Electronic device and method for charging batteries by adjusting electrical connections between batteries

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: an interface to be connected to a charger; a charging circuit connected to the interface through a first node; a PMIC connected to the charging circuit through a second node different from the first node; and a switching circuit. The switching circuit may include a first switch to connect an anode of the first battery cell and a first node to each other based on a control signal from a processor. The switching circuit may include a diode including an anode connected to the cathode of the first battery cell and a cathode connected to the anode of the second battery cell. The switching circuit may include a second switch for connecting the anode of the first battery cell and the second node to each other in another state different from the state in which the connection has been established by the first switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description relates to electronic devices and methods for charging batteries by adjusting electrical connections between the batteries. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices with mobility are being developed. To support mobility, the electronic devices may include a battery. The electronic devices may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) for controlling charging and / or discharging of the battery. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include an interface to be connected to a charger, a charging circuit connected to the interface through a first node, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) connected to the charging circuit through a second node different from the first node, a processor driven by power provided from the PMIC, a plurality of battery cells, and a switch circuit connected to the first node and the second node to control the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells. The switch circuit may include a first switch for establishing an electrical connection between the first node and the anode of a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on a control signal received from the processor. The switch circuit may include a diode including an anode connected to the cathode of the first battery cell and a cathode connected to the anode of a second battery cell among the plurality of battery cells. The switch circuit may include a second switch for establishing an electrical connection between the second node and the anode of the first battery cell in another state different from the state in which the electrical connection of the first switch is established by the control signal.

[0004] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a charging circuit that receives a power signal from a charger different from the electronic device through a first node, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) connected to the charging circuit through a second node different from the first node, a plurality of battery cells, and a switch circuit connected to the first node and the second node for controlling electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells. The switch circuit may include a first switch disposed between the first node and an anode of a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, a plurality of second switches disposed between the second node and the anodes of the plurality of battery cells, and at least one diode connected to the battery cell, for sequentially transmitting the power signal transmitted to the first battery cell through the first switch among the plurality of battery cells.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a method of an electronic device may include identifying a type of charger based on a connection between the electronic device and the charger. The method may include: establishing a series connection of multiple battery cells in the electronic device based on identifying a charger of a preset type that supports power data exchange. The method may include: sending power data including a combination of voltages of multiple battery cells to the charger in a state where the series connection is established. The method may include: based on receiving a power signal having a voltage corresponding to the combination from the charger based on the power data, sending the power signal to multiple battery cells. The method may include establishing a parallel connection of multiple battery cells based on the identification of another charger different from the preset type. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 An example of a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 3a to Figure 3b An example of a switch circuit and a detection circuit connected to a plurality of battery cells of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c and Figure 4d Different states of a switch circuit of a plurality of battery cells connected to an electronic device according to an embodiment are shown.

[0010] Figure 5 An example of a switch circuit of three battery cells connected to an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 An example of a plurality of battery cells disposed in a deformable housing of an electronic device and one or more circuits connected to the plurality of battery cells according to an embodiment is shown.

[0012] Figure 7 An example of a flowchart for describing an operation performed by an electronic device based on a switching circuit according to an embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 8 An example of a flowchart for describing an operation performed by an electronic device based on a switching circuit according to an embodiment is shown.

[0014] Fig. 9 An example of a flowchart for describing an operation performed by an electronic device based on a switching circuit according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments. With respect to the description of the drawings, reference numerals may be used for similar components. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless it is clearly indicated differently in the context. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and / or B", "A, B or C" or "at least one of A, B and / or C" may include all possible combinations of items listed together. Expressions such as "1st", "2nd", "first" or "second" may modify the corresponding components regardless of order or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another without limiting the corresponding components. When a (e.g., first) component is referred to as "connected (functionally or communicatively)" or "accessed" to another (e.g., second) component, the component may be directly connected to another component or may be connected through another component (e.g., third component).

[0017] The term "module" used in this document may include a unit configured with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component of an overall configuration that performs one or more functions or its smallest unit or part. For example, a module may be configured with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1, the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one component (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some components (eg, sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single component (eg, display module 160).

[0019] The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 coupled to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that may operate independently of the main processor 121 or in conjunction with the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121 or be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as a part of the main processor 121.

[0020] The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) in place of the main processor 121 when the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or together with the main processor 121 when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., a camera module 180 or a communication module 190) related to the auxiliary processor 123 function. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, by the electronic device 101 that performs artificial intelligence or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network can be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model can additionally or alternatively include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0021] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, input data or output data of software (e.g., the program 140) and commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134.

[0022] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0023] The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0024] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing recordings. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as a part of the speaker or as a separate speaker.

[0025] The display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0026] The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal, and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupled to the electronic device 101.

[0027] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a user's state) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0028] The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols for direct (e.g., wired) or wireless coupling of the electronic device 101 with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0029] The connection terminal 178 may include a connector, via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0030] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or movement) or electrical stimulation, which may be recognized by the user via his tactile sense or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0031] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0032] The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0033] The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0034] The communication module 190 can support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that can operate independently of the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth TM , Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-distance communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))) to communicate with an external electronic device. These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 to identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199).

[0035] The wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies after the 4G network, such as new radio (NR) access technology. NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC) or ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave (mmWave) bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies for ensuring performance on high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple input and multiple output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 104) or a network system (e.g., a second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 can support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater), loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane delay for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip).

[0036] The antenna module 197 may transmit a signal or power to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive a signal or power from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiation element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 may be selected from the plurality of antennas by the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). Then, a signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component other than the radiation element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high frequency band.

[0038] At least some of the above components can be coupled to each other and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0039] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via a server 108 coupled to the second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 or 104 may be a device of the same type or a different type as the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be performed at the electronic device 101 may be performed at one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device and perform a function or service, the electronic device 101 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or additional service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a part of the reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 can provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or health care) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0040] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the above-mentioned electronic devices.

[0041] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, and include various changes, equivalents or replacements of the corresponding embodiments. With respect to the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It should be understood that, unless otherwise clearly stated in the relevant context, the singular form of the noun corresponding to the project may include one or more of the things. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding one in the phrase. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It should be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element) with or without the term “operably” or “communicatively”, it means that the element can be coupled to the other element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0042] As used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit."). A module may be a single integrated component or its smallest unit or part suitable for performing one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0043] Various embodiments as described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138), which may be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it with or without one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between a case where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and a case where data is temporarily stored in a storage medium.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or via an application store (e.g., a Play Store). TM ) online distribution (e.g., download or upload), or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0045] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., a module or a program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by a corresponding one of the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, a program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0046] Figure 2 An example of a block diagram of an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 The electronic device 101 may be a terminal owned by a user. The terminal may include a personal computer (PC) (such as a laptop or desktop), a smart phone, a smart tablet and / or a tablet PC. For example, the terminal may include smart accessories such as a smart watch and / or a head mounted device (HMD). Figure 2 The electronic device 101 may be Figure 1 An example of an electronic device 101.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include at least one of an interface 177, a protection circuit 210, a charging circuit 220, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 230, a processor 120, a power delivery integrated circuit (PDIC) 240, a plurality of battery cells 250, a switching circuit 260, or a detection circuit 280. The type and / or number of hardware components included in the electronic device 101 are not limited, such as Figure 2 For example, the electronic device 101 may only include Figure 2 A portion of the hardware components shown.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may include a hardware component for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware component for processing data may include, for example, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or a central processing unit (CPU). The number of processors 120 may be one or more. For example, the processor 120 may have a structure of a multi-core processor such as a dual-core, quad-core, or hexa-core processor. Figure 2 The hardware and / or circuits of the electronic device 101 shown in the different blocks may be provided in the electronic device 101 to obtain power for the operation of the processor 120 .

[0049] refer to Figure 2, electrical power for the operation of the processor 120 and / or the electronic device 101 can be received from a plurality of battery cells 250 and / or an interface 177 included in the electronic device 101. A plurality of battery cells 250 (such as a first battery cell 252 and a second battery cell 254) can output electrical energy from chemical energy to be consumed in other circuits and / or hardware components in the electronic device 101. For example, a plurality of battery cells 250 can be packaged in different battery packs, or can be included in a single battery pack. Each of the plurality of battery cells 250 may include a circuit (e.g., a protection circuit module) that controls the electrical connection of the battery cell to prevent overcharging and / or overdischarging. The battery cell 250 may include a capacitor or a secondary battery that stores electrical power by charging. For example, the secondary battery may be any one of a lithium ion battery (Li ion), a lithium ion polymer battery (Li ion polymer), a lead storage battery, a nickel cadmium battery (NiCd), and a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH).

[0050] refer to Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include an interface 177 for establishing an electrical connection between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device. Figure 2 The interface 177 may include Figure 1 The interface 177 may identify an external electronic device connected by wire through the interface 177 based on a protocol based on a wired connection such as a universal serial bus (USB). According to an embodiment, in a state where an external electronic device is connected through the interface 177, the electronic device 101 may receive electric power for driving the electronic device 101 and / or the processor 120, or may perform various functions for exchanging information between the processor 120 and the external electronic device.

[0051] refer to Figure 2, as an example of an external electronic device that can be connected to the electronic device 101 through the interface 177, a charger 290 is shown. For example, the charger 290 may include a plug and / or port for receiving electric energy from a distribution system, such as a concentric plug 294. For example, the charger 290 may be connected to the interface 177 through a connector 292 that is different from the plug connected to the concentric plug 294. The charger 290 may obtain a power signal (e.g., a power signal of a direct current (DC) voltage) to be output to the interface 177 through the connector 292 based on the alternating current (AC) power received through the concentric plug 294. The functions supported by the charger 290 may differ depending on the type of the charger 290. For example, the charger 290 may support a function (e.g., an enhanced power data object (APDO) function) of adjusting the voltage and / or current of the power signal to be output to the interface 177 based on the power data received from the electronic device 101 and / or the processor 120 through the interface 177. For example, a charger 290 that supports this function may be referred to as a power delivery (PD) charger.

