Battery current measurement in circuit

Abstract

Battery current measurement in a circuit is provided. In a non-limiting example, the circuit being measured may be a wireless communication circuit powered by a battery. In embodiments disclosed herein, the circuit includes one or more current sensing circuits, each current sensing circuit coupled to measurement node (s) (e.g., a switch and a low dropout regulator) directly coupled to the battery. Each of the current sense circuits may measure an average battery current flowing through the measurement node (s) during a selected measurement period. A measurement output circuit is provided in the circuit to aggregate the average battery current measured by each of the current sense circuits to provide a snapshot of the total average battery current in the circuit. Accordingly, the circuit may take appropriate action to extend battery life.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 384,345 filed on November 18, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 384,351 filed on November 18, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 466,799 filed on May 16, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] The technology of this disclosure generally relates to battery current measurement in circuits such as wireless communication circuits. Background Art

[0004] The fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) (5G-NR) has been widely regarded as the next generation wide-area wireless communication technology beyond the fourth generation (4G) technology. In this regard, wireless communication devices capable of supporting 5G-NR wireless communication technology are expected to achieve higher data rates, improved coverage, enhanced signal transmission efficiency, and reduced latency across a wide range of radio frequency (RF) bands, including low bands (below 1 GHz), mid-bands (1 GHz to 6 GHz), and high bands (above 24 GHz). In addition, the wireless communication devices can still support traditional 3G and 4G technologies for backward compatibility.

[0005] In addition to the wide area wireless communication technologies mentioned above, wireless communication devices also need to support local or personal area networking technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), etc. In addition, wireless communication devices may also need to support Internet of Things (IoT) applications such as keyless car entry, remote garage door opening, contactless payment, mobile boarding pass, etc. Needless to say, wireless communication devices must also make 911 / E911 services accessible in emergency situations.

[0006] It is worth noting that wireless communication devices rely on battery cells (e.g., Li-ion batteries) to power their operations and services. Despite recent advances in battery technology, wireless communication devices may be in a low-battery state from time to time. In this regard, it is necessary to accurately measure the current flow in the wireless communication device to prevent potential service interruptions. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to battery current measurement in a circuit. In a non-limiting example, the circuit being measured can be a wireless communication circuit powered by a battery. In an embodiment disclosed herein, the circuit includes one or more current sensing circuits, each of which is coupled to (one or more) measurement nodes (e.g., switches and low dropout regulators) that are directly coupled to a battery. Each of the current sensing circuits can measure the average battery current flowing through (one or more) measurement nodes during a selected measurement cycle. A measurement output circuit is provided in the circuit to summarize the average battery current measured by each of the current sensing circuits, thereby providing a snapshot of the total average battery current in the circuit. Accordingly, the circuit can take appropriate actions to extend battery life.

[0008] In one aspect, a circuit is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of measurement nodes. Each of the plurality of measurement nodes is directly coupled to a battery. The circuit also includes one or more current sensing circuits. Each of the one or more current sensing circuits is coupled to a corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes and is configured to measure an average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes during a selected measurement cycle. The circuit also includes a measurement output circuit. The measurement output circuit is configured to summarize the average battery current measured by each of the one or more current sensing circuits during a selected measurement cycle.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for measuring an average battery current in a circuit is provided. The method includes measuring an average battery current flowing through a plurality of measurement nodes during a selected measurement period, each measurement node being directly coupled to a battery. The method also includes summing the average battery current measured during the selected measurement period.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and become aware of additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the associated drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional battery current measurement method;

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary circuit for measuring battery current in a circuit configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 It is to show that the embodiment according to the present disclosure can be used as Figure 2A schematic diagram of a DC-DC voltage converter being measured in the circuit;

[0015] Figure 4 Yes, you can Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary current sensing circuit provided in the circuit in;

[0016] Figure 5A and 5B Each of them shows that Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary measurement output circuit for measuring battery current over an averaging period is provided in the circuit of ;

[0017] Fig. 6A and 6B is a schematic diagram providing an exemplary illustration of an averaging period;

[0018] Figure 7 It can provide Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary user element of a circuit of; and

[0019] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for measuring average battery current in a circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The embodiments set forth below represent information necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and to illustrate the best mode for practicing the embodiments. After reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the present disclosure and will appreciate the applications of these concepts not specifically set forth herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0021] It will be appreciated that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish different elements. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more items in the associated listed items.

