Apparatus and method for powering electronic load and for charging energy storage device

Abstract

An apparatus and method for charging by a charging circuit having a first terminal connected to an energy source, a second terminal connected to an electronic load, a third terminal connected to an energy storage device, an inductor, and a controller. The method includes generating, by the controller, a control signal related to the output voltage to regulate a current in the inductor, where the control signal has an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion. During the enable signal portion, the first terminal is coupled to the second terminal, to the third terminal, or to both the second terminal and the third terminal via the inductor. And decouple the first terminal from the second terminal and the third terminal during the disabling signal portion.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended only to facilitate understanding of the invention. It should be understood that this discussion is not an admission or endorsement that any material mentioned was disclosed, known, or was part of common general knowledge to those skilled in the art in any jurisdiction at the priority date of this invention.

[0002] Energy storage devices (such as lithium-ion batteries) typically require different charging phases: trickle charging, pre-charging, constant current (CC) charging, and constant voltage (CV) charging. Each charging phase requires a different output current / voltage. On the other hand, electronic loads often have a required voltage supply range, which may not match the charging requirements of the energy storage device. Therefore, existing chargers require multiple control modes to meet the needs of the electronic load and / or the different charging phases.

[0003] Examples of prior art include US 8,624,429 and US 9,099,919. These prior art techniques teach the following.

[0004] exist Figure 1 In the prior art switch-mode charger 10 shown, V IN 11 and I IN 12 represents the input source voltage and input source current, respectively. (V) SYS 13 and I SYS 14 represents the output voltage and output current to the electronic load 194, respectively. C IN 15. C SYS 16 and C BAT 17 represents the input capacitance, output capacitance of the electronic load, and output capacitance of the energy storage device, respectively. V BAT 31 and I BAT 34 represents the output voltage and output current to the energy storage device 45, respectively. V DC 190 and V BC 191 represents the DC / DC control signal for output stage 192 and the battery charging control signal for BATFET 193 (a transistor used as a variable resistor).

[0005] Figure 2 An example of a prior art output stage of a prior art switch-mode charger 20 is depicted. The output stage includes four switching devices SW1 21, SW2 22, SW3 23, and SW4 24. These switching devices include, but are not limited to, transistors, diodes, etc. The output stage is based on a control signal V. DC 190 generates four control signals (V) to control the "on" and / or "off" states of four switching devices SW1 21, SW2 22, SW3 23 and SW4 24 respectively.SW1 25. V SW2 26. V SW3 27 and V SW4 28).

[0006] Figure 3 The prior art switch-mode charger with existing control methods is described in two cases (V IN >V SYS and V IN >V BAT Waveform 30 at different charging stages, where V BAT 31 represents the battery voltage. This is when the energy storage device being charged is very weak (depleted or nearly depleted), i.e., V... BAT 31 is below the threshold voltage -1 (V) TH1 When V is 32), trickle charging mode is activated; and V BAT 31 is lower than V SYS_min 33, V SYS_min 33 is the minimum supply voltage for electronic loads. TH1 32 is the parameter recommended by the manufacturer for energy storage devices.

[0007] In trickle charging mode, existing switch-mode chargers utilize V generated by the DC / DC controller. DC Under the control of 190, the output voltage V is constant. SYS_min 33. V from the battery charger controller BC 191 via BATFET 193 with a constant k1×I CHG For charging current I BAT 34. Perform linear control; where k1 < 1, and I CHG This is the full charging current for the energy storage device. When V BAT Rise above the threshold voltage -1 (V) TH1 ), but below the threshold voltage -2 (V TH2 At 35), pre-charge mode is activated. Note that V BAT 31 is still lower than V SYS_min 33.

[0008] In pre-charge mode, existing switch-mode chargers still use V DC 190 controls the output constant voltage V SYS_min 33. Charging current I BAT 31 V from the battery charger controller BC 191 is linearly controlled via BATFET 193 and is slightly higher than the charging current in trickle charging mode; that is, the value of this higher current is now k2×I. CHG Where k1 < k2 < 1.

[0009] When V BAT 31 rises above the threshold voltage -2 (V) TH2 35), but lower than V SYS_min At 33, the fast constant current (CC) charging mode is activated. In CC charging mode, the switch-mode charger still uses V... DC 190 controls the output constant voltage V SYS_min 33. Charging current I BAT Now, let's take the maximum possible current as 100% × I. CHG -I SYS Charging is performed, and it is still being controlled by the V signal from the battery charger controller. BC 191 is linearly controlled via BATFET 193.

[0010] When V BAT 31 rises above V SYS_min 33 but below the threshold voltage -3 (V) TH3 At time 36), the energy storage device is still in CC charging mode. In this case, the switch-mode charger charges via V DC The control output of 190 has 100% × I CHG The value of V is constant maximum current, and the BATFET 193 is fully turned on. At this time, V SYS =V BAT And I BAT =100%×I CHG -I SYS .

[0011] When the energy storage device is close to fully charged (i.e., V0) BAT 31 equals or exceeds the threshold voltage of 3 (V) TH3 When 36) is activated, the constant voltage (CV) charging mode is enabled. In this mode, existing switch-mode chargers use V DC 190 controls the output constant maximum voltage V MAX And BATFET 193 remains fully on.

[0012] In all charging modes of existing chargers, the control signal V DC 190 is a continuous analog signal, and its level differs slightly in trickle charging, pre-charging, fast CC charging, and CV charging modes, but the control signal remains essentially constant during each of these different modes. In the early stages of trickle charging, pre-charging, and fast CC charging, the control signal V... BC 191 is also a continuous analog signal and is linearly controlled by the resistor of BATFET 193, thus determining I. BAT34. However, during the later stages of rapid CC charging and throughout CV mode, the control signal V... BC 191 remains constant to fully turn on BATFET 193. The two control signals V used to turn the switching device on and off are... SW1 37. V SW2 38. V SW3 39 and V SW4 390 is based on the control signal V DC The 190° level is generated in the output stage. The control signal consists of pulses used to alternately close the switching devices. The pulse width and / or period of the control signal depends on the control signal V. DC A voltage level of 190.

[0013] from Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen that existing control methods require multiple controllers (with different design specifications) to implement various charging modes and thus meet the relevant charging requirements. Therefore, they suffer from four main drawbacks. First, these methods typically require dedicated control circuitry to power the electronic load and charge the energy storage device, necessitating complex hardware (e.g., complex stability compensation). This inevitably affects dynamic performance when switching between charging modes, with the electronic load fluctuating between low and high or high and low. Second, the power efficiency of these methods varies significantly across different charging modes due to their large operational differences. Furthermore, optimizing power efficiency across all charging modes is nearly impossible because most (and perhaps not all) of the external components are shared. Third, the bill of materials (BoM) is high because the control methods impose stringent requirements on the selection of discrete components (i.e., inductors and capacitors). Fourth, they have a large footprint due to the relatively large inductors required and the complex compensation network.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a switch-mode charging device that at least partially addresses one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In one embodiment, a device including at least one charging circuit is disclosed. The at least one charging circuit includes: at least one input for connection to at least one energy source; and at least one output for connection to at least one load and having an output voltage. The at least one charging circuit also includes a controller configured to generate a control signal having an enable signal portion, or a disable signal portion, or both an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion. The enable signal portion or the disable signal portion is related to the output voltage. The at least one charging circuit also includes an output stage configured to: couple an inductor to the at least one input, or to the at least one output, or to both the at least one input and the at least one output during the enable signal portion, and isolate the inductor from the at least one input, or from the at least one output, or from both the at least one input and the at least one output during the disable signal portion.

