Mobile device and method of operating the same

Abstract

A mobile system includes a first mobile device configured to output a signal having a level less than or equal to a reference level based on a state of charge of a battery in the first mobile device, and a second mobile device configured to receive the signal and selectively provide power to the first mobile device based on a duration of time during which the level of the signal is maintained less than or equal to the reference level and a switching time of a switch signal.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0105534, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 21, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to mobile devices, and more specifically, to mobile devices and methods of operating them. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless headphones are devices that output sound in response to a wirelessly received source signal. Wireless headphones include a communication module, such as a Bluetooth module, for performing short-range wireless communication, and a battery for providing power to the communication module. Dedicated charging equipment for charging the wireless headphone battery includes a charging case for holding the wireless headphones and charging the wireless headphone battery. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a method for data transmission and reception between wireless earphones and a charging case.

[0006] The present invention provides a mobile device capable of determining the charging state of a battery included in an external device based on signals received from an external device, and a method for operating the mobile device.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mobile system is provided, including a first mobile device configured to output a signal having a level less than or equal to a reference level based on a battery's state of charge, the first mobile device including a battery, and a second mobile device configured to receive the signal and selectively supply power to the first mobile device based on a duration for which the level of the signal is maintained less than or equal to the reference level and a switching time of a switching signal.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile device is provided, including a connection terminal configured to receive a signal from an external device including a battery; a power management integrated circuit configured to generate power to be supplied to the external device; and a control circuit configured to control the power management integrated circuit to supply power to the external device based on the duration for which the level of a sustaining signal is less than or equal to a reference level and the switching time of a switching signal.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a mobile device capable of supplying power to an external device including a battery is provided. The method includes: receiving a signal having a level less than or equal to a reference level from the external device; determining a state of charge of the battery based on the duration of maintaining the received signal with a level less than or equal to the reference level and the switching time of the switching signal; and selectively supplying power to the external device based on the determined state of charge. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Example embodiments of the inventive concept will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 A mobile system according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 An example of a mobile system according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a second mobile device according to an example embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram of a first mobile device according to an example embodiment;

[0015] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the charging current and charging voltage of the first battery relative to the charging step;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram of a protection circuit module according to an example embodiment;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the operation of the protection circuit module that performs over-discharge protection.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram of a second mobile device according to an example embodiment;

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of an operation method for a second mobile device according to an example embodiment;

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram of a mobile system according to an example embodiment;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating communication based on power line communication (PLC) according to an example embodiment;

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram of a mobile system according to an example embodiment;

[0023] Figure 13 A mobile system according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 14 A mobile system according to an example embodiment is shown; and

[0025] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of a configuration associated with the frequency and duty cycle of the detection preamble signal. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, various exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 A mobile system 10 according to an example embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 1 The mobile system 10 may include a first mobile device (MD1) 100 and a second mobile device (MD2) 200, and the first mobile device 100 may be electrically connected to the second mobile device 200 via a first power line 300 and a second power line 400. The first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 may send and receive power or data between them via the first and second power lines 300 and 400, thereby performing power line communication (PLC). The first mobile device 100 may include first and third connection terminals T1 and T3 electrically connectable to the second mobile device 200, and may receive power from the second mobile device 200, or send or receive data to or from the second mobile device 200 via the first and third connection terminals T1 and T3. Similarly, the second mobile device 200 may include second and fourth connection terminals T2 and T4 electrically connectable to the first mobile device 100, and may supply power to or send or receive data to or from the first mobile device 100 via the second and fourth connection terminals T2 and T4. The first connection terminal T1 can be electrically connected to the second connection terminal T2 via the first power line 300, and the third connection terminal T3 can be electrically connected to the fourth connection terminal T4 via the second power line 400. The first power line 300 can be a line for transmitting positive voltage or positive current, or the second power line 400 can be a line for transmitting negative voltage or negative current. However, the number of power lines and each voltage and current transmitted through each of the power lines are not limited thereto. In the following description, for ease of description, only the first power line 300 will be given, and the first power line 300 may be referred to as power line 300. However, it will be clearly understood that the description of the first power line 300 can be applied to the second power line 400.

[0028] A PLC can be a communication technology that transmits power and data via power lines. For example, a first power line 300 can be implemented based on the electrical connection between first and second connection terminals T1 and T2, and the first and second mobile devices 100 and 200 can send and receive power and data between them via the power line 300. The first mobile device 100 may not include a separate connection terminal or pin for performing data communication with the second mobile device 200, and can perform data communication with the second mobile device 200 via the first connection terminal T1. Similarly, the second mobile device 200 may not include a separate connection terminal or pin for performing data communication with the first mobile device 100, and can perform data communication with the first mobile device 100 via the second connection terminal T2. Therefore, the size of each of the first and second mobile devices 100 and 200 can be miniaturized.

[0029] The first mobile device 100 may include a first battery (BAT1) 110, a power management integrated circuit 120, a PLC module 130, and / or a control circuit 140. The charging state of the first battery 110 may include an over-discharge state, a normal state, and a fully charged state. For example, when the charging voltage of the first battery 110 is lower than the pre-charge voltage Vpre, the first battery 110 may be in an over-discharge state, and when the charging voltage of the first battery 110 is higher than the full charge voltage Vfc, the first battery 110 may be in a fully charged state. Additionally, when the charging voltage of the first battery 110 is higher than the pre-charge voltage Vpre but lower than the full charge voltage Vfc, the first battery 110 may be in a normal state. The full charge voltage Vfc may be higher than the pre-charge voltage Vpre.

[0030] The power management integrated circuit 120 can charge the first battery 110 using different schemes based on its state of charge. For example, when the battery's charging voltage increases, the power management integrated circuit 120 can charge the first battery 110 using a pre-charge scheme, a constant current scheme, a constant voltage scheme, or a trickle charge scheme. When the first battery 110 is in an over-discharged state, the power management integrated circuit 120 can use a pre-charge scheme to charge it, and when the first battery 110 is in a normal state, the power management integrated circuit 120 can use a constant current scheme and a constant voltage scheme to charge it. When the first battery 110 is in a fully charged state, the power management integrated circuit 120 can use a trickle charge scheme to charge it. (See reference...) Figure 5 A more detailed description of the charging scheme.

[0031] Based on the control of the control circuit 140, the PLC module 130 can receive power from the second mobile device 200, or send data to or receive data from the second mobile device 200. For example, the PLC module 130 can modulate the voltage or current signal to be output through the first connection terminal T1, and can demodulate each voltage and current signal received through the first connection terminal T1. For example, the first mobile device 100 may include a current source, a current modulator, and a voltage demodulator, and therefore can receive data by demodulating the voltage signal and send data by modulating the current signal.