[0022] It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, a region or a substrate is referred to as being "on another element" or "extending onto another element", it may be directly on another element or directly extending onto another element, or there may also be an intermediate element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element" or "extending directly onto another element", there is no intermediate element. Similarly, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, a region or a substrate is referred to as being "above another element" or "extending above another element", it may be directly above another element or directly extending above another element, or there may also be an intermediate element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly above another element" or "extending directly above another element", there is no intermediate element. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to another element, or there may be an intermediate element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there is no intermediate element.

[0023] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe one element, layer or region's relationship to another element, layer or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0024] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "said" are also intended to include the plural forms. It should also be understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that, unless expressly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to battery current measurement in a circuit. In a non-limiting example, the circuit being measured can be a wireless communication circuit powered by a battery. In an embodiment disclosed herein, the circuit includes one or more current sensing circuits, each of which is coupled to (one or more) measurement nodes (e.g., switches and low dropout regulators) that are directly coupled to a battery. Each of the current sensing circuits can measure the average battery current flowing through (one or more) measurement nodes during a selected measurement cycle. A measurement output circuit is provided in the circuit to summarize the average battery current measured by each of the current sensing circuits, thereby providing a snapshot of the total average battery current in the circuit. Accordingly, the circuit can take appropriate actions to extend battery life.

[0027] Before discussing circuits in which battery current can be measured according to the present disclosure, Figure 2 To begin, an overview of a conventional battery measurement method is first provided with reference to FIG. 1 .

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional battery current measurement method. Herein, a measurement circuit 10 is configured to measure a current through a measuring resistor R MEA Measure the battery current I of the battery 12 BAT More specifically, the measurement circuit 10 first measures the voltage across the measurement resistor R MEA The voltage V R , and then calculate the battery current I according to Ohm's law BAT .

[0029] An obvious disadvantage associated with conventional battery current measurement methods is that the measuring resistor R MEA This may result in significant insertion losses. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the resistor R MEA The battery current is measured without any loss to help reduce insertion loss.

[0030] In this regard, Figure 2 The circuit 16 may be configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to measure the battery current I at a plurality of measurement nodes 18 directly coupled to the battery 20. BAT In the context of the present disclosure, circuit 16 may be any circuit powered by battery 20, including but not limited to a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a power amplifier circuit, a transceiver circuit, a radio front-end circuit, and a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) voltage converter. In a non-limiting example, measurement node 18 may be a switch or a low dropout (LDO) regulator coupled to battery 20 without any intermediate circuits and / or components.

[0031] As discussed in detail below, circuit 16 may be configured to measure battery current I at each of measurement nodes 18. BAT, instead of using the measuring resistor R in Figure 1 MEA In this way, insertion losses may be reduced and the operating efficiency and performance of circuit 16 may be improved.

[0032] In one embodiment, circuit 16 includes a plurality of current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) and measurement output circuit 24. Each of current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) is coupled to a respective one or more of measurement nodes 18. In other words, each of current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) is coupled to a respective subset 18(1)-18(M) (M≥1) of measurement nodes 18. Measurement output circuit 24 may be coupled to a host circuit 26 (e.g., a transceiver circuit) configured to monitor power consumption in circuit 16. Host circuit 26 may be configured to start and stop such battery current measurements in circuit 16 periodically or as needed.