[0052] According to an embodiment, a function of adjusting the voltage and / or current of a power signal based on power data exchanged between the electronic device 101 and the charger 290 may be supported based on a wired connection standard such as USB 3.0. For example, the electronic device 101 may send an electrical signal including power data to the charger 290 based on a specific channel (e.g., a configuration channel (CC)) and / or a specific pin of the interface 177. For example, the electronic device 101 may send an electrical signal to the charger 290 through the interface 177 to identify the type of the charger 290 or whether the function is supported. The electronic device 101 may send power data for adjusting the voltage and / or current of the power signal based on receiving an electrical signal indicating support for the function from the charger 290 through the interface 177. Reference Figure 2 The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include a PDIC 240, which is a circuit for supporting power data exchange between the processor 120 and the charger 290. The PDIC 240 may be connected to an end 120-2 of the processor 120 and to an end 177-2 of the interface 177.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may charge the plurality of battery cells 250 based on at least a portion of the electric power provided through the interface 177. Figure 2, one or more circuits for driving the processor 120 and / or charging the plurality of battery cells 250 are shown based on different blocks. The electronic device 101 may include a first node 202, the first node 202 is connected to the end 177-1 of the interface 177, and the power signal received from the charger 290 is applied to the first node 202. Hereinafter, a node may be a part of a circuit that connects circuit elements to each other, and may mean a part where there is substantially no potential difference. For example, a node may correspond to a wire connecting circuit elements in a circuit.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , the electronic device 101 may include a protection circuit 210, which is used to protect the circuit included in the electronic device 101 from the influence of a sudden change in the power signal applied to the first node 202. For example, the sudden change in the power signal may be caused by a surge voltage. The electronic device 101 may include a charging circuit 220 for receiving the power signal applied to the first node 202. The charging circuit 220 may apply a DC voltage to a second node 204 different from the first node 202 based on the power signal. The electronic device 101 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 230 connected to the charging circuit 220 through the second node 204. For example, the PMIC 230 may include Figure 1 The PMIC 230 may generate a power signal that is sent to the end 120-1 of the processor 120 based on the DC voltage applied to the second node 204. For example, the processor 120 may be activated based on the power signal received from the PMIC 230 through the end 120-1.

[0055] 2 shows an exemplary state in which the PMIC 230 sends a power signal for driving the processor 120, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The PMIC 230 can provide a power signal for driving other hardware included in the electronic device 101 (for example, including Figure 1 The power signal of the multi-chip package (MCP) of the communication module 190, the antenna module 197, the memory 130 and other circuits of the display module 160. Figure 2 , a power signal provided from the charger 290 through the interface 177 may be applied to the processor 120 after being sequentially controlled by, for example, the protection circuit 210 , the charging circuit 220 , and the PMIC 230 .

[0056] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may operate based on the electric energy charged in the plurality of battery cells 250. For example, in a state where the connector 292 of the charger 290 is separated from the interface 177, hardware different from the plurality of battery cells 250 in the electronic device 101 may obtain electric power from the plurality of battery cells 250. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a switch circuit 260 for controlling the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 250. Figure 2 , the switch circuit 260 can be connected to the first node 202 and the second node 204. Figure 3a An example of the structure of the switch circuit 260 for controlling the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 250 is described.

[0057] refer to Figure 2 , which shows an example of electrical connection between the switch circuit 260 and the circuit in the electronic device 101. Figure 4a to Figure 4d , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 Different examples of electrical connections between the switch circuit 260 and the battery cell 250 are described. The switch circuit 260 may include a first end 260-1 connected to the end 120-3 of the processor 120. For example, the first end 260-1 of the switch circuit 260 may be referred to as a control terminal of the switch circuit 260. The control terminal may be connected to the processor 120 to receive a control signal for controlling the charging speed of the battery cell 250. The switch circuit 260 may include a second end 260-2 connected to a first node 202 between the interface 177 and the charging circuit 220 (or the protection circuit 210). The switch circuit 260 may receive a power signal received from the interface 177 independently of the charging circuit 220 through the second end 260-2. The second end 260-2 may be referred to as an input terminal for receiving a power signal provided from a specific type of charger 290 (such as a PD charger). The switch circuit 260 may include a third end 260-3 connected to a second node 204 between the charging circuit 220 and the PMIC 230. The third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260 may be referred to as an output terminal for outputting a DC voltage of a preset range required to drive the PMIC 230. The switch circuit 260 may include a fourth end 260-4 connected to a ground node in the electronic device 101. The fourth end 260-4 may be connected to a ground node for grounding a circuit included in the switch circuit 260. For example, the ground node connected to the fourth end 260-4 may be an analog ground in an analog ground or a digital ground included in the electronic device 101. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may send a control signal to the switch circuit 260. The control signal may be associated with at least one of the connection between the interface 177 and the charger 290, the type of the charger 290, or the information obtained by the detection circuit 280. The electronic device 101 may include a detection circuit 280 for obtaining information required to generate a control signal of the processor 120. The electronic device 101 may include a first resistor 272 for obtaining information of the detection circuit 280 and provided between the first node 202 and the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260. The electronic device 101 may include a second resistor 274 for obtaining information of the detection circuit 280 and provided between the second node 204 and the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260. For example, the first resistor 272 and / or the second resistor 274 may have a relatively low resistance (e.g., a resistance of about 0.005Ω or less) to reduce deformation of voltage and / or current.

[0059] In an embodiment, the detection circuit 280 may identify the voltage and / or current of the power signal input to the switch circuit 260 through the first end 260-2 based on the voltage V1 between the two ends of the first resistor 272 and / or the current I1 of the first resistor 272. The detection circuit 280 may identify the flow and / or direction of the current between the second end 204 and the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260 based on the voltage V2 between the two ends of the second resistor 274 and / or the current I2 of the second resistor 274. The detection circuit 280 may send a digital signal indicating the voltages V1 and V2, the currents I1 and I2, or a combination thereof to the processor 120. The detection circuit 280 may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for obtaining a digital signal. The reference Figure 3b An example of the structure of the detection circuit 280 , the first resistor 272 , and the second resistor 274 is described.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may send a control signal for controlling the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 250 established by the switch circuit 260 to the end 260-1 of the switch circuit 260. For example, the processor 120 may send a control signal for establishing any one of a series connection or a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells 250 to the first end 260-1 of the switch circuit 260. The state in which the processor sends the control signal for establishing the parallel connection may include a state in which a power signal is obtained from the plurality of battery cells 250 based on the discharge of the plurality of battery cells 250 (for example, a state to be referred to later). Figure 4a For example, the state in which the processor sends a control signal for establishing a parallel connection may include a state in which a charger 290 that is not a PD charger is connected to the interface 177 (eg, Figure 4bFor example, the state in which the processor sends a control signal for establishing a series connection may include a state in which the charger 290 as a PD charger is connected (e.g., Figure 4c state 430). Reference Figures 7 to 9 Operations performed by the processor 120 to send a control signal are described.

[0061] As described above, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can establish a suitable connection for charging or discharging the plurality of battery cells 250 by using the switch circuit 260. For example, the processor 120 can establish a series connection of the plurality of battery cells 250 by using the switch circuit 260 so as to charge the plurality of battery cells 250 at a relatively high speed using the charger 290, which is a PD charger. When the plurality of battery cells 250 are charged at a relatively high speed using the charger 290 (which is a PD charger) based on the connection of the switch circuit 260 established by the processor 120, the plurality of battery cells 250 can obtain a power signal from the charger 290 through the first node 202 independently of the circuit (such as the charging circuit 220 and / or the voltage divider) in the electronic device 101. Since the plurality of battery cells 250 are charged independently of the circuit (such as the charging circuit 220 and / or the voltage divider) in the electronic device 101, the charging efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 250 can be increased or the noise can be reduced.

[0062] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 3a to Figure 3b An example of the structure of the switch circuit 260 and the plurality of battery cells 250 and the structure of the detection circuit 280 in the electronic device 101 is described.

[0063] Figure 3a to Figure 3b An example of a switch circuit 260 and a detection circuit 280 connected to a plurality of battery cells (eg, a first battery cell 252 and a second battery cell 254 ) of an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 3a to Figure 3b The electronic device 101 may be Figure 1 to Figure 2 An example of an electronic device 101. For example, Figure 2 The electronic device 101 and the switching circuit 260 may include Figure 3a The electronic device 101 and the switching circuit 260. Figure 3a The first end 260-1 to the fourth end 260-4 of the switch circuit 260 may correspond to Figure 2 For example, the first end 260-1 of the switch circuit 260 may be connected to the fourth end 260-4. Figure 2 The second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260 may be connected to the end 120-3 of the processor 120. Figure 2The first node 202 of the switch circuit 260 can be connected to the first node 202. The first resistor 272 for measuring the current flowing between the second end 260-2 and the first node 202 can be provided between the second end 260-2 and the first node 202. The third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260 can be connected to the Figure 2 The fourth end 260-4 of the switch circuit 260 may be grounded. Figure 3a According to the embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include two battery cells (eg, a first battery cell 252 and a second battery cell 254) and a switch circuit 260 for establishing an electrical connection between the two battery cells. The number of battery cells included in the electronic device 101 is not limited to Figure 3a Embodiment of the invention.

[0064] refer to Figure 3a The switch circuit 260 may include a first switch 310 for establishing an electrical connection between the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the second end 260-2 based on a control signal received through the first end 260-1. The switch circuit 260 may include a protection circuit 320 for establishing an electrical connection between the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the second end 260-2 based on a power signal received through the second end 260-2 (e.g., Figure 2 The switch circuit 260 may include at least one switch different from the first switch 310. For example, referring to Figure 3a , the second switch 340, the third switch 350, and the fourth switch 360 are shown as examples of at least one switch different from the first switch 310. The number of switches included in the switch circuit 260 is not limited to Figure 3a Embodiment of the invention.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 may include a voltage level shifter 330 for generating a control signal (e.g., a control signal having a voltage indicated by Q) to be sent to another switch (e.g., a second switch 340, a third switch 350, and a fourth switch 360) different from the first switch 310. The voltage level shifter 330 may be referred to as a voltage level shifting circuit. The voltage level shifter 330 may output another control signal for controlling another switch from the control signal received from the first end 260-1. For example, at least one of the first switch and the other switch may be synchronized based on the control signal received through the first end 260-1 and the other control signal adjusted by the voltage level shifter 330.

[0066] refer to Figure 3a, another switch different from the first switch 310 may electrically connect the cathode and anode of each of the plurality of battery cells to the third end 260-3 and the fourth end 260-4 of the switch circuit 260 based on the control signal Q of the voltage level shifter 330. For example, the second switch 340 may establish an electrical connection between the anode 252-1 and the third end 260-3 of the first battery cell 252 based on the control signal Q. The third switch 350 may establish an electrical connection between the cathode 252-2 and the fourth end 260-4 of the first battery cell 252 based on the control signal Q. The fourth switch 360 may establish an electrical connection between the anode 254-1 and the third end 260-3 of the second battery cell 254 based on the control signal Q.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 may include at least one diode connecting the cathode of a specific battery cell and the anode of another battery cell to form a series connection of multiple battery cells. When the switch circuit 260 controls the electrical connection of two battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254), Figure 3a In an embodiment of the present invention, the switch circuit 260 may include a diode 370 including an anode connected to the cathode 252-2 of the first battery cell 252 and a cathode connected to the anode 254-1 of the second battery cell 254. When the diode 370 is forward biased, current may flow from the cathode 252-2 of the first battery cell 252 toward the anode 254-1 of the second battery cell 254.