[0016] In another embodiment, a method for charging via a charging circuit is disclosed, the charging circuit having a first terminal connected to an energy source, a second terminal connected to an electronic load, a third terminal connected to an energy storage device, an inductor, and a controller. The method includes: generating a control signal related to an output voltage by the controller to regulate the current in the inductor. The control signal has an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion. The method further includes: during the enable signal portion, coupling the first terminal to the second terminal, to the third terminal, or to both the second and third terminals via the inductor. The method further includes: during the disable signal portion, decoupling the first terminal from the second and third terminals. Attached Figure Description

[0017] In order to enable the invention to be fully understood and readily put into practice, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples, and this description will be taken into account with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 (Prior art) is a schematic diagram of a prior art switch-mode charger with a control method.

[0019] Figure 2 (Prior technology) is Figure 1 An example of the output stage of an existing switch-mode charger.

[0020] Figure 3 (Prior technology) is Figure 1 The operating waveform of the existing switch-mode charger.

[0021] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a switch-mode charger with a (unified) controller and output stage according to an embodiment of the present invention, which receives power from an energy source.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the control circuit.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the output stage in the diagram.

[0024] Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 The waveform of an operation of a switch-mode charger.

[0025] Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 The waveform of another operation of the switch-mode charger.

[0026] Figure 9 It shows Figure 4 The waveform of another operation of the switch-mode charger.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a switch-mode charger that receives power from multiple external energy sources according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the output stage in the diagram.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a switch-mode charger according to an embodiment of the present invention, which receives power from multiple energy sources for powering multiple electronic loads and / or charging multiple energy storage devices.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a switch-mode charger according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charger having multiple interconnected... Figure 12 The output of the charger in the device.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a switch-mode charger according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charger having multiple ports as inputs or outputs coupled via inductive couplers, and the multiple ports allowing bidirectional current flow.

[0032] Figure 15 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the output stage in the diagram.

[0033] Figure 16This is a schematic diagram of a switch-mode charger according to an embodiment of the present invention, which receives power from an energy source to power multiple output loads and charge an energy storage device, or receives power from an energy storage device to power multiple output loads.

[0034] Figure 17 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the output stage in the diagram.

[0035] The principles of the invention will be illustrated by way of example, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for supplying power to an electronic load and charging an energy storage device. These embodiments also relate to an apparatus and method for supplying power to an electronic load with a constant voltage and for charging an energy storage device in constant current charging phases and constant voltage charging phases.

[0037] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus comprising one or more charging circuits is provided. Each charging circuit includes an input for connection to an energy source, an output for connection to an electronic load, a signal generator, and a switching circuit, and, where applicable, another output for connection to another load (e.g., an energy storage device). The signal generator is configured to generate a control signal including an enable (“high”) portion based on or in some way related to the output voltage at the output and a disable (“low”) portion. The switching circuit is configured to alternately charge and discharge an inductor during the enable portion of the control signal and to stop the inductor current during the disable portion of the control signal.

[0038] In some embodiments, when the output voltage is below a first threshold voltage, the control signal is set high for a first duration, and when the output voltage is above the first threshold voltage, the control signal is set high for a second duration. The length of the second duration may be longer or shorter than the first duration.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the output voltage is higher than a first threshold voltage and lower than a second threshold voltage, the control signal is set high for a second duration, and when the output voltage is higher than the second threshold voltage and lower than a third threshold voltage, the control signal is set high for a third duration. The third duration may be approximately continuous or continuous.

[0040] In some embodiments, the third threshold voltage is close to or equal to the maximum voltage of the energy storage device, and when the output voltage is equal to or exceeds the third threshold voltage, the control signal is set to be low for a short duration.

[0041] In some embodiments, the width of each enable signal portion corresponds to at least one loop that couples the output to the input and then to ground.

[0042] In some embodiments, the device further includes two or more input switches, wherein one input switch is configured to couple an input to an energy source, and each of the remaining input switches is configured to couple an input to another energy source (or another load or another energy source).

[0043] In some embodiments, the device alternatively or additionally includes two or more output switches. One output switch is configured to couple an output to an energy storage device. Each of the remaining output switches is configured to couple an output to an energy storage device (or another load, another energy source, or another energy storage device).

[0044] In some embodiments, the device includes two or more input switches. One input switch is configured to couple an input to an energy source. Each of the remaining input switches is configured to couple an input to another energy source (or another load or another energy storage device).

[0045] In some embodiments, the device includes two or more charging circuits having respective outputs coupled together in some form and respective inputs also coupled together in some form.

[0046] In some embodiments, the device includes three or more switching circuits and a (unified) controller having multiple input or output ports coupled together via inductive couplers. One or more of the switching circuits alternately charge or discharge the inductive coupler during the enable signal portion of a control signal, thereby transferring energy from one or more inputs to one or more outputs, or vice versa (from one output to an input, etc.); and stop the inductor current during the disable signal portion of the control signal.

[0047] In some embodiments, the switching circuit operates in a first operating mode to alternately charge and discharge the inductor, thereby transferring energy from the input to the output during the enable signal portion of the control signal and stopping the inductor current during the disable signal portion of the control signal. The switching circuit is also configured to alternately charge and discharge the inductor in a second operating mode, thereby transferring energy from the output to the input during the enable signal portion of the control signal and stopping the inductor current during the disable signal portion of the control signal.

[0048] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for supplying power to an electronic load and charging an energy storage device is provided. The method includes: generating a control signal comprising an enable portion and a disable portion based on a corresponding voltage required by the electronic load and the energy storage device, or in some form related to a corresponding voltage required by the electronic load and the energy storage device. The method alternately charges and discharges an inductor during the enable portion of the control signal, thereby coupling energy from an energy source to the energy storage device; and stops the inductor current during the disable portion of the control signal, thereby isolating the energy storage device from the energy source.

[0049] In some embodiments, the energy source may be at least one energy source selected from a plurality of energy sources. Alternatively, the energy source may be replaced by an electronic load or an energy storage device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the energy storage device is at least one energy storage device that can be selected from a plurality of energy storage devices. Alternatively, the energy storage device may be replaced by an electronic load or an energy source.

[0051] In some embodiments, the (electronic) load is at least an optional load selectable from a plurality of loads. Alternatively, the load may be replaced by an electronic storage device or an energy source.

[0052] In some embodiments, the energy source outputs voltage, current, or both voltage and current, and the energy storage device receives voltage, current, or both voltage and current.

[0053] In some embodiments, in one operating mode, the inductor is charged and discharged during the enable signal portion of the control signal, thereby coupling energy from an energy source to an energy storage device and / or an electronic load, and vice versa; and during the disable signal portion of the control signal, the inductor current is stopped, thereby isolating the energy source from the energy storage device and / or the electronic load. In another operating mode, the method further includes: alternately coupling energy from one energy storage device to one or more other energy storage devices during the enable signal portion of the control signal; and stopping the inductor current during the disable signal portion of the control signal, thereby isolating the energy storage device from other energy sources. In yet another operating mode, the method further includes: alternately coupling energy from an energy storage device to an electronic load during the enable signal portion of the control signal; and stopping the inductor current during the disable signal portion of the control signal, thereby isolating the energy storage device from the electronic load.