[0032] In an example embodiment, the first mobile device 100 may be a device that does not support PLC-based communication. For example, the first mobile device 100 may not include the PLC module 130. When the first mobile device 100 does not include the PLC module 130, the first mobile device 100 may only perform a charging operation to receive power from the second mobile device 200. Figures 2 to 9 The following description will present an example of the first mobile device 100 excluding the PLC module 130, but it is clear that... Figures 2 to 9 The description can be applied to the first mobile device 100, which includes the PLC module 130.

[0033] The control circuit 140 can control the overall operation of the first mobile device 100. For example, the control circuit 140 can control communication operations performed on the second mobile device 200 by controlling the PLC module 130, and can control charging operations by controlling the power management integrated circuit 120, so that the first battery 110 is charged based on power received from the second mobile device 200. According to an example embodiment, the control circuit 140 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU). However, the example embodiment is not limited thereto, and the control circuit 140 may include a processor or a central processing unit (CPU).

[0034] When the first battery 110 is charged in an over-discharged state, noise may be generated in the current output to the first connection terminal T1 due to various reasons. When noise occurs, the current output to the first connection terminal T1 can be switched. The following will refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 6 Describe the switching current in more detail.

[0035] Similar to the first mobile device 100, the second mobile device 200 may include a second battery 210, a power management integrated circuit 220, a PLC module 230, and / or control circuitry 240. In an example embodiment, the second mobile device 200 may also include an input voltage terminal Tin for receiving an external input voltage Vin. For example, the input voltage terminal Tin may receive an input voltage Vin from an AC power source corresponding to a household power supply or another power source (e.g., a computer or auxiliary battery). In an example embodiment, the second mobile device 200 may wirelessly receive the external input voltage Vin from an external source.

[0036] The power management integrated circuit 220 can charge the second battery 210 based on an externally received external input voltage Vin. The power management integrated circuit 220 may include a converter (not shown) that generates a conversion voltage Vc from the externally received external input voltage Vin or the battery voltage of the second battery 210. The converter may include a DC-DC converter, and for example, the converter may include an enhancement converter (e.g., a boost converter) that converts a low input voltage Vin or battery voltage to a high conversion voltage Vc, or a reduction converter (e.g., a buck converter) that converts a high input voltage Vin or battery voltage to a low conversion voltage Vc.

[0037] Based on the control of the control circuit 240, the PLC module 230 can receive power from the first mobile device 100, or send data to or receive data from the first mobile device 100. For example, the PLC module 230 can modulate the voltage or current signal to be output through the second connection terminal T2, and can demodulate each voltage and current signal received through the second connection terminal T2. For example, the second mobile device 200 may include a current source, a current modulator, and a voltage demodulator, and therefore can receive data by demodulating the voltage signal and send data by modulating the current signal.

[0038] Control circuit 240 can control the overall operation of the second mobile device 200. For example, control circuit 240 can control communication operations performed on the first mobile device 100 by controlling PLC module 230, and can control power management integrated circuit 220 to supply power to the first mobile device 100. According to an example embodiment, control circuit 240 may include an MCU. However, the example embodiment is not limited thereto, and control circuit 240 may include a processor or CPU.

[0039] The control circuit 240 can determine the charging state of the first battery 110 based on the switching time, which is the period during which the current received from the first mobile device 100 through the second input terminal T2 is switched. Furthermore, the control circuit 240 can determine the charging state of the first battery 110 based on a low current duration, which is the time during which a current lower than a first reference current is received through the second input terminal T2. (Refer to the following...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure and operation of the control circuit 240 for determining the state of charge of the first battery 110 are described in more detail. Based on the switching time and the duration of low current, the second mobile device 200 according to the example embodiment can accurately determine the state of charge of the first battery 110 included in the first mobile device 100, and can selectively provide power to the first mobile device 100 based on the state of charge of the first battery 110. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or prevent the second mobile device 200 from providing unnecessary power to the first mobile device 100.

[0040] In an example embodiment, the first mobile device 100 may include wireless earbuds or wireless headphones, and the second mobile device 200 may include a wireless earbud charger or a wireless headphone charger. Each of the first battery 110 and the second battery 210 may include a non-rechargeable primary battery or a rechargeable fuel cell or accumulator.

[0041] Figure 2 A detailed example of a mobile system 10a according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 Mobile system 10a may include a first mobile device 100a and a second mobile device 200a. (The reference above can be omitted.) Figure 1 The descriptions given are the same or similar. In the example embodiment, the first mobile device 100a may not include a PLC module. Therefore, the first mobile device 100a may include a device that cannot perform PLC-based communication and is powered only by the second mobile device 200a.

[0042] The first mobile device 100a may also include a protection circuit module 150a. The protection circuit module 150a can perform functions to protect the first battery 110a. For example, the protection circuit module 150a can perform over-discharge protection, overcharge protection, and overcurrent protection functions. The voltage between the power management integrated circuit 120a and the protection circuit module 150a can be the battery voltage VBAT, and the first battery 110a can be charged with the actual battery voltage VrBAT. Based on the functions performed by the protection circuit module 150a, the battery voltage VBAT may be the same as or different from the actual battery voltage VrBAT. For example, when the protection circuit module 150a performs over-discharge protection, the battery voltage VBAT may be higher than the actual battery voltage VrBAT. That is, the power management integrated circuit 120a can recognize that the first battery 110a is being charged with the battery voltage VBAT. Therefore, the power management integrated circuit 120a may incorrectly identify the charging voltage of the first battery 110a, extract excessive power from the first battery 110a, and send the power to the control circuit 140a and other components. Therefore, the actual battery voltage VrBAT of the first battery 110a can be rapidly depleted. Due to the actual battery voltage VrBAT, the power management integrated circuit 120a may not supply power to the control circuit 140a and other components, and the actual battery voltage VrBAT can be gradually charged based on the power received from the second mobile device 200a. As a result, due to the power received from the second mobile device 200a, the actual battery voltage VrBAT can be charged in an over-discharge state, a normal state, and a fully charged state, or unstable charging may be performed in an over-discharge state. Due to unstable charging, noise may occur in the pogo current Ipogo output to the first input terminal T1 of the first mobile device 100a. In other words, the pogo current Ipogo can switch in an over-discharge state. However, the reasons for switching when the first battery 110a is in an over-discharge state are not limited to this, and the pogo current Ipogo may switch due to parasitic capacitance or parasitic inductance. According to the example embodiment, the second mobile device 200a can determine the charging state of the first battery 110a based on the switching time, which is the time period during which the pogo current Ipogo switches.

