Charger integrated circuit for charging battery devices and electronic devices including therein

Abstract

A charger integrated circuit for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery includes: a first charger configured to generate a first charging current from an input voltage when an input voltage is received from an input voltage terminal; and a battery switch configured to provide the first charging current to the battery device, the battery switch including a plurality of transistors for connecting the first battery and the second battery in series or in parallel based on the input voltage, a first terminal voltage of the first battery, and a second terminal voltage of the second battery.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0029162, filed on March 9, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the subject of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to charger integrated circuits, and more specifically, to charger integrated circuits capable of charging battery devices comprising multiple batteries using a battery switch. This invention also relates to electronic devices including this type of charger integrated circuit. Background Technology

[0004] Portable electronic devices such as mobile phones include batteries. The power demand on mobile phone batteries has been gradually increasing over time, and is now facing further increases with the advent of 5G technology and applications. Furthermore, current battery technology, battery power storage capacity, and battery charging methods may unduly limit the operational performance of emerging mobile phones. Therefore, improved battery technology, improved battery charging efficiency, increased battery power storage capacity, and longer usable battery life are the subjects of ongoing research and development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a charger integrated circuit (IC) is provided for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery. The charger IC includes: a first charger configured to generate a first charging current from an input voltage when an input voltage is received from an input voltage terminal; and a battery switch configured to provide the first charging current to the battery device, the battery switch including a plurality of transistors for connecting the first battery and the second battery in series or in parallel based on the input voltage, a first terminal voltage of the first battery, and a second terminal voltage of the second battery.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a charger IC is provided for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery. The charger IC includes: a direct charger configured to generate a first charging current from an input voltage received from an input voltage terminal; a switch charger configured to generate a second charging current from the input voltage; and a battery switch configured to provide one of the first charging current and the second charging current to the battery device. The battery switch includes a plurality of transistors for connecting the first battery and the second battery in series or parallel based on the input voltage, a first terminal voltage of the first battery, and a second terminal voltage of the second battery. At least one of the plurality of transistors performs a current control function that limits one of the first battery current applied to the first battery and the second battery current applied to the second battery.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery switch capable of being connected to a battery device including a first battery and a second battery is provided. The battery switch includes: a first transistor connected between a first node and a ground terminal, the first node being configured to connect to the negative terminal of the first battery; a second transistor connected between the first node and a second node, the second node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the second battery; a third transistor connected to a third node, the third node being capable of connecting to the positive terminal of the first battery; and a fourth transistor connected between the second node and the third transistor, wherein when the second transistor is turned on, the battery switch connects the first battery and the second battery in series, and when the first transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are turned on, the battery switch connects the first battery and the second battery in parallel, and at least one of the first transistor, the second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor performs a current control function that limits at least one of a first battery current applied to the first battery and a second battery current applied to the second battery.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a battery device including a first battery and a second battery; a charger configured to generate a charging current from an input voltage received from an input voltage terminal; and a battery switch configured to provide the charging current to the battery device, the battery switch including a plurality of transistors for connecting the first battery and the second battery in series or in parallel based on the input voltage, a first terminal voltage of the first battery, and a second terminal voltage of the second battery, wherein at least one of the plurality of transistors performs a current control function that limits at least one of a first battery current applied to the first battery and a second battery current applied to the second battery.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery device is provided, which is connectable to an electronic device, and includes: a plurality of batteries including a first battery and a second battery, and a battery switch configured to provide the battery device with a charging current received from the electronic device, the battery switch including a plurality of transistors for connecting the first and second batteries in series or in parallel. The plurality of transistors includes: a first transistor connected between the negative terminal of the first battery and a ground terminal; a second transistor connected between the negative terminal of the first battery and the positive terminal of the second battery; a third transistor connected to the positive terminal of the first battery; and a fourth transistor connected between the third transistor and the positive terminal of the second battery, and at least one of the plurality of transistors performs a current control function that limits at least one of a first battery current applied to the first battery and a second battery current applied to the second battery.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a battery device including a first battery and a second battery; a switch charger configured to generate a first charging current applied to the battery device when activated in a first charging mode and when a travel adapter is connected to an input voltage terminal; a direct charger configured to generate a second charging current applied to the battery device when activated in a second charging mode different from the first charging mode and when a travel adapter is connected to an input voltage terminal; and a battery switch. The battery switch includes: a first transistor connected between a first node and a ground terminal, the first node being configured to connect to the negative terminal of the first battery; a second transistor connected between the first node and the second node, the second node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the second battery; a third transistor connected to a third node, the third node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the first battery; and a fourth transistor connected between the second node and the third transistor. When the second transistor is turned on, the first and second batteries are connected in series, and when the first, third, and fourth transistors are turned on, the first and second batteries are connected in parallel. In discharge mode, the switching charger and direct charger are inactivated when the travel adapter is not applied to the input voltage terminal and the first battery is charging the second battery. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Embodiments of the inventive concept will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are block diagrams illustrating various embodiments of an electronic device according to the concept of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are block diagrams illustrating embodiments of electronic devices according to the concept of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the balancing operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 9 It is a graph depicting the voltage of the first and second batteries over time according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10 This is shown in an example. Figure 5 The circuit diagram of the first transistor Q1.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating a first charging mode for a charger integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 These are block diagrams illustrating various second charging modes for a charger integrated circuit according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 16 and Figure 17 These are block diagrams illustrating various third charging modes for a charger integrated circuit according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating a first discharge mode for a charger integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 19 and Figure 20 These are block diagrams illustrating various second discharge modes for a charger integrated circuit according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 These are block diagrams illustrating various aspects of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described in some additional detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 The electronic device 10 may include a charger integrated circuit (IC) 100, which may be referred to as a "battery charger". For example, the charger IC 100 may be implemented by an integrated circuit chip mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The electronic device 10 may take one of many forms, including, for example, mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet computers (PCs), mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, global positioning system (GPS) devices, e-book readers, digital broadcasting terminals, MP3 players, digital cameras, electronic toys, etc. Alternatively, the electronic device 10 may be included in a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle.

[0028] In addition to the charger IC 100, the electronic device 10 may also include a battery device 200. Here, the battery device 200 may be embedded in the electronic device 10, or it may be mechanically attached to / removed from the electronic device 10. The battery device 200 may include a first battery BAT1 and a second battery BAT2, wherein the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 may be selectively connected in series or in parallel. In some embodiments, the battery device 200 may include more than two batteries. Thus, the electronic device 10 may be able to perform high-performance operation using the battery device 200, which includes multiple batteries.