[0054] This summary does not provide an exhaustive list of all aspects of the invention. The invention is intended to encompass all methods, apparatuses, and systems that can be implemented in all suitable combinations and arrangements of the various aspects described herein, as well as those described below. Such combinations and arrangements may have specific advantages not specifically described in this summary.

[0055] The following will refer to Figures 4 to 17 Example embodiments of the control method or circuitry for a switch-mode charger according to this disclosure are described. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced with or without these specific details. In other instances, known circuits, structures, methods, and techniques are not included to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description. Further, the following embodiments of the invention may be described as processes, which may be described as flowcharts, structural diagrams, or block diagrams. Operations in a flowchart, structural diagram, or block diagram may be sequential, parallel, or concurrent processes, and the order of operations may be rearranged. A process may correspond to a technique, method, program, etc.

[0056] In this document, unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” “having,” etc., shall be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, meaning “including but not limited to.”

[0057] Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “including” or variations such as “comprising” or “containing” shall be understood to imply the inclusion of the specified integer or group of integers, but not to exclude any other integer or group of integers.

[0058] Throughout this description, it should be understood that the term "controller" and its plural forms include microcontrollers, microprocessors, programmable integrated circuit chips (such as application-specific integrated circuit chips (ASICs)), computer servers, FPGAs, electronic devices, and / or combinations thereof capable of processing one or more input electronic signals to generate one or more output electronic signals. A controller includes one or more input modules and one or more output modules for processing electronic signals.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject relates.

[0060] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, the present invention can be embodied in novel apparatus and methods for charging energy storage devices such as batteries. Existing apparatus is often complex and expensive. (See attached figures.) Figures 4 to 7The device embodying the present invention typically includes one or more charging circuits. Each charging circuit includes an input (or multiple inputs) for connection to an energy source (or load or energy storage device), an output (or multiple outputs) for connection to an energy storage device (or load or energy source), a signal generator, and a switching circuit. The signal generator is configured to generate a control signal including an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion based on or in some way related to the output voltage of the output. The switching circuit is configured as an output stage to alternately charge and discharge an inductor during the enable signal portion of the control signal and to stop the inductor current during the disable signal portion of the control signal. The device may be a charging device, an integrated circuit, a module, or a printed circuit board, etc.

[0061] This invention offers several advantages over existing technologies. First, it features higher power efficiency across all different outputs (including voltage outputs, such as electronic loads) and current outputs, such as batteries. Second, it allows for faster switching between different outputs without cross-coupling. Third, it enables a quicker response to dynamic load demands.

[0062] Specifically, Figure 4 A switch-mode charger 40 with a control method according to a first example embodiment is depicted, the switch-mode charger 40 being configured to have a signal generator or (unified) controller 41, a switching circuit in an output stage 42, and a control method. Figure 6 60), the input port V for connecting to one of the energy sources. IN 43, and has two output ports, one output port connected to the electronic load 44, and the other output port connected to the energy storage device 45 (usually a battery).

[0063] Figure 5 The components 50 of the (unified) controller 41 are depicted, and Figure 6 The components of the output stage 42 of the present invention and the two switches SW are depicted. SYS and SW BAT The unified controller 41 receives the output voltage V. SYS 51 and V BAT 52 (see also) Figure 4 Both are processed, and a control signal EN 53 is generated. This control signal EN 53 includes an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion. In this embodiment, the enable signal portion has a high voltage level, while the disable signal portion has a low voltage (including zero voltage) level; other signal representations are also possible, such as higher current and lower current, respectively. However, the reverse is also possible, i.e., the enable signal portion can be a lower voltage level, while the disable signal portion can be a higher voltage level. Figure 5In this configuration, the duration of the high signal EN 53 is determined by the width of the enable signal portion; note that any signal representation is possible. In other words, the (unified) controller 41 outputs an "enable" or "disable" signal. This differs from the prior art described previously.

[0064] Figure 4 Output stage 42 in the middle performs different operations in three different situations:

[0065] First scenario: V IN 54 is significantly higher than V SYS 52 or V BAT 51 (for example, at least more than V) SYS 52 or V BAT 51 (20% higher)

[0066] Second scenario: V IN 54 is close to V SYS 52 or V BAT 51, and

[0067] The third scenario: V IN 54 is significantly lower than V SYS 52 or V BAT 51 (for example, at least more than V) SYS 52 or V BAT 51 (lower by 20%).

[0068] In the first scenario, when control signal EN 53 is "Enable", output stage 42 alternately couples its output to the input and ground via inductive elements (such as, but not limited to, inductor L 691). In this enabled state, the output of output stage 42 is either connected to ground via closed switching device SW2 62 or connected to V via closed switching device SW1 61. IN 43. A DC (or near-DC, DC-like, or equivalent DC) energy source or power supply (or energy storage device); switching device SW3 65 is always open, and both switching devices SW SYS 63 and SW BAT One or both of 64 are always closed. Switching devices include, but are not limited to, transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, etc., known to those skilled in the art. When control signal EN 53 is "Disable", output stage 41 disconnects all switching devices SW1 61, SW2 62, SW3 65, SW66. SYS 63 and SW BAT 64, will output V SYS 52 and V BAT 51 is isolated from input and location.

[0069] In the second scenario, when control signal EN 53 is "Enable", output stage 42 alternately couples the input to ground and the output via an inductive element (such as, but not limited to, inductor L691). In this enabled state, switching device SW2 62 is closed, and switching device SW is also closed. SYS 63 and SW BAT One or both of 64, the output of output stage 42 is connected to ground, and V is connected via closing switching devices SW1 61 and SW3 65. IN 43 is connected to ground via inductor 691. When control signal EN 53 is "Disable", output stage 42 disconnects all switching devices SW1 61, SW2 62, SW3 65, and SW66. SYS 63 and SW BAT 64 to reduce (including stop) the flow of V from input and ground into output. SYS 52 and V BAT The current is 51.

[0070] In the third case, when the control signal EN 53 is "Enable", output stage 42 alternately couples the input to ground via an inductive element (such as, but not limited to, inductor L691). In this enabled state, switching device SW1 61 is closed, and switching device SW is closed... SYS 63 and SW BAT One or two of 64, V IN 43 is connected to the output of output stage 42, and V is connected via closing switching devices SW1 61 and SW3 65. IN 43 is connected to ground via an inductive element. When control signal EN53 is "Disable", output stage 42 disconnects all switching devices SW1 61, SW2 62, SW3 65, and SW66. SYS 63 and SW BAT 64 to reduce (including stop) the flow of V from input and ground into output. SYS 52 and V BAT The current is 51.

[0071] In the "enabled" state, output stage 42 operates at a high power efficiency point or maximum power efficiency point (or near maximum power efficiency point), thereby outputting current and / or voltage to power the power electronic load 44 and charge the energy storage device 45. Conversely, in the "disabled" state, output stage 42 outputs low (including zero or near zero) current and / or voltage to power the power electronic load 44 and charge the energy storage device 45. The ratio of "enabled" to "disabled" largely determines the actual output current and / or voltage.

