Regulated power supply with module interface circuit for battery module

Abstract

This application relates to a regulated power supply with module interface circuitry for a battery module. A regulated power supply system, integrated system, and method for providing regulated power from a battery pack to an electrical load are disclosed. In one example, the regulated power supply system includes a buck regulator operable to regulate an unregulated voltage provided at an unregulated high-side interface of the battery pack to a regulated voltage at a regulated high-side interface to which the electrical load can be connected. The buck regulator is configured to command a high-side driver to deliver power to an inductor via the unregulated high-side interface during the on-phase of the duty cycle, during which the inductor is charged. The buck regulator is also configured to stop delivering power to the inductor during the off-phase of the duty cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed inventions generally relate to regulating the power supplied to electrical loads. Background Technology

[0002] Battery systems can integrate multiple battery modules to provide overall battery functionality and performance for a given load. Single to multi-module battery systems can be installed on both fixed and mobile platforms (such as aircraft, spacecraft, land-based and underwater vehicles) and power grid systems; failure of these systems can lead to loss or damage to vehicles or facilities during operation. Multi-module battery systems, including high-voltage battery systems, as well as battery systems located on mobile platforms and fixed systems, can present significant challenges in determining the health status and performance of individual battery modules and the overall battery system.

[0003] Furthermore, electrical loads powered by battery systems can be configured to operate at a specific voltage. However, the batteries in a battery system typically provide an unregulated voltage that may differ from the voltage of the electrical load. Even if the nominal voltage of the battery or battery system is known, the battery or battery system may exhibit degraded health and / or performance, causing the actual voltage to deviate from the nominal voltage. Therefore, a battery system may be incompatible with an electrical load. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A regulated power supply system is disclosed. In one example, the regulated power supply system includes a battery pack and a power regulation system. The battery pack contains multiple battery modules that collectively provide an unregulated voltage to an unregulated high-side interface relative to a ground reference via battery circuitry.

[0005] The power conditioning system includes a regulated high-side interface configured to provide a regulated voltage to electrical loads relative to a ground reference. The power conditioning system also includes multiple module interface circuits. For each battery module in the battery pack, a corresponding module interface circuit among the multiple module interface circuits includes: a measurement circuit operable to measure a module-specific voltage of the battery module, and a switching circuit operable to switch the battery module between a connected state relative to the battery circuit and a disconnected state relative to the battery circuit.

[0006] The power regulation system also includes an inductor electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface and the unregulated high-side interface, and a capacitor electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface and the anode electrical interconnects of the module interface circuits in the plurality of module interface circuits; the anode electrical interconnects interconnect the anode terminals of the battery modules in the plurality of battery modules to the battery circuit.

[0007] The power conditioning system further includes a buck regulator configured to command the high-side driver to deliver power to the inductor via an unregulated high-side interface during the on-phase of a duty cycle when the inductor is charging, and to stop delivering power to the inductor during the off-phase of the duty cycle to obtain a target voltage at the regulated high-side interface.

[0008] A method for supplying regulated power from a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules to an electrical load is also disclosed. In one example, the method includes: measuring a module-specific voltage of each battery module in the battery pack; obtaining a target voltage at a regulated high-side interface connected to the electrical load; selecting a group of battery modules in the battery pack for connection to an unregulated high-side interface via a battery circuit, based on the target voltage and the module-specific voltage measured for each battery module in the battery pack; configuring the group of battery modules to be connected to the unregulated high-side interface via the battery circuit, and configuring other battery modules in the battery pack not in the group of battery modules to be disconnected from the unregulated high-side interface via the battery circuit; and regulating the unregulated voltage supplied by the group of battery modules to the target voltage at the regulated high-side interface via a buck regulator.

[0009] An integrated system for supplying regulated power from a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules to an electrical load is also disclosed. In one example, the integrated system includes an electrical load and a power regulation system. The power regulation system includes: a regulated high-side interface configured to supply a regulated voltage to the electrical load relative to a ground reference; and multiple module interface circuits, wherein for each battery module of the battery pack, a respective module interface circuit includes: a measurement circuit operable to measure a module-specific voltage of the battery module, and a switching circuit operable to switch the battery module between a connected state relative to the battery circuit and a disconnected state relative to the battery circuit. The integrated system also includes: an inductor electrically coupled between a regulated high-side interface and an unregulated high-side interface; a capacitor electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface and an anode electrical interconnect of one of the multiple module interface circuits, the anode electrical interconnect interconnecting the anode terminal of one of the multiple battery modules to the battery circuit; and a buck regulator configured to command a high-side driver to deliver power to the inductor via the unregulated high-side interface during the on-phase of a duty cycle in which the inductor is charged, and to stop delivering power to the inductor during the off-phase of the duty cycle to obtain a target voltage at the regulated high-side interface. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram depicting an example electrical system that includes a regulated power supply system and electrical loads.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a description Figure 1 A schematic diagram of additional aspects of the module interface circuit.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a description that can be adopted Figure 2 The form or structure of the module interface circuit Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example of a module interface circuit, which is a part of the module interface circuit.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a description that can be made by Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates an example method by which a power conditioning system performs a process to provide regulated power to electrical loads.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram depicting an example computing system.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram depicting an integrated system for providing regulated power to electrical loads.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for performing a test process that includes measuring the operating conditions of the individual battery modules of the battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0017] As briefly described above, determining the status of individual battery modules and the overall battery system presents significant challenges, particularly in mobile and stationary platforms that integrate multi-module battery systems, and / or high-voltage facilities. In this context, "status" refers to the operating conditions that indicate the health and performance of individual battery modules and the overall battery system. One challenge associated with determining the status of individual battery modules may be the high voltages associated with their connection to the battery system. For example, high-voltage facilities can introduce safety and / or logistical risks to testing. This challenge can be exacerbated by mobile and stationary platforms where it is impossible to disassemble the battery system or disconnect the battery modules from the battery system or load.

[0018] Furthermore, electrical loads powered by battery systems can be configured to operate at a specific voltage. However, the batteries in a battery system typically supply an unregulated voltage, which may differ from the voltage of the electrical load. Even if the nominal voltage of the battery or battery system is known, the battery or battery system may exhibit degraded health and / or performance, causing the actual voltage to deviate from the nominal voltage. Therefore, a battery system may be incompatible with an electrical load.

[0019] A regulated power supply system, integrated system, and method for providing regulated power from a battery pack to an electrical load are disclosed. The disclosed system and method offer the possibility of addressing the aforementioned problems regarding voltage regulation in the context of power supply from batteries that can exhibit variations in health and performance.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram depicting an example electrical system 100, which includes an regulated power supply system 102 and an electrical load 104 to be powered by the regulated power supply system.