[0043] The PLC module 230a of the second mobile device 200a may include a current modem 231a and / or a voltage modem 232a. The control circuit 240a may generate control signals for controlling the current modem 231a and the voltage modem 232a. The current modem 231a may demodulate the current received through the second connection terminal T2 and may provide the demodulated signal to the control circuit 240a. The voltage modem 232a may receive the control signal from the control circuit 240a and may modulate a voltage signal based on the received control signal. The voltage modem 231a may transmit the generated voltage signal to the first mobile device 100a through the second impedance circuit Z2 and the second connection terminal T2 of the second mobile device 200a. The voltage modem 232a may include a linear regulator, and may include, for example, a low-dropout output (LDO) regulator.

[0044] The first mobile device 100a may include a first impedance circuit Z1, and the second mobile device 200a may include a second impedance circuit Z2. The first impedance circuit Z1 may be connected to a first connection terminal T1, and the second impedance circuit Z2 may be connected to a second connection terminal T2. Each of the first impedance circuit Z1 and the second impedance circuit Z2 may include at least one of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor. Data can be transmitted and received by transmitting signals including voltage swings or signals including current swings via power lines, and the swing level of the signals transmitted via the power lines can be adjusted based on the impedance values ​​of the first and second impedance circuits Z1 and Z2.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a second mobile device according to an example embodiment. (Reference) Figure 3 In the plug-in check operation 310, the second mobile device MD2 can check whether its second input terminal T2 is connected to the first input terminal T1 of the first mobile device MD1. For example, the second mobile device MD2 can measure the impedance change of its second input terminal T2 to check whether its second input terminal T2 is connected to the first input terminal T1 of the first mobile device MD1.

[0046] In PLC device inspection operation 320, the second mobile device MD2 can check whether the first mobile device MD1 is a device that includes a PLC module. For example, the second mobile device MD2 can send PLC inspection data to the first mobile device MD1 via a power line. The PLC inspection data can be determined based on a predefined or alternatively, expected data structure. When the second mobile device MD2 receives predefined or alternatively, expected response data from the first mobile device MD1 in response to a response time, the second mobile device MD2 can identify the first mobile device MD1 as a device capable of performing PLC-based communication, and when the second mobile device MD2 does not receive predefined or alternatively, expected response data from the first mobile device MD1 in response to a response time, the second mobile device MD2 can identify the first mobile device MD1 as a device unable to perform PLC-based communication.

[0047] In charging operation 330, the second mobile device MD2 can supply power to the first mobile device MD1. For example, the power management integrated circuit 220 of the second mobile device MD2 can generate a conversion voltage Vc from an external input voltage Vin received from the outside via the input voltage terminal Tin or the battery voltage of the second battery 210, and can output the conversion voltage Vc to the second input terminal T2, thereby supplying power to the first mobile device MD1. However, this example embodiment is not limited to this, and the second mobile device MD2 can generate a conversion current Ic from the input voltage Vin or the battery voltage of the second battery 210, and can output the conversion current Ic to the second input terminal T2, thereby supplying power to the first mobile device MD1.

[0048] In the charging status check operation 340, the second mobile device MD2 can check the charging status of the first battery 110 included in the first mobile device MD1 and check the duration reference time. Figure 3 The example shows a charging state check operation 340 performed after charging operation 330, but this example embodiment is not limited to this; the charging state check operation 340 may be included in charging operation 330. When the charging state of the first battery 110 is determined to be either over-discharged or normal, the second mobile device MD2 may continuously supply power to the first mobile device MD1 during charging operation 330. When the charging state of the first battery 110 is determined to be fully charged, the second mobile device MD2 may cut off power supply to the first mobile device MD1 during charging operation 330. That is, the second mobile device MD2 may selectively supply power to the first mobile device MD1 based on the charging state of the first battery 110. Reference will be made below. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure and operation method of the second mobile device MD2 used to determine the charging state of the first battery 110 are described in more detail.

[0049] In the PLC-based communication and charging operation 350, the second mobile device MD2 can perform PLC-based communication with the first mobile device MD1 and can simultaneously provide power to the first mobile device MD1.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a diagram that describes in more detail the first mobile device 100b according to an example embodiment. Figure 5 This is a graph showing the charging current and charging voltage of the first battery relative to the charging operation. (Reference) Figure 4 The power management integrated circuit 120b of the first mobile device 100b may include a charger 121b. The charger 121b can monitor the actual battery voltage VrBAT of the first battery 110b and can charge the first battery 110b using different schemes based on the actual battery voltage VrBAT. For example, the charger 121b can use a pre-charging scheme, a constant current scheme, a constant voltage scheme, or a trickle charging scheme to charge the first battery 110b. Figure 5 As shown, the period of charging the first battery 110b based on the pre-charging scheme can be called the pre-charging period, the period of charging the first battery 110b based on the constant current scheme can be called the constant current (CC) period, the period of charging the first battery 110b based on the constant voltage scheme can be called the constant voltage (CV) period, and the period of charging the first battery 110b based on the trickle charging scheme can be called the trickle charging period.

[0051] The first battery 110b can receive a stretching current Ipogo from the charger 121b, and therefore can be charged. That is, the charger 121b can provide the first battery 110b with a stretching current Ipogo of different levels based on the actual battery voltage VrBAT. Since the stretching current Ipogo can be provided to the first battery 110b, the actual battery voltage VrBAT can be increased. The path arranged with the first input terminal T1 and the first impedance Z1 can be connected to the charging path connected to the first battery 110b. Therefore, Figure 4 The stretching current Ipogo shown can have the same characteristics as... Figure 2 The expansion current Ipogo shown has the same level. However, for ease of description, the direction of the expansion current Ipogo flow will be described differently here. For example, when describing the charging of the first battery 110b, it can be said that the expansion current Ipogo flows in the direction toward the first battery 110b, and when describing an example of the second mobile device MD2 receiving the expansion current Ipogo, it can be said that the expansion current Ipogo flows in the direction from the interior of the first mobile device MD1 toward the first input terminal T1.

[0052] During the pre-charge period, the first battery 110b may be in an over-discharge state, wherein the actual battery voltage VrBAT is lower than a predetermined or alternatively desired second reference voltage Vref2. The actual battery voltage VrBAT may be the starting voltage Vinit. That is, the starting voltage Vinit may be lower than the second reference voltage Vref2. The second reference voltage Vref2 may be approximately 2.8V, but is not limited to this. The second reference voltage Vref2 may be a reference... Figure 1 The pre-charge voltage Vpre is described. Battery stability may decrease when a stretching current Ipogo is supplied to the first battery 110b, which is in an over-discharge state. Therefore, the charger 121b can supply a current to the first battery 110b equal to or lower than the pre-charge current Ipre. In the pre-charge scheme, the actual battery voltage VrBAT can gradually increase when a current equal to or lower than the pre-charge current Ipre is supplied. When the actual battery voltage VrBAT is equal to or higher than the second reference voltage Vref2, the first battery 110b can be charged based on a constant current (CC) scheme. The second reference voltage Vref2 can be a reference voltage that allows the first battery 110b to release its over-discharge state. During the pre-charge period, the first battery 110b can be in an over-discharge state.