[0072] Figure 5 A block diagram embodiment of the control method or (unified) controller 41 is depicted. The (unified) controller 41 receives voltage V. IN 43. V SYS 52 and V BAT 51. Based on system requirements, for the received voltage V IN 43. V SYS 52 and V BAT The signal processing of the 51 can be configured in many different ways. Figure 5 The embodiments in the text use three corresponding comparators to compare V. BAT 51 or V IN 43 and three threshold voltages V TH1 54. V TH2 55 and V TH3 56 are compared, and a comparator is used to compare V. SYS 52 and V SYS_optimal 57. Compare. Threshold voltage V TH1 54. V TH2 55 and V TH3 56 is typically determined by the manufacturer of the energy storage equipment, and V SYS_optimal 57 is typically determined by the electronic load manufacturer. Based on the outputs of these four comparators, the generator produces the control signal EN 53. The control signal EN 53 can be an analog signal, a digital signal, a mixed analog-digital signal, or a time-based signal. Depending on the specific type of signal, for example, if the control signal EN 53 is an analog signal, the enable and disable signal portions can have different voltage levels as described above. The duration for which the control signal EN 53 is set high is adjusted to produce the actual output current or voltage required in different charging phases. Depending on the design, the control signal EN 53 may also produce an output that is somehow related to the actual output current or voltage required in different charging phases (i.e., not necessarily the actual output current or voltage).

[0073] Figure 5The diagram illustrates one way to implement a control method or unified controller circuit. There are other ways to implement the control circuit. For example, an additional comparator can be used to convert V... IN 43 is compared with one or more different reference values. As another example, Figure 5 The comparison and subsequent control in the process can be implemented using a digital microcontroller (e.g., a digital inverter with sampling), a mixed-signal microcontroller, or a time-based implementation of a microcontroller, rather than using a... Figure 5 The simulation shown is used to achieve this.

[0074] Figure 6 The present invention is described Figure 5 One embodiment of the output stage 42 includes switching devices SW1 61, SW2 62, SW3 65, and SW66. SYS 63 and SW BAT 64 can be implemented using any switching device (such as, but not limited to, transistors, diodes, etc.). Based on the received control signal EN 53, output stage 42 generates five switching devices SW161, SW262, SW365, and SW66 for "on" and "off" operation. SYS 63 and SW BAT The five control signals V of 64 SW1 66. V SW2 67. V SW3 68. V SW_SYS 69, and V SW_BAT 690. Note that these five control signals can be analog signals, digital signals, mixed signals, time-based signals, etc.

[0075] Compared with existing technologies Figure 1 Control signal V in DC 190 is different. Figure 6 The control signal EN 53 is a digital signal in one or more charging stages. It should be noted that this signal can also be an analog signal, a mixed signal, a time-based signal, etc., but for ease of explanation, it is described as a digital signal here; however, the function of the signal must be considered. When the control signal EN 53 is at (or equivalent to) a high voltage level, the output stage of the switch-mode charger 40 is enabled, wherein the switch configurator generates signals for alternately turning five switching devices SW1 61, SW2 62, SW3 65, SW66, and SW67 on and off. SYS 63 and SW BAT A 64-pulse.

[0076] The switch configurator can be implemented in a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art. One feasible implementation is to use combinational logic (such as a logic AND gate (not shown)) to use the control signal EN 53 as a gating signal at its input, thereby obtaining five control signals V at the output of the logic AND gate. SW1 66. V SW2 67. V SW3 68. V SW_SYS 69, and V SW_BAT 690. The pulse width of the control signal EN 53 is based on the inductor current I. L The peak value of 46 is determined by some relationship (including a direct relationship), or based on a signal similar to the peak value. The pulse defines five control signals V. SW1 66. V SW2 67. V SW3 68. V SW_SYS 69, and V SW_BAT 690. The width of each enable signal section (the enable signal section of EN 53) corresponds to at least one charging cycle. Figure 7 Depicting Figure 4 The waveform of an operation of the switch-mode charger 40, wherein the width of the enable signal portion (the enable signal portion of EN 53) in the trickle charging phase corresponds to V. SW_BAT The two charging cycles are in the "high" state. The width of the enable signal portion in the precharge phase corresponds to the two cycles, as shown below. Figure 7 V in SW_BAT 690 is shown when it is "high". When control signal EN 53 is low, the output stage of the switch-mode charger 40 is disabled, and the switch configurator activates all switching devices SW1 61, SW2 62, SW3 65, SW66. SYS 63 and SW BAT 64 is turned off, which isolates the output from the input and ground.

[0077] again, Figure 6 Only one method of implementing output stage 42 and its interconnection with inductor L 691 is shown. Depending on the application and requirements, output stage 42 can be implemented with more or fewer switching devices, and the interconnection between the switching devices and inductor L 691 can have many variations known to those skilled in the art.

[0078] Figure 7 Depicting Figure 4 The waveform 70 of a first example embodiment of a switch-mode charger 40 having a control method or (unified) controller 41, wherein, in V IN 43 is higher than V SYS 52 or V BATIn the case of 51, V IN The energy source at position 43 supplies power to the electronic load 44 and charges the energy storage device 45. As described above, when the control signal EN 53 is high, the output stage 42 of the switch-mode charger 40 is enabled. When the control signal EN 53 is low, the output stage 42 of the switch-mode charger 40 is disabled. When the control signal EN 53 is high, the inductor current I... L 46 will rise from zero (or a low value) to a predetermined peak current based on the pulse of the control signal, and then return to zero (or a low value). For example... Figure 7 As shown, the predetermined peak inductor current I L 46. ​​The current is constant throughout all charging phases. However, this should not be construed as limiting. The peak current can be adaptive and thus vary in different charging phases. For example, the peak current can be set to a high value for high-current charging modes (e.g., fast CC) and a low value for low-current charging modes (e.g., trickle charging, pre-charging, CV charging).

[0079] Now will be described in detail Figure 7 The charging operation in the process. When the energy storage device 45 is very weak, that is, close to depletion or already depleted, V BAT 51 is below the threshold voltage -1 (V) TH1 54 (the manufacturer's recommended parameters for the energy storage device), and enable trickle charging mode. Note that V BAT 51 is also lower than V SYS _ optimal 57 (Optimal supply voltage for electronic load 44). In trickle charging mode, when EN 53 is high, I L 46 are V BAT 51 and V SYS 52 generates two operation loops. Note that V SW_SYS The specific number of operation loops, 69, is to obtain V. SYS =V SYS_optmial On the other hand, V SW _ BAT The specific number of operation loops in 690 is to obtain I. BAT =D1×I CHG Where D1 < 1 and I CHG It is either full charging current or near full charging current. In other words, these two operating cycles are just examples, and there can be different numbers of cycles.