[0033] Herein, each of the current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) is configured to measure the corresponding one or more average battery currents I flowing through the corresponding measurement nodes 18(1)-18(M) during a selected measurement period. BAT-1 -I BAT-M In a non-limiting example, the selected measurement period may be a time division duplex (TDD) time slot, a TDD mini-slot, or a multiple of a TDD time slot / mini-slot. The measurement output circuit 24 then summarizes the average battery current I measured by each of the current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) during the selected measurement period. BAT-1 -I BAT-M , and the aggregated measurement results I BAT-SUM Provided to host circuit 26.

[0034] In one embodiment, each of the current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) is further configured to convert the corresponding average battery current I measured during the selected measurement period into BAT-1 -I BAT-M Encoded as one or more digital measurement words IBAT BW-1 -IBAT BW-N The measurement output circuit 24 is further configured to combine the digital measurement word IBAT BW-1 -IBAT BW-N In order to generate the summary measurement results I BAT-SUM As a digital summary word I BAT-SUM .

[0035] In one embodiment, the measurement output circuit 24 can also be based on the total battery current I measured by the battery 20 BAT-SUM and voltage V BAT To determine the average power consumption P during the selected measurement periodAVG In one embodiment, the voltage V BAT This may be an instantaneous voltage reading of the battery 20 or an average of the voltage readings during a selected measurement period.

[0036] As mentioned previously, the circuit 16 being measured may be a DC-DC voltage converter. In this regard, Figure 3 It is to show that the embodiment according to the present disclosure can be used as Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a DC-DC converter 28 of the circuit 16 being measured. Figure 2 and 3 Common elements between the embodiments are shown with common element numbers and will not be re-described here.

[0037] In a non-limiting example, the DC-DC voltage converter 28 includes a multi-stage charge pump (MCP) 30 coupled in series to a power inductor 32. The MCP 30 includes an input node 34, an output node 36, a first intermediate node n1, and a second intermediate node n2. The input node 34 is coupled to the battery 20 to receive the battery voltage V BAT and the battery current I BAT The output node 36 is coupled to the power inductor 32 and outputs the battery voltage V BAT The function of low frequency voltage V DC The power inductor 32 then converts the low frequency voltage V DC Inductive low frequency current I DC .

[0038] Specifically, the MCP 30 includes a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, a fifth switch SW5, and a sixth switch SW6. The first switch SW1 is coupled between the input node 34 and the first intermediate node n1. The second switch SW2 is coupled between the first intermediate node n1 and the output node 36. The third switch SW3 is coupled between the input node 34 and the second intermediate node n2. The fourth switch SW4 is coupled between the second intermediate node n2 and ground (GND). The fifth switch SW5 is coupled between the input node 34 and the output node 36. The sixth switch SW6 is coupled between the output node 36 and GND. The MCP 30 also includes a fly capacitor C coupled between the first intermediate node n1 and the second intermediate node n2. FLY .

[0039] As shown, the input node 34 is directly coupled to the battery 20 without any intermediate circuit. Accordingly, the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, and the fifth switch SW5 are directly coupled to the battery 20 via the input node 34. In this regard, each of the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, and the fifth switch SW5 will be Figure 2 Accordingly, one or more of the current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) (not shown) may be coupled to the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, and the fifth switch SW5 to measure the battery current I flowing through the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, and the fifth switch SW5, respectively. SW1 ,I SW3 ,I SW5 .

[0040] The MCP 30 can be operated in buck mode to output a low frequency voltage V DC Zero volts (0V) or V BAT , or operate in boost mode to output a low frequency voltage V DC 2×V BAT Specifically, in order to convert the low-frequency voltage V DC The output is 0V, the sixth switch SW6 is closed, and all other switches (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5) are open. DC V BAT , the fifth switch SW5 is closed, and all other switches (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW6) are open. In order to output the low-frequency voltage V DC 2×V BAT First, close the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4, and open all other switches (SW2, SW3, SW5, SW6) to connect the flying capacitor C FLY The battery voltage V charged to the first intermediate node n1 BAT Subsequently, the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed, and all other switches (SW1, SW3, SW5, SW6) are opened, thereby outputting a low-frequency voltage V DC 2×V BAT Therefore, by using a specific duty cycle (e.g. 10% at 0V, BAT 50% at 2×V BAT 40% at 0V, V BAT and / or 2×V BAT Switching between low frequency voltage V DC , MCP 30 can output the low frequency voltage V at any desired level DC In order to adjust the low frequency current I DC .