[0068] In an embodiment where a series connection of a plurality of battery cells is formed by at least one diode of the switch circuit 260, the cathode of the last battery cell in the series connection may be directly connected to the fourth terminal 260-4. Figure 3a In an embodiment, in which the series connection between the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 is formed by a diode 370, the cathode 254-2 of the second battery cell 254 can be connected to the fourth end 260-4. For example, the cathode 254-2 of the second battery cell 254 can be grounded. In an embodiment, the switch circuit 260 can include a diode disposed between the anode of the last battery cell in the series connection and the third end 260-3. For example, in Figure 3a In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the switch circuit 260 may include a diode 380 including an anode connected to the anode 254 - 1 of the second battery cell 254 and a cathode connected to the third end 260 - 3 .

[0069] In an embodiment, the switches (e.g., the first switch 310 to the fourth switch 360) included in the switch circuit 260 may include a transistor. For example, the transistor may include a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a metal insulator semiconductor FET (MISFET), and / or a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). For example, the first switch 310 may include an N-channel MOSFET. In an example in which the first switch 310 includes an N-channel MOSFET, the second switch 340 to the fourth switch 360 may include a P-channel MOSFET. In this example, based on different operating regions of the N-channel MOSFET and the P-channel MOSFET, the state of the first switch 310 and the state of the second switch 340 to the fourth switch 360 may operate oppositely to each other. The embodiment is not limited to this example, and the first switch 310 may include a P-channel MOSFET, and another switch different from the first switch 310 in the switch circuit 260 may include an N-channel MOSFET. In an embodiment, the diodes 370 and 380 in the switch circuit 260 may include a PN junction diode and / or a MOS diode.

[0070] In the following, based on the above reference Figure 3a The operation of the switch circuit 260 is described with reference to the example of the switch circuit 260 described above. The switch circuit 260 can be connected to a processor (eg, Figure 2 The processor 120 of the switch circuit 260 receives the control signal. Based on the first switch 310 controlled by the control signal, an electrical connection between the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the second end 260-2 can be established. Figure 2 The first node 202 connected to the interface 177 of the first battery cell 252 can thus establish an electrical connection between the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the first node 202 through the electrical connection established by the first switch 310. In the following, activation of a switch can mean establishing an electrical connection through the switch. For example, activation of the first switch 310 can mean establishing an electrical connection between the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the first node 202.

[0071] According to an embodiment, in a state where the first switch 310 is activated by a control signal received through the first terminal 260-1, the voltage level shifter 330 may generate a control signal Q for deactivating another switch included in the switch circuit 260 and different from the first switch 310. Figure 3a, in a state where the first switch 310 is activated, the second switch 340, the third switch 350, and the fourth switch 360 may be deactivated based on the generated control signal Q. Deactivation of a switch (a state opposite to a state where the switch is activated) may mean that an electrical connection controlled by the switch is cut off. The voltage level shifter 330 may synchronize activation of the first switch 310 with deactivation of another switch. Similarly, the voltage level shifter 330 may synchronize deactivation of the first switch 310 with activation of another switch.

[0072] In another state in which the first switch 310 is deactivated by the control signal received through the first terminal 260-1, the voltage level shifter 330 may generate a control signal Q for activating another switch different from the first switch 310 in the switch circuit 260. Figure 3a In another state where the first switch 310 is deactivated, an electrical connection between the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260 can be established based on the activated second switch 340. Figure 2 The second node 204 of the first battery cell 252 is activated, so the electrical connection between the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the second node 204 can be established by the electrical connection established by the second switch 340. Similarly, in another state, the electrical connection between the anode 254-1 of the second battery cell 254 and the third end 260-3 can be established by the activated fourth switch 360. In another state, the electrical connection between the anode 254-1 of the second battery cell 254 and the third end 260-3 can be established. Figure 2 In another state, an electrical connection may be established between the cathode 252-2 of the first battery cell 252 and the fourth node 260-4 based on the activated third switch 350. For example, in another state, the cathode 252-2 of the first battery cell 252 may be grounded.

[0073] As described above, in a state where the first switch 310 is activated, the second switch 340 to the fourth switch 360 may be deactivated. In this state, the power signal input to the switch circuit 260 through the second end 260-2 may be sequentially sent to the first battery cell 252, the diode 370, and the second battery cell 254. For example, in this state, a series connection between the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 may be established by the switch circuit 260. At the same time, the second switch 340 to the fourth switch 360 may be activated in another state where the first switch 310 is deactivated. In another state, the anode 252-1 and 254-1 of each of the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 may be connected in parallel to the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260. Similarly, in another state, the cathode 252-2 and 254-2 of each of the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 may be connected in parallel to the fourth end 260-4 of the switch circuit 260. For example, in another state, a parallel connection between the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 may be established by the switch circuit 260 .

[0074] According to an embodiment, in a state where the first switch 310 is activated by a control signal received through the first end 260-1, the protection circuit 320 connected to the first switch 310 can reduce damage to a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 252 and / or the second battery cell 254) connected to the switch circuit 260 from a power signal input to the switch circuit 260 through the first switch 310. For example, in a state where the first switch 310 is activated, since a series connection of the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 is established, a combination of the voltages of the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 can be applied to the first switch 310. In an example, the protection circuit 260 can deactivate the first switch 310 based on recognizing that a voltage exceeding a preset voltage range associated with the combination is applied to the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260. Since the first switch 310 is deactivated, a voltage exceeding a preset range can be prevented from being applied to a plurality of battery cells such as the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254. For example, the protection circuit 320 may disconnect the electrical connection of the first switch 310 based on recognizing that a voltage exceeding a preset voltage range is applied to the plurality of battery cells.

[0075] In an embodiment, the preset voltage range of the protection circuit 320 included in the switch circuit 260 may be Figure 2The voltage range of the protection circuit 210 is different. For example, the preset voltage range of the protection circuit 320 can be formed based on the combination of the voltages of multiple battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 252 and / or the second battery cell 254). In this example, the preset voltage range can be formed based on the DC voltage required to drive the circuits connected to the protection circuit 210 (e.g., the charging circuit 220, the PMIC 230, and / or the processor 120). Figure 2 For example, the upper limit of the preset voltage range of the protection circuit 320 may be greater than Figure 2 Based on the protection circuit 320, when the first switch 310 is activated, the voltage applied to the plurality of battery cells connected in series can be maintained at a voltage within the preset voltage range. The protection circuit 320 based on the switch circuit 260 can protect the plurality of battery cells within a voltage range independent of other circuits in the electronic device 101 that are different from the plurality of battery cells.

[0076] As referenced above Figure 3a The switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include a switch circuit 260 arranged in Figure 2 The first switch 310 between the first node 202 and the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252. The switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 may include a switch 310 disposed Figure 2 The switching circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 may include at least one switch (e.g., the third switch 350) disposed between at least one cathode of the plurality of battery cells and a ground node. In the switching circuit 260, the first switch 310 and another switch different from the first switch 310 may be synchronized by a control signal received through the first end 260-1. For example, activation of the first switch 310 and deactivation of another switch may occur substantially simultaneously. For example, deactivation of the first switch 310 and activation of another switch may occur substantially simultaneously.

[0077] According to an embodiment, a processor (eg, Figure 2 The processor 120 of the switch circuit 260 may send a control signal to the first end 260-1 of the switch circuit 260 based on the charging current and / or discharging current flowing to the second end 260-2 and / or the third end 260-3. Figure 3b , shows an example of a detection circuit 280 for sending information associated with the second end 260 - 2 and / or the third end 260 - 3 of the switch circuit 260 to the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment. Figure 2The processor 120 and the detection circuit 280 may include Figure 3b processor 120 and detection circuit 280. Figure 2 The first node 202 and the second node 204 may correspond to Figure 3b The first node 202 and the second node 204. Figure 2 The second end 260 - 2 and the third end 260 - 3 of the switch circuit 260 may correspond to the second end 260 - 2 and the third end 260 - 3 of FIG. 3 .

[0078] Figure 3b The first resistor 272 and the second resistor 274 may correspond to Figure 2 The first resistor 272 and the second resistor 274 may include an end connected to the first node 202 and another end connected to the second end 260-2. The other end of the first resistor 272 may be connected to the second end 260-2. Figure 3a The first switch 310. The second resistor 274 may include an end connected to the second node 204 and the other end connected to the third end 260-3.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the detection circuit 280 may identify at least one of the voltages V1 and V2 and / or the currents I1 and I2 of the first resistor 272 and / or the second resistor 274. In order to measure the voltage V1 and / or the current I1 of the first resistor 272, the detection circuit 280 may include two ends 280-1 and 280-2 connected to each of the two ends of the first resistor 272. In order to measure the voltage V2 and / or the current I2 of the second resistor 274, the detection circuit 280 may include two ends 280-3 and 280-4 connected to each of the two ends of the second resistor 274. An embodiment in which the detection circuit 280 is connected to both the first resistor 272 and the second resistor 274 is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the detection circuit 280 may be selectively connected to any one of the first resistor 272 or the second resistor 274.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the detection circuit 280 in the electronic device 101 may send information including at least one of the voltages V1 and V2 and / or the currents I1 and I2 of the first resistor 272 and / or the second resistor 274 to the processor 120. For example, the detection circuit 280 may identify the voltage V1 between the two ends 280-1 and 280-2. The detection circuit 280 may identify the current I1 applied to the first resistor 272 from the identified voltage V1 based on the preset resistance value of the first resistor 272 and Ohm's law. Similarly, the detection circuit 280 may identify the voltage V2 and / or the current I2 of the second resistor 274 based on the voltage V2 between the two ends 280-3 and 280-4. The detection circuit 280 may include an ADC for generating a digital signal that can be read by the processor 120. For example, the detection circuit 280 may be referred to as a fuel gauge circuit.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 connected to the detection circuit 280 can identify the charge amount of the multiple battery cells based on the information sent from the detection circuit 280. In an embodiment, based on the current flowing from the second node 202 to the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260 identified using the first resistor 272, the processor 120 can obtain the charge amount of the multiple battery cells based on the current and the number of the multiple battery cells. For example, the charge amount can be the product of the current, the number, and the duration of the current flow. The processor 120 can adjust the control signal for controlling the switch circuit 260 based on the information and / or the charge amount. The processor 120 can adjust the control signal from the charger (for example, Figure 2 The power signal output by the charger 290).