[0021] The regulated power supply system 102 includes a battery pack 110 comprising one or more battery modules, which can serve as a source of unregulated power for the electrical load 104. Specifically, the battery pack 110 is capable of providing an unregulated voltage relative to a ground reference, as described in further detail herein.

[0022] The regulated power supply system 102 also includes a power regulation system 111 capable of regulating the unregulated power supplied by the battery pack 110 to obtain regulated power, which can be supplied by the regulated power supply system to the electrical load 104. Specifically, the regulated power supply system 102 is capable of providing a regulated voltage to the electrical load 104 relative to a ground reference, as described in further detail herein.

[0023] Battery system group 110 includes one or more battery modules, examples of which are shown in Figure 1 The figures are described with reference to battery modules 112-1 to 112-N, which collectively provide an unregulated potential. The term "N" as used with respect to reference numeral 112-N can refer to any suitable number of zero or more battery modules other than battery module 112-1. Figure 1 In the example, battery pack 110 includes a plurality of battery modules 113, which include at least a first battery module 112-1 and a second battery module 112-2. The plurality of battery modules 113 of battery pack 110 may include zero, one or more additional battery modules represented by battery modules 112-N.

[0024] In some examples, multiple battery modules 113 of the battery pack 110 may be arranged relative to the electrical load 104 in a series configuration, a parallel configuration, or a combination of series and parallel configurations. Figure 1 In the example, battery modules 112-1 and 112-2 to 112-N are arranged in a series configuration.

[0025] Each battery module of battery pack 110 comprises a group of one or more battery cells 114, examples of which include battery cell 116. In some examples, each battery module may contain multiple battery cells of any suitable number. Furthermore, in some examples, the number of battery cells and / or the performance of the battery cells may vary between or among the battery modules of battery pack 110. For example, battery module 112-1 may contain a different number of battery cells and / or different performance than battery module 112-2. As described in further detail herein, power regulation system 111 is capable of measuring various performance parameters of each battery module of battery pack 110 and is capable of selectively connecting or disconnecting individual battery modules of the battery pack to provide target voltage, current, and / or power to electrical load 104.

[0026] The power regulation system 111 includes a corresponding instance of a module interface circuit, identified by reference numeral 120, for each battery module in the battery pack 110. For example, the power regulation system 111 includes a first module interface circuit 120-1 for battery module 112-1, a second module interface circuit 120-2 for battery module 112-2, and an Nth module interface circuit 120-N for battery modules 112-N. Therefore, in an example where the battery pack 110 includes multiple battery modules 113, the power regulation system 111 may include a plurality of module interface circuits 121 corresponding to the number of battery modules. See further reference... Figure 2 As detailed, each module interface circuit 120-1 to 120-N can be connected to the cathode and anode terminals of the corresponding battery module in the battery pack 110.

[0027] Multiple module interface circuits 121 (including module interface circuits 120-1 to 120-N for the battery pack 110) can be interconnected with each other via electrical interconnects. For example, each adjacent pair of module interface circuits can be interconnected via corresponding inter-module electrical interconnects 122 of the power regulation system 111. Figure 1 In the example, module interface circuit 120-1 is interconnected with module interface circuit 120-2 via an instance of inter-module electrical interconnect 122. As another example, if 120-N is a third battery module in battery pack 110, then module interface circuit 120-2 is interconnected with module interface circuit 120-N via another instance of inter-module electrical interconnect 122. Each instance of inter-module electrical interconnect 122 is capable of connecting the anode terminal (e.g., ...) of the module interface circuit. Figure 2 (232 in the middle) and the cathode terminal of another module interface circuit (e.g. Figure 2 230) Electrical coupling, as referenced Figure 2 As described in further detail.

[0028] The power regulation system 111 includes a high-side electrical interconnect 124 electrically coupled to the cathode terminal of a module interface circuit (e.g., 120-1) that serves as an unregulated high-side interface 125 for the battery pack 110. The term "high-side" refers to a high potential relative to a ground reference 128.

[0029] The power regulation system 111 includes a low-side electrical interconnect 126 that is electrically coupled to the anode terminal of a module interface circuit (e.g., 120-N) that serves as an unregulated low-side interface 127 for the battery pack 110. The term "low-side" refers to a low potential relative to a ground reference 128.

[0030] The module interface circuits (e.g., 120-1 to 120-N) for the battery pack 110, together with the inter-module electrical interconnects 122, high-side electrical interconnects 124, and low-side electrical interconnects 126, form the battery circuit 129 between the unadjusted high-side interface 125 and the unadjusted low-side interface 127. See further reference... Figure 2 As described in detail, each module interface circuit includes a switching circuit operable to connect its battery module to battery circuit 129 and disconnect its battery module from battery circuit 129.

[0031] The power regulation system 111 also includes a voltage regulation circuit 130 capable of regulating the unregulated voltage supplied by the battery pack 110 at the unregulated high-side interface 125 to obtain a regulated voltage at the regulated high-side interface 131 of the power regulation system 111. The term "high-side" again refers to a high potential relative to ground reference 128. Figure 1 In the example, electrical load 104 is connected to the regulated high-side interface 131 and ground reference 128.

[0032] The voltage regulation circuit 130 includes a buck regulator 132, a high-side driver 134, a low-side driver 136, an inductor 138, and a capacitor 140.

[0033] The buck regulator 132 provides buck regulation functionality, which includes downregulating the unregulated voltage at the unregulated high-side interface 125 relative to ground reference 128 to the regulated voltage at the regulated high-side interface 131 relative to ground reference 128 using a high-side driver 134 and a low-side driver 136. In some examples, the buck regulator 132 can be in the form of an integrated circuit that provides buck regulation functionality.

[0034] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the buck regulator 132 is electrically coupled to various components of the module interface circuit 120-1 via a set of one or more electrical connectors 142-1, as shown in the reference. Figure 3Further detailed description is provided. As an example, the set of electrical connections 142-1 can act as a current sensing path, enabling the buck regulator 132 to stop transferring power between the unregulated high-side interface 125 and the regulated high-side interface 131 if the current sensed via the current sensing path of the set of electrical connections 142-1 exceeds a threshold. In this example, the voltage regulation circuit 130 can provide overcurrent protection by stopping power transfer in response to the current sensed via the set of electrical connections 142-1 exceeding a threshold. Each of the plurality of module interface circuits 121 can be provided with a corresponding set of one or more electrical connections as described similarly to reference 142-1, as illustrated by reference to a set of one or more electrical connections 142-2 relative to module interface circuit 120-2 and reference to a set of one or more electrical connections 142-N relative to module interface circuit 120-N. Therefore, the voltage regulation circuit 130 can provide overcurrent protection for each battery module of the battery pack 110 via the corresponding module interface circuit. In addition, the buck regulator 132 is electrically coupled to the regulated high-side interface 131 via an electrical connector 144, which acts as a regulated high-side feedback path to the buck regulator for regulating the voltage of the unregulated high-side interface 125 to the target voltage at the regulated high-side interface 131.