[0029] In this regard, the first battery BAT1 can be a first battery cell, a first multi-cell arrangement of batteries, or a first battery pack. The second battery BAT2 can be a second battery cell, a second multi-cell arrangement of batteries, or a second battery pack. Therefore, the battery device 200 can be configured in various ways as an arrangement of multiple batteries and can be implemented using at least one battery pack in various ways. For example, the first battery BAT1 can be a first battery pack, the second battery BAT2 can be a second battery pack, and the battery device 200 can be implemented by a battery device including multiple battery packs. In some embodiments, at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack can be a multi-cell battery including two or more battery cells, and at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack can be a single-cell battery including one battery cell.

[0030] Figure 1The charger IC 100 may include a charger 110 and a battery switch 130 configured to charge the battery device 200. In some embodiments, the charger 110 and the battery switch 130 may be implemented together in a single integrated circuit (IC). However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the charger 110 and the battery switch 130 may be implemented using separate ICs.

[0031] Charger 110 may include a plurality of chargers, wherein at least one of the chargers may operate in a charging mode or a discharging mode.

[0032] The charger IC 100 may also include an input voltage terminal T to which an input voltage CHGIN can be applied. IN In some embodiments, the input voltage terminal T IN It can be electrically connected to an external power source via a travel adapter (TA).

[0033] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a travel adapter (possibly one selected from many available travel adapters) can be used to convert an external power supply voltage (e.g., a nominal 110V or 220V power supply) to an input voltage CHGIN (e.g., DC voltage) compatible with electronic devices (e.g., computers or smartphones). The input voltage CHGIN can also be used to charge the battery device 200.

[0034] In this regard, the input voltage terminal T IN It can be electrically connected to the output terminal of the auxiliary battery. Alternatively, the input voltage terminal T... IN It can be electrically connected to another electronic device (e.g., another smartphone). Regardless of the type of external connection, the charger IC 100 can be used to charge the battery device 200 using an input voltage (e.g., DC power supply voltage) provided by the travel adapter TA, auxiliary battery, etc.

[0035] Therefore, in response to the input voltage terminal T IN Upon receiving the input voltage CHGIN, charger IC 100 can generate a charging current from the input voltage CHGIN to charge battery device 200. For example, charger 110 may include a direct charger. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and alternatively, charger 110 may include a switching charger and / or a linear charger. In some embodiments, charger IC 100 may include multiple chargers, one of which can be selected for operation according to a charging mode, and the selected charger can then be used to generate a charging current.

[0036] Battery switch 130 can be used to connect (or be variably configured to connect in series or parallel) a first battery BAT1 and a second battery BAT2 in response to an input voltage CHGIN. For example, battery switch 130 can connect a first terminal voltage of the first battery BAT1 and a second terminal voltage of the second battery BAT2 within battery device 200 in various ways to provide a charging current generated by charger 110. In some embodiments, battery switch 130 can be configured to connect to the input voltage terminal T based on the voltage connected to it. IN The travel adapter TA can be used to connect the first and second batteries BAT1 and BAT2 in series or in parallel. For example, the battery switch 130 can connect the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 in series or in parallel based on the voltage difference between the first terminal voltage of the first battery BAT1 and the second terminal voltage of the second battery BAT2.

[0037] Furthermore, by selectively configuring the battery switch 130, a voltage balancing operation (hereinafter referred to as "balancing") can be performed between the first terminal voltage of the first battery BAT1 and the second terminal voltage of the second battery BAT2. Specifically, by using the battery switch 130, energy from the relatively overcharged battery in the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can be used to charge the relatively undercharged battery in the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2, thereby balancing the first terminal voltage and the second terminal voltage of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. Reference will be made below. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The method is described with some additional details.

[0038] In some embodiments, the charger IC 100 may also include circuitry or modules supporting one or more additional functions, such as undervoltage lockout (UVLO), overcurrent protection (OCP), overvoltage protection (OVP), soft-start to reduce inrush current, foldback current limiting, hiccup mode for short-circuit protection, and overtemperature protection (OTP). These optional functions allow the charger IC 100 to operate correctly under various conditions, such as power-saving conditions, environmental conditions, etc.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10' according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 Electronic device 10' and Figure 1The electronic device 10 is substantially similar and includes a charger IC 100', a battery switch 130', and a battery device 200. However, here, the battery switch 130' is located external to the charger IC 100'. For example, the battery switch 130' can be implemented by a battery switch chip.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 Electronic device 10 and Figure 1 The electronic device 10 is basically similar and includes a charger IC 100”, a battery switch 130”, and a battery device 200’. However, here, the battery switch 130” is located within the battery device 200’.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10A according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0044] refer to Figure 4 The electronic device 10A may include a charger IC 100A and a battery device 200, wherein the charger IC 100A includes a first charger 110A, a second charger 120A and a battery switch 130A.

[0045] The first charger 110A draws voltage from input voltage terminal T. IN It receives the input voltage CHGIN and generates a first charging current in response to the input voltage CHGIN. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the first charger 110A is a direct charger, which can be activated in high-speed charging mode to quickly charge the battery device 200 using a first charging current. High-speed charging mode can correspond to, for example, a situation where the input voltage CHGIN can be precisely controlled, or a situation where the input voltage CHGIN has a variable voltage level. For example, the first charger 110A can be activated when the connected travel adapter TA supports Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB PD) 3.0 operation.

[0046] The second charger, 120A, also outputs voltage from input terminal T. IN It receives the input voltage CHGIN and generates a second charging current in response to the received input voltage CHGIN. Figure 4In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the second charger 120A is a switching charger or linear charger that can be activated in normal charging mode. Normal charging mode can correspond to, for example, a situation where the input voltage CHGIN cannot be precisely controlled, or a situation where the input voltage CHGIN has a fixed voltage level. For example, the second charger 120A can be activated when the connected travel adapter TA supports low-voltage (e.g., 5V) operation.