[0082] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 4a to 4d An operation of the processor 120 in the electronic device 101 adjusting a control signal according to an embodiment is described.

[0083] Figures 4a to 4d Different states 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 of the switch circuit 260 connected to a plurality of battery cells of the electronic device 101 are shown according to an embodiment. Figures 4a to 4d The electronic device 101 may be Figure 1 to Figure 2 An example of an electronic device 101. For example, Figure 2 The electronic device 101, the interface 177, the protection circuit 210, the charging circuit 220, the PMIC 230, the processor 120, the PDIC 240, the switch circuit 260, the first resistor 272, the second resistor 274 or the detection circuit 280 may include Figures 4a to 4dThe electronic device 101, the interface 177, the protection circuit 210, the charging circuit 220, the PMIC 230, the processor 120, the PDIC 240, the switch circuit 260, the first resistor 272, the second resistor 274 or the detection circuit 280. Figure 3a The switch circuit 260, Figures 4a to 4d The switch circuit 260 can control the electrical connection between two battery cells (eg, the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254).

[0084] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 in the electronic device 101 may be based on the electronic device 101 and the charger (eg, Figure 2 The switches in the switching circuit 260 (eg, the first switch 310, the second switch 340, the third switch 350, and / or the fourth switch 360) are controlled based on at least one of the connection between the charger 290 and the charger 290 or the type of the charger. Figure 4b to Figure 4d States 420 , 430 , and 440 may be included in a state in which the processor 120 recognizes a connection between the electronic device 101 and the charger. Figure 4a The state 410 may be included in a state in which the processor 120 recognizes the separation of the electronic device 101 and the charger. In the state 410, the electronic device 101 may obtain power based on a plurality of battery cells. For example, in the state 410, a plurality of battery cells may be discharged.

[0085] As in Figure 4a In state 410, when the power signal is not received through the interface 177, the processor 120 may send a control signal for establishing a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells 250 to the switch circuit 260 by using the switch circuit 260. Figure 4a , the second switch 340, the third switch 350 or the fourth switch 360 in the switch circuit 260 may be activated based on a control signal for establishing a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells 250. The first switch 310 in the switch circuit 260 may be deactivated based on a control signal for establishing a parallel connection.

[0086] When a plurality of battery cells (eg, the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254) are discharged Figure 4aIn state 410, a plurality of switches (e.g., second switch 340 and fourth switch 360) disposed between anodes 252-1 and 254-1 of a plurality of battery cells and a third end 260-3 of a switch circuit 260 may be activated. At the same time, at least one switch (e.g., third switch 350) disposed between cathodes 252-2 and 254-2 of a plurality of battery cells and a fourth end 260-4 of a switch circuit 260 may be activated. For example, anodes 252-1 and 254-1 and cathodes 252-2 and 254-2 of a plurality of battery cells may be electrically connected to a third end 260-3 and a fourth end 260-4 of a switch circuit 260, respectively. Reference Figure 4a , a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel between the third end 260 - 3 and the fourth end 260 - 4 of the switch circuit 260 .

[0087] In the case where a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254) are connected in parallel Figure 4a In state 410, a power signal based on the parallel connection may be sent to the PMIC 230 through the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260 and the second node 204. For example, the voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells may be applied to the second node 204. The circuit between the second node 204 and the interface 177 (e.g., the protection circuit 210 and / or the charging circuit 220) may be at least temporarily disabled in state 410. The PMIC 230 may apply a preset DC voltage to the end 120-1 of the processor 120 based on the power signal received through the second node 204. When the power signal is sent to the PMIC 230, the plurality of battery cells 250 may be discharged. According to an embodiment, in state 410, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may identify the voltage V2 and / or the current I2 of the second resistor 274 by using the detection circuit 280. The second resistor 274 may be used to obtain information associated with the discharge of the plurality of battery cells in state 410. The electronic device 101 may identify the state of charge (SOC) (or charging state) of the plurality of battery cells based on the voltage V2 and / or the current I2. For example, the SOC may be displayed in a display of the electronic device 101 in a numerical format (in %).

[0088] In an embodiment, when a charger (e.g., Figure 2When a charger 290 of the electronic device 101 is connected to the interface 177, a power signal output from the charger can be sent to the electronic device 101 through the interface 177. The power signal can be applied to the first node 202 in the electronic device 101 through the end 177-1 of the interface 177. The power signal applied to the first node 202 can be sequentially sent to the protection circuit 210 and the charging circuit 220 and sent to the PMIC 230. The processor 120 of the electronic device 101 can identify the power signal applied to the first node 202 by using the first resistor 272. Based on identifying the change in the voltage and / or current of the second resistor 274 due to the power signal output from the charging circuit 220 to the second node 204, the processor 120 can identify the power signal. The processor 120 can determine that the charger is connected to the interface 177 based on the recognition of the power signal.

[0089] refer to Figure 4b , an example of a state 420 in which the charger 290 is connected to the interface 177 is shown. The state 420 may include a state in which a charger 290 of a different type from the PD charger is connected. The state 420 may include a state before the processor 120 identifies the type of the charger 290 after the charger 290 is connected. The state 420 may include a preset state (e.g., a slow charging mode) for limiting the speed at which the processor 120 charges the plurality of battery cells. The preset state for limiting the speed at which the plurality of battery cells are charged may include a state in which the voltage of the plurality of battery cells has a voltage different from a preset range (e.g., a preset range associated with a fast charging mode).

[0090] As in Figure 4b In state 420, when receiving a power signal from a charger 290 that is different from the PD charger, the processor 120 may send a control signal for establishing a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells 250 to the switch circuit 260 by using the switch circuit 260. Based on the control signal, similar to Figure 4aIn state 410, the first switch 310 in the switch circuit 260 may be deactivated, and another switch different from the first switch 310 (e.g., the second switch 340 to the fourth switch 360) may be activated. For example, the anodes 252-1 and 254-1 of the plurality of battery cells may be connected to the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260. The cathodes 252-2 and 254-2 of the plurality of battery cells may be connected to the fourth end 260-4 of the switch circuit 260. For example, all of the cathodes 252-2 and 254-2 of the plurality of battery cells may be grounded. Since the plurality of battery cells are connected in parallel in state 420, the difference between the voltages of each of the plurality of battery cells (e.g., the voltage of the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 and the voltage of the anode 254-1 of the second battery cell 254) may be adjusted to decrease. For example, balancing of the battery cells may occur in state 420.

[0091] exist Figure 4b In state 420, the power signal input from the charger 290 through the interface 177 may be applied to the second node 204 through the charging circuit 220. The power signal applied to the second node 204 may be transmitted to the anodes 252-1 and 254-1 of the plurality of battery cells through the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260. The power signal applied to the second node 204 may be used to drive the processor 120 by being transmitted to the PMIC 230. For example, in state 420, the power signal input from the charger 290 may be divided into the switch circuit 260 and the PMIC 230 in the second node 204.

[0092] exist Figure 4b In state 420, charging of the plurality of battery cells based on the parallel connection may be controlled by the charging circuit 220. For example, the charging circuit 220 may generate a current flow from the second node 204 to the anodes 252-1 and 254-1 of the plurality of battery cells by adjusting the voltage applied to the second node 204. Based on the current, the plurality of battery cells may be charged. The charging circuit 220 may charge the plurality of battery cells connected in parallel based on a constant voltage. For example, state 420 may include a state in which the plurality of battery cells are charged based on a voltage in a preset range (e.g., a constant voltage).

[0093] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may send an electrical signal for identifying the type of the charger 290 to the charger 290 based on recognizing the charger 290 connected through the interface 177. For example, the electrical signal may be generated from the PDIC 240 controlled by the processor 120. The electrical signal may be sent from the PDIC 240 to the end 177-2 of the interface 177. The electrical signal sent to the end 177-2 may be sent to the charger 290 through the interface 177. For example, the end 177-2 of the interface 177 may be included in a signal path included in the interface 177 for exchanging power data between the charger 290 and the electronic device 101, such as a CC pin. The electrical signal sent from the charger 290 through the interface 177 may be sent to the PDIC 240 through the end 177-2 of the interface 177. The processor 120 may identify the electrical signal sent from the charger 290 by using the PDIC 240. Based on the electrical signal sent from the charger 290, the processor 120 may identify the type of the charger 290.

[0094] refer to Figure 4c , shows an example of a state 430 in which the processor 120 identifies a charger 290 of a type corresponding to a PD charger. State 430 may include a state in which a power signal having a voltage greater than or equal to a combination of voltages of a plurality of battery cells is received by controlling the charger 290, the charger 290 being a PD charger. State 430 may include a preset state (e.g., a fast charging mode) for causing the processor 120 to charge a plurality of battery cells relatively quickly. State 430 may include a state in which the current of the power signal provided to the electronic device 101 from the charger 290 as a PD charger is maintained at a constant current within a preset current range. For example, state 430 may include a state in which a plurality of battery cells are charged based on a current in a preset range (e.g., a constant current).

[0095] exist Figure 4cIn the state 430, the processor 120 may send a control signal for establishing a series connection of a plurality of battery cells to the switch circuit 260 by using the switch circuit 260. For example, the processor 120 may send a control signal for establishing an electrical connection of the first switch 310 to the switch circuit 260 based on identifying a charger 290 (which is a PD charger) that supports the exchange of power data to adjust the voltage of the power signal. The first switch 310 in the switch circuit 260 may be activated based on the control signal for establishing a series connection. Based on the control signal for establishing a series connection, another switch (e.g., the second switch 340, the third switch 350, and the fourth switch 360) different from the first switch 310 may be deactivated in the switch circuit 260. Since the other switch includes the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260 and the switches (e.g., the second switch 340 and the fourth switch 360) connecting the anodes of the plurality of battery cells, the charging and / or discharging of the plurality of battery cells based on the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260 may be stopped in the state 430.