[0035] The buck regulator 132 is connected to the high-side driver 134 via electrical connector 146. The buck regulator 132 can provide command signals to the high-side driver 134 via electrical connector 146 according to the high-side driver's duty cycle. Figure 1 In a schematic depiction, the high-side driver 134 is electrically coupled to various components of the module interface circuit 120-1 via a set of electrical connectors 150, as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 3 Further detailed description.

[0036] The buck regulator 132 is connected to the low-side driver 136 via electrical connector 148. The buck regulator 132 can provide command signals to the low-side driver 136 via electrical connector 148 according to the duty cycle / duty cycle of the low-side driver. For example... Figure 1 In a schematic depiction, the low-side driver 136 is electrically coupled to various components of the module interface circuit 120-1 via a set of electrical connectors 152, as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 3 Further detailed description.

[0037] Inductor 138 is electrically coupled between the unregulated high-side interface 125 and the regulated high-side interface 131. Capacitor 140 is electrically coupled to the regulated high-side interface 140. (The sentence is incomplete and requires further context.) Figure 1 As illustrated in the schematic diagram, capacitor 140 is electrically coupled to various components of module interface circuit 120-1 via a set of electrical connectors 154, see reference. Figure 3 Further detailed description.

[0038] The power regulation system 111 further includes a control system 160 capable of controlling the operation of the buck regulator 132 and each of the plurality of module interface circuits 121 (e.g., 120-1 to 120-N). As an example, the control system 160 may act as a voltage controller with respect to the voltage regulation circuit 130, including specifying a target value (i.e., target voltage) of the regulated voltage at the regulated high-side interface 131 connected to the load 104 to the buck regulator 132. The buck regulator 132 may regulate the unregulated voltage supplied by the battery pack 110 to the unregulated high-side interface 125 via the battery circuit 129 to the target value of the regulated voltage at the regulated high-side interface 131. Furthermore, the control system 160 may act as an overcurrent protection controller that terminates power transfer between the unregulated high-side interface 125 and the regulated high-side interface 131 in response to a current (measured via the module interface circuit associated with the battery module or otherwise obtained) at any battery module of the battery pack 110 exceeding a current threshold.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, control system 160 is electrically coupled to buck regulator 132 via a set of electrical connectors 162, through which the control system can communicate with the buck regulator. Furthermore, control system 160 is electrically coupled to each of the plurality of module interface circuits 121 (e.g., 120-1 to 120-N) via a corresponding set of electrical connectors (identified by reference numeral 164). For example, control system 160 is electrically coupled to module interface circuit 120-1 via a set of electrical connectors 164-1, through which the control system can communicate with module interface circuit 120-1. Control system 160 is electrically coupled to module interface circuit 120-2 via a set of electrical connectors 164-2, through which the control system can communicate with module interface circuit 120-2. Control system 160 is electrically coupled to module interface circuit 120-N via a set of electrical connectors 164-N, through which the control system can communicate with module interface circuit 120-N.

[0040] Figure 2 It is a description Figure 1 A schematic diagram of additional aspects of the module interface circuits 120-1 to 120-N is shown, which is described with reference to the module interface circuit 120 electrically coupled to the battery module 112. Figure 2 The module interface circuit 120 represents Figure 1 Any one of the module interface circuits 120-1 to 120-N. Similarly, Figure 2 Battery module 112 represents Figure 1Any one of battery modules 112-1 to 112-N.

[0041] exist Figure 2 In the battery module 112, there are a cathode terminal 210 and an anode terminal 212. The module interface circuit 120 includes a module-side cathode interface 220, through which the module interface circuit is electrically coupled to the cathode terminal 210 of the battery module 112. The module interface circuit 120 also includes a module-side anode interface 222, through which the module interface circuit is electrically coupled to the anode terminal 212 of the battery module 112.

[0042] The module interface circuit 120 also includes a load-side cathode interface 230, which is electrically coupled to the battery module 112 in the battery pack 110 via the load-side cathode interface. Figure 1 Examples of inter-module electrical interconnects 122 or high-side electrical interconnects 124. The module interface circuit 120 also includes a load-side anode interface 232, through which the module interface circuit is electrically coupled to, depending on the position of the battery module 112 within the battery pack 110. Figure 1 Examples of inter-module electrical interconnects 122 or low-side electrical interconnects 126.

[0043] The module interface circuit 120 also includes a measurement circuit 240 and a switching circuit 250, see reference. Figure 3 A more detailed description of its examples is provided. Figure 1 Each module interface circuit of the battery pack 110 (e.g., 120-1 to 120-N) similarly includes instances of measurement circuitry 240 and switching circuitry 250.

[0044] The module interface circuit 120 includes a cathode electrical interconnect 260 that electrically couples the module-side cathode interface 220 to the load-side cathode interface 230, and an anode electrical interconnect 262 that electrically couples the module-side anode interface 222 to the load-side anode interface 232. Measurement circuit 240 and switching circuit 250 are positioned along the cathode electrical interconnect 260 and anode electrical interconnect 262, as shown in the reference. Figure 3 Further detailed description.

[0045] The measurement circuit 240 can be derived from Figure 1 The control system 160 operates to measure one or more operating conditions of the battery module 112, thereby obtaining one or more module-specific measurements of the battery module. The operating conditions of the battery module 112 can be measured by the measurement circuit 240 for the cathode electrical interconnect 260 and the anode electrical interconnect 262, for example, to obtain module-specific measurements between or across the cathode terminal 210 and the anode terminal 212 of the battery module 112.

[0046] As an example, the operating conditions measured by the measuring circuit 240 include the voltage between or across the cathode terminal 210 and the anode terminal 212, in which case the module-specific measurement includes the measured value of that voltage. Additionally or alternatively, the operating conditions measured by the measuring circuit 240 are the current between or through the cathode terminal 210 and the anode terminal 212, in which case the module-specific measurement includes the measured value of that current. Additionally or alternatively, the operating conditions measured by the measuring circuit 240 are the electrical power between or through the cathode terminal 210 and the anode terminal 212, in which case the module-specific measurement includes the measured value of that electrical power.