[0047] Battery switch 130A can be connected to first charger 110A and second charger 120A in a manner that provides a first charging current and / or a second charging current to battery device 200. For example, battery switch 130A may include a transistor that can be selectively configured to connect first battery BAT1 and second battery BAT2 in series or in parallel in response to (or based on) an input voltage CHGIN. Therefore, the first charging current generated by first charger 110A or the second charging current generated by second charger 120A can be applied to first battery BAT1 and / or second battery BAT2 within battery device 200 in various ways.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10a according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0049] refer to Figure 5 Electronic device 10a may include a direct charger 110a, a switching charger 120a, a battery switch 130a, a first battery BAT1 and a second battery BAT2, and a system load SL. Here, the system load SL may include various circuits and / or components of electronic device 10a, such as a modem, application processor, one or more memories, a display, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the system load SL may include an operation block, a function block, or an intellectual property (IP) block, such as a multimedia block within the application processor, a memory controller, etc. The system load SL may also be simply referred to as a load or a power block.

[0050] In some embodiments, Figure 5 The direct charger 110a can be Figure 4 The first charger 110A. That is, the direct charger 110a can be activated in high-speed charging mode to provide a first charging current I to the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. DC The direct charger 110a can directly charge the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. In this direct charging method, the input voltage CHGIN is directly connected to both the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. Generally, the charging efficiency of the direct charging method is greater than that of the switching charging method.

[0051] In some embodiments, Figure 4 The 120A switch charger can be Figure 4 The second charger 120A. That is, the switch charger 120a can be activated in normal charging mode to provide a second charging current I to the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. SC This is used to charge the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this, and the switching charger 120a can be activated in high-speed charging mode to deliver the second charging current I. SC Provided to the system load SL.

[0052] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, battery switch 130a includes a first transistor Q1, a second transistor Q2, a third transistor Q3, and a fourth transistor Q4 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the first to fourth transistors). The first transistor Q1 can be arranged between a first node ND1, which can be connected to the negative terminal of the first battery BAT1, and the ground terminal GND. The second transistor Q2 can be arranged between the first node ND1 and a second node ND2, which can be connected to the positive terminal of the second battery BAT2. The third transistor Q3 can be arranged between a third node ND3, which can be connected to the positive terminal of the first battery BAT1, and the output node N. OUT Between. The fourth transistor Q4 can be placed at the output node N. OUT Between the second node ND2.

[0053] When the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in parallel, the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 can conduct, while the second transistor Q2 can be turned off. When the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in series, the second transistor Q2 can conduct, and the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can be turned off. Here, when the system current I... SYS When supplied to the system load SL, the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on; otherwise, the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned off.

[0054] In some embodiments, at least one of the first transistor Q1 to the fourth transistor Q4 can be used as a switch. For example, when the second transistor Q2 is off, current cannot flow through the second transistor Q2. For example, when the second transistor Q2 is on, current can flow through the second transistor Q2. Here, the second transistor Q2 can be fully on or saturated.

[0055] In embodiments, at least one of the first transistor Q1 to the fourth transistor Q4 can be used as a variable resistor providing current control functionality. For example, at least one of the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can have a current control function when charging the first battery BAT1. Specifically, when charging the first battery BAT1, at least one of the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can control the first battery current IBAT1 applied to the first battery BAT1. Additionally, the fourth transistor Q4 can have a current control function when charging the second battery BAT2. Specifically, the fourth transistor Q4 can control the second battery current IBAT2 applied to the second battery BAT2 when charging the second battery BAT2. In some embodiments, the direct charger 110a, the switch charger 120a, and the battery switch 130a can be integrated into the charger IC (e.g., Figure 4 The charger IC110A is implemented within it.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10b according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0057] refer to Figure 6 In addition to adding a current sensor 140, a voltage sensor 150, and a controller 160 (e.g., an application processor), electronic device 10b... Figure 5 The electronic device 10a is basically similar. Here, it is assumed that the direct charger 110a, the switching charger 120a, and the battery switch 130a, as well as the current sensor 140, the voltage sensor 150, and the controller 160 are implemented within the charger IC. However, alternatively, the current sensor 140, the voltage sensor 150, and the controller 160 can be located externally to the charger IC.

[0058] The current sensor 140 can sense the first current I1 flowing through the first transistor Q1, the third current I3 flowing through the third transistor Q3, and the fourth current I4 flowing through the fourth transistor Q4. The voltage sensor 150 can sense the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 and the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2.

[0059] The controller 160 can determine whether the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in series or in parallel based on the input voltage CHGIN and the first terminal voltage VBAT1 and the second terminal voltage VBAT2. Accordingly, it can generate a first control signal SC1, a second control signal SC2, a third control signal SC3, and a fourth control signal SC4 to control the first transistor Q1 through the fourth transistor Q4, respectively, based on the determination result. For example, if it is determined that the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in series, the controller 160 can generate the first control signal SC1, the second control signal SC2, and the third control signal SC3, causing the second transistor Q2 to turn on and the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 to turn off. Alternatively, if it is determined that the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in parallel, the controller 160 can generate the first control signal SC1, the second control signal SC2, the third control signal SC3, and the fourth control signal SC4, causing the second transistor Q2 to turn off and the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 to turn on.

[0060] In some embodiments, the controller 160 may also determine the resistance values ​​of the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 based on the first current I1, the third current I3, and the fourth current I4. For example, when the first current I1 or the third current I3 exceeds a first reference value, the controller 160 may limit the first current I1 or the third current I3 to the first reference value or less by changing the resistance value of the first transistor Q1 or the third transistor Q3, thereby limiting the first battery current IBAT1. Alternatively or additionally, when the fourth current I4 exceeds a second reference value, the controller 160 may limit the fourth current I4 to the second reference value or less by changing the resistance value of the fourth transistor Q4, thereby limiting the second battery current IBAT2. In embodiments, the first reference value may be the same as the second reference value. Here, the first reference value may be different from the second reference value. For example, the first reference value and the second reference value may be determined based on the respective capacity and / or performance characteristics of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller 160 may generate a first control signal SC1, a second control signal SC2, a third control signal SC3, and a fourth control signal SC4 based on a first current I1, a third current I3, and a fourth current I4. For example, the controller 160 may compare the first current I1 with a first reference value, and when the first current I1 exceeds the first reference value, the controller 160 may generate the first control signal SC1 to adjust the resistance value of the first transistor Q1, thereby controlling the first battery current IBAT1 to be equal to or less than the first reference value. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 160 may generate the first control signal SC1 to cause the first transistor Q1 to operate in the transistor region.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram illustrating an electronic device 10c according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0063] refer to Figure 7 Except for the direct charger 110a, which is further shown to include transistors Q11 and Q12, and the switching charger 120a, which is further shown to include transistors Q21, Q22, Q23, and Q24 (hereinafter collectively referred to as Q21 to Q24) and inductor L, the electronic device 10c and Figure 5 The electronic devices are basically similar to those in the 10a.