[0096] Since the first switch 310 is connected in series between the plurality of battery cells (eg, the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254), Figure 4c 430 is activated, so that an electrical connection between the first node 202 and the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 can be established. Based on the electrical connection, the power signal input from the charger 290 through the interface 177 can be sequentially sent to the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260 and the anode 252-1 through the first node 202. For example, the power signal can be used to charge multiple battery cells by being sent to the multiple battery cells via the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260. For example, in Figure 4c In the state 430 , the power signal input from the charger 290 may be divided into each of the switch circuit 260 and the protection circuit 210 at the first node 202 .

[0097] Since the power signal input from the charger 290 is divided into the switch circuit 260 and the protection circuit 210 at the first node 202, the plurality of battery cells can be charged by the charging circuit 220 independently of the voltage variation (eg, the voltage variation of the second node 204). Figure 4cIn state 430, the charging circuit 220 may apply a preset DC voltage required to drive the hardware of the electronic device 101 (such as the processor 120) to the second node 204. The preset DC voltage may be greater than the voltage of the second battery cell 254 so as to reduce leakage current (e.g., leakage current through the discharge of the second battery cell 254) through the second diode 380 in state 430. For example, the second diode 380 may be reverse biased (or negatively biased) based on the preset DC voltage. For example, the processor 120 may control the charging circuit 220 to adjust the voltage of the second node 204 so that the second diode 380 is reverse biased. Based on the reverse biased second diode 380 and the deactivation of another switch different from the first switch 310, multiple battery cells may be separated from other hardware of the electronic device 101.

[0098] refer to Figure 4c , the power signal divided into the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260 in the first node 202 may be transmitted to the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252 among the plurality of battery cells connected in series through the first switch 310. For example, the power signal transmitted to the first battery cell 252 may be sequentially transmitted to the first battery cell 252, the diode 370, and the second battery cell 254. For example, through the diode 370, the power signal transmitted to the first battery cell 252 through the first switch 310 may be transmitted to the second battery cell 254 different from the first battery cell 252. Since the cathode 254-2 of the second battery cell 254 is grounded, the series connection of the first battery cell 252, the diode 370, and the second battery cell 254 may be established from the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260. For example, based on the control signal transmitted by the processor 120, the series connection of the first battery cell 252, the diode 370, and the second battery cell 254 may be established in the state 430.

[0099] exist Figure 4c In state 430, in order to charge a plurality of battery cells connected in series, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may request the charger 290 connected to the electronic device 101 to send a power signal having a voltage greater than or equal to the combination of voltages of the plurality of battery cells. In state 430, the processor 120 may identify at least one voltage among the plurality of battery cells by using the detection circuit 280. Based on the at least one voltage, the processor 120 may generate power data to be sent to the charger 290 by using the PDIC 240. The power data may include, for example, data that causes the charger 290 to send a power signal having a voltage greater than or equal to the combination of voltages of the plurality of battery cells. In a case where the electronic device 101 includes two battery cells (e.g., a first battery cell 252 and a second battery cell 254), the power data may be transmitted to the charger 290 by using the PDIC 240. Figure 4cIn the embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device 101 may request a power signal having a voltage twice that of a single battery cell from the charger 290. In state 430, upon receiving the request by the charger 290, the voltage of the power signal applied to the first node 202 may be increased to be greater than or equal to the combination of the plurality of battery cells.

[0100] Upon receiving a power signal having a combination of voltages of a plurality of battery cells from the charger 290 Figure 4c In state 430, the first switch 310 may be controlled to establish an electrical connection between the first node 202 and the anode 252-1 of the first battery cell 252. In state 430, another switch different from the first switch 310 may be controlled to disconnect the electrical connection between the anodes (e.g., anode 252-1) of the plurality of battery cells and the second node 204. In the case of electrical power matching of the charger 290, as the voltage of the power signal output from the charger 290 increases, the current of the power signal may decrease. The loss (e.g., line loss) generated when the power signal passes through the wire may be proportional to the current. Since the loss is proportional to the current, the loss generated by the electronic device 101 may be reduced while the electronic device 101 increases the voltage of the power signal output from the charger 290 based on state 430. For example, based on state 430, the electronic device 101 may charge the plurality of battery cells more efficiently.

[0101] exist Figure 4c In the state 430 of , the protection circuit 320 connected to the first switch 310 can control the first switch 310 based on the voltage of the power signal sent to the switch circuit 260 through the first switch 310. Through the protection circuit 320, when charging the plurality of battery cells based on the power signal sent through the electrical connection established by the first switch 310, the voltage applied to the plurality of battery cells can be maintained within a preset voltage range. For example, noise (e.g., surge voltage) of a distribution system can be applied to the concentric plug 294 connected to the charger 290. The noise may cause a sudden change in the power signal output from the charger 290. The protection circuit 320 can deactivate the first switch 310 based on the sudden change in the power signal. For example, the protection circuit 320 can deactivate the first switch 310 based on identifying a power signal having a voltage greater than a preset voltage range, the preset voltage range having an upper limit that is a combination of the maximum values ​​of the operating voltages of the plurality of battery cells.

[0102] According to an embodiment, in state 430, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may periodically (e.g., a preset period such as 1 second) identify the voltage V1 and / or the current I1 of the first resistor 272. For example, when charging a plurality of battery cells at a high speed based on state 430, the first resistor 272 may be used to measure the state of the plurality of battery cells. The processor 120 may identify the voltage V1 and / or the current I1 by using the detection circuit 280. Figure 4c , the current I1 may be a current for charging a plurality of battery cells. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may adjust the voltage and / or current of the power signal output from the charger 290 based on the voltage V1 and / or the current I1. For example, the processor 120 may maintain the current I1 within a preset range by using power data sent to the charger 290 based on the PDIC 240. For example, the preset range may be a preset range for charging a plurality of battery cells based on a constant current.

[0103] According to an embodiment, in state 430, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may identify whether to change the series connection of the plurality of battery cells to a parallel connection based on the voltage V1 and / or the current I1 of the first resistor 272. For example, the processor 120 may identify the SOC of the plurality of battery cells and / or the combination of the voltages of the plurality of battery cells based on the voltage V1 and / or the current I1. Based on identifying that the voltage of the plurality of battery cells exceeds a preset voltage and / or the SOC exceeds a preset SOC, the processor 120 may switch the series connection of the plurality of battery cells established by the switching circuit 260 to a parallel connection. When the series connection of the plurality of battery cells is switched to a parallel connection, the state of the electronic device 101 may be changed from: Figure 4c The state 430 switches to Figure 4b After switching to state 420, balancing of the plurality of battery cells may occur. After switching to state 420, charging of the plurality of battery cells may be completed.

[0104] For example, the electrical connection between the electronic device 101 and the charger 290 can be disconnected at will. When the electrical connection between the electronic device 101 and the charger 290 is disconnected, the state of the electronic device 101 can be switched to Figure 4a state 410. For example, in Figure 4b In state 420, when the electrical connection between the electronic device 101 and the charger 290 is disconnected, the PMIC 230 may obtain a power signal from the plurality of battery cells connected in parallel through the second node 204. For example, the switching from state 420 to state 410 may be performed while maintaining the parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells established by the switch circuit 260. Figure 4cIn state 430, when the electrical connection between the electronic device 101 and the charger 290 is disconnected, the processor 120 may send a control signal for establishing a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells to the switch circuit 260 to switch to Figure 4a Status 410. Figure 4d State 440 may be when the charger 290 is in Figure 4c An example of a state in a time period after separation from the interface 177 and before a parallel connection of a plurality of battery cells is established by the switch circuit 260 in the state 430 .

[0105] refer to Figure 4d , as the supply of the power signal through the interface 177 stops, the flow of the current flowing from the first node 202 to the second end 260-2 of the switch circuit 260 can be stopped independently of the activation of the first switch 310. When the supply of the power signal stops, the protection circuit 210 and the charging circuit 220 can be disabled. When the charging circuit 220 is disabled, the voltage of the second node 204 can be reduced to the voltage of the second battery cell 254. Since the voltage of the second node 204 is reduced, the second diode 380 can be forward biased. For example, a current may flow from the anode 254-1 of the second battery cell 254 to the second node 204 through the second diode 380. Based on the current flowing from the second battery cell 254 to the second node 204, the PMIC 230 can obtain power for driving the processor 120 independently of the stop of the supply of the power signal through the interface 177. For example, based on the second diode 380, the processor 120 can continue to operate independently of the stop of the supply of the power signal through the interface 177. For example, based on the second diode 380 and the second battery cell 254 connected through the second diode 380, the voltage drop of the second node 204 can be prevented by stopping the supply of the power signal through the interface 177 in the state 430. For example, the voltage of the second node 204 can be maintained to be greater than or equal to the voltage of the second battery cell 254.

[0106] exist Figure 4dIn state 440, the processor 120 may operate by a power signal supplied from the second battery cell 254 via the second node 204. The processor 120 may identify that receiving the power signal from the charger has stopped based on the voltage V1 and / or the current I1 of the first resistor 272 identified using the detection circuit 280. The processor 120 may identify the supply of the power signal by the second battery cell 254 based on the voltage V2 and / or the current I2 of the second resistor 274 identified using the detection circuit 280. The processor 120 may send a control signal for establishing a parallel connection of multiple battery cells to the switching circuit 260 based on identifying the stop of receiving the power signal and / or the supply of the power signal by the second battery cell 254. The first switch 310 may be deactivated by the control signal. Another switch different from the first switch 310 (e.g., the second switch 340 to the fourth switch 360) may be activated by the control signal. Since another switch is activated, the state of the electronic device 101 may be switched from state 440 to state 440. Figure 4a Since the state 440 is switched to the state 410, the processor 120 can obtain power from all the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.

[0107] As described above, according to an embodiment, the state of the electronic device 101 can be switched between states 410, 420, 430, and 440 based on the processor 120 and / or the switch circuit 260. For example, the processor 120 can actively adjust the speed of charging the multiple battery cells based on states 420 and 430. For example, the switch circuit 260 can support charging the multiple battery cells based on relatively small losses by adjusting the electrical connection of the multiple battery cells in each of states 420 and 430. In a state (e.g., state 440) where the electrical connection of the multiple battery cells should be suddenly switched, the switch circuit 260 can prevent the shutdown of the hardware included in the electronic device 101 based on a circuit element such as the second diode 380.

[0108] An embodiment of the electronic device 101 including two battery cells (eg, a first battery cell 252 and a second battery cell 254) is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Figure 5 An example of the switch circuit 260 which is included in the electronic device 101 and is used to control the electrical connection of two or more battery cells is described.