[0053] During the constant current (CC) period, charger 121b can provide a charging current Icc to the first battery 110b, having a higher level than the pre-charge current Ipre. When the charging current Icc is provided to the first battery 110b, the actual battery voltage VrBAT can increase faster than during the pre-charge period. When the actual battery voltage VrBAT reaches the full charge voltage Vfc, the first battery 110b can be charged based on a constant voltage (CV) scheme. The full charge voltage Vfc can be from approximately 4.35V to approximately 4.4V, but is not limited to this.

[0054] During the constant voltage (CV) period, the actual battery voltage VrBAT can be maintained at the full charge voltage Vfc, and the level of the stretching current Ipogo supplied to the first battery 110b can be reduced. When the reduced stretching current Ipogo is lower than the reference current Iref, the stretching current Ipogo can be a trickle current Itrk. The reference current Iref can have a value obtained by multiplying the discharge rate of the first battery 110b by a threshold rate. For example, the reference current Iref can be approximately 0.1C. The reference current Iref can be higher than the precharge current Ipre. During the constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) periods, the first battery 110b can be in a normal state.

[0055] During the trickle charging period, charger 121b can provide a trickle current Itrk to the first battery 110b to compensate for the self-discharge of the first battery 110b. The trickle current Itrk can be lower than the reference current Iref. During the trickle charging period, the actual battery voltage VrBAT can be the full charge voltage Vfc, and the first battery 110b can be in a fully charged state. Depending on the charging process of the first battery 110b, the stretching current Ipgo can be lower than the reference current Iref during the pre-charge period and the trickle charging period.

[0056] refer to Figure 5 During the pre-charging period, the stretch current Ipogo can be switched for a duration of tt. The switching time tt may end before the actual battery voltage VrBAT reaches the first reference voltage Vref1. The stretch current Ipogo can be switched for various reasons. For example, based on the difference between the actual battery voltage VrBAT and the battery voltage VBAT, the stretch current Ipogo can be switched for a duration of tt. Alternatively, the stretch current Ipogo can be switched by the parasitic capacitance and parasitic inductance of the first mobile device 100b. (Refer to the following...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The process of switching the stretch current Ipogo according to an example embodiment is described.

[0057] When a stretching current Ipogo higher than the reference current Iref is received, the second mobile device MD2 according to the example embodiment can determine that the first battery 110b is in a normal state. When the low current reception time trec of the stretching current Ipogo, which is equal to or lower than the reference current Iref, is longer than the full charge reference time tfcref, the second mobile device MD2 according to the example embodiment can determine that the first battery 110b is in a fully charged state. The full charge reference time tfcref can be longer than the time from when the stretching current Ipogo is supplied to the first battery 110b until the actual battery voltage VrBAT1 reaches the first reference voltage Vref1. When the switching time tt is longer than the over-discharge reference time todref, the second mobile device MD2 according to the example embodiment can determine that the first battery 110b is in an over-discharge state. The over-discharge reference time todref can be a reference time used to ignore switching due to unpredictable reasons such as the effects applied to the first mobile device MD1 and the second mobile device MD2. For example, the over-discharge reference time todref can be longer than the time when the stretching current Ipogo is switched by external influence. Reference will be made below. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure and operation method of the second mobile device MD2 used to determine the charging state of the first battery 110b are described in more detail.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a diagram that describes the protection circuit module 150c according to an example embodiment in more detail. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating in more detail the operation of the protection circuit module 150c, which performs over-discharge protection. (Reference) Figure 6 The protection circuit module 150c may include a discharge switch M1, a charging switch M2, a first diode D1, a second diode D2, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, a third capacitor C3, and / or a protection circuit controller 151c. The protection circuit controller 151c may include a first pin VDD connected to the anode of the first battery 110c, a second pin VSS connected to the cathode of the first battery 110c, a third pin DO connected to the gate of the discharge switch M1, a fourth pin CO connected to the gate of the charging switch M2, and a fifth pin VM for monitoring the current flowing in the charging and discharging paths.

[0059] The first resistor R1 and the first capacitor C1 can each be a low-pass filter, removing high-frequency components of the voltage applied to the protection circuit controller 151c. The second resistor R2 can sense the current flowing in the charging and discharging paths and transmit the sensed current to the protection circuit controller 151c. The second capacitor C2 protects the protection circuit module 150c from electrostatic discharge (ESD). The third capacitor C3 protects the discharge switch M1 and the charging switch M2 from ESD.

[0060] The protection circuit controller 151c measures the actual battery voltage VrBAT applied across the first battery 110c, outputs a first signal EN1 to control the discharge switch M1, and a second signal EN2 to control the charging switch M2, thereby protecting the first battery 110c. For example, when the actual battery voltage VrBAT is lower than the first reference voltage Vref1, the protection circuit controller 151c can perform an over-discharge protection function. That is, the protection circuit controller 151c can output the first signal EN1 at a logic low level and the second signal EN2 at a logic high level, thereby creating a charging path through which the first diode D1 flows. In other words, when the over-discharge protection function is being performed, the discharge switch M1 can be opened and the charging switch M2 can be turned on. The first reference voltage Vref1 can be approximately 2.6V, but is not limited to this. When the actual battery voltage VrBAT increases to be equal to or higher than the second reference voltage Vref2, the protection circuit controller 151c can release the over-discharge protection function. In other words, the protection circuit controller 151c can output a first signal EN1 at a logic high level and a second signal EN2 at a logic high level, thereby generating a path capable of charging and discharging. In other words, all discharge switches M1 and charging switches M2 can be turned on. The second reference voltage Vref2 can be approximately 2.8V, but is not limited to this.

[0061] When the charging current flows to the first diode D1, the battery voltage VBAT can increase the operating voltage Vth of the first diode D1. The power management integrated circuit 120c can provide power to the components of the first mobile device 100c based on the battery voltage VBAT. However, the battery voltage VBAT may be higher than the actual battery voltage VrBAT, and as a result, the power management integrated circuit 120c may provide excessive power to the components of the first mobile device 100c. Therefore, during the pre-charging period, the first battery 110c may charge unstablely, and noise may occur in the stretching current Ipogo due to unstable charging. That is, the stretching current Ipogo may switch.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a second mobile device 200b according to an example embodiment. (Reference) Figure 8 The second mobile device 200b may include a second battery 210b, a power management integrated circuit 220b, a PLC module 230b, and / or a control circuit 240b. (The reference above may be omitted.) Figure 1 The given descriptions are the same or similar.