[0064] At this point, electronic device 10c is presented as an example of implementation, although those skilled in the art will understand that direct charger 110a may include three or more transistors, or alternatively may include only one of transistors Q11 and Q12.

[0065] However, as Figure 7 As shown, transistors Q11 and Q12 can be connected in series, such that one end of transistor Q11 is connected to the input voltage terminal T. IN The other end of transistor Q11 is connected to transistor Q12. One end of transistor Q12 is connected to transistor Q11, and the other end of transistor Q12 is connected to the third node ND3, which is connected to the positive terminal of the first battery BAT1. In this way, transistors Q11 and Q12 can provide the input voltage CHGIN to the battery device comprising the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2.

[0066] Although the switching charger 120a may include transistors Q21 to Q24 and inductor L, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the number of transistors or inductors included in the switching charger 120a may vary depending on the design. Transistors Q21 and Q22 may be connected in series at the input voltage terminal T. INTransistor Q23 can be connected between switching node LX and ground terminal GND, and can provide ground voltage to switching node LX. For example, transistor Q21 can be turned on in charging mode, therefore, transistor Q21 can be called a "charging transistor". Transistor Q23 can be connected between switching node LX and ground terminal GND, and can provide ground voltage to switching node LX. Inductor L can be connected between switching node LX and output node N. OUT Between. Transistors Q22 and Q23 can be turned on alternately. Transistor Q24 can be connected to the output node N. OUT Between and the fourth node ND4. Transistor Q24 can be connected to the output node N. OUT A voltage is supplied from inductor L, and this voltage can be supplied to the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 via the fourth node ND4 and the third transistor Q3 and the fourth transistor Q4 of the battery switch 130a. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the switch charger 120a may omit transistor Q24 so that inductor L can be directly connected to the fourth node ND4.

[0067] The transistors Q11 and Q12 included in the direct charger 110a and the transistors Q21 to Q24 included in the switching charger 120a can be driven by a controller. In some embodiments, the controller may correspond to... Figure 6 The controller 160 can be implemented within the charger IC. Alternatively, the controller can be implemented within a control block 180 included in the interface-power management integrated circuit (IF-PMIC) (see also, for example...). Figure 23 Component 300 and Figure 24 (Components 400 and / or 500).

[0068] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the equalization operation of a first battery BAT1 and a second battery BAT2, representing certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] Common Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the initial state 81, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can be charged to the same voltage level. Then, for example, in the discharge mode of electronic device 10a, the second battery BAT2 can discharge the system current I... SYS Provided to the system load SL, so that the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2 can drop faster than the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1, causing the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 to reach an unbalanced state 82.

[0070] During the balancing operation period 83, a balancing operation can be performed to transfer energy from the first battery BAT1 to the second battery BAT2 using battery switch 130a. That is, energy from the first battery BAT1 can be transferred to the second battery BAT2 by selectively turning on the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4. Therefore, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can return to the balancing state 84 (e.g., balancing voltage V). BAL ).

[0071] Figure 9 This further illustrates the balanced voltage V of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. BAL A graph showing the trend over time.

[0072] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 9 Time is indicated by the horizontal axis, and battery voltage is indicated by the vertical axis. The first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 can have a level that decreases over time (e.g., first curve 91). Similarly, the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2 can have a voltage level that decreases over time (e.g., second curve 92). However, at the first time t1, the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 is greater than the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2. Here, the first time t1 can correspond to Figure 8 The imbalance state 82. At a later second time t2, the voltage VBAT1 at the first terminal of the first battery BAT1 and the voltage VBAT2 at the second terminal of the second battery BAT2 can be equalized to the voltage V. BAL The points become essentially equal. Here, the second time point t2 can correspond to... Figure 8 The equilibrium state 84. The time period between the first time point t1 and the second time point t2 can correspond to the equilibrium operation time period 83.

[0073] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, based on the difference between the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 and the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can be selectively connected in series or in parallel using a battery switch 130a to achieve voltage equalization between the first terminal voltage VBAT1 and the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. Therefore, since the electronic device 10a does not need to include an additional voltage equalization circuit, the total PCB area within the electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention can be reduced.

[0074] Figure 10 This is further illustrated in one example. Figure 5The circuit diagram of the first transistor Q1.

[0075] refer to Figure 10 The first transistor Q1 may include a transistor TR1 and a diode D1. Transistor TR1 may be an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) transistor driven by a control signal SC1. For example, transistor TR1 may include a source connected to the first node ND1, a gate to which the control signal SC1 is applied, and a drain connected to the ground terminal GND. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and transistor TR1 may be implemented using a P-type MOS (PMOS) transistor. Diode D1 may be a parasitic diode of transistor TR1, and may prevent accidental leakage current from flowing toward the first node ND1 even when the first transistor Q1 is turned off. Figure 5 The second transistor Q2 to the fourth transistor Q4 shown can be similar to Figure 10 The first transistor Q1 shown is used to implement this. In some embodiments, the first transistor Q1 may include a body switch instead of a diode D1. The first transistor Q1 can reduce leakage current by using body switching technology.

[0076] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10d according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0077] refer to Figure 11 The electronic device 10d can be understood as Figure 5 A modified version of electronic device 10a, wherein... Figure 5 Compared to battery switch 130a, battery switch 130b also includes a fifth transistor Q5. The fifth transistor Q5 can be arranged at the fourth node ND4 and the output node N. OUT Between. The fifth transistor Q5 can be turned on in discharge mode, specifically, when the first battery BAT1 or the second battery BAT2 provides system current I to the system load SL. SYS At this time, the fifth transistor Q5 can be turned on. Additionally, the fifth transistor Q5 can also be turned on in charging mode, specifically, when using the charging current I generated by the switching charger 120a. SC When charging the first battery BAT1 or the second battery BAT2, the fifth transistor Q5 can be turned on.

[0078] Figure 12 This illustrates an embodiment based on the concept of the present invention. Figure 5 Block diagram of the first charging mode of the charger IC 100a.