[0109] Figure 5 An example of a switch circuit 260 connected to three battery cells (eg, a first battery cell 252 , a second battery cell 254 , and a third battery cell 256 ) of the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 5 The electronic device 101 may be Figure 2 An example of an electronic device 101. For example, Figure 2 The electronic device 101, the interface 177, the protection circuit 210, the charging circuit 220, the PMIC 230, the processor 120, the PDIC 240, the first resistor 272, the second resistor 274 or the detection circuit 280 may include Figure 5 The electronic device 101, the interface 177, the protection circuit 210, the charging circuit 220, the PMIC 230, the processor 120, the PDIC 240, the first resistor 272, the second resistor 274 or the detection circuit 280.

[0110] refer to Figure 5 , the switch circuit 260 can control the electrical connection between the three battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 252, the second battery cell 254, and the third battery cell 256). The switch circuit 260 may include a first end 260-1 for receiving a control signal for adjusting the charging speed of the plurality of battery cells. The switch circuit 260 may include a second end 260-2 for receiving a power signal for charging the plurality of battery cells independently of the charging circuit 220. The switch circuit 260 may include a third end 260-2 for discharging the plurality of battery cells and / or charging the plurality of battery cells based on the charging circuit 220. Figure 5 At least a portion of the switch circuit 260 may be similar to Figure 3a The switch circuit 260. For example, Figure 5 The first switch 310, the protection circuit 320, the voltage level shifter 330, the second switch 340, the third switch 350, the fourth switch 360 and the first diode 370 in the switch circuit 260 may correspond to Figure 3a The first switch 310, the protection circuit 320, the voltage level shifter 330, the second switch 340, the third switch 350, the fourth switch 360 and the first diode 370. In order to reduce repeated description, the Figure 3a The description of the above drawings is repeated.

[0111] refer to Figure 5 According to the embodiment, the switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 may include a fifth switch 510 for establishing an electrical connection between the anode 256-1 of the third battery cell 256 and the third end 260-3 of the switch circuit 260. Figure 5, the switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include a sixth switch 520 for establishing an electrical connection between the cathode 254-2 and the fourth end 260-4 of the second battery cell 254. Similar to the second switch 340 to the fourth switch 360, the fifth switch 510 to the sixth switch 520 may be controlled by the control signal Q output from the voltage level shifter 330. For example, the states of the second switch 340 to the sixth switch 520 may be synchronized by the control signal Q.

[0112] refer to Figure 5 , the switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include a third diode 530 disposed between the cathode 254-2 of the second battery cell 254 and the anode 256-1 of the third battery cell 256. The third diode 530 may include an anode connected to the cathode 254-2 of the second battery cell 254 and a cathode connected to the anode 256-1 of the third battery cell 256. Figure 5 According to the embodiment, the switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 may include a fourth diode 540 for switching when a plurality of battery cells are connected in series (such as in Figure 4d in state 440) to prevent the processor 120 from shutting down.

[0113] refer to Figure 3a and Figure 5 , the switch circuit 260 in the electronic device 101 may have a structure differentiated according to the number of batteries included in the electronic device 101. In an embodiment where the electronic device 101 includes n batteries, the switch circuit 260 may include a third terminal 260-3 and n switches ( Figure 3a The second switch 340 and the fourth switch 360 in the embodiment of Figure 5 In an embodiment of the present invention, the switch circuit 260 may include a fourth terminal 260-4 and n-1 switches (e.g., Figure 3a The third switch 350 in the embodiment of Figure 5 In an embodiment where the electronic device 101 includes n batteries, the switch circuit 260 may include 2n switches, including a first switch connected to the second end 260-2 (e.g., Figure 3a The first switch 310 and / or Figure 5 The first switch 310 is connected to the third end 260-3, n switches are connected to the third end 260-3, and n-1 switches are connected to the fourth end 260-4.

[0114] As in Figure 4a to Figure 4b In states 410 and 420 of the present invention, when a control signal for establishing a parallel connection to the switch circuit 260 is received, the first switch 310 may be deactivated, and the second switch 340 to the sixth switch 520 other than the first switch 310 may be activated. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in a stand-alone state (e.g., Figure 4a In the case of a state 410 of the PD charger, the electronic device 101 can obtain power from the plurality of battery cells connected in parallel based on the activation of the second switch 340 to the sixth switch 520. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in a state of being connected to a charger different from the PD charger (e.g., Figure 4b In the case of the state 420 of the electronic device 101, the electronic device 101 can charge the plurality of battery cells connected in parallel based on the activation of the second switch 340 to the sixth switch 520. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in the state of being connected to the PD charger (for example, Figure 4c In the case of a state 430 of the electronic device 101, the first switch 310 may be activated, and the second switch 340 to the sixth switch 520 other than the first switch 310 may be deactivated based on the control signal for establishing the series connection. The electronic device 101 may charge the plurality of battery cells connected in series based on the activated first switch 310. In order to charge the plurality of battery cells connected in series, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may request a charger (e.g., Figure 2 The charger 290 ) sends a combined power signal greater than or equal to the voltage of the first battery cell 252 to the third battery cell 256 by using the PDIC 240 .

[0115] Reference above Figures 2 to 5 The described switch circuit 260 may be disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the processor 120 is disposed, or may be disposed on another PCB different from the PCB. Figures 2 to 5 The plurality of battery cells described above may be integrated into one or more battery packs. The switch circuit 260 may be included in one or more battery packs. The embodiment is not limited thereto. Figure 6 An example of the structure of the switch circuit 260 and the plurality of battery cells depending on the form factor of the electronic device 101 is described.

[0116] Figure 6 An example of a plurality of battery cells (eg, a first battery cell 252 and a second battery cell 254 ) disposed in a deformable housing of an electronic device 101 and one or more circuits connected to the plurality of battery cells according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 6 The electronic device 101 may be Figure 1 to Figure 2 An example of an electronic device 101. For example, Figure 2The electronic device 101, the interface 177, the protection circuit 210, the charging circuit 220, the PMIC 230, the processor 120, the PDIC 240, the switch circuit 260, the first resistor 272, the second resistor 274 or the detection circuit 280 may include Figure 6 The electronic device 101, the interface 177, the protection circuit 210, the charging circuit 220, the PMIC 230, the processor 120, the PDIC 240, the switch circuit 260, the first resistor 272, the second resistor 274 or the detection circuit 280. Figure 3a The switch circuit 260, Figure 6 The switch circuit 260 can control the electrical connection between two battery cells (eg, the first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254).

[0117] refer to Figure 6 , the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include a deformable housing. The housing may include a first sub-housing 610, a second sub-housing 620, and a hinge assembly 630 that rotatably couples the first sub-housing 610 and the second sub-housing 620. Although not shown, the electronic device 101 may include a flexible display arranged across the first sub-housing 610 and the second sub-housing 620.

[0118] refer to Figure 6 , a plurality of battery cells included in the electronic device 101 may be provided in each of the first sub-housing 610 and the second sub-housing 620. Figure 6 In an embodiment, hardware (e.g., interface 177, protection circuit 210, charging circuit 220, PMIC 230, processor 120, PDIC 240, switch circuit 260, first resistor 272, second resistor 274, detection circuit 280, and first battery unit 252) not including the second battery unit 254 is included in the first sub-housing 610, and the second battery unit 254 may be connected to the switch circuit 260 via a flexible PCB (FPCB) passing through the hinge assembly 630. The first battery unit 252 and the second battery unit 254 may be packaged in different battery packs.

[0119] Figure 7 An example of a flowchart for describing an operation performed by an electronic device based on a switching circuit according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 7 The electronic equipment and switching circuits can be Figures 1 to 6 Electronics 101 and Figures 2 to 6 An example of a switching circuit 260 is shown. Figure 7 At least one operation can be performed by Figures 1 to 6 The electronic device 101 and / or the processor of the electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figures 4a to 4dand / or Figures 5 and 6 Executed by processor 120).

[0120] refer to Figure 7 In operation 710, the electronic device according to the embodiment may identify the Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figure 6 interface 177) connected to a charger of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4b to Figure 4c For example, in Figure 4a In state 410, the electronic device may perform operation 710. Before identifying the charger, multiple battery cells (e.g., Figure 2 Battery cell 250, Figure 3a , Figures 4a to 4d and Figure 6 The first battery cell 252 and the second battery cell 254 and / or Figure 5 The first battery cell 252 to the third battery cell 256) can be connected in parallel.

[0121] refer to Figure 7 In operation 720, the electronic device according to the embodiment may charge the plurality of battery cells based on the parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells. The charging of the plurality of battery cells by the electronic device based on operation 720 may be similar to Figure 4b is associated with state 420 .

[0122] refer to Figure 7 In operation 730, the electronic device according to the embodiment may identify whether the charger supports the exchange of power data. The electronic device may identify the type of the charger based on the connection between the electronic device and the charger. The electronic device may communicate with the charger through a preset channel included in the interface. The electronic device may include a circuit (e.g., Figure 2 , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figures 5 and 6 PDIC 240 of the charger). In the case where the charger supports the APDO function, the charger may send a signal to the electronic device indicating that the exchange of power data is supported. In response to identifying that the charger does not support the exchange of power data (730-No), the electronic device may perform Fig. 9 For example, in the case where the charger is a different charger of a preset type that supports power data exchange, the electronic device may maintain a parallel connection of a plurality of battery cells.

[0123] In response to recognizing that the charger supports the exchange of power data (730-Yes), in operation 740, the electronic device according to the embodiment may measure the voltages of the plurality of battery cells. The electronic device may include a circuit for measuring the voltages of the plurality of battery cells (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 3b , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figure 5 detection circuit 280, first resistor 272 and / or second resistor 274).

[0124] In operation 750, the electronic device according to the embodiment may determine whether the combination of measured voltages exceeds a preset voltage. The preset voltage may be associated with a voltage and / or SoC of a battery cell suitable for establishing a series connection of multiple battery cells. In the case where the combination of measured voltages is less than or equal to the preset voltage (750-No), the electronic device may maintain the parallel connection of the multiple battery cells based on operations 740 and 750. While maintaining the parallel connection, the electronic device may charge the multiple battery cells by using a charger. Maintaining the parallel connection based on operations 740 and 750 may be related to Figure 4b When charging the plurality of battery cells based on the parallel connection, the voltage of the plurality of battery cells may increase to a lower limit of the voltage required for fast charging (or charging the plurality of battery cells based on the series connection of the plurality of battery cells).

[0125] In the case where the combination of measured voltages exceeds the preset voltage (750-Yes), the electronic device according to the embodiment may transmit power data to the charger to request a power signal having the combination of measured voltages as a voltage in operation 760. The power data may include a value multiplied by the voltage of the battery cell measured based on operation 740 and the number of battery cells included in the electronic device.