[0080] When the energy storage device is slightly charged or not fully depleted, V BAT 51 rises above the threshold voltage -1 (V) TH1 54), but below the threshold voltage -2 (V TH2If V is selected, pre-charge mode will be enabled. Note that V BAT Still below V SYS_optimal 57. In pre-charge mode, when EN 53 is high for a longer period than in trickle charge mode, there is more I. L 46 operation loops. Due to I SYS 47. Maintaining I in trickle charging mode SYS 47 are the same, therefore V SYS The number of operation cycles for 51 remains 2. On the other hand, as the charging current increases, V BAT The number of operation cycles for operation 51 increases to 4. Note that V... SW_SYS The 69-operation loop number is to obtain V. SYS =V SYS_optmial And V SW_BAT The 690 operation loop number is to obtain I BAT =D2×I CHG Where D1 < D2 < 1. As before, the number of operation loops is only an example, and different number of loops can be used instead.

[0081] When V BAT The voltage rises above the threshold voltage -2 (V) TH2 55) but below V SYS_optimal At 57, the fast constant current (CC) charging mode will be activated. In fast CC charging mode, because EN 53 remains high (and the period during which EN 53 is high is longer than in trickle and pre-charge modes), I... L The operation cycle 46 will continue continuously without interruption. V SW_SYS The specific number of operation loops, 69, is to obtain V. SYS =V SYS_optmial And V SW_BAT Determine the number of operation cycles for 690 I BAT =100%×I CHG -I SYS .

[0082] When the electron load 44 is very low, I SYS 47 is close to zero; the energy storage device will charge at or near the maximum rate, i.e., I BAT =100%×I CHG When V BAT Voltage rises above V SYS_optimal 57, but below the threshold voltage of 3 (V) TH3 At point 56), the energy storage device is still in CC charging mode. In this case, EN 53 remains high, and SW... SYS 63 and SW BAT All 64 remain on. Therefore, VSYS =V BAT And I BAT =100%×I CHG -I SYS .

[0083] When the energy storage device is close to fully charged (i.e., V) BAT 51 equals or exceeds the threshold voltage of 3 (V) TH3 When EN 56), a constant voltage (CV) charging mode will be enabled. In this mode, the duration of EN 53 being high will be adaptively adjusted to maintain V. SYS =V SYS_optimal And V BAT =V MAX .exist Figure 7 During this CV charging phase, the duration of EN 53 being set to high may be shorter.

[0084] Figure 7 V was shown again IN 43 is higher than V SYS 52 and V BAT Case 51. In other cases, such as V. IN 43 is close to V SYS 52 and / or V BAT 51, and V IN 43 is lower than V SYS 52 and / or V BAT 51, The duration of the high signal EN 53 of the switch-mode charger 40 may vary. Therefore, the five control signals V SW1 66. V SW2 67. V SW3 68. V SW_SYS 69 and V SW_BAT 690 can also have different variations, and this is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0085] Figure 8 Waveform 80 of another first exemplary embodiment of the invention is also depicted (see Figure 4 To understand the connection), this example embodiment relates to a switch-mode charger with a control method or (unified) controller (another first example embodiment in...). Figure 9 (given in the text), where V IN The energy source at location 43 affects V SYS The electronic load 44 at position 51 is powered, and V is also powered. BAT The energy storage device at location 52 is being charged at location 45. Figure 7 Different, V SYS The electronic load at position 51 can be a light load, a normal load, or a heavy load.

[0086] Under light electronic load, the electronic load 44 is reduced from V. IN The energy source at position 43 draws a low current. When V SW_SYS When 69 is high, V IN The energy source at position 43 provides low power to the electronic load. Inductor 691 ( Figure 6 The inductor current I in ) L 46 ( Figure 4 ) is adaptively controlled, so that I L The peak value of 46 is adapted to the required electronic load current I. SYS 47, and I L The valley value of 46 returns to zero (or a low value) at each discharge cycle. In this way, V SYS The voltage ripple at point 52 remains low.

[0087] Under normal electronic load conditions, the electronic load 44 is reduced from V. IN The energy source at position 43 draws normal current (higher than the current under a light electronic load). When V SW_SYS When 69 is high, V IN The energy source at position 43 provides normal power to the electronic load 44, and the inductor current I... L 46 is controlled to make I L The peak value of 46 is usually fixed at the optimal value (or can vary at the optimal value), and I L The valley value of 46 returns to zero (or a low value) at each discharge cycle. With I SYS As the value increases to 47, the number of charge-discharge cycles also increases. In this way, optimized (or near-optimal) power efficiency is achieved.

[0088] Under high electron load, electron load 44 from V IN The energy source at point 43 draws a high current (higher than the current under both light and normal loads). When V SW_SYS When 69 is high, V IN The energy source at position 43 provides high power to the electronic load 44, and the inductor current I L 46 is adaptively controlled so that I L The peak and trough values ​​of 46 are both adapted to I. SYS 47, meaning both the peak and trough values ​​can vary. In this way, V is achieved. SYS The voltage ripple at point 52 is small, and optimized (or near-optimized) power efficiency is achieved.

[0089] Figure 9 Waveform 90 is depicted according to yet another first exemplary embodiment of the invention. This yet another first exemplary embodiment (see...) Figure 4 and Figure 6 (To understand the connection) relates to a switch-mode charger with a control method or (unified) controller, wherein, at input V IN The voltage of the energy storage device at location 43 is higher than V. SYS 51 and V BAT Under the condition of 52, the output V BAT The first energy storage device at location 52 supports V SYS The electronic load at point 51 is powered, and the input V is connected to the circuit. IN The second energy storage device connected to 43 is charged. Note that this is feasible because the battery charger of the present invention now includes a boost converter / conversion function.

[0090] Reference Figure 6 Switching device SW BAT 64 and SW SYS Switch 63 is always closed (or mostly closed), and switching device SW3 65 is open (or mostly open). Therefore, V SYS =V BAT And located at output V BAT The first energy storage device at 52 locations can directly supply electronic load V without conversion. SYS 51 provides power. Meanwhile, if... Figure 7 As shown, the control signal EN 53 is set high according to the relevant charging mode (i.e., trickle charging, pre-charging, fast CC charging, and CV charging), and this is partly determined by the threshold voltage _1 (V TH1 54) (i.e., V) IN The voltage of the second energy storage device at point 43, which is determined by the input V IN The manufacturer of the second energy storage device at location 43 is specified. In these different charging modes, I L The number of operation loops is different for 46.

[0091] Notice, Figure 9 Only V is shown IN Example of a connected energy storage device (43). Depending on the application and requirements, the load (or energy source as previously described) can also be connected to V instead of the energy storage device. IN Subsequent changes to the operation of all relevant control signals are known to those skilled in the art.

[0092] exist Figures 4 to 9 In all modes, when powering an electronic load (I SYS ), typically compared to charging energy storage devices (I BAT ) has a higher priority.

[0093] exist Figures 4 to 9 In all modes, the peak inductor current can vary at different stages to charge the energy storage device and / or power the electronic load. Furthermore, the peak inductor current can be adaptive or variable, rather than fixed.

[0094] exist Figures 4 to 9 In all modes, the valley value of the inductor current can be adjusted to a positive value above zero.

[0095] from Figures 4 to 9 As can be seen, when the output stage 42 is "enabled," it exhibits boundary conduction operation (via control method or (unified) controller 41) in most charging modes. Given this, the power efficiency of the switch-mode charger 40 can be optimized (or nearly optimized) for all charging modes, and inherent stability can be easily achieved. Furthermore, compared to analog (or variable value) control signals in the prior art, the charging mode transitions for all four charging modes are seamlessly controlled by a single two-level control signal EN 53.