[0079] refer to Figure 12 When the input voltage T from charger IC 100a cannot be precisely controlled... INWhen receiving the input voltage CHGIN, the input voltage CHGIN can have a fixed voltage level. For example, when the low-voltage travel adapter TA is connected to the input voltage terminal T... IN At this time, the charging mode can be determined to correspond to the first charging mode. In the first charging mode, the switching charger 120a is activated, the direct charger 110a is deactivated, and the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in parallel. Therefore, the switching charger 120a can generate a second charging current I from the input voltage CHGIN. SC And it can be achieved by using a second charging current I SC The first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are charged. Here, the sum of the first battery current IBAT1 applied to the first battery BAT1 and the second battery current IBAT2 applied to the second battery BAT2 can correspond to the second charging current I. SC The charger IC 100a can provide system current I. SYS And in this case, the first battery current IBAT1, the second battery current IBAT2, and the system current I SYS The sum can correspond to the second charging current I. SC .

[0080] Furthermore, in the first charging mode, the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on, while the second transistor Q2 can be turned off. Therefore, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can be connected in parallel. Here, the first current I1 flowing through the first transistor Q1 and the third current I3 flowing through the third transistor Q3 will be the same as the first battery current IBAT1, and the fourth current I4 flowing through the fourth transistor Q4 will be the same as the second battery current IBAT2. Therefore, one of the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can have a current control function to control the first battery current IBAT1, and the fourth transistor Q4 can have a current control function to control the second battery current IBAT2.

[0081] In one embodiment, when the first current I1 exceeds the first reference value, the resistance value of the first transistor Q1 can be increased, thereby limiting the first battery current IBAT1 to the first reference value or less. In another embodiment, when the third current I3 exceeds the first reference value, the resistance value of the third transistor Q3 can be increased, thereby limiting the first battery current IBAT1 to the first reference value or less. In yet another embodiment, when the fourth current I4 exceeds the second reference value, the resistance value of the fourth transistor Q4 can be increased, thereby limiting the second battery current IBAT2 to the second reference value or less.

[0082] Figure 13 This illustrates an embodiment based on the concept of the present invention. Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating an example of the second charging mode of the charger IC 100a.

[0083] refer to Figure 13 When the input voltage T from the charger IC 100a IN When the received input voltage CHGIN can be precisely controlled, the input voltage CHGIN can have a variable voltage level. For example, when a USB PD-enabled travel adapter TA is connected to the input voltage terminal T... IN When the charging mode is selected, it can be set to the second charging mode. In the second charging mode, the direct charger 110a is activated and the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in series. The direct charger 110a can generate a first charging current I from the input voltage CHGIN. DC And it can be achieved by using the first charging current I DC To charge the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. In some embodiments, in the second charging mode, the switch charger 120a can be activated to generate a second charging current I from the input voltage CHGIN. SC And the charger IC 100a can draw power from the second charging current I. SC Provide system current I SYS In other embodiments, the switch charger 120a can be disabled in the second charging mode.

[0084] Furthermore, in the second charging mode, the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can be turned off, while the second transistor Q2 can be turned on. Therefore, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can be connected in series. Here, the first charging current I generated by the direct charger 110a... DC It can be the same as either the first battery current IBAT1, the second current I2 flowing through the second transistor Q2, or the second battery current IBAT2. It can be determined whether the second battery IBAT2 provides the system current I. SYS This enables the fourth transistor Q4 to be turned on or off. When the second battery BAT2 provides the system current I... SYS When the fourth transistor Q4 is turned on, and when the second battery BAT2 does not provide system current I... SYS When this happens, the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned off.

[0085] Figure 14 This illustrates an embodiment based on the concept of the present invention. Figure 5 A block diagram of another example of the second charging mode of the charger IC 100a.

[0086] refer to Figure 14When charging the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 in the second charging mode, the first battery BAT1 can be fully charged first. At this time, the first transistor Q1 and the second transistor Q2 can be turned off, and the first battery current IBAT1 can no longer flow to the first battery BAT1. The third transistor Q3 and the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on, and the first charging current I generated by the direct charger 110a... DC The second battery BAT2 can be supplied via the third transistor Q3 and the fourth transistor Q4. In an embodiment, when the fourth current I4 exceeds a reference value, the resistance value of the fourth transistor Q4 can be increased, thereby limiting the second battery current IBAT2 to the reference value or less. Here, the third transistor Q3 can be fully turned on.

[0087] Figure 15 This illustrates an embodiment based on the concept of the present invention. Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating another example of the second charging mode of the charger IC 100a.

[0088] refer to Figure 15 When charging the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 in the second charging mode, the second battery BAT2 can be fully charged first. At this time, the second transistor Q2 and the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned off, and the second battery current IBAT2 can no longer flow to the second battery BAT2. The first transistor Q1 can be turned on, and the first charging current I generated by the direct charger 110a... DC It can be supplied to the first battery BAT1. The system current I can be supplied depending on whether the direct charger 110a provides it. SYS This enables or disables the third transistor Q3. When the direct charger 110a provides the system current I... SYS When the third transistor Q3 can be turned on, and when the direct charger 110a does not provide system current I... SYS When this happens, the third transistor Q3 can be turned off.

[0089] Figure 16 This is an example illustrating an embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 5 Block diagram of the third charging mode of charger IC100a.

[0090] refer to Figure 16 When the input voltage T from the charger IC 100a can be precisely controlled IN When receiving the input voltage CHGIN, the input voltage CHGIN can have a variable voltage level. For example, when a USB PD-enabled travel adapter TA is connected to the input voltage terminal T... INWhen the difference between the voltage VBAT1 at the first terminals of the first battery BAT1 and the voltage VBAT2 at the second terminals of the second battery BAT2 is greater than a reference value, the charging mode can be determined as a third charging mode. In the third charging mode, the direct charger 110a is activated, and the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 are connected in parallel. Here, the switch charger 120a can be deactivated.

[0091] In the third charging mode, the second transistor Q2 can be turned off, and the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on. In an embodiment, when the voltage across the first terminal VBAT1 is greater than the voltage across the second terminal VBAT2, the fourth transistor Q4 can have a current control function for controlling the second battery current IBAT2. That is, when the fourth current I4 exceeds the second reference value, the resistance value of the fourth transistor Q4 can be increased, thereby limiting the second battery current IBAT2 to the reference value or less. Here, the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can be fully turned on.