[0047] The control system 160 can be connected via one or more electrical connections 164 (examples of which are shown in...). Figure 2 The circuit schematically depicted as electrical connectors 242 and 244 controls the measurement circuit 240 to obtain module-specific measurements of the battery module 112. Figure 1 Electrical connector 164 refers to Figure 1 The electrical connectors 164-1 to 164-N are used. The control system 160 can receive module-specific measurements from the measurement circuit 240 via the electrical connectors 242 and / or 244. The module-specific measurements obtained by the control system 160 regarding battery module 112 are independent of the other battery modules of the battery pack 110, thereby enabling the control system 160 to evaluate the performance of each battery module in the battery pack. The control system 160 can similarly control other instances of the measurement circuit 240 of each module interface circuit (e.g., 120-1 to 120-N) of the battery pack 110 to obtain module-specific measurements of the other battery modules in the battery pack. As an example, for each battery module 112-1 to 112N of the battery pack 110, the control system 160 obtains one or more module-specific measurements (e.g., voltage, current, power, etc.) from an instance of the measurement circuit 240 of the module interface circuit coupled to that battery module.

[0048] The switching circuit 250 of the module interface circuit 120 can be... Figure 1 The control system 160 operates to connect the battery module 112 to the battery circuit 129, thereby providing the connection state of the battery module relative to the battery circuit. Furthermore, the switching circuit 250 of the module interface circuit 120 can be... Figure 1The control system 160 operates to disconnect battery module 112 from battery circuit 129, thereby providing a disconnected state of the battery module relative to the battery circuit. By connecting battery module 112 to battery circuit 129, the battery module can contribute to the combined voltage, current, and power supplied by battery pack 110 to the unregulated high-side interface 125 and unregulated low-side interface 127 of battery circuit 129. By disconnecting battery module 112 from battery circuit 129, the battery module does not contribute to the combined voltage, current, or power supplied by battery pack 110 to battery circuit 129. Switching circuit 250 can connect and disconnect battery module 112 relative to battery circuit 129 independently of other battery modules in battery pack 110.

[0049] The control system 160 can control the switching circuit 250 via one or more electrical connections 164 to connect the battery module 112 to... Figure 1 The battery circuit 129 shown is connected or disconnected. Examples of electrical connectors 164 include electrical connectors 252 and 254. The control system 160 can also control similarly. Figure 1 Other examples of switching circuits 250 for other module interface circuits of battery pack 110.

[0050] Figure 2 An example electrical path configuration of the battery module 112 relative to the battery circuit 129, provided by the switching circuit 250, is schematically depicted. When the battery module 112 is connected to the battery circuit 129 in connection state 264, the switching circuit 250 establishes an electrical connection 270 between the load-side cathode interface 230 and the module-side cathode interface 220, which engages with the cathode terminal 210 of the battery module, via the cathode electrical interconnect 260. Therefore, in connection state 264, the cathode terminal 210 of the battery module 112 is electrically coupled to the load-side cathode interface 230. Furthermore, when the battery module 112 is connected to the battery circuit 129 in connection state 264, the switching circuit 250 establishes an electrical connection 272 between the load-side anode interface 232 and the module-side anode interface 222, which engages with the anode terminal 212 of the battery module, via the anode electrical interconnect 262. Therefore, in connection state 264, the anode terminal 212 of the battery module 112 is electrically coupled to the load-side anode interface 232.

[0051] Figure 2An example electrical path configuration of the battery module 112 relative to the battery circuit 129 in an open state 266, provided by the switching circuit 250, is schematically depicted. When the battery module 112 is disconnected from the battery circuit 129 in the open state 266, the switching circuit 250 terminates the previously described electrical connections 260 and 262 and establishes an electrical connection 274 between the load-side cathode interface 230 and the load-side anode interface 232 via the cathode electrical interconnect 260. Therefore, in the open state 266, the cathode terminal 210 of the battery module 112 is no longer electrically coupled to the load-side cathode interface 230. Furthermore, in at least some examples, in the open state 266, the anode terminal 212 of the battery module 112 is also no longer electrically coupled to the load-side anode interface 232.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a module interface circuit 300, which can take... Figure 2 The module interface circuit 120 is in the form of or forms part of it, including Figure 1 The module interface circuit 300 contains any one of 120-1 to 120-N. Figure 2 Examples of module-side cathode interface 220, module-side anode interface 222, load-side cathode interface 230, load-side anode interface 232, measurement circuit 240, and switching circuit 250. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the process, cathode electrical interconnect 260 electrically couples the module-side cathode interface 220 to the load-side cathode interface 230, and anode electrical interconnect 262 electrically couples the module-side anode interface 222 to the load-side anode interface 232.

[0053] exist Figure 3 In the example, circuit 300 includes a set of electrical components, including six transistors 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4, 310-5, and 310-6; five resistors 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4, and 320-5; four opto-isolators 330-1, 330-2, 330-3, and 330-4; and two diodes 350-1 and 350-2. These components are interconnected via electrical connectors. It should be understood that circuit 300 can take other suitable forms and can include... Figure 3 The examples shown depict different numbers and configurations of electrical components to achieve the functions of the measurement circuit 240 and the switching circuit 250.

[0054] In addition, Figure 3In one example, measurement circuit 240 includes resistor 320-3 for measuring current and / or voltage across the resistor, as an example of module-specific operating conditions that can be measured via measurement circuit 240. In at least some examples, measurement circuit 240 may further include an electrical test load thereon, on which module-specific operating conditions can be measured by the measurement circuit.

[0055] Within circuit 300, node E1 and Figure 2 Electrical connector 252 is engaged, and node E2 is with Figure 2 Electrical connector 254 is engaged, and node E3 is connected to Figure 2 Electrical connector 242 engages, node E4 with Figure 2 Electrical connector 244 is engaged.

[0056] Figure 3 Further depicted in the background of circuit 300 in the example are a buck regulator 132, a high-side driver 134, a low-side driver 136, and a capacitor 140, wherein circuit 300 refers to Figure 1 The module interface circuit 120-1 in the example. For example, regarding capacitor 140, Figure 1 The electrical connector 154 is electrically coupled to the anode electrical interconnect 262 or the load-side anode interface 232. As another example, regarding the buck regulator 132, Figure 1 Electrical connector 142-1 is electrically coupled to anode electrical interconnect 262 or load-side anode interface 232. In this example, electrical connector 142-1 provides current sensing for buck regulator 132.

