voltage, and the battery voltage.

[0036] In the embodiments of this disclosure, although the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130, the first to third voltage measurement circuits 112, 122, and 132, the switching circuit 200, and the controller 300 are represented by different blocks to conceptually illustrate their operation, this does not imply that they are implemented by separate circuits. That is, the first to third selection circuits 110, 120, and 130, the first to third voltage measurement circuits 112, 122, and 132, the switching circuit 200, and the controller 300 may be implemented by a single circuit or by multiple circuits.

[0037] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A circuit is shown for illustrating a semiconductor circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] refer to Figure 2The switching circuit 200 has an input terminal connected to ground voltage and an output terminal connected to inductor L. The switching circuit 200 can output an output voltage Vx to the output terminal. The output terminal can be connected to a low-pass filter (LPF) including inductor L and capacitor C. The low-pass filter can filter the high-frequency components of the output voltage Vx output to the output terminal. Therefore, the low-frequency components of the output voltage Vx can be output as either the final voltage VOUT or the final current Io.

[0039] The switching circuit 200 may include a first switch SW1 through a sixth switch SW6. The first switch SW1 may be connected to the cathode of a first battery BAT1 or a first capacitor C1 selected by the first selection circuit 110, and the cathode of a second battery BAT2 or a second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120. The second switch SW2 may be connected to the anode of the first battery BAT1 or the first capacitor C1 selected by the first selection circuit 110, and the cathode of the second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120. The third switch SW3 may be connected to the cathode of the second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120, and the cathode of the third battery BAT3 or the third capacitor C3 selected by the third selection circuit 130. The fourth switch SW4 may be connected to the anode of the first battery BAT1 or the first capacitor C1 selected by the first selection circuit 110, and the anode of the second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120. The fifth switch SW5 can be connected to the anode of the second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120, and the cathode of the third battery BAT3 or the third capacitor C3 selected by the third selection circuit 130. The sixth switch SW6 can be connected to the anode of the second battery BAT2 or the second capacitor C2 selected by the second selection circuit 120, and the anode of the third battery BAT3 or the third capacitor C3 selected by the third selection circuit 130. The anode of the third battery BAT3 can be connected to the output terminal. The switching circuit 200 can turn the first switches SW1 to the sixth switch SW6 on / off to connect the selected batteries BAT1 to BAT3 or capacitors C1 to C3 in series or parallel.

[0040] Therefore, since the semiconductor circuit according to the embodiments of this disclosure can change the interconnection relationship of the battery, it can have flexibility in the interconnection relationship of the battery.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the semiconductor circuit 100a may be provided with three batteries BAT1 to BAT3, and the first to third selection circuits 110, 120 and 130 may respectively select the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3.

[0042] The switching circuit 200 can connect the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 in series according to the control signal provided by the controller 300. For example, the second switch SW2 and the fifth switch SW5 can be in the ON state, while the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4 and the sixth switch SW6 can be in the OFF state.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 The switching circuit 200 can connect the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 in parallel according to the control signal provided by the controller 300. For example, the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4 and the sixth switch SW6 can be in the ON state, and the second switch SW2 and the fifth switch SW5 can be in the OFF state.

[0044] Furthermore, the switching circuit 200 can connect the first battery BAT1 in series to the second battery BAT2 and the third battery BAT3 connected in parallel, according to the control signal provided from the controller 300. For example, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3 and the sixth switch SW6 can be in the ON state, and the first switch SW1, the fourth switch SW4 and the fifth switch SW5 can be in the OFF state.

[0045] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 2 and Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the operation of a semiconductor circuit.

[0046] refer to Figure 4 The first voltage measuring circuit 112 can measure the first voltage V1 of the first battery, the second voltage measuring circuit 122 can measure the second voltage V2 of the second battery, and the third voltage measuring circuit 132 can measure the third voltage V3 of the third battery. The measured first voltage V1 to third voltage V3 can be provided to the controller 300.

[0047] The controller 300 can compare the measured amplitudes of the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3 and generate a comparison result. Based on the comparison result, the controller 300 can determine the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3. The controller 300 can provide the switching circuit 200 with a control signal including the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3, wherein the battery having the lowest amplitude voltage among the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3 is disconnected.