[0092] In this embodiment, when the voltage VBAT1 across the first terminal is greater than the voltage VBAT2 across the second terminal, the direct charger 110a can limit the first charging current I. DC This ensures that the first battery current IBAT1 applied to the first battery BAT1 is less than the second battery current IBAT2 applied to the second battery BAT2. Therefore, the difference between the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 and the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2 can be reduced.

[0093] Figure 17 This is another example illustrating an embodiment of the conception according to the present invention. Figure 5 Block diagram of the third charging mode of charger IC100a.

[0094] Here, Figure 17 The example is about Figure 16 This is a modified version of the described example. Therefore, in the third charging mode, the second transistor Q2 can be turned off, and the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on. Here, when the voltage across the second terminal VBAT2 is greater than the voltage across the first terminal VBAT1, the first transistor Q1 can have a current control function for controlling the first battery current IBAT1. Specifically, when the first current I1 exceeds a first reference value, the resistance value of the first transistor Q1 can be increased, thereby limiting the first battery current IBAT1 to the first reference value or less. Here, the third transistor Q3 and the fourth transistor Q4 can be fully turned on.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the voltage across the first terminal VBAT1 is less than the voltage across the second terminal VBAT2, the direct charger 110a can limit the first charging current I. DC This ensures that the first battery current IBAT1 applied to the first battery BAT1 is greater than the second battery current IBAT2 applied to the second battery BAT2. Therefore, the difference between the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 and the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2 can be reduced.

[0096] Figure 18 This illustrates an example embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 5 A block diagram of the first discharge mode of the charger IC100a.

[0097] refer to Figure 18 Assuming the travel adapter TA is not connected to the charger IC 100a, the operating mode of the charger IC 100a can be determined as the first discharge mode. In the first discharge mode, the charger IC 100a does not charge the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2, but at least one of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can provide the system current I. SYS Or system voltage V SYS In the first discharge mode, both the direct charger 110a and the switching charger 120a can be disabled. Additionally, in the first discharge mode, the second transistor Q2 can be turned off, while the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on. Therefore, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can be connected in parallel.

[0098] Here, when the first battery BAT1 discharges, the first transistor Q1 is fully turned on, and when the second battery BAT2 discharges, the fourth transistor Q4 is fully turned on. In some embodiments, when the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 is less than the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2, the first battery BAT1 can be charged by the second battery BAT2, such that the first transistor Q1 or the third transistor Q3 provides a current limiting function with respect to the first battery current IBAT1. Alternatively, when the first terminal voltage VBAT1 of the first battery BAT1 is greater than the second terminal voltage VBAT2 of the second battery BAT2, the second battery BAT2 can be charged by the first battery BAT1, such that the fourth transistor Q4 provides a current limiting function with respect to the second battery current IBAT2.

[0099] Figure 19 This is an example illustrating an embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 5 A block diagram of the second discharge mode of the charger IC100a.

[0100] refer to Figure 19 Assuming the first electronic device (e.g., Figure 5 The input voltage terminal T of the charger IC 100a) IN Connect to a second electronic device, not a travel adapter. The connection between the first and second electronic devices can be wireless or via a hardwired connection (e.g., a phone-to-phone connection). In either case, the operating mode of the first electronic device (e.g., charger IC 100a) can be determined as a second discharge mode. In the second discharge mode, at least one of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can provide a system current I. SYS Or system voltage V SYS and provide output current I OUT Through the input voltage terminal T IN Charge the second electronic device.

[0101] In the second discharge mode, the switching charger 120a can be disabled, and the direct charger 110a can be used as the current path. Here, the second transistor Q2 can be turned on, and the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can be turned off, so that the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can be connected in series. Therefore, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can provide an output current I. OUT The fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on to provide the system voltage V. SYS For example, the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on to use the second battery BAT2 to provide the system current I. SYS .

[0102] Figure 20 This is another example illustrating an embodiment of the conception according to the present invention. Figure 5 A block diagram of the second discharge mode of the charger IC100a.

[0103] refer to Figure 20 Let's assume again that the input voltage terminal T of the first charger IC 100a... IN The charger IC 100a is connected (wirelessly or wired) to a second electronic device, causing its operating mode to be determined as a second discharge mode. In the second discharge mode, at least one of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can provide a system current I. SYS Or system voltage V SYS and provide output current I OUT Through the input voltage terminal T IN Charge the second electronic device.

[0104] In some embodiments, in the second discharge mode, the direct charger 110a can be disabled, and the switching charger 120a can be activated and used as a boosting converter. Here, the second transistor Q2 can be turned off, and the first transistor Q1, the third transistor Q3, and the fourth transistor Q4 can be turned on, allowing the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 to be connected in parallel. Therefore, the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 can provide an output current I. OUT At least one of the first transistor Q1 and the third transistor Q3 can perform a current limiting function with respect to the first battery current IBAT1, and the fourth transistor Q4 can perform a current limiting function with respect to the second battery current IBAT2.

[0105] Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 10e according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0106] refer to Figure 21 Electronic devices 10e and Figure 5 The electronic device 10a is basically similar, but further includes a wireless power receiver 170. Here, the charger IC 100b can support both wired and wireless charging modes. In wired charging mode, the charger IC 100b can connect via the input voltage terminal T. IN The input voltage CHGIN is received from the output terminal of the travel adapter TA. In wireless charging mode, the direct charger 110a can be disabled, and the charger IC 100b (i.e., the switch charger 120b of the charger IC 100b) can receive wireless power WCIN from the wireless power receiver 170. The wireless power receiver 170 can generate power using one of several well-known wireless charging methods, such as magnetic induction, magnetic resonance, electromagnetic induction, and non-radiative wireless charging (WiTricity). In some embodiments, the wireless power receiver 170 may include a wireless rectifier.

[0107] Therefore, the wireless power receiver 170 can be implemented as a dual-purpose unit for wireless charging and magnetic secure transmission (MST). Consequently, the charger IC 100b can further support MST mode, where MST is a technology by which the credit card payment terminal automatically loads the credit card information contained in the electronic device 10e to perform a payment process when the electronic device 10e containing credit card information is brought into direct or indirect contact with a credit card payment terminal (e.g., a point-of-sale (POS) terminal). Using MST technology, credit card information can be transmitted to the credit card payment terminal using electromagnetic signals. When operating in MST mode, the direct charger 110a can be disabled, and the charger IC 100b can be electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 170.