[0057] As another example, Figure 1 A set of electrical connections 150 for the high-side driver 134 includes electrical connections to nodes E1, E2, and 340. In the context of circuit 300, node 340 refers to the gate node of one of transistors 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, or other suitable switches. In this example, the high-side driver 134 controls the flow of electrical power between nodes E1 and E2 in response to a command signal (e.g., a duty cycle signal) received from the buck regulator 132 via 146. As another example, Figure 1 A set of electrical connections 152 for the low-side driver 136 includes electrical connections to nodes E3 and E4. In this example, the low-side driver 136 controls the flow of electrical power between nodes E3 and E4 in response to a command signal (e.g., a duty cycle signal) received from the buck regulator 132 via 148.

[0058] Figure 4 It describes what can be performed by the power regulation system 111 to obtain from Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method 400 for supplying regulated power from battery pack 110 to electrical load 104.

[0059] At 410, the method includes a measurement circuit (e.g., via a module interface circuit electrically coupled to the battery module) Figure 2 (240) Measures one or more operating conditions (e.g., voltage, current, electrical power) for each battery module (e.g., 112-1 to 112-N) of the battery pack 110. As an example, Figure 1 The control system 160 is capable of operating the measurement circuits 240 of each module interface circuit (e.g., 120-1 to 120-N) to obtain voltage, current, and power measurements provided by each battery module of the battery pack 110. An example method for measuring the operating conditions of the battery modules will be referenced as part of operation 410. Figure 7 Further detailed description.

[0060] At 412, the method includes obtaining one or more target performance parameters (e.g., target voltage, target current, target power) of the regulated high-side interface 125 relative to a ground reference 128 of the electrical load 104. As an example, the electrical load 104 is configured to operate under said one or more target performance parameters, which at least include a target voltage. In some examples, the one or more target performance parameters may further include a target current and / or a target power. See reference... Figure 5 To describe in further detail, Figure 1 The control system 160 is capable of obtaining one or more target performance parameters, for example, from a user device (e.g., as a user input specifying a target performance parameter) or from the control system's data storage device (e.g., as a previously stored target performance parameter).

[0061] At 414, the method includes selecting one or more battery modules of battery pack 110 for connection to battery circuit 129 based on target performance parameters obtained at 412 and measured operating conditions of each battery module obtained at 410. Operation 414 can be performed by... Figure 1 The control system 160 is executed.

[0062] As part of operation 414, the method at 416 can include selecting a group of battery modules of battery pack 110 that collectively provide an unregulated voltage exceeding the target voltage of the target performance parameters at the unregulated high-side interface 125 of battery circuit 129. In some examples, the group of battery modules selected at operations 414 and 416 can contain fewer battery modules than the total number of battery modules in the battery pack. For example, any suitable number of battery modules of battery pack 110 can be selected by control system 160 using the voltage measured for each battery module at 410, which collectively provide an unregulated voltage exceeding the target voltage of electrical load 104 via battery circuit 129. It should be understood that control system 160 can also select the group of battery modules at 414 based on other target performance parameters, including the target current of electrical load 104 (e.g., the target minimum current at the target voltage) and / or the target power (e.g., the target minimum power at the target voltage) of the target electrical load 104.

[0063] At 418, the method includes a switching circuit for operating the battery pack 110 (e.g., Figure 2 (250 in the middle), to configure a group of battery modules selected at 414 in a connected state relative to battery circuit 129 (e.g., Figure 2 (264 in the middle), thus to Figure 1 The voltage regulation circuit 130 provides an unregulated voltage. As previously described with reference to power regulation system 111, the voltage regulation circuit engages with the unregulated high-side interface 125 of battery circuit 129 and with the regulated high-side interface 131 connected to electrical load 104. In some examples, the battery pack switching circuit can be operated at 420 to configure other battery modules not part of the group of battery modules selected at 414 into a disconnected state 266. This can be achieved by... Figure 1 The control system 160 performs operations 418 and 420 by interacting with a corresponding instance of the switching circuit 250 of the module interface circuit of each battery module electrically coupled to the battery pack 110.

[0064] At 422, the method regulates the unregulated voltage provided by the group of battery modules based on the target voltage obtained at 412, thereby providing a regulated voltage to the electrical load 104 at the regulated high-side interface 131. As part of operation 422, the method at 424 includes commanding the buck regulator 132 to the target voltage. As an example, the control system 160 commands the buck regulator 132 of the voltage regulation circuit 130 to regulate the unregulated voltage at the unregulated high-side interface 125 to obtain the target voltage for the regulated voltage at the regulated high-side interface 131. Furthermore, as part of operation 422, the method at 426 includes the buck regulator 132 controlling the duty cycle of the high-side driver 134 and the low-side driver 136 to achieve the target voltage for the regulated voltage provided at the regulated high-side interface 131.

[0065] As an example, the buck regulator 132 is configured to control the duty cycle / duty cycle of the high-side driver 134 so as to: (1) transfer electrical energy through the circuit during the on-phase of the duty cycle, which is a period of time for charging the inductor. Figure 3 (1) Transistors 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 are passed forward to inductor 138; and (2) During the off-phase of the operating cycle, the transfer of electrical energy through transistors 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 to inductor 138 is stopped, during which time electrical energy circulates through low-side driver 136. During the off-phase of the operating cycle of high-side driver 134, buck regulator 132 is able to control the operating cycle of low-side driver 136 to the on-phase to transfer the electrical energy circulated from inductor 138 back to a set of battery modules connected to battery circuit 129. During the on-phase of the operating cycle of high-side driver 134, buck regulator 132 is able to control the operating cycle of low-side driver 136 to the off-phase to stop the transfer of electrical energy back to a set of battery modules connected to battery circuit 129.

[0066] At 428, the method may further include monitoring the current at the battery module for overcurrent protection. As part of operation 428, the method at 430 may include: in response to a current exceeding a threshold current, stopping the supply of power to the regulated high-side interface 131 via the voltage regulation circuit 130, thereby providing overcurrent protection. As an example, the buck regulator 132 may stop operating the high-side driver 134 and the low-side driver 136 according to its duty cycle. In this case, the buck regulator 132 may command the high-side driver 134 to a shutdown state, where power is not transferred through transistors 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 and forward to inductor 138. Furthermore, in at least some examples, the monitoring at operation 428 may be performed by the control system 160, in which case the control system may command the buck regulator 132 to provide overcurrent protection at operation 430.

[0067] In at least some examples, the methods and operations described herein (including) Figure 4 Method 400 can be executed by a computing system of one or more computing devices. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram depicting an example computing system 500 configured to perform the methods and operations described herein. The computing system 500 may include... Figure 1 The control system 160 may take the form of a control system 160. Furthermore, in some examples, the computing system 500 may include... Figure 1 The step-down regulator 132.