[0048] For example, the third voltage V3 can be greater than the second voltage V2 and the first voltage V1. The amplitude difference between the third voltage V3 and the second voltage V2 can be greater than any set voltage. Any set voltage can be set differently for each semiconductor circuit. This set voltage can be represented as a value within a range where the second voltage V2 and the third voltage V3 can be considered to be the same as each other.

[0049] At this time, the controller 300 can control the switching circuit 200 so that only the third battery BAT3 is used to drive the semiconductor circuit 100a. The controller 300 disconnects the connection between the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2, and can provide the switching circuit 200 with a control signal that includes an interconnection relationship connecting the third battery BAT3 to the output terminal.

[0050] As a result, the switching circuit 200 can change the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 to the ON state, and can change the second switch SW2, the fourth switch SW4, the fifth switch SW5, and the sixth switch SW6 to the OFF state. The semiconductor circuit 100a can use the third battery BAT3 to generate the output voltage Vx.

[0051] Subsequently, the controller 300 compares the measured amplitudes of the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3. If the third voltage V3 becomes equal to or less than the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2, the controller 300 can set the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3 based on the target output voltage and the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3. The controller 300 can provide a control signal to the switching circuit 200 including the determined interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3. The switching circuit 200 can change the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3 according to the control signal.

[0052] refer to Figure 5 The third voltage V3 can be higher than the second voltage V2 and the first voltage V1. The amplitude difference between the third voltage V3 and the second voltage V2 can be less than any set voltage. The amplitude difference between the second voltage V2 and the third voltage V3 can have a value within a range where the second voltage V2 and the third voltage V3 can be considered to be the same as each other.

[0053] At this time, the controller 300 can control the switching circuit 200 to drive the semiconductor circuit 100a using the second battery BAT2 and the third battery BAT3. The controller 300 can provide the switching circuit 200 with a control signal including connection information such as disconnecting the first battery BAT1 and connecting the second battery BAT2 and the third battery BAT3 to the output terminal.

[0054] As a result, the switching circuit 200 can change the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, and the sixth switch SW6 to the ON state, and can change the second switch SW2, the fourth switch SW4, and the fifth switch SW5 to the OFF state. The semiconductor circuit 100a can use the second battery BAT2 and the third battery BAT3 to generate the output voltage Vx.

[0055] Subsequently, the controller 300 compares the measured amplitudes of the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3, and if the second voltage V2 or the third voltage V3 becomes equal to or less than the first voltage V1, the controller 300 can determine the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3 based on the target output voltage and the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3. The controller 300 can provide a control signal to the switching circuit 200 including the determined interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3. The switching circuit 200 can change the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1 and the third battery BAT3 according to the control signal.

[0056] The semiconductor circuit 100a according to an embodiment of this disclosure can be operated by connecting a first battery BAT1 to a third battery BAT3. Voltage imbalances may exist in each of the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 due to various factors such as capacity deviation and other electrochemical characteristics. If a particular battery among the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 is over-discharged, not only will the performance of that particular battery deteriorate, but the entire battery may also deteriorate and have a shorter lifespan. Furthermore, even if only one battery discharges, the semiconductor circuit may become inoperable, and the undischarged batteries may also become unusable.

[0057] However, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the semiconductor circuit 100a measures the first voltage V1 of the first battery, the second voltage V2 of the second battery, and the third voltage V3 of the third battery. Based on the measured first voltage V1 to third voltage V3, the switching circuit 200 can be controlled, and cell balancing can be performed to adjust the cell voltages of the first batteries BAT1 to the third batteries BAT3. Therefore, the first batteries BAT1 to the third batteries BAT3 can be used effectively, and their expected lifespan can be increased. Furthermore, since the first batteries BAT1 to the third batteries BAT3 can be used effectively to provide a stable output voltage, the semiconductor device incorporating the semiconductor circuit can be used more stably.

[0058] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A circuit is shown for illustrating a semiconductor circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] refer to Figure 6 According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the semiconductor circuit 100b can be provided with two batteries BAT1 and BAT3. A first selection circuit 110 can select the first battery BAT1, a second selection circuit 120 can select the second capacitor C2, and a third selection circuit 130 can select the third battery BAT3. Although Figure 6 The illustration shows the selection of a first battery BAT1, a third battery BAT3, and a second capacitor C2; however, this disclosure is not limited to this. Selection circuits 110 to 130 can each select a corresponding battery based on the number of batteries provided. For example, the first selection circuit 110 can select the first battery BAT1, the second selection circuit 120 can select the second battery BAT2, and the third selection circuit 130 can select the third capacitor C3. Alternatively, the first selection circuit 110 can select the first capacitor C1, the second selection circuit 120 can select the second battery BAT2, and the third selection circuit 130 can select the third battery BAT3.