[0041] Operating in boost mode (V DC =2×V BAT ), when the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed to connect the flying capacitor C FLYDuring charging, since the third switch SW3 and the fifth switch SW5 are both turned off, only the battery current I flowing through the first switch SW1 is measured. SW1 Then, when the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are closed to provide a voltage between 2×V BAT When the low-frequency voltage is output, because the first switch SW1 and the fifth switch SW5 are both disconnected, only the battery current I flowing through the third switch SW3 is measured. SW3 Accordingly, the average battery current measured during boost mode operation will be the battery current I SW1 and I SW3 It can be understood that when the MCP 30 makes the low-frequency voltage V DC At 0V, V BAT and 2×V BAT When alternating between duty cycles, the average battery current measured will be the battery current I measured during one or more duty cycles. SW1 ,I SW3 ,I SW5 The average value of .

[0042] Figure 4 Yes, you can Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an exemplary current sensing circuit 38 provided as any of the current sensing circuits 22 ( 1 )- 22 (N) in the circuit 16 of FIG. Figure 2 , 3 Common elements between and 4 are shown with common element numbers therein and will not be re-described here.

[0043] In one embodiment, the current sensing circuit 38 may include a mirror circuit 40 and a current measurement circuit 42. As an example, the current sensing circuit 38 is coupled to Figure 3 The fifth switch SW5 in the MCP 30 is connected to the V BAT Output low frequency voltage V DC The battery current I flowing through the fifth switch SW5 is measured at SW5 .

[0044] In this regard, the mirror circuit 40 is coupled to the fifth switch SW5 and is configured to generate a battery current I flowing through the fifth switch SW5. SW5 Proportionally related to the sensed current I SENSE5 In one embodiment, the mirror circuit 40 can be a battery current I SW5 Scaled down to the sensed current I SENSE5 (I SENSE5 =I SW5 / K) of K ratio 1 (K:1) (K>1) mirror circuit.

[0045] The current measurement circuit 42 is coupled to the mirror circuit 40. More specifically, the current measurement circuit 42 is configured to convert the digital measurement word IBAT into a digital measurement word IBAT during a selected measurement cycle. BW-1 -IBAT BW-N A corresponding one of the sensed currents I flows through the third switch SW3. SENSE5 In one embodiment, the current measurement circuit 42 can be based on the start / stop signal, the clock signal and the reference voltage V REF Operate to generate a current based on the sensed current I SENSE5 Generate digital measurement word IBAT BW-1 -IBAT BW-N For a specific embodiment and in-depth discussion of the current measurement circuit 42, please refer to US Pat. No. 11,268,990 B2 entitled "CURRENT MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZATION OF POWER CONSUMPTION IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES".

[0046] Figure 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams each providing an exemplary illustration of a measurement output circuit 24 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and 5A Common elements between -5B are shown with common element numbers therein and will not be re-described here.

[0047] Figure 5A An exemplary measurement output circuit 24A configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Herein, the measurement output circuit 24A includes a digital averaging circuit 44 and a digital summing circuit 46. The digital averaging circuit 44 is coupled to the current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) to receive the digital measurement word IBAT in a selected measurement cycle. BW-1 -IBAT BW-N Accordingly, the digital averaging circuit 44 averages the digital measurement word IBAT during a plurality of selected measurement cycles. BW-1 -IBAT BW-N Averaging to generate multiple average digital measurement words IBAT BWAVG-1 -IBAT BWAVG-L As an example, the digital summing circuit 46, which may be a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, is configured to average the digital measurement word IBAT over an averaging period (AVGPRD). BWAVG-1 -IBAT BWAVG-L Averaging is performed to generate the aggregated measurement result I BAT-SUM .