[0126] refer to Figure 7 In operation 770, the electronic device according to the embodiment may control the switch circuit (eg, Figure 2 , Figure 3a , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figures 5 and 6 The electronic device may send a control signal for establishing the series connection of the battery cells to the switch circuit 260. Since the series connection is established by the switch circuit, the state of the switch circuit may be switched to Figure 4c Based on operation 770, among the switches included in the switch circuit, the switch connected to the specific battery cell (e.g., Figure 3a , Figures 4a to 4d , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 A first switch (eg, Figure 3a , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figure 5In the switch, another switch different from the first switch may be disabled. For example, a switch connected to the anode of each battery cell in the plurality of battery cells may be disabled.

[0127] refer to Figure 7 In operations 730 and 770, the electronic device may establish a series connection of a plurality of battery cells based at least on identifying a preset type of charger supporting power data exchange. Figure 8 , describing one or more operations performed by the electronic device based on the establishment of the series connection of operation 770.

[0128] Figure 8 An example of a flowchart for describing an operation performed by an electronic device based on a switching circuit according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 8 The electronic equipment and switching circuits can be Figures 1 to 6 Electronics 101 and Figures 2 to 6 An example of a switching circuit 260 is shown. Figure 8 At least one operation can be performed by Figures 1 to 6 The electronic device 101 and / or the processor of the electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figures 5 and 6 The processor 120) executes. Figure 7 Operation 770 is performed Figure 8 You can Figure 4c Executed in status 430 Figure 8 For example, the charging of multiple battery cells based on the series connection can be performed while charging the multiple battery cells. Figure 8 at least one of the operations.

[0129] refer to Figure 8 In operation 810, the electronic device according to the embodiment may identify the magnitude of the current of the power signal for charging the plurality of battery cells. The electronic device may identify the magnitude of the current of the power signal for charging the plurality of battery cells based on a preset node (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 3b , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figure 5 The electronic device may identify the magnitude of the current of the power signal by measuring the voltage and / or current of the first node 202 of the power signal. For example, the electronic device may identify the magnitude of the current applied to multiple battery cells.

[0130] refer to Figure 8In operation 820, the electronic device according to the embodiment may determine whether the magnitude of the current in operation 810 is included in a preset range. The preset range may be determined to charge a plurality of battery cells based on a constant current. The preset range may be determined based on the voltages of the plurality of battery cells. When the magnitude of the current is included in the preset range (820-Yes), the electronic device may identify the magnitude of the current based on operation 810.

[0131] In response to recognizing that the magnitude of the current is different from the preset range (820-No), in operation 830, the electronic device according to the embodiment may measure the voltages of the plurality of battery cells. The electronic device may perform operations similar to Figure 7 Operation 740 or operation 830 .

[0132] refer to Figure 8 In operation 840, the electronic device according to the embodiment may determine whether a combination of the voltages measured based on operation 830 is included in a preset range. The preset range may have an upper limit for preventing overcharging of the plurality of battery cells.

[0133] In the case where the combination of voltages is included in the preset range (840-Yes), in operation 850, the electronic device according to the embodiment may send power data for adjusting at least one of the voltage and current of the power signal to the charger. For example, the electronic device may send power data to the charger to adjust the amplitude of the current output from the charger based on the operation 810 identification within the preset range of operation 820. For example, in the case where the amplitude of the current in operation 810 exceeds the preset range, the electronic device may send power data to the charger to reduce the voltage of the power signal output from the charger. For example, in the case where the amplitude of the current in operation 810 is less than the preset range, the electronic device may send power data to the charger to increase the voltage of the power signal output from the charger. The power data sent to the charger based on operation 850 may be associated with the combination of the voltages of the plurality of battery cells in operation 830.

[0134] In the case where a combination of voltages different from the preset range is identified (840-No), in operation 860, the electronic device according to the embodiment can establish a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells by controlling the switch circuit. For example, the electronic device can send a control signal for establishing a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells to the switch circuit. Since the parallel connection is established by the switch circuit, the state of the switch circuit can be obtained from Figure 4c The state 430 switches to Figure 4bAt operation 860, among the switches included in the switch circuit, a first switch connected to the anode of the specific battery cell of operation 770 may be deactivated. Among the switches, another switch different from the first switch may be activated. After the parallel connection is established at operation 860, the electronic device may be connected to the anode of the specific battery cell of operation 770 by using a charging circuit (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4b to Figure 4c The charging circuit 220 of the embodiment of the present invention can charge the plurality of battery cells. The charging circuit can output a constant voltage for charging the plurality of battery cells.

[0135] In the following, reference Figure 8 , one or more operations performed by the electronic device will be described based on the establishment of the parallel connection of operation 860.

[0136] Fig. 9 An example of a flowchart for describing an operation performed by an electronic device based on a switching circuit according to an embodiment is shown. Fig. 9 The electronic equipment and switching circuits can be Figures 1 to 6 Electronics 101 and Figures 2 to 6 An example of a switching circuit 260 is shown. Fig. 9 At least one operation can be performed by Figures 1 to 6 The electronic device 101 and / or the processor of the electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figures 5 and 6 The processor 120) executes. Figure 8 Operation 860 is performed Fig. 9 The operation may be performed based on a charger that does not support power data exchange being connected to the electronic device. Fig. 9 operation (operation 730-No). Fig. 9 At least one of the operations can be Figure 4b The process is executed in state 420.

[0137] refer to Fig. 9 In operation 910, the electronic device according to the embodiment may identify a power signal for charging a plurality of battery cells. Similar to operation 740, the electronic device may detect the power signal by using a detection circuit (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 3b , Figures 4a to 4d and / or Figure 5 The power signal can be detected by the detection circuit 280. Figure 2 The second node 204 is sent to the switching circuit 260.

[0138] refer to Fig. 9 In operation 920, the electronic device according to the embodiment may identify the SOCs of the plurality of battery cells based on the voltage or current of the power signal. Fig. 9 , in operation 930, the electronic device according to the embodiment may determine whether the SOC of the plurality of battery cells exceeds a preset SOC. The preset SOC may be determined to complete and / or end the charging of the plurality of battery cells. The preset SOC may correspond to the maximum value of the voltage of the plurality of battery cells. When the SOC of the plurality of battery cells is less than or equal to the preset SOC (930-No), the electronic device may monitor the SOC based on operations 910, 920, and 930. When operations 910, 920, 930, and 940 are performed, the plurality of battery cells may be charged based on a parallel connection. When the plurality of battery cells are charged based on a parallel connection, the SOC of the plurality of battery cells may gradually increase.

[0139] Based on recognizing that the SOC of the plurality of battery cells exceeds the preset SOC (930-Yes), in operation 940, the electronic device according to the embodiment may stop charging the plurality of battery cells using the power signal received from the charger. Based on operation 940, the electronic device may complete charging of the plurality of battery cells.

[0140] As described above, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a switch circuit for switching the electrical connection of multiple battery cells between a series connection or a parallel connection. The processor of the electronic device may generate a control signal for controlling the switch circuit based on the type of charger connected to the electronic device and / or the charging state of the multiple battery cells. In a state where the parallel connection of the multiple battery cells is established by the switch circuit, the multiple battery cells may be independent of a circuit for adjusting the voltage of a power signal in the electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The charging circuit 220 of the electronic device receives a power signal sent from a charger controlled by the electronic device. For example, in this state, the plurality of battery cells can directly receive the power signal of the charger. Since the plurality of battery cells directly receive the power signal of the charger, fast charging of the plurality of battery cells can be supported without a separate circuit for relatively fast charging of the plurality of battery cells.

[0141] A method for more quickly charging a plurality of battery cells included in an electronic device using a charger based on electronic device control may be needed.

[0142] As described above, according to the embodiment, an electronic device (eg Figure 2 The electronic device 101 may include a charger (eg Figure 2 An interface (eg, Figure 2 interface 177), through the first node (eg Figure 2 The first node 202 of the interface is connected to a charging circuit (e.g., charging circuit 220) of the interface, and a second node (e.g., charging circuit 220) different from the first node is connected to the interface. Figure 2The second node 204 of the charging circuit is connected to a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (e.g. Figure 2 PMIC 230), a processor driven by power provided by the PMIC (e.g. Figure 2 processor 120), multiple battery cells (e.g. Figure 2 A battery cell 250), and a switch circuit (eg, connected to the first node and the second node for controlling the electrical connection of the plurality of batteries Figure 2 The switch circuit may include a first switch (eg, Figure 3a The first switch 310 of the embodiment of the present invention is configured to switch the first battery cell (eg, a first switch 310) at the first node and the first battery cell (eg, a first switch 310) of the plurality of battery cells based on a control signal received from the processor. Figure 3a The anode of the first battery cell 252 (e.g. Figure 3a The switch circuit may include a diode (e.g. Figure 3a A first diode 370) includes a first diode connected to the cathode of the first battery cell (eg Figure 3a The cathode 252-2) is connected to the anode of the plurality of battery cells and the second battery cell (eg Figure 3a The anode of the second battery cell 254 (e.g. Figure 3a The switch circuit may include a second switch (eg, Figure 3a The second switch 340) is in a state where the electrical connection with the first switch is established by the control signal (eg Figure 4c Status 430 and / or Figure 4d state 440) is different from another state (e.g. Figure 4a Status 410 and / or Figure 4b In state 420), an electrical connection is established between the second node and the anode of the first battery cell. According to an embodiment, by using a charger based on electronic device control, the electronic device can charge multiple battery cells faster.

[0143] For example, the switch circuit may include a third switch (eg, Figure 3a The switch circuit may include a fourth switch (e.g., Figure 3a A fourth switch 360) is provided to establish an electrical connection between the anode of the second battery cell and the second node in another state.

[0144] For example, the processor may be configured to send a control signal to the switch circuit in a state to establish a series connection of the plurality of battery cells based on the electrical connection of the first switch and the diode.

[0145] For example, the processor may be configured to send a control signal to the switching circuit in another state to establish a parallel connection of multiple battery cells based on the electrical connection of the second switch, the cathode of the first battery cell grounded through the third switch, and the electrical connection of the fourth switch.

[0146] For example, the switch circuit may include a second diode (e.g., Figure 3a A second diode 380), which is different from the diode as the first diode, includes an anode connected to the anode of the second battery cell and a cathode connected to the second node.