[0068] The computing system 500 includes a logic machine 510, a memory machine 512, and an input / output (I / O) subsystem 514. The computing system 500 may include... Figure 5 Other components not shown. It should be understood that the computing system 500 in... Figure 5 It is depicted in a simplified form.

[0069] Logic machine 510 includes one or more physical logic devices configured to execute instructions. For example, logic machine 510 can execute instructions 516 stored in memory 512. Instructions 516 may include or be part of one or more application programs, services, programs, routines, libraries, objects, components, data structures, or other logical constructs. Logic machine 510 can implement instructions 516 to perform tasks, implement data types, transform the state of one or more data components, achieve technical effects, or otherwise achieve desired results.

[0070] Logic machine 510 may include one or more processor devices configured to execute software instructions. Additionally or alternatively, logic machine 510 may include one or more hardware or firmware logic machines configured to execute hardware or firmware instructions. The processor device of logic machine 510 may be single-core or multi-core, and the instructions executed thereon may be configured for sequential processing, parallel processing, and / or distributed processing. In some examples, the various components of logic machine 510 may be distributed among or between two or more independent devices, which may be remotely located and / or configured for collaborative processing. As an example, logic machine 510 may be distributed across... Figure 1 The control system 160 and the buck regulator 132 are located between or within it. Furthermore, in some examples, certain aspects of the logic machine 510 can be virtualized and executed by a remotely accessible networked computing device.

[0071] Storage device 512 includes one or more physical storage devices configured to store instructions 516 executable by logic device 510, as well as other data 518 that can be stored, processed, and / or output by the logic device as part of performing the methods and operations described herein. The state of storage device 512 can be transformed—for example, to store different data—when these methods and operations are performed or otherwise implemented.

[0072] Storage device 512 may include removable and / or built-in storage devices. For example, storage device 512 may include optical memory, semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.) and / or magnetic memory. Storage device 512 may include volatile, non-volatile, dynamic, static, read / write, read-only, random access, sequential access, location-addressed, file-addressed and / or content-addressed devices.

[0073] In some examples, certain aspects of the logic machine 510 and the memory machine 512 may be integrated together into one or more hardware logic components. Such hardware logic components may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), program-specific and application-specific integrated circuits (PASIC / ASIC), program-specific and application-specific standard products (PSSP / ASSP), systems-on-a-chip (SOCs), and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).

[0074] The input / output (I / O) subsystem 514 may include one or more interface devices that operatively couple the computing system 500 to other devices. The computing system 500 may use the I / O subsystem 514 to send and receive data and / or control signals from other devices. Examples of devices capable of engaging with the I / O subsystem 514 include user equipment 520, high-side driver 134, low-side driver 136, instances of measurement circuitry 240 for each module interface circuit, instances of switching circuitry 250 for each module interface circuit, and / or other suitable devices. In cases where the computing system 500 does not include a buck regulator 132, the buck regulator may engage with the computing system 500 via the I / O subsystem 514.

[0075] As an example, computing system 500 can obtain target performance parameters (e.g., ...) from user equipment 520 via input / output subsystem 514. Figure 5 (of 530), as a result Figure 4 This is part of operation 412. For example, user equipment 520 may take the form of a computing device or computing system operated by a human user. As another example, computing system 500 may output high-side driver command signals to high-side driver 134 via input / output subsystem 514 to control the duty cycle / duty cycle of the high-side driver, and may output low-side driver command signals to low-side driver 136 to control the duty cycle / duty cycle of the low-side driver, thereby serving as... Figure 4 Part of the operation at point 422 involves adjusting the voltage. As another example, the computing system 500 can send command signals to instances of the measurement circuit 240 and / or switching circuit 250 via the input / output subsystem 514, and can receive measured values ​​of performance parameters (e.g., ...) from instances of the measurement circuit. Figure 5 (540 in the example). As another example, computing system 500 can send commands to buck regulator 132 via input / output subsystem 514, thereby serving as... Figure 4 This is part of operations 422 and 428. In a further example, the input / output subsystem 514 may include an interface device that operatively couples the computing system 500 to a communication network (such as the Internet and / or a local area network).

[0076] Figure 5 Other aspects of data 518 are described, which may include data stored in storage 512, as well as data received, processed, generated, and / or output by logic machine 510 as part of performing the methods and operations described herein. Data 518 may also include data received from other devices via input / output subsystem 514.

[0077] Data 518 may include target performance parameters 530 for the regulated power to be supplied to the electrical load. As an example, target performance parameters 530 may include target voltage 532, target current 534, target power 536, and / or other suitable target performance parameters.

[0078] Data 518 may include targeting Figure 1 The measured operating conditions 540 of each of the plurality of battery modules 113 in the battery pack 110. As an example, the measured operating conditions 540 of each battery module, identified by a corresponding battery module identifier 544 in the plurality of battery modules 113, may include module-specific voltage 546, module-specific current 548, module-specific power 550, module-specific state of charge 552, and / or other suitable measured operating conditions. As previously referenced Figure 4 As described in operation 410, the measured operating conditions 540 can be obtained for each battery module via an instance of the measurement circuit 240 associated with the battery module.

[0079] Data 518 may include battery pack configuration data 554, which describes the electrical configuration (e.g., series and / or parallel configuration) of the plurality of battery modules 113 of the battery pack 110. The configuration data 554 can be used by the computing system 500 in conjunction with measured operating conditions 540 to select one or more battery modules (e.g., ...) from the plurality of battery modules 113 of the battery pack. Figure 5 (556 in the example), and determine the combined performance parameters of the group of battery modules (e.g., 560).

[0080] Data 518 can identify a group or more of battery modules 556 selected by computing system 500, as previously referenced. Figure 4 As described in operation 414. The battery modules included in the group of battery modules 556 can be identified by their respective battery module identifiers 558. For the group of battery modules 556 connected to the battery circuit 129 according to the battery pack configuration identified by the battery pack configuration data 554 and identified by the battery module identifier 558, data 518 may include combined performance parameters 560. Combined performance parameters 560 may include unregulated voltage 562, unregulated current 564, unregulated power 566, and / or other suitable combined performance parameters, which may be determined based on the measured operating conditions 540 of the group of batteries 556. As an example, in the context of the battery pack configuration being identified by configuration data 554, the unregulated voltage 562 of combined performance parameter 560 may include the contribution of the module-specific voltage 546 of each battery module in the group of battery modules 556.

[0081] Data 518 may include regulated performance parameters 570 for the electrical energy provided by the battery module 556 connected to the battery circuit 129 at the regulated high-side interface 131, which may include regulated voltage 572, regulated current 574, regulated power 576 and / or other suitable regulated performance parameters.