[0048] Fig. 6A and 6B is a schematic diagram providing an exemplary illustration of an average period (AVGPRD) defined according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] like Fig. 6A As shown, the averaging period (AVGPRD) may include multiple consecutive measurement periods T MEA (1)-T MEA (L). In one embodiment, L is an integer equal to a power of 2 (L=2, 4, 8, 16, ...). Herein, the measurement period T MEA (1)-T MEA Each of (L) may be equal to the selected measurement period described above. Thus, the average period (AVGPRD) includes a plurality of selected measurement periods T MEA (1)-T MEA (L), and therefore has a larger value than the selected measurement period T MEA (1)-T MEA (L) for each longer duration.

[0050] In contrast, Figure 6B As shown, the averaging period (AVGPRD) may include multiple non-continuous measurement periods T MEA (1)-T MEA (L), each of which is separated by a gap T GAP In this regard, the average period (AVGPRD) includes not only the measurement period T MEA (1)-T MEA (L), and includes a gap spacing T GAP .

[0051] Return to reference Figure 5A , the digital averaging circuit 44 is therefore configured to Fig. 6A The continuous measurement period T MEA (1)-T MEA (L) or in the corresponding one of Figure 6B The discontinuous measurement period T MEA (1)-T MEA (L) generates an average digital measurement word IBAT in a corresponding one of BWAVG-1 -IBAT BWAVG-L Accordingly, the digital summing circuit 46 will generate a summary measurement result I over the entire averaging period (AVGPRD). BAT-SUM .

[0052] Figure 5BAn exemplary measurement output circuit 24B configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Herein, the measurement output circuit 24B includes a plurality of digital averaging circuits 48(1)-48(N) and a digital summing circuit 50, which may be an IIR or FIR filter, as examples. Each of the digital averaging circuits 48(1)-48(N) is coupled to a corresponding one of the current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) to receive a digital measurement word IBAT BW-1 -IBAT BW-N The corresponding one in .

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the digital averaging circuits 48(1)-48(N) is configured to average the digital measurement word IBAT within an averaging period (AVGPRD). BW-1 -IBAT BW-N The corresponding one of them is averaged to thereby generate a plurality of average digital measurement words IBAT BWAVG-1 -IBAT BWAVG-N The digital summing circuit 50 is configured to average the digital measurement word IBAT BWAVG-1 -IBAT BWAVG-N Aggregate to generate aggregated measurement results I BAT-SUM It is worth noting that due to the average digital measurement word IBAT BWAVG-1 -IBAT BWAVG-N Each of the AVGPRDs reflects the average current within the average period (AVGPRD), so the aggregated measurement result I BAT-SUM The sum of the average current in the battery 20 over the average period (AVGPRD) will likewise be reflected.

[0054] Figure 2 The circuit 16 may be provided in the user element to support the above-described embodiments. In this regard, Figure 7 It is available in Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an exemplary user element 100 of circuit 16.