[0147] For example, the processor may be configured to increase the voltage of the second node to be greater than or equal to the voltage of the anode of the second battery cell by controlling the charging circuit so that the second diode is reverse biased in the state.

[0148] For example, the processor may be configured to at least temporarily receive power from the second battery cell through the second diode when the power signal provided by the charger stops in the state.

[0149] For example, the processor may be configured to send a control signal to the switch circuit to transition from one state to another state when receiving power from the second battery cell through the second diode.

[0150] For example, the switch circuit may include a protection circuit (e.g., Figure 3a A protection circuit 320) is used to adjust the voltage applied to the plurality of battery cells based on a preset voltage range by connecting to the first switch when charging the plurality of battery cells based on a power signal sent through the electrical connection of the first switch in a state.

[0151] For example, the protection circuit may be configured to disconnect the electrical connection of the first switch based on recognizing that a voltage greater than a preset voltage range is applied to the plurality of battery cells.

[0152] For example, the processor may be configured to send a control signal to the switch circuit to establish electrical connection of a first switch based on identifying a first type of charger supporting exchange of power data to adjust a voltage of a power signal, the charger being electrically connected to the interface.

[0153] For example, the electronic device may also include a resistor (e.g., Figure 2 a first resistor 272) (which includes an end connected to the first node and another end connected to the first switch), and a detection circuit for identifying a current of the resistor (e.g., Figure 2 The processor may be configured to send power data to the charger through the interface so as to maintain the current identified by the detection circuit as a preset current when the electrical connection of the first switch is established based on the identification of the first type of charger.

[0154] For example, the processor can be configured to identify the magnitude of the voltage applied to the plurality of battery cells when the electrical connection of the first switch is established based on identifying the first type of charger. The processor can be configured to enter another state from a state based on a control signal based on identifying a magnitude different from a preset range associated with the state.

[0155] For example, in a state, a plurality of battery cells may be charged based on a power signal from a charger having a current within a preset range. In another state, a plurality of battery cells may be charged based on a power signal from a charger having a voltage within a preset range.

[0156] For example, another state may include a state after the charger is separated from the interface.

[0157] As described above, according to the embodiment, an electronic device (eg, Figure 2 The electronic device 101 may include a first node (eg, Figure 2 The first node 202 of the present invention is connected to a charger other than the electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 A charging circuit (eg, charging circuit 220) receiving a power signal via a second node (eg, charger 290) different from the first node Figure 2 The second node 204 of the charging circuit is connected to a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (e.g., Figure 2 PMIC 230), multiple battery cells (e.g., Figure 2 A battery cell 250), and a switch circuit (eg, connected to the first node and the second node to control the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells) . Figure 2 The switch circuit 260 may include a switch circuit 260 disposed at a first node and a first battery cell (eg, Figure 3a The anode of the first battery cell 252 (e.g., Figure 3a A first switch (eg, Figure 3a A first switch 310 is provided between the second node and the anodes of the plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of second switches (eg, Figure 3a A second switch 340 and / or a fourth switch 360), and at least one diode (eg, Figure 3a A first diode 370) is provided for sequentially transmitting the power signal sent to the first battery cell through the first switch among the plurality of battery cells.

[0158] For example, the first switch may be controlled to establish an electrical connection between the first node and the anode of the first battery cell in a state of receiving a power signal having a combination of voltages of a plurality of battery cells.

[0159] For example, the plurality of second switches may be controlled to disconnect electrical connections between anodes of the plurality of battery cells and the second node in a state.

[0160] For example, the at least one diode may include a diode including an anode connected to a cathode of a first battery cell and a cathode connected to an anode of a second battery cell different from the first battery cell.

[0161] For example, the electronic device may further include a processor to control the first switch and the plurality of second switches based on at least one of a connection between the electronic device and a charger or a type of the charger.

[0162] For example, the electronic device may include at least one third switch disposed between at least one cathode of the plurality of battery cells and a ground node and synchronized with the plurality of second switches.

[0163] As described above, according to an embodiment, a method of an electronic device may include identifying the type of charger based on a connection between the electronic device and the charger. The method may include: establishing a series connection of multiple battery cells in the electronic device based on identifying a charger of a preset type that supports power data exchange. The method may include: sending power data including a combination of voltages of multiple battery cells to the charger in a state where the series connection is established. The method may include: based on receiving a power signal having a voltage corresponding to the combination from the charger based on the power data, sending the power signal to multiple battery cells. The method may include establishing a parallel connection of multiple battery cells based on the identification of another charger that is different from the preset type.

[0164] For example, the identifying may include communicating with the charger through a preset channel included in an interface connecting the electronic device and the charger.

[0165] For example, establishing the series connection may include activating a first switch connected to an anode of a first battery cell in the plurality of battery cells.Establishing the series connection may include deactivating a plurality of second switches different from the first switch and connected to an anode of each battery cell in the plurality of battery cells.

[0166] For example, establishing the parallel connection may include deactivating a first switch.Establishing the parallel connection may include activating a plurality of second switches.

[0167] For example, sending a power signal to multiple battery cells may include sending a power signal to a first battery cell among the multiple battery cells through a preset node between a charging circuit in the electronic device and a charger, so as to control another charger to charge the multiple battery cells.

[0168] For example, transmitting the power data may include identifying the magnitude of the current applied to the plurality of battery cells. Transmitting the power data may include, based on identifying the magnitude different from a preset range, transmitting the power data indicating a voltage of an increase power signal to the charger.

[0169] The above-mentioned device can be implemented as a combination of hardware components, software components and / or hardware components and software components. For example, the device and components described in the embodiment can be implemented by using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as processors, controllers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), digital signal processors, microcomputers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic units (PLUs), microprocessors, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing device can execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications executed on the operating system. In addition, the processing device can access, store, manipulate, process and generate data in response to the execution of software. For ease of understanding, there is a situation described as using a processing device, but people with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can see that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device may include multiple processors or a processor and a controller. In addition, another processing configuration such as a parallel processor is also possible.

[0170] Software may include computer programs, codes, instructions, or a combination of one or more thereof, and may configure a processing device to operate as desired or may command a processing device independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, computer storage medium, or device for interpreting by or providing commands or data to a processing device. Software may be distributed across a network of computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored in one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0171] The method according to the embodiment can be implemented in the form of a program command, which can be executed by various computer devices and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium can continuously store programs that can be executed by a computer or can temporarily store programs for execution or downloading. In addition, the medium can be various recording means or storage means in the form of a combination of a single or several hardware, but is not limited to the medium directly connected to a certain computer system, and can be distributed on the network. Examples of media may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as optical magnetic floppy disks, and media configured to store program instructions, including ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. In addition, examples of other media may include recording media or storage media managed by application stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc.

[0172] As described above, although the implementation methods are described through limited embodiments and drawings, a person with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make various modifications and variations from the above description. For example, even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described methods, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are coupled or combined in a different form than the described methods, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, appropriate results can be achieved.

[0173] Therefore, other embodiments, other embodiments, and embodiments equivalent to the scope of the claims are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device (101), comprising: an interface (177) to be connected to a charger (290); a charging circuit (220) connected to the interface via a first node (202); a power management integrated circuit PMIC (230), the PMIC being connected to the charging circuit via a second node (204) different from the first node; a processor (120), the processor being driven by power provided from the PMIC; a plurality of battery cells (250); and a switch circuit (260) for controlling electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells and connected to the first node and the second node; as well as Wherein, the switch circuit comprises: a first switch (310) configured to establish an electrical connection between the first node and an anode (252-1) of a first battery cell (252) of the plurality of battery cells based on a control signal received from the processor; a diode (370) including an anode connected to a cathode (252-2) of the first battery cell and a cathode connected to an anode (254-1) of a second battery cell (254) of the plurality of battery cells; and A second switch (340) for establishing an electrical connection between the second node and the anode of the first battery cell in another state (410; 420) different from the state (430; 440) in which the electrical connection of the first switch is established by the control signal.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The switch circuit comprises: a third switch (350), the third switch being used to ground the cathode of the first battery cell in the other state; and A fourth switch (360) is used to establish an electrical connection between the anode of the second battery cell and the second node in the other state.

3. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor is configured to, In the state, a control signal for establishing a series connection of the plurality of battery cells based on the electrical connection of the first switch and the diode is transmitted to the switch circuit.

4. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor is configured to, In the other state, a control signal for establishing a parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells based on the electrical connection of the second switch, the cathode of the first battery cell grounded through the third switch, and the electrical connection of the fourth switch is sent to the switch circuit.

5. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The switch circuit comprises: A second diode (380) different from the diode as the first diode includes an anode connected to the anode of the second battery cell and a cathode connected to the second node.

6. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor is configured to, The voltage of the second node is increased to be greater than or equal to the voltage of the anode of the second battery cell by controlling the charging circuit so that the second diode is reverse biased in the state.

7. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor is configured to, When the supply of the power signal by the charger stops in the state, the power of the second battery cell is at least temporarily received through the second diode.

8. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor is configured to, The control signal is sent to the switch circuit to switch from the state to the other state when receiving power of the second battery cell through the second diode.

9. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The switch circuit comprises: A protection circuit (320) is configured to adjust a voltage applied to the plurality of battery cells based on a preset voltage range by connecting to the first switch when the plurality of battery cells are charged based on a power signal sent through the electrical connection of the first switch in the state.

10. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The protection circuit is configured as follows: The electrical connection of the first switch is disconnected based on recognizing that a voltage greater than a preset voltage range is applied to the plurality of battery cells.

11. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor is configured to, The charger is electrically connected to the interface based on identifying a first type of charger supporting exchange of power data to adjust the voltage of a power signal, sending the control signal to the switch circuit to establish the electrical connection of the first switch.

12. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, a resistor (272) including an end connected to the first node and another end connected to the first switch; and a detection circuit (280) for identifying a current flowing through the resistor, and in, The processor is configured to, Power data is transmitted to the charger through the interface to maintain the current identified using the detection circuit as a preset current when the electrical connection of the first switch is established based on the identification of the first type of charger.

13. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor is configured to, identifying a magnitude of a voltage applied to the plurality of battery cells when the electrical connection of the first switch is established based on identifying a first type of charger; and Based on identifying the magnitude being different than a preset range associated with the state, entering the other state from the state based on the control signal.

14. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the state, charging the plurality of battery cells based on a power signal having a current within a preset range from the charger; and In the other state, the plurality of battery cells are charged based on a power signal having a voltage within a preset range from the charger.

15. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The another state includes a state after the charger is separated from the interface.

Images