[0060] Batteries BAT1, BAT2, and / or BAT3 can be rechargeable. If so, the selection circuit can be interconnected with capacitors C1, C2, and / or C3 respectively with different interconnection relationships and / or opposite polarities to enable charging.

[0061] The switching circuit 200 can connect the first battery BAT1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3 in series according to the control signal provided by the controller 300. For example, the second switch SW2 and the fifth switch SW5 can be in the ON state, while the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the sixth switch SW6 can be in the OFF state.

[0062] refer to Figure 7 The switching circuit 200 can connect the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 in parallel according to the control signal provided by the controller 300. For example, the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4 and the sixth switch SW6 can be in the ON state, and the second switch SW2 and the fifth switch SW5 can be in the OFF state.

[0063] Figure 8 It is used for explanation Figure 6 and Figure 7 A diagram illustrating the operation of a semiconductor circuit.

[0064] refer to Figure 8The first voltage measuring circuit 112 can measure the first voltage V1 of the first battery, the second voltage measuring circuit 122 can measure the second voltage V2 of the second capacitor, and the third voltage measuring circuit 132 can measure the third voltage V3 of the third battery. The measured first voltage V1 to third voltage V3 can be provided to the controller 300.

[0065] The controller 300 can compare the measured amplitudes of the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3. If the second capacitor C2 discharges, the controller 300 can compare the amplitudes of the first voltage V1 and the third voltage V3 and generate a comparison result. Based on the comparison result, the controller 300 can determine the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3. The controller 300 can provide the switching circuit 200 with a control signal including the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3, wherein the battery with the lower amplitude of the first voltage V1 and the third voltage V3 is disconnected.

[0066] For example, the third voltage V3 can be greater than the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2. The controller 300 can control the switching circuit 200 so that only the third battery BAT3 is used to drive the semiconductor circuit 100b. The controller 300 can provide the switching circuit 200 with control signals that include the following interconnections: disconnecting the first battery BAT1 and connecting the second capacitor C2 and the third battery BAT3 in parallel.

[0067] As a result, the switching circuit 200 can change the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, and the sixth switch SW6 to the ON state, and can change the second switch SW2, the fourth switch SW4, and the fifth switch SW5 to the OFF state. The semiconductor circuit 100b can use the third battery BAT3 to charge the second capacitor C2 and generate an output voltage Vx.

[0068] Subsequently, the controller 300 compares the measured amplitudes of the second voltage V2 and the third voltage V3. If the second voltage V2 becomes equal to the third voltage V3, the controller 300 can determine the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3 based on the target output voltage and the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3. The controller 300 can provide the switching circuit 200 with a control signal including the determined interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3. The switching circuit 200 can change the interconnection relationship between the first battery BAT1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3 according to the control signal. That is, the switching circuit 200 can use the second capacitor C2 instead of the second battery BAT2 to generate the output voltage Vx.

[0069] Subsequently, if the second capacitor C2 discharges again, it can be recharged by connecting to a battery with the higher of the first voltage V1 and the third voltage V3.

[0070] Therefore, the semiconductor circuit 100b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can use two batteries and a single capacitor instead of three batteries to generate the output voltage of the electronic device in which the semiconductor circuit 100b is applied.

[0071] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A circuit is shown for illustrating a semiconductor circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] refer to Figure 9 According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the semiconductor circuit 100c can be equipped with a single battery BAT3, the first selection circuit 110 can select a first capacitor C1, the second selection circuit 120 can select a second capacitor C2, and the third selection circuit 130 can select a third battery BAT3. Although Figure 9 The diagram shows the selection of a third battery BAT3, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2; however, this disclosure is not limited to this, and selection circuits 110 to 130 can each select a corresponding battery based on the number of batteries provided. For example, the first selection circuit 110 can select the first battery BAT1, the second selection circuit 120 can select the second capacitor C2, and the third selection circuit 130 can select the third capacitor C3. Alternatively, the first selection circuit 110 can select the first capacitor C1, the second selection circuit 120 can select the second battery BAT2, and the third selection circuit 130 can select the third capacitor C3.