[0082] Data 518 can identify disconnected battery modules 580 in battery pack 110 that are not part of battery module 556 in that pack. Disconnected battery modules 580 can be identified by their respective battery module identifiers 582.

[0083] Data 518 may include duty cycle data 590, which includes data defining the high-side duty cycle 592 during which the high-side driver 134 operates and the low-side duty cycle 594 during which the low-side driver 136 operates by the buck regulator 132.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram depicting an integrated system 600 for providing regulated power to electrical loads. The integrated system 600 is... Figure 1 Examples of electrical systems 100. For example, integrated system 600 includes... Figure 1 The system 600 includes a regulated power supply system 102 and an electrical load 104. Additionally, the system 600 includes an external power source 610 that can supply electrical energy 612 to the regulated power supply system 102 to charge the battery pack 110. As an example, the external power source 610 can supply electrical energy 612 to the regulated power supply system 102 via a multi-conductor power cable 614 or other suitable electrical path.

[0085] The regulated power supply system 102 may include a charging controller 620 that controls the charging of the battery pack 110 by electrical energy 612 supplied through an external power source 610. Figure 6 In the diagram, the charging controller 620 is schematically depicted as electrically coupled to the battery pack 110. As an example, the charging controller 620 can be connected via... Figure 1 The high-side electrical interconnect 124 and low-side electrical interconnect 126 supply electrical energy received from the external power source 610 to the battery pack 110. The charge controller 620 can process the electrical energy 612 into a form suitable for the battery pack 110, including filtering, converting from AC to DC, and / or regulating the voltage supplied to the battery pack.

[0086] The regulated power supply system 102 may further include a switching circuit 630 and a test load 640. Figure 6In this diagram, switching circuit 630 is schematically depicted as electrically coupled to battery pack 110 and test load 640. As an example, switching circuit 630 can connect the high-side electrical interconnect 124 and low-side electrical interconnect 126 of battery pack 110 to test load 640 to measure operating conditions (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (540 in the model name), including module-specific voltage 546, module-specific current 548, and module-specific state of charge 552. Alternatively, a corresponding instance of test load 640 can be integrated into... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each module interface circuit 120 is incorporated into and formed as a part of it to enable the measurement of operating conditions. An example method for measuring the operating conditions of the battery modules in the battery pack 110 will be referred to... Figure 6 To be described in further detail.

[0087] In at least some examples, components of the regulated power supply system 102 may be housed within and / or mounted to the housing 602. For example, the power regulation system 111, battery pack 110, charge controller 620, switching circuit 630, and test load 640 may be housed within and / or mounted to the housing 602. As another example, battery modules 112 of the battery pack 110 may be located outside the housing 602. In this example, module interface circuitry 120 may be housed within and / or mounted to the housing 602, or module interface circuitry may be mounted to the respective battery modules of the battery pack 110 and located outside the housing 602.

[0088] exist Figure 6 In the example, electrical load 104 includes or takes the form of a high-voltage laser system comprising multiple laser diodes 652. It should be understood that laser system 650 is provided as an example of electrical load 104, and other suitable electrical loads may be used. Figure 6 In this configuration, the electrical load 104 of the laser system 650 is electrically coupled to the power conditioning system 111 via one or more electrical paths 654. As an example, the one or more electrical paths 654 may include or be electrically coupled to a regulated high-side interface 131. The electrical path 654 may also electrically couple to a ground reference 128 between the electrical load 104 and the power conditioning system 111. As an example, the electrical path 654 may be in the form of a multi-conductor power supply cable.

[0089] In some examples, multiple laser diodes 652 can be configured to operate at a specific voltage, which can be provided by the power conditioning system 111 via... Figure 1The regulated high-side interface 131 supplies a regulated voltage. Furthermore, in some examples, the laser system 650 can operate at a variety of target voltages—for example, depending on the number and / or type of laser diodes 652 to be operated under a given condition. For instance, by switching one or more of the laser diodes 652 on or off, the laser system 650 can selectively operate at two or more voltages.

[0090] System 600 further includes, as previously referenced Figure 5 The user equipment 520 is described. User equipment 520 may include a control interface 660, which a user can operate to control the operation of the regulated power supply system 102 and / or electrical load 104 (including the laser system 650). Figure 6 In this configuration, user equipment 520 is communicatively coupled to regulated power supply system 102 at 670 to control its operation. Furthermore, user equipment 520 is communicatively coupled to electrical load 104 (including laser system 650) at 672 to control its operation. Since the target operating voltage of laser system 650 can be changed by the user via control interface 660, the regulated voltage supplied to laser system 650 by regulated power supply system 102 can also be changed to achieve the target operating voltage. For example, regulated power supply system 102 can... Figure 4 The target performance parameters are obtained from user equipment 520 at operation 412.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting an example method 700 for performing a test process 702, which includes measuring the operating conditions of individual battery modules in a battery pack containing multiple battery modules. Figure 1 Battery pack 110 is an example of a battery pack that can be measured by performing method 700. As an example, method 700 can be performed by... Figure 1 The control system 160 executes this, and more specifically via the corresponding module interface circuit 120 electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals of each battery module in the battery pack. Figure 5 The computing system 500 is used to execute it.

[0092] At 710, the method includes receiving control input to initiate and execute test procedure 702 for the battery pack. As an example, a user can provide control input via a user interface, which is... Figure 1 The control system 160 receives the input. The test process can be initiated and executed by the control system in response to the control input.

[0093] At 712, the method includes performing a test procedure 702 on the battery pack. As previously described, the test procedure 702 can be performed... Figure 1The control system 110 executes or is executed by it, and more specifically by Figure 5 The computing system 500 executes the test. In some examples, the test process 702 is executed in response to a control input received at 710.

[0094] As part of test procedure 702, at 714, the method includes via module interface circuitry (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The switching circuit of 120 in (e.g.) Figure 2 (250) Independently disconnects each of the multiple battery modules in the battery pack from a connected state relative to the test load to an open state. This switching circuit is electrically coupled to the cathode and anode terminals of that battery module. In this example, the test load may refer to... Figure 6 The test load was 640.

[0095] As part of test procedure 702, at 716, the method includes performing module-specific tests on multiple battery modules of the battery pack. As part of the module-specific tests performed at 716, each of the multiple battery modules in the battery pack may be independently connected for testing relative to a test load, while the remaining battery modules in the battery pack are disconnected. The battery module for which the module-specific test is performed at operation 716 may be referred to as the battery module under test. As described later, operations 718-726 may be performed for each battery module under test among the multiple battery modules of the battery pack as part of the module-specific test performed at 716.