[0108] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 20 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0109] refer to Figure 22 In addition to the following, electronic devices 20 and Figure 5 The electronic device 10a is substantially similar: in addition to the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2, the electronic device also includes a third battery BAT3. As a result, the electronic device 20 may include a direct charger 110a, first transistors Q1 to Q7, and first batteries BAT1 to Q3, wherein the configuration of the first transistors Q1 to Q7 constitutes a battery switch. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the electronic device 20 may further include a switching charger to replace the direct charger 110a (or include a switching charger in addition to the direct charger 110a).

[0110] The first transistor Q1 can be connected between the first node ND1, which can be connected to the negative terminal of the first battery BAT1, and the ground terminal GND. The second transistor Q2 can be connected between the first node ND1 and the second node ND2, which can be connected to the positive terminal of the second battery BAT2. The third transistor Q3 can be connected between the third node ND3, which can be connected to the positive terminal of the first battery BAT1, and the output node N. OUT Between. The fourth transistor Q4 can be connected between the second node ND2 and the output node N. OUT The fifth transistor Q5 can be connected between the fourth node ND4, which can be connected to the negative terminal of the second battery BAT2, and the ground terminal GND. The sixth transistor Q6 can be connected between the fourth node ND4 and the fifth node ND5, which can be connected to the positive terminal of the third battery BAT3. The seventh transistor Q7 can be connected between the fifth node ND5 and the output node N. OUT between.

[0111] By controlling transistors Q1 through Q7, batteries BAT1 through BAT3 can be connected in series or in parallel. At least one of transistors Q1 and Q3 can perform a current control function to limit the first battery current IBAT1 applied to battery BAT1. In an embodiment, at least one of transistors Q4 and Q5 can perform a current control function to limit the second battery current IBAT2 applied to battery BAT2, and transistor Q7 can perform a current control function to limit the third battery current IBAT3 applied to battery BAT3.

[0112] Therefore, when the travel adapter TA is connected to the input voltage terminal T INAt this time, the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 can be connected in series or in parallel. For example, when the input voltage terminal T can be precisely controlled... IN When the received input voltage is CHGIN, the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 can be connected in series. However, when the input voltage terminal T cannot be precisely controlled... IN When the received input voltage is CHGIN, the first battery BAT1 to the third battery BAT3 can be connected in parallel.

[0113] Furthermore, batteries BAT1 to BAT3 can be connected in series or in parallel based on the voltage difference between their terminals. Additionally, during charging of batteries BAT1 to BAT3, if the voltage difference between their terminals exceeds a reference value, at least two of batteries BAT1 to BAT3 can switch between series and parallel connections. For example, when batteries BAT1 to BAT3 are being charged while connected in series, if the voltage across first battery BAT1 is greater than or equal to the voltage across second battery BAT2 and third battery BAT3 by a reference value, the second transistor Q2 can be turned off, and second battery BAT2 and third battery BAT3 can be connected in parallel with first battery BAT1.

[0114] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 30 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0115] refer to Figure 23 Electronic device 30 may include an interface-power management integrated circuit (IF-PMIC) 300, and battery device 200 may be mounted on electronic device 30. IF-PMIC 300 may include a charger IC 100A, a wireless power receiver 170, a control block 180, and a fuel gauge 190. IF-PMIC 300 may further include a light-emitting diode (LED) driver, a USB-C block, etc.

[0116] The wireless power receiver 170 can be implemented as a dual-purpose unit for wireless charging and MST. The control block 180 can control the operation of the first charger 110, the second charger 120, and the battery switch 130. For example, the control block 180 can drive the first charger 110 and the second charger 120, as well as the switch or transistor included in the battery switch 130, according to at least one of the first to third charging modes and the first and second discharging modes. Additionally, the control block 180 can control the voltage level of the input voltage CHGIN applied to the charger IC 100A. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto; the function of the control block 180 can be executed by a microcontroller unit (MCU), and the MCU can be provided externally to the IF-PMIC 300.

[0117] The fuel gauge 190 can monitor the remaining amount, voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the battery device 200, and may be referred to as a "battery gauge". In an embodiment, the fuel gauge 190 may be connected to at least one sensing resistor connected to at least one of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2 included in the battery device 200, and thus can monitor the battery current flowing through at least one of the first battery BAT1 and the second battery BAT2. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the fuel gauge 190 may also be located externally to the IF-PMIC 300. In some embodiments, the fuel gauge 190 may be included within the battery device 200.

[0118] Figure 24 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0119] refer to Figure 24 The electronic device 1000 may include a charger IC 100, a battery device 200, a PMIC 400, and an application processor 500. The electronic device 1000 may include the charger IC 100 for receiving power from an external source and for charging the battery device 200. The charger IC 100 can be configured to... Figures 1 to 23 The various embodiments shown are implemented as described.

[0120] PMIC 400 can receive battery voltage and manage the power required to drive application processor 500. Furthermore, PMIC 400 can be implemented to generate or manage the voltages required by internal components of electronic device 1000. According to some embodiments, electronic device 1000 may include multiple PMICs containing PMIC 400. PMIC 400 can receive battery voltage from battery device 200, system voltage via charger IC 100, and / or directly receive input voltage CHGIN.

[0121] Application processor 500 can provide overall control of electronic device 1000. In embodiments, application processor 500 can control charger IC 100, for example, in a first charging mode, a second charging mode, a third charging mode, a first discharging mode, or a second discharging mode. In embodiments, when electronic device 1000 is connected to travel adapter TA, application processor 500 can adjust the input voltage CHGIN provided by travel adapter TA by communicating with travel adapter TA (wirelessly or wired). In some embodiments, application processor 500 can be implemented by a system-on-a-chip including one or more intellectual property rights (IP).

[0122] While the inventive concept has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A charger integrated circuit IC for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery, the charger IC comprising: The first charger is configured to generate a first charging current from the input voltage when an input voltage is received from the input voltage terminal; as well as A battery switch, configured to provide the first charging current to the battery device, includes a plurality of transistors for connecting the first battery and the second battery in series or parallel based on the input voltage, a first terminal voltage of the first battery, and a second terminal voltage of the second battery. The plurality of transistors include: A first transistor is connected between a first node and a ground terminal, the first node being configured to connect to the negative terminal of the first battery; A second transistor is connected between the first node and the second node, the second node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the second battery; A third transistor is connected to a third node, the third node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the first battery; and A fourth transistor is connected between the second node and the third transistor. Specifically, when the input voltage has a variable voltage level, the second transistor is turned on, and the first battery and the second battery are connected in series. When the input voltage has a fixed voltage level, the first transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are turned on, and the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel. Wherein, the resistance value of at least one of the first transistor and the third transistor is adjusted such that the first battery current applied to the first battery does not exceed a first reference value, or Adjust the resistance value of the fourth transistor so that the second battery current applied to the second battery does not exceed the second reference value.