[0063] PLC module 230b may include voltage modem 231b and / or current modem 232b. (See above regarding...) Figure 3In the described PLC device inspection operation 320, the PLC module 230b can perform PLC-based communication with the first mobile device MD1 based on a voltage signal or a current signal. For example, when the second mobile device 200b sends a voltage signal as a data signal, the voltage modem 231b can generate a data signal with a logic high level or a logic low level through voltage modulation operation based on the control signal received from the control circuit 240b. When the second mobile device 200b sends a current signal as a data signal, the current modem 232b can generate a data signal with a logic high level or a logic low level through current modulation operation based on the control signal received from the control circuit 240b. (The above refers to...) Figure 3 In the described charging check operation 340, the PLC module 230b can receive the stretching current Ipogo from the second input terminal T2 of the second mobile device 200b, and can transmit the received stretching current Ipogo to the control circuit 240b.

[0064] As per the above reference Figure 3 After the PLC device check operation 320, the second mobile device 200b can perform a charging operation 330 to supply power to the first mobile device MD1 and a charging status check operation 340 to check the charging status of the first battery BAT1 included in the first mobile device MD1. The charging operation 330 may include the charging status check operation 340. That is, the second mobile device 200b can check the charging status of the first battery BAT1 while being powered through the second input terminal T2.

[0065] Control circuitry 240b may include a low-current sensor 241b, a switching sensor 242b, and / or a power delivery controller 243b. Low-current sensor 241b can compare the stretching current Ipogo with a reference current Iref and output a low-current sensing signal I_sense to power delivery controller 243b. For example, when the stretching current Ipogo is higher than the reference current Iref, the low-current sensing signal I_sense may be logic low, and when the stretching current Ipogo is equal to or lower than the reference current Iref, the low-current sensing signal I_sense may be logic high. However, this example embodiment is not limited thereto. Switching sensor 242b can compare the switching time tt with an over-discharge reference time todref and output a switching sensing signal tgle_sense to power delivery controller 243b. For example, when the switching time tt is longer than the over-discharge reference time todref, the switching sensing signal tgle_sense may be logic high, and when the switching time tt is equal to or less than the over-discharge reference time todref, the switching sensing signal tgle_sense may be logic low. However, this example embodiment is not limited to this. The power delivery controller 243b can receive a low current sensing signal I_sense and a switching sensing signal tgle_sense, and can output a power delivery signal trans_signal to the power management integrated circuit 220b. The power management integrated circuit 220b can deliver power to the second input terminal T2 based on the power delivery signal trans_signal. For example, when the power delivery signal trans_signal is at a logic high level, the power management integrated circuit 220b can deliver power to the second input terminal T2, and when the power delivery signal trans_signal is at a logic low level, the power management integrated circuit 220b can not deliver power to the second input terminal T2. However, this example embodiment is not limited to this. When the low current sensing signal I_sense is at a logic low level, the power delivery controller 243b can determine that the first battery BAT1 of the first mobile device MD1 is in a normal state. Therefore, the power delivery controller 243b can output a power delivery signal trans_signal with a logic high level, causing the first battery BAT1 to be charged. When the low current sensing signal I_sense is at a logic high level and the switching sensing signal tgle_sense is at a logic low level, the power transfer controller 243b can determine that the first battery BAT1 of the first mobile device MD1 is in a fully charged state. Therefore, the power transfer controller 243b can output a power transfer signal trans_signal with a logic low level, thereby preventing the first battery BAT1 from being charged.When both the low current sensing signal I_sense and the switching sensing signal tgle_sense are at a logic high level, the power transfer controller 243b can determine that the first battery BAT1 of the first mobile device MD1 is in an over-discharge state. Therefore, the power transfer controller 243b can output a power transfer signal trans_signal with a logic high level, causing the first battery BAT1 to be charged.

[0066] According to the example embodiment, the second mobile device MD2 can accurately determine the charging state of the first battery BAT1 included in the first mobile device MD1, and can selectively supply power to the first mobile device MD1. Furthermore, even when switching the stretch current Ipogo, the second mobile device MD2 according to the example embodiment can avoid misidentifying the over-discharge state and fully charged state of the first battery BAT1, thereby reducing or preventing problems of over- or under-supplying the first battery BAT1.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a flowchart describing an operation method of the second mobile device MD2 according to an example embodiment. (See reference) Figure 9 In operation S910, the second mobile device MD2 can receive the stretch current Ipogo from the first mobile device MD1.

[0068] In operation S920, the second mobile device MD2 can compare the stretching current Ipogo with the reference current Iref. When the stretching current Ipogo is higher than the reference current Iref, the second mobile device MD2 can perform operation S921, and when the stretching current Ipogo is equal to or lower than the reference current Iref, the second mobile device MD2 can perform operation S930.

[0069] In operation S921, the second mobile device MD2 can determine that the first battery BAT1 included in the first mobile device MD1 is in a normal state. In operation S922, the second mobile device MD2 can provide power to the first mobile device MD1, so that the first battery BAT1 is charged.

[0070] In operation S930, the second mobile device MD2 can compare the low current reception time trec with the full charge reference time tfcref. The low current reception time trec can be the time during which the stretching current Ipogo is received that is equal to or lower than the reference current Iref. When the low current reception time trec is longer than the full charge reference time tfcref, the second mobile device MD2 can perform operation S931, and when the low current reception time trec is equal to or shorter than the full charge reference time tfcref, the second mobile device MD2 can perform operation S940.

[0071] In operation S931, the second mobile device MD2 can determine that the first battery BAT1, included in the first mobile device MD1, is fully charged. In operation S932, the second mobile device MD2 can cut off the power supply to the first mobile device MD1, so that the first battery BAT1 is not charged.

[0072] In operation S940, the second mobile device MD2 can compare the switching time tt with the over-discharge reference time todref. When the switching time tt is longer than the over-discharge reference time todref, the second mobile device MD2 can perform operation S941, and when the switching time tt is equal to or shorter than the over-discharge reference time todref, the second mobile device MD2 can perform operation S920.

[0073] In operation S941, the second mobile device MD2 can determine that the first battery BAT1, included in the first mobile device MD1, is in an over-discharged state. In operation S942, the second mobile device MD2 can supply power to the first mobile device MD1, causing the first battery BAT1 to be charged.