[0096] By utilizing control methods (or (unified) controller 41) and their subsequent operations, the power efficiency of the switch-mode charger 40 can be further improved by achieving fully soft switching (i.e., zero-current switching (ZCS) and / or zero-voltage switching (ZVS)). Due to I L The voltage always drops to zero (or near zero) in each (or most) switching cycle (when relevant), thus enabling full (or near-full) soft switching in the switch-mode charger 40, thereby allowing most (if not all) of the switching devices SW166, SW2 67, SW3 65, SW SYS 63 and SW BAT 64 can also implement ZCS and / or ZVS.

[0097] The energy source at the input can be an energy harvester, such as a solar panel. Therefore, the switch-mode charger 40 with the control method or (unified) controller 41 can also operate in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode, and this can be achieved by adjusting the control signal EN 53 to be high for a corresponding duration.

[0098] By changing the peak current I L The relevant ratios D1 and D2 can be used to adjust the actual available charging current.

[0099] Compared to existing technologies, this control method has two additional advantages. First, by considering the dual-level control signals for "enable" and "disable," this method reduces the need for discrete components. Therefore, the cost of discrete components can be reduced compared to... Figure 1The discrete components used in the prior art chargers shown cost several times less. Secondly, due to simpler hardware and reduced / relaxed requirements for discrete components, the form factor of the switch-mode charger 40 can be much smaller.

[0100] Figure 10 A switch-mode charger 100 having a control method or (unified) controller 1008 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. IN1 / OUT1 1001 and V IN2 / OUT2 1002 is configured to connect to an energy source (or electronic load or energy storage device). These energy sources include, but are not limited to, Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapters, embedded wireless power source receivers, solar panels, energy harvesters, etc. This allows for the combined use of higher current, voltage, or both current and voltage (i.e., electricity) to power the electronic load and charge the energy storage device. A control method or (unified) controller is connected to V. IN1 / OUT1 1001 and V IN2 / OUT2 1002, and V BAT 1010 connected energy storage devices, and V SYS 1009 is connected to an electronic load.

[0101] Figure 11 Depicting Figure 10 An embodiment of the output stage 110 of the second exemplary embodiment of the switch-mode charger invention, wherein the switching device SW IN1 1101, SW IN2 1102, SW1 1103, SW2 1104, SW SYS 1105 and SW BAT 1106 can be implemented using any switching device, such as, but not limited to, transistors, diodes, etc. Based on the received control signal EN 1005, the output stage (via the switch configurator) generates SWs for the six switching devices to be "on" and "off" respectively. IN1 1101, SW IN2 1102, SW1 1103, SW2 1104, SW SYS 1105 and SW BAT The six control signals V of 1106 SW _ IN1 1107, V SW _ IN2 1108, V SW1 1109, V SW2 1110, V SW _ SYS 1111 and V SW _ BAT 1112. With Figure 6Similarly, when the control signal EN1005 is at a high voltage level (or high state), the output stage of the switch-mode charger 100 is enabled, wherein the switch configurator generates signals for turning on and off the six switching devices SW. IN1 1101, SW IN2 1102, SW1 1103, SW2 1104, SW SYS 1105 and SW BAT The pulse of 1106. The pulse width of the control signal EN 1005 depends in some way (e.g., directly on) on the current in the inductor (current I). L The peak value of the pulse. This pulse defines the six control signals V. SW _ IN1 1107, V SW _ IN2 1108, V SW1 1109, V SW2 1110, V SW _ SYS 1111 and V SW _ BAT 1112. The width of each enabled signal section typically (but not necessarily) corresponds to at least one complete charging cycle.

[0102] When two energy sources are connected to V IN1 / OUT1 1001 and V IN2 / OUT2 At 1002, the two switching devices SW IN1 1101 and SW IN2 1102 typically operates in a time-staggered manner, with only one switch closed at a time, thus ensuring that a power source is always connected to the switch-mode charger 100. SW IN1 1101 and SW IN2 The timing of 1102 can be determined by the electrical characteristics of each energy source (e.g., available energy, output voltage, internal impedance, etc.) or by a user-defined priority, and can be controlled by other means (e.g., a microcontroller). In other embodiments, two input switches SW IN1 1101 and SW IN2 1102 can be turned on simultaneously, allowing both energy sources to supply power to the output at the same time. SW1 1103, SW2 1104, SW SYS 1105 and SW BAT The operations related to 1106 are the same as before. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Similar to what is described in the text.

[0103] When the second electronic load and the second energy storage device are respectively connected to V IN1 / OUT1 1001 and V IN2 / OUT2At 1002, the input and output are symmetrical in a sense. Specifically, in one case, with V... IN2 / OUT2 The second energy storage device connected to 1002 is now directly connected to V. IN1 / OUT1 The second electronic load connected to 1001 is powered, and at the same time, it supplies power to V. SYS The first electronic load connected to 1009 is powered, and the voltage is supplied to V. BAT The first energy storage device connected to 1010 is charged. In another case, it is connected to V. BAT The first energy storage device connected to 1010 is now directly connected to V. SYS The first electronic load connected to 1009 is powered, and at the same time, power is supplied to V. IN1 The second electronic load connected to 1001 is powered, and is connected to V. IN2 The second energy storage device connected to 1002 is being charged. SW IN1 1101, SW IN2 1102, SW1 1103, SW2 1104, SW SYS 1105 and SW BAT The operations related to 1106 are the same as before. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Similar to what is described in the text.

[0104] When the second and third energy storage devices are respectively connected to V IN1 / OUT1 1001 and V IN2 / OUT2 At 1002, with V BAT The first energy storage device connected to 1010 is directly connected to V. SYS Power is supplied to the electronic load connected to 1009, and simultaneously to the V IN1 / OUT1 1001 and V IN2 / OUT2 The second and third energy storage devices connected to 1002 are being charged. SW IN1 1101, SW IN2 1102, SW1 1103, SW2 1104, SW SYS 1105 and SW BAT The operations related to 1106 are the same as before. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Similar to what is described in the text.

[0105] Again, Figure 11Only one method of implementing the output stage, its interconnection with inductor L1007, and various electronic loads, energy sources, and energy loads is shown. Depending on the application and requirements, the output stage can be implemented with more or fewer switching devices, and the interconnection between the switching devices and inductor L1007 can have many variations known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the invention can also relate to boost converters / converters, taking into account different energy storage devices.

[0106] Figure 12 A switch-mode charger 120 with a control method or unified controller according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein V IN1 / OUT1 1201, V IN2 / OUT2 1202 and the like are configured to connect to multiple input ports, including but not limited to electronic loads, energy storage devices, energy sources (such as solar panels), and their V OUT1 / IN1 1210, V OUT2 / IN2 1211 and others are configured to connect to multiple output ports, including but not limited to V. OUT1 / IN1 1210, V OUT2 / IN2 1211 includes electronic loads, energy storage devices, and energy sources (such as solar panels). Switch-mode battery chargers control bidirectional energy flow as needed and may include boost converters / conversion circuits.