[0055] Herein, user element 100 can be any type of user element, such as a mobile terminal, smart watch, tablet computer, computer, navigation device, access point and similar wireless communication device supporting wireless communication, such as cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth and near field communication. User element 100 will generally include control system 102, baseband processor 104, transmission circuit system 106, receiving circuit system 108, antenna switch circuit system 110, multiple antennas 112 and user interface circuit system 114. In a non-limiting example, for example, control system 102 can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In this regard, control system 102 can include at least a microprocessor, an embedded memory circuit and a communication bus interface. Receive circuit system 108 receives radio frequency signals from one or more base stations via antenna 112 and through antenna switch circuit system 110. Low noise amplifier and filter cooperate to amplify and eliminate broadband interference from received signals for processing. Downconversion and digitization circuitry (not shown) then downconverts the filtered, received signal to an intermediate or baseband frequency signal, which is then digitized into one or more digital streams using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0056] The baseband processor 104 processes the digitized received signal to extract the information or data bits transmitted in the received signal. Such processing typically includes demodulation, decoding, and error correction operations, which will be discussed in more detail below. The baseband processor 104 is typically implemented in one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0057] For transmission, the baseband processor 104 receives digitized data, which may represent voice, data, or control information, from the control system 102, and encodes the digitized data for transmission. The encoded data is output to the transmission circuit system 106, where a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the digitally encoded data into an analog signal, and a modulator modulates the analog signal onto a carrier signal at the desired transmission frequency or frequencies. A power amplifier amplifies the modulated carrier signal to a level suitable for transmission and delivers the modulated carrier signal to an antenna 112 through an antenna switch circuit system 110. Multiple antennas 112 and duplicate transmission circuit systems 106 and reception circuit systems 108 may provide spatial diversity. Those skilled in the art will understand the modulation and processing details.

[0058] In one embodiment, Figure 2 The circuit 16 in can be configured to measure the average battery current I according to a certain process BAT In this regard, Figure 8 is used to measure the average battery current I in the circuit 16 BAT Flowchart of an exemplary process 200 of FIG.

[0059] Herein, each of the current sensing circuits 22(1)-22(N) is configured to measure an average battery current I flowing through a corresponding one or more of the measurement nodes 18 that are each directly coupled to the battery 20 during a selected measurement period. BAT-1 -I BAT-M (Step 202). The measurement output circuit 24 is configured to output the average battery current I measured during the selected measurement period. BAT-1 -I BAT-M Summarize (step 204).

[0060] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims below.

Claims

1. A circuit (16), comprising: A plurality of measurement nodes (18), each directly coupled to a battery (20); one or more current sensing circuits (22(1)-22(N)), each coupled to a corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes (18(1)-18(M)) and configured to measure an average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes (18(1)-18(M)) during a selected measurement period; as well as A measurement output circuit (24) is configured to sum the average battery current measured by each of the one or more current sensing circuits (22(1)-22(N)) during the selected measurement period.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein The selected measurement period can be the duration of one of: Time Division Duplex TDD time slot; TDD mini-slots; multiple TDD time slots; and Multiple TDD mini-slots.

3. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the one or more current sensing circuits is further configured to generate a respective one of one or more digital measurement words indicative of the average battery current measured during the selected measurement period.

4. The circuit (16) according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the one or more current sensing circuits (22(1)-22(N)) comprises: a mirror circuit (40) coupled to at least one of the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes (18) and configured to generate a sensed current proportionally related to a battery current flowing through the at least one of the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes (18) during the selected measurement period; and A current measurement circuit (42) is coupled to the mirror circuit (40) and is configured to generate the corresponding one of the one or more digital measurement words indicative of an average value of the sensed current flowing through the at least one of the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes (18) during the selected measurement period.

5. The circuit according to claim 4, wherein: The mirror circuit is further configured to scale down the battery current to generate the sensed current.

6. The circuit according to claim 3, wherein: The measurement output circuit is further configured to generate a digital summary word comprising a sum of the one or more digital measurement words.

7. The circuit according to claim 6, wherein: The measurement output circuit is further configured to determine an average power consumption during the selected measurement period.

8. The circuit (16) of claim 3, wherein: The measurement output circuit (24A) comprises: a digital averaging circuit (44) configured to average the one or more digital measurement words in each of a plurality of measurement periods during an averaging period to thereby generate a respective one of a plurality of averaged digital measurement words during the averaging period; and A digital summing circuit (46) is configured to aggregate the plurality of averaged digital measurement words to thereby generate an aggregated measurement result over the averaging period.