[0074] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a mobile system 10c according to an example embodiment. (Reference) Figure 10 Mobile system 10c may include a first mobile device 100c and a second mobile device 200c. (The reference above can be omitted.) Figure 1 The given description is the same or similar. The first mobile device 100c may include a PLC module 130c. Therefore, as referenced above... Figure 3 The first mobile device 100c and the second mobile device 200c can send and receive PLC inspection data and response data between them to perform PLC-based communication.

[0075] PLC module 130c may include current modem 131c and / or voltage modem 132c. (Refer to the above reference) Figure 8 Similar to the second mobile device 200b described, when the first mobile device 100c transmits a voltage signal as a data signal, the voltage modem 132c can generate a data signal with a logic high or low level through voltage modulation operation based on the control signal received from the control circuit 140c. When the first mobile device 100c transmits a current signal as a data signal, the current modem 131c can generate a data signal with a logic high or low level through current modulation operation based on the control signal received from the control circuit 140c.

[0076] However, as mentioned above Figures 5 to 7As mentioned above, when the first battery 110c is in an over-discharge state, the stretch current Ipogo can be switched. For the same reason as the switching of the stretch current Ipogo, noise may appear in the data signal used for PLC-based communication.

[0077] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating PLC-based communication according to an example embodiment. (Reference) Figure 11 To reduce or prevent noise in the data signal when the first battery BAT1, included in the first mobile device MD1, performs PLC-based communication in an over-discharged state, the second mobile device MD2 can perform a PLC device check operation 320a after the charging state check operation 330a and the charging operation 340a. That is, when it is determined that the first battery BAT1 is in an over-discharged state, the second mobile device MD2 can perform the PLC device check operation 320a after the time from the start of the charging state check operation 330a has elapsed for the full charge reference time tfcref.

[0078] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a mobile system 10d according to an example embodiment. (Reference) Figure 12 Mobile system 10d may include a first mobile device 100d and a second mobile device 200d, and the first and second mobile devices 100d and 200d may correspond to Figure 1 Examples of implementations of the first and second mobile devices 100 and 200. (See above references) Figures 1 to 11 The given description can be applied to this example embodiment.

[0079] The first mobile device 100d may include a wireless communication unit 160. The wireless communication unit 160 can perform wireless communication with the host device 500. For example, the wireless communication unit 160 may be implemented as a Bluetooth module and can receive data from the host device 500 via Bluetooth communication. The host device 500 may include, but is not limited to, smartphones, tablet PCs, PCs, smart TVs, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, media players, microservers, GPS devices, e-book terminals, digital broadcasting terminals, navigation devices, information PCs, MP3 players, digital cameras, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. As another example, the host device 500 may include wearable devices such as watches, glasses, hairbands, and rings, each of which includes communication and data processing functions.

[0080] The wireless communication unit 160 of the first mobile device 100d can receive data from the host device 500 and can transmit the received data to the second mobile device 200d via PLC-based communication. In some example embodiments, the host device may include the first mobile device 100d, and the client device may include the second mobile device 200d. The first mobile device 100d may include earphones, and the second mobile device 200d may include an earphone charger.

[0081] Figure 13 A mobile system 10e according to an example embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 13 The mobile system 10e may include a first mobile device (MD1) 100e and a second mobile device (MD2) 200e, and the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e may send and receive power and data between them via PLC-based communication. (The reference above can be omitted.) Figure 1 The given descriptions are the same or similar.

[0082] The first mobile device (MD1) 100e may also include a variable impedance unit 150e. The variable impedance unit 150e may be electrically connected to a first connection terminal T1 of the first mobile device (MD1) 100e, may include impedance elements such as resistors or capacitors, and may have an impedance that varies based on the control of the control circuit 140e. For example, the variable impedance unit 150e may include at least one variable resistor. As another example, the variable impedance unit 150e may include at least one resistor and at least one switch.

[0083] The control circuit 140e can determine the PLC mode between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e as one of a plurality of PLC modes, including a lower-speed PLC mode and a higher-speed PLC mode. For example, the lower-speed PLC mode may correspond to a power communication mode that transmits power through PLC-based communication. For example, the higher-speed PLC mode may correspond to a data communication mode that sends and receives data through PLC-based communication. According to an example embodiment, the plurality of PLC modes may also include at least one of a PLC mode having a communication speed between the lower-speed PLC mode and the higher-speed PLC mode, a PLC mode having a communication speed lower than that of the lower-speed PLC mode, and a PLC mode having a communication speed higher than that of the higher-speed PLC mode. Power communication operations and data communication operations may be included in at least one of plug-in check operation 310, PLC device check operation 320, charging operation 330, charging status check operation 340, and PLC-based communication and charging operation 350, each of which refers to Figure 3 describe.

[0084] The control circuit 140e can adjust the impedance of the variable impedance unit 150e based on a determined PLC mode. For example, the control circuit 140e can control the variable impedance unit 150e such that it has a first impedance in a lower-speed PLC mode, and can control it such that it has a second impedance higher than the first impedance in a higher-speed PLC mode. Furthermore, the control circuit 140e can control the PLC module 130e based on a determined PLC mode. Additionally, the control circuit 140e can perform control to charge the first battery 110e based on power received from the second mobile device 200e. For example, the control circuit 140e can be implemented as an MCU. However, the concept of the invention is not limited thereto; the control circuit 140e can be implemented as a processor or CPU.

[0085] Based on the determined PLC mode, PLC module 130e can receive power from or send data to the second mobile device 200e. For example, PLC module 130e can modulate a signal (e.g., voltage or current) to be output through the first connection terminal T1, and can demodulate a signal received through the first connection terminal T1. For example, PLC module 130e may include a current source, a current modulator, and a voltage demodulator.

[0086] The second mobile device 200e may also include a variable impedance unit 250e. The variable impedance unit 250e may be electrically connected to the second connection terminal T2, may include impedance elements such as resistors or capacitors, and may have an impedance that varies based on the control of the control circuit 240e. The variable impedance unit 250e may be implemented in the same or substantially similar manner as the variable impedance unit 150e, and the description given above with reference to the variable impedance unit 150e can be applied to the variable impedance unit 250e.

[0087] The control circuit 240e can determine the PLC mode between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e as one of a plurality of PLC modes, including a lower-speed PLC mode and a higher-speed PLC mode. In an example embodiment, the communication operations between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e may include power communication operations, host / client defined operations, and data communication operations.

[0088] Power communication operations can include in Figure 3 At least one of the following: charging operation 330, charging status check operation 340, and PLC-based communication and charging operation 350. In the power communication operation, the second mobile device 200e can transmit power to the first mobile device 100e. At this time, the PLC mode between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e can be determined to be a lower-speed PLC mode.