[0107] Figure 13 A switch-mode charger 130 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. This switch-mode charger includes a plurality of switch-mode chargers, wherein... Figure 12 The image depicts a switch-mode charger. The outputs of the switch-mode chargers can be connected together. This switch-mode charger is configured to be connected to a device used in V... IN / OUT1 1301, V IN / OUT2 Multiple energy sources V that supply power to multiple electronic loads and / or charge multiple energy storage devices at locations such as 1302 IN / OUT1 1301, V IN / OUT2 1302, etc. Each switch-mode charger is self-regulating, and multiple of them can be connected in parallel to output the combined current or power to V. IN / OUT1 1301, V IN / OUT2 1302, etc.

[0108] Figure 14A switch-mode charger 140 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The control method or (unified) controller is configured to have multiple ports V1 1401, V2 1402, V3 1403, V4 1404, etc., via corresponding control signals EN1 1405, EN2 1406, EN3 1407, EN4 1408, etc. All input and output ports are coupled together via inductive couplers (e.g., transformers). Each port can be connected to an energy source (e.g., a solar panel), an energy storage device (e.g., a battery, supercapacitor, etc.), or an electronic load. The (unified) controller is configured to control the bidirectional current flow at each port. Specifically, depending on the type of device connected to the port, the (unified) controller can control the current flowing into the port (where the port is an output) or the current flowing out of the port (where the port is an input).

[0109] For example, in Figure 14 In this configuration, an energy source is connected to V1 1401, a high-energy-density, low-power-density energy storage device (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) is connected to V2 1402, a low-energy-density, high-power-density energy storage device (e.g., a supercapacitor) is connected to V3 1403, and an electronic load is connected to V4 1404. When the energy source is available, it charges both energy storage devices and supplies power to the electronic load. In another scenario where the energy source is unavailable, the high-energy-density, low-power-density energy storage device supplies power to the electronic load and charges the low-energy-density, high-power-density energy storage device when the electronic load is in a low-power mode. In yet another example scenario, when the energy source is unavailable, the high-energy-density, low-power-density energy storage device and / or the low-energy-density, high-power-density energy storage device supplies power to the electronic load when the electronic load is in a high-power mode. Several other scenarios exist and are known to those skilled in the art.

[0110] Figure 15 Depicting Figure 14 In one embodiment of the output stage 150, the switching devices SW1 1501, SW2 1502, SW3 1503, SW4 1504, and SW5 1505 can be implemented using any switching device, such as, but not limited to, transistors, diodes, etc. Based on the received control signals EN 1405, 1406, 1407, or 1408, the output stage generates five control signals V for "on" and "off" the five switching devices SW1 1501, SW2 1502, SW3 1503, SW4 1504, and SW5 1505, respectively. SW1 1506, V SW2 1507, V SW3 1508, V SW4 1509 and V SW51510. The control signal EN is a dual-level signal in one or more charging stages. When the control signal EN is at a high voltage level, the output stage of the switch-mode charger is enabled, where the controller generates pulses to alternately turn on five switching devices SW1 1501, SW2 1502, SW3 1503, SW4 1504, and SW5 1505, depending on whether the port is an input or an output, and also depending on whether the port voltage is higher or lower than a reference value.

[0111] The controller can be implemented in a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art. One feasible implementation is to use combinational logic (such as a logic AND gate (not shown)) to use the control signal EN as a gating signal at its input, thereby obtaining five control signals V at the output of the logic AND gate. SW1 1506, V SW2 1507, V SW3 1508, V SW4 1509 and V SW5 1510. The pulse width of the control signal is based on the inductor current I. L The peak values ​​are determined by some relationship (including direct correlation). Alternating pulses define five control signals V. SW1 1506, V SW2 1507, V SW3 1508, V SW4 1509 and V SW5 1510. The width of each enabled signal portion corresponds to at least one complete charging cycle.

[0112] again, Figure 15 Only the implementation is described Figure 14 The output stage and its interconnection with the inductor L are described in one manner. Depending on the application and requirements, the output stage can be implemented using more or fewer switching devices, and the interconnection between the switching devices and the inductor L can have a variety of variations known to those skilled in the art.

[0113] Figure 16 A switch-mode charger 160 according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The control method or (unified) controller is configured to have an input port V connected to the energy source. IN One side is connected, and the other side is configured to connect to multiple output ports, including loads (e.g., V). Load1 1601, V Load2 1602, V SYS 1603, etc.) and energy storage devices (e.g., V BAT 1604). Specifically, the (unified) controller is configured to control the bidirectional current flow at the port connected to the energy storage device.

[0114] Figure 17 Depicting Figure 16 One embodiment of the output stage 170, wherein SW1 1701, SW2 1702, SW IN1 1703, SW IN2 1704, SW LOAD1 1705, SW LOAD2 1706, SW SYS_BAT 1707, SW BAT 1708, and SW SYS 1709 can be implemented using any switching device, such as, but not limited to, transistors, diodes, etc. Based on the received control signal EN 1725, the output stage generates switching devices SW1 1701, SW2 1702, and SW3 for "on" and "off" respectively. IN1 1703, SW IN2 1704, SW LOAD1 1705, SW LOAD2 1706, SW SYS_BAT 1707, SW BAT 1708, and SW SYS 1709 related control signal V SW1 1710, V SW2 1711, V SW _ IN1 1712, V SW _ IN2 1713, V SW _ LOAD1 1714, V SW _ LOAD2 1715, V SW _ SYS_BAT 1716, V SW _ BAT 1717, and V SW _ SYS 1718. Control signal EN 1725 is a dual-level signal in one or more charging stages. When control signal EN 1725 is at a high voltage (or high state) level, the output stage of the switch-mode charger 160 is enabled, wherein the controller generates alternating switching devices SW1 1701, SW2 1702, and SW303. IN1 1703, SW IN2 1704, SW LOAD1 1705, SW LOAD2 1706, SW SYS_BAT 1707, SW BAT 1708, and SWSYS A pulse of 1709. When V IN1 When 1719 is connected to an energy source, energy from the energy source is transferred to the multiple output voltage ports (e.g., V) via inductor L1724 and associated switching devices. SYS 1720, V Load1 1721, V Load2 1722, etc.) and energy storage devices (V BAT 1723). When V IN1 When 1719 is disconnected from the energy source, the charged energy storage device can transfer stored energy from V. BAT 1723 is transmitted to the multiple output voltage ports (e.g., V). SYS 1720, V Load1 1721, V Load2 (e.g., 1722). This (unified) controller can be implemented in a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art.

[0115] Figure 17 Only the implementation is described Figure 16 The output stage and its interconnection with inductor L1724 are described in one manner. Depending on the application and requirements, the output stage can be implemented using more or fewer switching devices, and the interconnection between the switching devices and inductor L can have a variety of variations known to those skilled in the art.

[0116] Figure 4 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 The switch-mode charger shown can operate in the first operating mode as described above, where the energy source is used to power an electronic load and / or charge an energy storage device. In other embodiments, each switch-mode charger can be configured for bidirectional charging. Specifically, when it is necessary to transfer energy from the energy storage device shown on the right to the energy source shown on the left, the switch-mode charger can be configured to operate in a second operating mode. A (unified) controller can be configured to control the direction of energy flow accordingly. In the second operating mode, the input voltage V can be sensed as described above. IN or V IN / OUT Instead of output voltage V OUT or V OUT / IN This configuration is used to generate control signals. The above addresses... Figure 4 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 16The control method for the switch-mode charger remains essentially unchanged. To provide this bidirectional charging, the control circuit generates the same control signal, which includes an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion based on the input voltage.