[0073] The first voltage measuring circuit 112 can measure the first voltage V1 of the first capacitor, the second voltage measuring circuit 122 can measure the second voltage V2 of the second capacitor, and the third voltage measuring circuit 132 can measure the third voltage V3 of the third battery BAT3. The measured first voltage V1 to third voltage V3 can be provided to the controller 300.

[0074] The controller 300 can determine the interconnection relationship between the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3 based on the measured first voltage V1 to third voltage V3 and the target output voltage. The controller 300 can provide the switching circuit 200 with a control signal that includes the determined interconnection relationship.

[0075] The switching circuit 200 can connect the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3 according to a control signal. The switching circuit 200 can also connect the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, and the third battery BAT3 in parallel according to a control signal provided from the controller 300. For example, the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the sixth switch SW6 can be in the ON state, while the second switch SW2 and the fifth switch SW5 can be in the OFF state. The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 can be charged by being connected in parallel with the third battery BAT3.

[0076] refer to Figure 10 If the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are charged, the controller 300 can determine the interconnection relationship between the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2 and the third battery BAT3 based on the target output voltage, and can provide the switching circuit 200 with a control signal including the interconnection relationship.

[0077] The switching circuit 200 can connect the first capacitor C1 and / or the second capacitor C2 to be charged in series with the third battery BAT3 according to a control signal. For example, the second switch SW2 and the fifth switch SW5 can be in the ON state, and the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the sixth switch SW6 can be in the OFF state. The first capacitor C1 and / or the second capacitor C2 to be charged can be connected in series with the third battery BAT3 to generate an output voltage Vx, and can be discharged.

[0078] Therefore, the semiconductor circuit 100c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can use a single battery and two capacitors instead of three batteries to generate the output voltage of an electronic device in which the semiconductor circuit 100c is applied.

[0079] Typically, the converter connected to the back end of the batteries is determined based on the number of batteries and their interconnections. For example, converters (e.g., buck converters that convert the input voltage to a lower voltage, boost converters that increase the input voltage to a higher voltage, and buck / boost converters that convert the input voltage to a lower or higher voltage) can be connected to the back end of the batteries. This complicates the structure of the circuitry including the batteries, and the converter's structure can vary depending on the number of batteries and their interconnections.

[0080] However, in the semiconductor circuit 100c according to an embodiment of this disclosure, since capacitors can be connected to the locations of unselected batteries in the selection circuits 110, 120, and 130, and the interconnection of the batteries can be adjusted by the switching circuit 200, the structure of the converter does not vary depending on the number of batteries to be input to the semiconductor circuit 100c or the interconnection between the batteries. Therefore, the structure is not complex, and the desired output voltage Vx can be generated regardless of the number of batteries and their interconnection.

[0081] Additionally, for example, if an electronic device requires three batteries but only has two, the semiconductor circuit 100c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can use two batteries and a single capacitor to generate the output voltage Vx.

[0082] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] refer to Figure 11 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic device 1101 in network environment 1000 can communicate with electronic device 1102 via a first network 1198, such as short-range wireless communication, or with electronic device 1104 or server 1108 via a second network 1197, such as long-range wireless communication. According to an embodiment, electronic device 1101 can communicate with electronic device 1104 via server 1108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 1101 may include a processor 1120, a memory 1130 storing a program 1140 including an operating system 1142, middleware 1144, and application 1146, an input device 1150, a sound output device 1155, a display device 1160 such as a touch screen display, an audio module 1170, a sensor module 1176, an interface 1177, a connection terminal 1178, a haptic module 1179, a camera module 1180, a power management module 1188, a battery 1189, a communication module 1190 including a wireless communication module 1192 and a wired communication module 1194, a user identification module 1196, and an antenna module 1197. In an embodiment, at least one of these components may be omitted from electronic device 1101, or other components may be added to electronic device 1101. In an embodiment, sensor module 1176 (such as a fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or illuminance sensor) may be integrated and implemented as an embedded component in display device 1160.