2. The charger IC according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of transistors performs a current control function that limits at least one of a first battery current applied to the first battery and a second battery current applied to the second battery.

3. The charger IC according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of transistors also includes a fifth transistor connected between the fourth node and the output node, the fourth node being between the third transistor and the fourth transistor, and the output node being configured to connect a load.

4. The charger IC according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first transistor and the third transistor performs a current control function that limits the first battery current applied to the first battery, or The fourth transistor performs a current control function that limits the second battery current applied to the second battery.

5. The charger IC according to claim 1, wherein, When the voltage across the first terminal of the first battery is equal to the voltage across the second terminal of the second battery, the second transistor is turned on, the first transistor and the third transistor are turned off, and the first battery and the second battery are connected in series.

6. The charger IC according to claim 5, wherein, In charging mode, the fourth transistor is turned off, and in discharging mode, the fourth transistor is turned on.

7. The charger IC according to claim 1, wherein, When the difference between the voltage at the first terminals of the first battery and the voltage at the second terminals of the second battery is greater than or equal to a reference value, the first transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are turned on, the second transistor is turned off, and the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel.

8. The charger IC according to claim 7, wherein, When the voltage across the first terminals of the first battery is greater than the voltage across the second terminals of the second battery, the resistance value of the fourth transistor is adjusted so that the current applied to the second battery does not exceed the second reference value, or The first charger is also configured to limit the first charging current such that the first battery current applied to the first battery is less than the second battery current.

9. The charger IC according to claim 7, wherein, When the voltage across the second terminal of the second battery is greater than the voltage across the first terminal of the first battery, the resistance value of the first transistor is adjusted so that the first battery current applied to the first battery does not exceed a first reference value, or The first charger is also configured to limit the first charging current such that the first battery current is greater than the second battery current applied to the second battery.

10. The charger IC according to claim 1, wherein, When the first charger does not receive the input voltage at the input voltage terminal, the first transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are turned on, the second transistor is turned off, and the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel.

11. The charger IC according to claim 10, wherein, When the voltage across the second terminal of the second battery is greater than the voltage across the first terminal of the first battery, the resistance value of the first transistor is adjusted so that the first battery current applied to the first battery does not exceed a first reference value. When the voltage across the first terminals of the first battery is greater than the voltage across the second terminals of the second battery, the resistance value of the fourth transistor is adjusted so that the current applied to the second battery does not exceed the second reference value.

12. The charger IC according to claim 1, further comprising: The second charger is configured to generate a second charging current from the input voltage when the input voltage comes from the input voltage terminal; Specifically, when the input voltage has a fixed voltage level, the first charger is deactivated, the second charger is activated, and the battery switch connects the first and second batteries in parallel, providing the second charging current to the battery device. When the input voltage has a variable voltage level, the first charger is activated, and the battery switch provides the first charging current to the battery device.

13. The charger IC according to claim 12, wherein, The second charger includes a switch charger.

14. The charger IC according to claim 13, wherein, The switching charger includes: A first switch, a second switch, and a third switch are connected in series between the input voltage terminal and the ground terminal; An inductor is connected between a switching node and an output node, the switching node being disposed between a second switch and a third switch, and the output node being configured to connect to a system load; and A fourth switch is connected between the output node and the battery switch.

15. The charger IC according to claim 1, wherein, The first charger includes a direct charger, which includes at least one switch connected between the input voltage terminal and a node configured to connect to the positive terminal of the first battery.

16. The charger IC according to claim 1, further comprising: The controller is configured to control the resistance value of at least one of the plurality of transistors such that the current flowing through at least one of the plurality of transistors does not exceed a reference value.

17. A charger integrated circuit IC for charging a battery device including a first battery and a second battery, the charger IC comprising: A direct charger is configured to generate a first charging current from an input voltage received from the input voltage terminal. A switching charger is configured to generate a second charging current from the input voltage; as well as A battery switch is configured to provide one of a first charging current and a second charging current to the battery device, wherein the battery switch includes a plurality of transistors for connecting the first battery and the second battery in series or in parallel based on the input voltage, a first terminal voltage of the first battery, and a second terminal voltage of the second battery. At least one of the plurality of transistors performs a current control function that limits one of the first battery current applied to the first battery and the second battery current applied to the second battery. The plurality of transistors include: A first transistor is connected between a first node and a ground terminal, the first node being configured to connect to the negative terminal of the first battery; A second transistor is connected between the first node and the second node, the second node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the second battery; A third transistor is connected to a third node, the third node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the first battery; and A fourth transistor is connected between the second node and the third transistor. Specifically, when the input voltage has a variable voltage level, the second transistor is turned on, and the first battery and the second battery are connected in series. When the input voltage has a fixed voltage level, the first transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are turned on, and the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel. Wherein, the resistance value of at least one of the first transistor and the third transistor is adjusted such that the first battery current does not exceed a first reference value, or Adjust the resistance value of the fourth transistor so that the current of the second battery does not exceed the second reference value.

18. A battery switch capable of connecting to a charger and a battery device including a first battery and a second battery, the battery switch comprising: A first transistor is connected between a first node and a ground terminal, the first node being configured to connect to the negative terminal of the first battery; A second transistor is connected between the first node and the second node, the second node being configured to connect to the positive terminal of the second battery; A third transistor is connected to a third node, which can be connected to the positive terminal of the first battery; as well as A fourth transistor is connected between the second node and the third transistor. Specifically, when the charger receives a variable voltage level from the input voltage terminal, the second transistor is turned on, and the battery switch connects the first battery and the second battery in series. When the input voltage has a fixed voltage level, the first transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are turned on, and the battery switch connects the first battery and the second battery in parallel. Wherein, at least one of the first transistor, the second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor performs a current control function, the current control function limiting at least one of a first battery current applied to the first battery and a second battery current applied to the second battery, and Wherein, the resistance value of at least one of the first transistor and the third transistor is adjusted such that the first battery current does not exceed a first reference value, or Adjust the resistance value of the fourth transistor so that the current of the second battery does not exceed the second reference value.

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