[0117] Note that, due to the flexibility of the present invention, other operating modes exist, which are known to those skilled in the art.

[0118] Therefore, each of the above-described switch-mode chargers implements a method for charging one or more energy storage devices. This method includes generating a control signal that includes an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion based on the voltage of the energy storage device being charged.

[0119] The control signal alternately charges and discharges the inductor during the enable signal portion of the control signal, and reduces the inductor current (low current, including zero current) during the disable signal portion of the control signal.

[0120] When the voltage of the energy storage device is below a first threshold, the control signal can be set to be high for a first duration; and when the voltage of the energy storage device is above the first threshold, the control signal can be set to be high for a second duration. The second duration can be longer or shorter than the first duration.

[0121] When the voltage of the energy storage device is higher than a first threshold and lower than a second threshold, the control signal can be set to be high for a second duration. And when the voltage of the energy storage device is higher than the second threshold and lower than a third threshold, the control signal can be set to be high for a third duration. The third duration can be approximately continuous or continuous.

[0122] The third threshold can be close to or equal to the maximum voltage of the energy storage device. When the voltage of the energy storage device reaches the third threshold, the control signal can be set to be high for a shorter duration.

[0123] The width of each enabled signal section corresponds to one or more complete operating cycles of connecting the energy storage device to the energy source and then to the ground.

[0124] In some embodiments, the energy source is at least one selected from a plurality of energy sources.

[0125] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the energy storage device is at least one energy storage device that can be selected from a plurality of energy storage devices.

[0126] Although the invention is described as being implemented in the above embodiments, it should not be construed as being limited thereto. For example, while four separate charging stages are described, there may be more or fewer than four charging stages.

[0127] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and combinations can be made in the details of design, construction and / or operation without departing from the invention.

[0128] References

[0129] [US 9,099,919], Jing et al., SINGLE-INDUCTOR-MULTIPLE-OUTPUT REGULATORWITH SYNCHRONIZED CURRENT MODEHYSTERETC CONTROL, August 4, 2015.

[0130] [US 8,624,429], SINGLE-INDUCTOR-MULTIPLE- OUTPUT REGULATOR WITH AUTO-HOPPING CONTROLAND THE METHOD OF USE, January 7, 2014.

Claims

1. A device comprising at least one charging circuit, wherein, The at least one charging circuit includes: At least one input for connecting to at least one energy source; At least one output for connection to at least one load, and having an output voltage; The controller is configured to generate a control signal having: an enable signal portion, or a disable signal portion, or both an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion, wherein the enable signal portion or the disable signal portion is related to the output voltage; and The output stage is configured as follows: During the enable signal section, the inductor is coupled to the at least one input, or to the at least one output, or to both the at least one input and the at least one output; and During the disabled signal section, the inductor is isolated from the at least one input, or from the at least one output, or from both the at least one input and the at least one output.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one charging circuit further includes at least one other output for connection to at least one other load and having another output voltage; and The enable signal portion or the disable signal portion is related to the output voltage, or to the other output voltage, or to both the output voltage and the other output voltage.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one load and the at least another load are one of the following or a combination thereof: Electronic load, Energy source, or Energy storage equipment.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The energy storage device has a first threshold voltage, and The duration of the enable signal portion is adaptively adjusted to maintain one or a combination of the following: The output voltage or a constant voltage of the other output voltage, or a constant voltage of both the output voltage and the other output voltage; or When the output voltage or the other output voltage is lower than the first threshold voltage, a constant current is applied to the at least one load, or a constant current is applied to the at least one other load, or a constant current is applied to both the at least one load and the at least one other load.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The energy storage device also has a second threshold voltage, and When the output voltage or the other output voltage is higher than the first threshold voltage and lower than the second threshold voltage, the duration of the enable signal portion is adaptively adjusted to maintain a constant current to the at least one load, or a constant current to the at least one other load, or a constant current to both the at least one load and the at least one other load.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein The energy storage device also has a second threshold voltage and a third threshold voltage, and The duration of the enable signal portion is adaptively adjusted to further maintain: The variable or constant voltage of the output voltage, or the variable or constant voltage of the other output voltage, or the variable or constant voltage of both the output voltage and the other output voltage, or When the output voltage or the other output voltage is higher than the second threshold voltage and lower than the third threshold voltage, a constant current is applied to the at least one load, or a constant current is applied to the at least one other load, or a constant current is applied to both the at least one load and the at least one other load.

7. The device according to claim 3, wherein The energy storage device also has a third threshold voltage, and When the output voltage or the other output voltage is higher than the third threshold voltage, the duration of the enable signal portion is adaptively adjusted to further maintain: A constant voltage of the output voltage connected to the at least one load, and A constant or variable voltage to the other output voltage of the at least other load.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, During the enable signal section, there is at least one cycle of charging and discharging of the inductor current.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The peak value, valley value, or both of the peak value and valley value of the inductor current are adaptively adjusted to maintain: A constant current to at least one of the loads, or A constant or variable voltage of the output voltage connected to the at least one load.

10. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The energy source is connected to the at least one input, and Another energy source is connected to the at least one other input.

11. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one output is connected to the energy storage device. The at least one input is then connected to another energy storage device, and The energy storage device charges the other energy storage device.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The output stage includes multiple input switches and multiple output switches. The electronic load is connected to the at least one other output, and The plurality of output switches includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch, wherein... The first switch is configured to couple the electronic load to the energy storage device. The second output switch is configured to couple the electronic load to the energy source; and The third switch is configured to couple the energy storage device to the energy source or the other energy source.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The coupling achieved through the first switch, the second switch, or the third switch includes the coupling of the inductor.

14. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The device also includes at least one other charging circuit having at least one output, and The at least one output of the at least one charging circuit is coupled to the at least one output of the at least other charging circuit.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device also includes: At least one other charging circuit having at least one output, and Coupled inductors or transformers, and The at least one output of at least one charging circuit is coupled to the at least one output of the at least one other charging circuit via the coupled inductor or transformer.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The controller is configured to generate control signals for at least one charging circuit and the at least one other charging circuit.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one output of the at least other charging circuit is connected to the energy storage device, and The energy storage device charges the at least one load or the at least one energy source.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein, The at least other charging circuit includes at least one input connected to at least one load, and The energy storage device also charges the at least one load connected to the at least one input of the at least other charging circuit.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The average current in the inductor is adaptively adjusted to maintain a constant or variable output voltage.

20. A method for charging via a charging circuit, the charging circuit having a first terminal connected to an energy source, a second terminal connected to an electronic load, a third terminal connected to an energy storage device, an inductor, and a controller, the method comprising: The controller generates a control signal related to the output voltage to regulate the current in the inductor, wherein the control signal has an enable signal portion and a disable signal portion; During the enable signal portion, the first terminal is coupled to the second terminal, coupled to the third terminal, or coupled to both the second and third terminals via the inductor; and During the disabled signal section, the first terminal is decoupled from the second terminal and the third terminal.

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