[0084] The power management module 1188 is a module for managing the power supplied to the electronic device 1101, and can be configured, for example, as follows: Figure 1At least a portion of the power management integrated circuit (PMIC) of the semiconductor circuit 100. Battery 1189 is a device for supplying power to at least one component of electronic device 1101, and may include, for example, multiple non-rechargeable primary batteries (such as BAT1 to BAT3) and / or rechargeable batteries or capacitors (such as... Figure 1 (C1 to C3). The semiconductor circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in the battery 1189 and / or the power management module 1188.

[0085] For example, processor 1120 can drive software to control at least one other component of electronic device 1101 connected to processor 1120, and can perform various data processing and operations. Processor 1120 can load commands or data received from other components into volatile memory 1132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 1132, and store the result data in non-volatile memory 1134. According to embodiments, processor 1120 may include a main processor 1121 (e.g., a central processing unit or application processor) and an auxiliary processor 1123 (which operates independently of the main processor and, additionally and / or alternatively, may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 1121, or may be adapted for a specific function). Here, auxiliary processor 1123 may operate separately from main processor 1121 or may operate by being embedded in main processor 1121.

[0086] For example, electronic device 1101 may include at least one of, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. This disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to electronic devices that use disposable batteries.

[0087] In summarizing the specific implementation methods, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be understood in a general, descriptive, or exemplary sense, and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A semiconductor circuit, comprising: A first selection circuit selects either a first battery or a first capacitor. The second selection circuit selects either the second battery or the second capacitor. A voltage measurement circuit that measures a first voltage of the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit, and measures a second voltage of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit; The controller compares the first voltage with the second voltage to generate a comparison result; as well as A switching circuit receives a signal based on a target output voltage and, based on the interconnection relationship of the comparison result, connects a first battery or first capacitor selected by a first selection circuit and a second battery or second capacitor selected by a second selection circuit to provide an output voltage to the output terminal in response to the target output voltage. in: The first selection circuit is configured to: select the first battery when the first battery is not discharged and connect the selected first battery to the switching circuit; select the first capacitor when the first battery is discharged and connect the selected first capacitor to the switching circuit. The second selection circuit is configured to: select the second battery when the second battery is not discharged and connect the selected second battery to the switching circuit; and select the second capacitor when the second battery is discharged and connect the selected second capacitor to the switching circuit. The interconnection relationship between the first battery or the first capacitor and the second battery or the second capacitor is either a series interconnection or a parallel interconnection.

2. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The first selection circuit is provided with a selection signal including the number of batteries to be supplied, and selects the first battery based on the selection signal. The second selection circuit is provided with the selection signal, and selects the second capacitor based on the selection signal. The number of batteries to be provided is the same as the sum of the number of the first battery and the number of the second battery.

3. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: The third selection circuit selects the third battery. In this configuration, the first selection circuit selects the first battery, and the second selection circuit selects the second battery. The voltage measurement circuit measures the first voltage of the first battery, the second voltage of the second battery, and the third voltage of the third battery. The controller compares the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage to generate the comparison result. The switching circuit connects the third battery to the output terminal based on the comparison result, but does not connect the first battery and the second battery to the output terminal.

4. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 3, wherein, The third voltage is higher than the first voltage and the second voltage.

5. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 3, wherein, When the third voltage is equal to or less than the first voltage or the second voltage, the switching circuit connects the first battery, the second battery, and the third battery in series or in parallel.

6. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: The third selection circuit selects the third battery. In this configuration, the first selection circuit selects the first battery, and the second selection circuit selects the second battery. The voltage measurement circuit measures the first voltage of the first battery, the second voltage of the second battery, and the third voltage of the third battery. The controller compares the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage to generate the comparison result. The switching circuit connects the second battery and the third battery to the output terminal based on the comparison result, but does not connect the first battery to the output terminal.

7. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 6, wherein: The first voltage is lower than the second voltage and the third voltage, and The difference between the second voltage and the third voltage is less than the set voltage.

8. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 7, wherein, When the second voltage or the third voltage is equal to or less than the first voltage, the switching circuit connects the first battery, the second battery, and the third battery in series or in parallel.

9. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: The third selection circuit selects the third capacitor. The first selection circuit selects the first battery. The second selection circuit selects the second battery. The voltage measurement circuit measures the first voltage of the first battery, the second voltage of the second battery, and the third voltage of the third capacitor. The controller compares the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage to generate the comparison result. The switching circuit connects the first battery and the third capacitor in parallel based on the comparison result to charge the third capacitor, without connecting the second battery to the output terminal.

10. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 9, wherein, The first voltage is higher than the second voltage and the third voltage.

11. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 9, wherein, When the third voltage becomes the same as the first voltage, the switching circuit connects the first battery, the second battery, and the third capacitor in series or in parallel.

12. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: A third selection circuit selects either a third battery or a third capacitor. The switching circuit includes: A first switch is connected to the cathode of the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit and the cathode of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit. A second switch is connected to the anode of the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit and the cathode of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit. A third switch is connected to the cathode of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit, and to the cathode of the third battery or the third capacitor selected by the third selection circuit. A fourth switch is connected to the anode of the first battery or the first capacitor selected by the first selection circuit and the anode of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit. A fifth switch, connected to the anode of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit and the cathode of the third battery or the third capacitor selected by the third selection circuit, and A sixth switch is connected to the anode of the second battery or the second capacitor selected by the second selection circuit and the anode of the third battery or the third capacitor selected by the third selection circuit.

13. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: The third selection circuit selects the third capacitor. In this circuit, the first selection circuit selects the first battery, and the second selection circuit selects the second capacitor. The voltage measurement circuit measures the first voltage of the first battery, the second voltage of the second capacitor, and the third voltage of the third capacitor. The controller compares the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage to generate the comparison result. The switching circuit, based on the comparison result, connects the first battery and the second capacitor in parallel to charge the second capacitor, and connects the first battery and the third capacitor in parallel to charge the third capacitor; and When the second voltage and the third voltage are the same as the first voltage, the switching circuit connects the second capacitor, the third capacitor and the first battery in series or in parallel.

14. A semiconductor circuit, comprising: Multiple batteries, wherein the multiple batteries include a first battery, a second battery, and a third battery that are different from each other; A switching circuit that connects one of the plurality of batteries in series and / or in parallel with one or more other batteries in the plurality of batteries; A voltage measurement circuit that measures the voltage of each of the plurality of batteries to obtain a measurement voltage; as well as A controller, provided with a target output voltage, determines the series or parallel connection state of the plurality of batteries based on the number of batteries and the measured voltage of each battery, and provides a control signal to the switching circuit including the determined series or parallel connection state of the plurality of batteries. The controller compares the measured voltages of the plurality of batteries and does not connect the battery with the lowest measured voltage among the plurality of batteries to the other battery. The switching circuit includes: a first switch connected to the cathode of the first battery and the cathode of the second battery; a second switch connected to the anode of the first battery and the cathode of the second battery; a third switch connected to the cathode of the second battery and the cathode of the third battery; a fourth switch connected to the anode of the first battery and the anode of the second battery; a fifth switch connected to the anode of the second battery and the cathode of the third battery; and a sixth switch connected to the anode of the second battery and the anode of the third battery. Wherein, if the first voltage of the first battery is less than the second voltage of the second battery and the second voltage of the second battery is less than the third voltage of the third battery, the switching circuit changes the first switch and the third switch to the ON state, and changes the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch and the sixth switch to the OFF state, so that the first battery and the second battery are not connected to the third battery; or the switching circuit changes the first switch, the third switch and the sixth switch to the ON state, and changes the second switch, the fourth switch and the fifth switch to the OFF state, so that the first battery is not connected to the third battery and the second battery is connected to the third battery.

15. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 14, wherein: The output terminal is connected to the anode of the third battery, and The ground voltage is connected to the cathode of the first battery.

16. A semiconductor circuit, comprising: First battery; A second battery, which is different from the first battery; A switching circuit that connects the first battery and the second battery in series or in parallel; as well as A selection circuit connects a first capacitor, instead of the first battery, to the second battery when the first battery is discharging. The switching circuit connects the first capacitor and the second battery in series or in parallel based on the voltage of the first capacitor. Specifically, when the first capacitor is to be charged, it is connected in parallel to the second battery; when the first capacitor is to be discharged, it is connected in series to the second battery.

17. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 16, wherein: The switching circuit is connected to the output terminal to generate an output voltage. When the first capacitor discharges, the switching circuit uses the second battery to generate the output voltage, and when the first capacitor is charged, the switching circuit uses both the first capacitor and the second battery to generate the output voltage.

Images