[0089] Host / client defined operations can be included in Figure 3 At least one of the plug-in check operation 310 and the PLC device check operation 320. In the host / client definition operation, the host sends data between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e, and the client receives data between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e. At this time, the PLC mode between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e can still be determined to be the lower-speed PLC mode. For example, the host can be determined to be the second mobile device 200e, and the client can be determined to be the first mobile device 100e.

[0090] Data communication operations can include Figure 3 At least one of PLC device inspection operation 320 and PLC-based communication and charging operation 350 is involved. In the data communication operation, data can be transmitted from the host to the client, and at this time, the PLC mode between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e can be determined to be a higher-speed PLC mode. For example, the second mobile device 200e can transmit data to the first mobile device 100e. In the data communication operation, the primary function of the power line 300e can be changed from power transmission to data transmission. In the example embodiment, only data can be transmitted through the power line 300e in the data communication operation. However, the concept of the invention is not limited to this, and in the data communication operation, power can be transmitted along with data through the power line 300e.

[0091] When data transmission ends, the power communication operation can restart, and the PLC mode between the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e can be determined to be a lower-speed PLC mode. In data communication operation, the primary function of power line 300e can be changed from data transmission to power transmission. In the example embodiment, only power is transmitted via power line 300e in power communication operation. However, the concept of the invention is not limited to this, and in power communication operation, data can be transmitted along with power via power line 300e. Control circuit 240e can adjust the impedance of variable impedance unit 250e based on the determined PLC mode. For example, control circuit 240e can control variable impedance unit 250e such that variable impedance unit 250e has a first impedance in the lower-speed PLC mode, and can control variable impedance unit 250e such that variable impedance unit 250e has a second impedance higher than the first impedance in the higher-speed PLC mode. Furthermore, control circuit 240e can control PLC module 230e based on the determined PLC mode. Furthermore, control circuit 240e can perform control to charge the second battery 210e based on an external input voltage Vin received from the outside. Control circuit 240e can be implemented in the same or substantially similar manner as control circuit 140e, and the description given above with reference to control circuit 140e can be applied to control circuit 240e.

[0092] PLC module 230e can supply power to the first mobile device 100e based on a determined PLC mode, or it can send data to or receive data from the first mobile device 100e. For example, PLC module 230e can modulate a signal (e.g., voltage or current) to be output through the second connection terminal T2, and it can demodulate a signal received through the second connection terminal T2. For example, PLC module 230e may include a lower-speed PLC modem operating in a lower-speed PLC mode and a higher-speed PLC modem operating in a higher-speed PLC mode.

[0093] Typically, mobile devices may include a battery and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) that manages the battery. The PMIC can change the voltage level of the power line by controlling current or voltage to implement a PLC. In some example embodiments, sending and receiving large amounts of data between prior art mobile devices may take too long due to the limitations of the PMIC's current or voltage control speed. However, according to an example embodiment, the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e can determine the PLC mode as a high-speed PLC mode for data transmission / reception, and can increase the impedance of the variable impedance units 150e and 250e connected to the power line 300e in the high-speed PLC mode. As described above, according to this example embodiment, the first and second mobile devices 100e and 200e can change the impedance of the variable impedance units 150e and 250e based on the communication speed through the power line 300e, thereby effectively supporting both lower-speed and higher-speed PLC modes.

[0094] Figure 14 A mobile system 10f according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0095] refer to Figure 14 Mobile system 10f may include a first mobile device 100f and a second mobile device 200f. (See above for reference.) Figures 1 to 13 The given description can be applied to this example embodiment. References to the above can be omitted. Figure 12 The descriptions given are the same or similar. The wireless communication unit 170f of the first mobile device 100f can receive data from the host device 400f and can transmit the received data to the second mobile device 200f via PLC-based communication. In some example embodiments, the host device may include the first mobile device 100f, and the client device may include the second mobile device 200f. (Refer to...) Figure 13 In the data communication operation described above, the first mobile device 100f can transmit the data received from the master device 400f to the second mobile device 200f.

[0096] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of a configuration associated with the frequency and duty cycle of the detection preamble signal.

[0097] refer to Figure 15 The mobile system 500 according to an example embodiment may include a first mobile device 510 and a second mobile device 520. According to the embodiment example, the first mobile device 510 may include a control circuit 511, a voltage demodulator 512, and / or a current modulator 513, and the voltage demodulator 512 may include a filter 512_1 and / or an amplifier 512_2. Furthermore, the current modulator 513 may include a current source.

[0098] Furthermore, the second mobile device 520 may include control circuitry 521, a current demodulator 522, and / or a voltage modulator 523, and the voltage modulator 523 may include an LDO regulator. Additionally, the current demodulator 522 may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0099] The first mobile device 510 and the second mobile device 520 can send and receive preamble signals between themselves before sending data. The period during which the preamble signal is sent can be called the preamble period. The preamble signal can be switched at least once, and the duty cycle of the preamble signal can be detected based on the switching width (or the width of a specific logic state) detected in the preamble signal. The preamble period can be... Figure 3 At least one corresponding time period of the PLC equipment inspection operation 320 and the PLC-based communication and charging operation 350.

[0100] The first mobile device 510 can receive a voltage signal as a preamble signal and data, and the second mobile device 520 can receive a current signal as a preamble signal and data. In an example embodiment, before transmitting data, the second mobile device 520 can send at least one preamble signal to the first mobile device 510 during a preamble period. The second mobile device 520 can transmit data to the first mobile device 510 based on the frequency and duty cycle of the preamble signal transmitted during the preamble period, and for example, the second mobile device 520 can transmit data to the first mobile device 510 having the same frequency (or period) and duty cycle as the preamble signal. When the second mobile device 520 transmits a voltage signal as data, the voltage demodulator 512 of the first mobile device 510 can generate an internal signal with a logic high or logic low level through a voltage demodulation operation based on the voltage signal thus received, and the control circuit 511 of the first mobile device 510 can determine the data based on a predetermined or alternatively desired frequency and duty cycle corresponding to the internal signal.

[0101] The first mobile device 510 can send data to the second mobile device 520, and for example, can send a current signal to the second mobile device 520 via a power line based on current modulation operation. Furthermore, similar to the example embodiment described above, during the preamble period, the first mobile device 510 can send a current signal or a voltage signal to the second mobile device 520 as a preamble signal, and the control circuit 521 of the second mobile device 520 can detect the frequency and duty cycle of the preamble signal from the first mobile device 510. Subsequently, the first mobile device 510 can send the current signal as data to the second mobile device 520, and the second mobile device 520 can determine the data based on the frequency and duty cycle detected during the preamble period.