9. The circuit (16) of claim 3, wherein: The measurement output circuit (24B) comprises: a plurality of digital averaging circuits (48(1)-48(N)) each configured to average a respective one of the one or more digital measurement words indicative of the average battery current over an averaging period to thereby generate a respective one of the one or more averaged digital measurement words; and A digital summing circuit (50) is configured to aggregate the one or more averaged digital measurement words to thereby generate an aggregated measurement result over the averaging period.

10. The circuit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The averaging period includes a plurality of consecutive measurement periods.

11. The circuit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The averaging period includes a plurality of non-consecutive measurement periods.

12. The circuit of claim 1, wherein: Each of the one or more current sensing circuits is further configured to periodically measure the average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes.

13. The circuit of claim 1, wherein: Each of the one or more current sensing circuits is further configured to: In response to a start signal, start measuring the average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes; as well as In response to a stop signal, measuring the average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes is stopped.

14. The circuit (16) of claim 1, further comprising a multi-stage charge pump MCP (30) coupled in series to the power inductor (32), the MCP (30) comprising: an input node (34) coupled to the battery (20) without any intermediate circuitry; an output node (36) coupled to the power inductor (32); The first intermediate node (n1); The second intermediate node (n2); A first switch (SW1) coupled between the input node (34) and the first intermediate node (n1); a second switch (SW2) coupled between the first intermediate node (n1) and the output node (36); a third switch (SW3) coupled between the input node (34) and the second intermediate node (n2); a fourth switch (SW4), coupled between the second intermediate node (n2) and ground (GND); a fifth switch (SW5) coupled between the input node (34) and the output node (36); and A sixth switch (SW6) is coupled between the output node (36) and the ground (GND).

15. The circuit of claim 14, wherein: The plurality of measurement nodes include the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch; and The one or more current sensing circuits are each coupled to a corresponding one of the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch, and are configured to measure the average battery current flowing through the corresponding one of the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch during the selected measurement period when the corresponding one of the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch is closed.

16. A method for measuring an average battery current in a circuit, comprising: measuring the average battery current flowing through a plurality of measurement nodes each directly coupled to the battery during a selected measurement period; as well as The average battery current measured during the selected measurement period is summed.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising measuring the average battery current during the selected measurement period, the selected measurement period being the duration of one of: Time Division Duplex TDD time slot; TDD mini-slots; multiple TDD time slots; and Multiple TDD mini-slots.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising generating a respective one of one or more digital measurement words indicative of the average battery current measured during the selected measurement period.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: generating a sensed current proportionally related to a battery current flowing through the at least one of the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes during the selected measurement period; as well as The respective one of the one or more digital measurement words is generated that is indicative of an average value of the sensed current flowing through the at least one of the respective one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes during the selected measurement period.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising scaling down the battery current to generate the sensed current.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising generating a digital summary word comprising a sum of the one or more digital measurement words.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising determining an average power consumption during the selected measurement period.

23. The method of claim 18, further comprising: averaging the one or more digital measurement words in each of a plurality of measurement periods in an averaging period to thereby generate a respective one of a plurality of averaged digital measurement words during the averaging period; as well as The plurality of averaged digital measurement words are aggregated to thereby generate an aggregated measurement result over the averaging period.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising: averaging a respective one of the one or more digital measurement words indicative of the average battery current over an averaging period to thereby generate a respective one of the one or more averaged digital measurement words; as well as The one or more averaged digital measurement words are aggregated to thereby generate an aggregated measurement result over the averaging period.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising dividing the averaging period into a plurality of consecutive measurement periods.

26. The method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising dividing the averaging period to include a plurality of non-consecutive measurement periods.

27. The method of claim 16, further comprising periodically measuring the average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes.

28. The method of claim 16, further comprising: In response to a start signal, start measuring the average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes; as well as In response to a stop signal, measuring the average battery current flowing through the corresponding one or more of the plurality of measurement nodes is stopped.

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