[0102] In the operation of the first mobile device 510, the filter 512_1 of the voltage demodulator 512 can perform a filtering operation to cut off a specific level of the voltage signal received through the power line to remove noise, and can provide the filtered voltage signal to the amplifier 512_2. The amplifier 512_2 can process the voltage signal thus received to generate an internal signal with a logic high level or a logic low level, and can provide the internal signal to the control circuit 511, which can use the internal signal to perform a data determination operation based on the frequency and duty cycle detection results. Furthermore, the control circuit 511 can control the current modulator 513 to generate a current signal for data communication.

[0103] In the operation of the second mobile device 520, the current demodulator 522 can provide an internal signal with a logic high or logic low level to the control circuit 521 based on the analog-to-digital conversion operation performed on the received current signal, and the control circuit 521 can perform a data determination operation based on each frequency and duty cycle detected in the preamble period. Furthermore, according to the above example embodiment, the control circuit 521 can control the voltage modulator 523, thereby generating a voltage signal for data communication.

[0104] One or more of the aforementioned elements may include or be implemented in the processing circuitry, such as hardware including logic circuitry; hardware / software combinations, such as a processor running software; or combinations thereof. For example, the processing circuitry may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0105] While the concept of the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile system, comprising: A first mobile device is configured to output a signal having a level less than or equal to a reference level based on the charging state of the battery in the first mobile device; as well as The second mobile device is configured to receive the signal and selectively supply power to the first mobile device based on the duration for which the signal level is maintained less than or equal to the reference level and the switching time period for switching the signal.

2. The mobile system according to claim 1, wherein, When the duration is longer than the first reference time, the second mobile device is configured to determine the battery's state of charge as fully charged. When the switching time period is longer than the second reference time, the second mobile device is configured to determine the charging state of the battery as an over-discharge state. When the battery's state of charge is the fully charged state, the second mobile device is configured to cut off power supplied to the first mobile device, and When the battery's state of charge is the over-discharge state, the second mobile device is configured to provide power to the first mobile device.

3. The mobile system according to claim 2, wherein the first mobile device comprises: The protection circuit module is configured to perform over-discharge protection when the charging voltage of the battery drops below the reference voltage; as well as A first power management integrated circuit is configured to output a switching signal before the charging voltage of the battery increases to be greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

4. The mobile system according to claim 3, wherein, The first reference time is longer than the time taken from the start of battery charging until the charging voltage reaches the reference voltage.

5. The mobile system according to claim 4, wherein the first mobile device includes a first power line communication PLC module, the first PLC module being configured to perform PLC-based communication with the second mobile device. The second mobile device includes a second PLC module, which is configured to perform PLC-based communication with the first mobile device. The first mobile device and the second mobile device Each is configured to perform the PLC-based communication after the first reference time has elapsed.

6. The mobile system of claim 3, wherein the second reference time is longer than the time during which the signal is switched by external influence.

7. The mobile system of claim 1, wherein the second mobile device comprises: The connection terminal is electrically connected to the first mobile device; A second power management integrated circuit is configured to generate power to be supplied to the first mobile device; as well as A control circuit is configured to control the second power management integrated circuit such that power generated by the second power management integrated circuit is supplied to the first mobile device based on the duration and the switching time period.

8. The mobile system according to claim 7, wherein the control circuit comprises: A low-current sensor is configured to compare the duration with a first reference time and output a low-current sensing signal based on the comparison result. The sensor is switched, configured to compare the switching time period with a second reference time, and output a switching sensing signal based on the comparison result; as well as A power delivery controller is configured to output a power delivery signal to the second power management integrated circuit in order to provide power to the first mobile device based on the low current sensing signal and the switching sensing signal.

9. The mobile system of claim 1, wherein the reference level is a level obtained by multiplying the discharge rate of the battery by a threshold rate.

10. The mobile system of claim 1, wherein the first mobile device includes an earbud and the second mobile device includes an earbud charger.

11. A mobile device, comprising: Connection terminals configured to receive signals from external devices, including batteries; A power management integrated circuit configured to generate power to be supplied to the external device; as well as A control circuit is configured to control the power management integrated circuit to provide power to the external device based on the duration for which the signal level is maintained less than or equal to a reference level and the switching time period for switching the signal.

12. The mobile device according to claim 11, wherein, When the duration is longer than the first reference time, the control circuit is configured to determine the battery's charging state as a fully charged state. When the switching time period is longer than the second reference time, the control circuit is configured to determine the charging state of the battery as an over-discharge state. When the battery's state of charge is the fully charged state, the control circuit is configured to cut off the power supply to the external device, and When the battery's state of charge is the over-discharge state, the control circuit is configured to provide power to the external device.

13. The mobile device of claim 12, wherein the control circuit comprises: A low-current sensor is configured to compare the duration with a first reference time and output a low-current sensing signal based on the comparison result. The sensor is switched, configured to compare the switching time period with a second reference time, and output a switching sensing signal based on the comparison result; as well as A power delivery controller is configured to output a power delivery signal to the power management integrated circuit in order to provide power to the external device based on the low current sensing signal and the switching sensing signal.

14. The mobile device according to claim 13, wherein, The first reference time is longer than the time taken until the battery's charging voltage reaches the reference voltage, such that the over-discharge protection function performed on the battery begins from the time the battery charging starts.

15. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein the second reference time is longer than the time during which the signal is switched by external influence.

16. A method of operating a mobile device capable of providing power to an external device including a battery, the method comprising: Receive a signal with a level less than or equal to the reference level from the external device; The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the duration of receiving the signal having a level less than or equal to the reference level and the switching time period of the signal. as well as Power is selectively supplied to the external device based on the determined charging state.

17. The operating method according to claim 16, wherein determining the charging state includes: The duration is compared with a first reference time; as well as In response to a signal indicating that the duration is longer than the first reference time, the charging state is determined to be a fully charged state, and Selectively providing the power includes cutting off the power supply to the external device based on determining that the battery's state of charge is the fully charged state.

18. The operating method according to claim 17, wherein, The first reference time is longer than the time taken until the battery's charging voltage reaches the reference voltage, such that the over-discharge protection function performed on the battery begins from the time the battery charging starts.

19. The operating method according to claim 16, wherein determining the charging state includes: The duration is compared with a second reference time; as well as In response to a signal indicating that the switching time period is longer than the second reference time, the charging state is determined to be an over-discharge state, and Selectively providing the power includes providing power to the external device based on determining that the state of charge of the battery is in the over-discharge state.

20. The operating method according to claim 16, wherein, The reference level is obtained by multiplying the discharge rate of the battery by a threshold rate.

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