[0096] As part of the module-specific test at 716, the method at 718 includes: for each of the plurality of battery modules in the battery pack, while the remaining battery modules in the battery pack are in an off state, switching a module interface circuit electrically coupled to the cathode and anode terminals of that battery module (e.g., ... Figure 2 (250) connects the battery module independently from a disconnected state relative to the test load to a connected state. For example, the control system can command the switching circuit of the module interface of the battery module under test to connect the battery module to the test load (which may refer to...). Figure 6 The test load is 640. A battery module connected at 718 while the other batteries are disconnected can be referred to as the battery module under test.

[0097] At 720, the method includes: for each of a plurality of battery modules in a battery pack, while the other battery modules are in an off state, measuring via a module interface circuit electrically coupled to the cathode and anode terminals of that battery module (e.g., Figure 2(240) Independently measure one or more module-specific operating conditions of the battery module in a connected state to obtain one or more module-specific measurements. For example, the control system can obtain one or more module-specific measurements of each module-specific operating condition of the battery module under test via measurement circuitry.

[0098] Module-specific measurements obtained for a battery module in a connected state relative to a test load may include Figure 5 Module specific voltage 546 Figure 5 Module specific current 548, Figure 5 Module specific power 550 and / or Figure 5 The module-specific charging state 552. In at least some examples, one or more module-specific measurements obtained at 720 for each battery module in the connected state may include multiple measurements obtained over a period of time for module-specific operating conditions.

[0099] As part of operation 720, the method at 722 may include outputting and / or storing module-specific measurements obtained for the battery module under test. As an example, the module-specific measurements may be... Figure 5 A portion of the measured operating conditions 540 is stored in data 518 of storage 512. As another example, module-specific measurements can be output to user equipment 520 via control interface 660.

[0100] At point 724, the method includes disconnecting the battery module under test from a connected state relative to the test load to an open state. For example, the control system may disconnect the battery module under test via a switching circuit of a module interface circuit electrically coupled to the battery module under test.

[0101] As schematically shown at 728, module-specific tests can be performed for each of the multiple battery modules by repeating operations 718-724 with each of the other battery modules in the battery pack as the test battery module.

[0102] In addition, this disclosure includes configurations as described in the following examples.

[0103] Example 1. A regulated power supply system comprising: a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules, the battery modules collectively providing an unregulated voltage to an unregulated high-side interface relative to a ground reference via battery circuitry; and a power regulation system including: a regulated high-side interface configured to provide a regulated voltage to an electrical load relative to the ground reference; a plurality of module interface circuitry, wherein, for each battery module of the battery pack, a corresponding module interface circuitry among the plurality of module interface circuitry includes: a measurement circuit operable to measure a module-specific voltage of the battery module; and a switching circuit operable to switch the battery module between a connected state relative to the battery circuitry and a disconnected state relative to the battery circuitry; and an inductor. The device includes: a capacitor electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface and the unregulated high-side interface; a capacitor electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface and an anode electrical interconnect of a module interface circuit in the plurality of module interface circuits, the anode electrical interconnect interconnecting the anode terminals of the battery modules in the plurality of battery modules to the battery circuit; and a buck regulator configured to command a high-side driver to deliver power to the inductor via the unregulated high-side interface during the on-phase of the duty cycle and to stop delivering power to the inductor during the off-phase of the duty cycle to obtain a target voltage at the regulated high-side interface, wherein the inductor is charged during the on-phase of the duty cycle.

[0104] Example 2. The regulated power supply system according to Example 1, further comprising a control system; wherein the control system is configured to command the buck regulator to the target voltage.

[0105] Example 3. The regulated power supply system according to Example 2, wherein the control system is configured to obtain the target voltage via a control interface; and wherein the target voltage is configurable by a user via the control interface.

[0106] Example 4. A regulated power supply system according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the power regulation system further includes the high-side driver and the low-side driver; wherein the buck regulator is configured to command the low-side driver to transfer electrical energy recovered from the inductor back to the battery pack via the battery circuit during the shutdown phase of the duty cycle of the high-side driver.

[0107] Example 5. According to any one of Examples 1-4, the regulated power supply system, wherein each of the plurality of module interface circuits includes: a module-side cathode interface electrically coupled to the cathode terminal of the battery module; a module-side anode interface electrically coupled to the anode terminal of the battery module; a load-side cathode interface electrically coupled to the battery circuit; and a load-side anode interface electrically coupled to the battery circuit.

[0108] Example 6. The regulated power supply system according to Example 5, wherein the switching circuit is operable to: connect the module-side cathode interface to the load-side cathode interface in the connected state, and disconnect the module-side cathode interface from the load-side cathode interface in the disconnected state.

[0109] Example 7. An regulated power supply system according to Example 5, wherein the measurement circuit is operable to measure the module-specific voltage of the battery module between or across the module-side cathode interface and the module-side anode interface.

[0110] Example 8. A regulated power supply system according to any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the buck regulator is electrically coupled to the regulated high-side interface via an electrical connector, the electrical connector acting as a regulated high-side feedback path to the buck regulator for regulating the voltage of the unregulated high-side interface to the target voltage at the regulated high-side interface.

[0111] Example 9. A method for supplying regulated power from a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules to an electrical load, the method comprising: measuring a module-specific voltage of each battery module of the battery pack; obtaining a target voltage of a regulated high-side interface connected to the electrical load; selecting a group of battery modules of the battery pack for connection via a battery circuit to an unregulated high-side interface based on the target voltage and the module-specific voltage measured for each battery module of the battery pack; configuring the group of battery modules to be connected relative to the unregulated high-side interface via the battery circuit, and configuring other battery modules of the battery pack not included in the group of battery modules to be disconnected relative to the unregulated high-side interface via the battery circuit; and regulating the unregulated voltage supplied by the group of battery modules to the target voltage at the regulated high-side interface via a buck regulator.

[0112] Example 10. According to the method of Example 9, wherein the buck regulator is configured to command the high-side driver to: deliver power to an inductor electrically coupled between the unregulated high-side interface and the regulated high-side interface during the on-phase of the duty cycle, wherein the inductor is charged during the on-phase of the duty cycle; and stop delivering power to the inductor during the off-phase of the duty cycle to obtain the target voltage at the regulated high-side interface.

[0113] Example 11. According to the method of Example 10, wherein the buck regulator is further configured to command the low-side driver to transfer electrical energy recovered from the inductor back to the battery pack via the battery circuit during the shutdown phase of the duty cycle of the high-side driver.

[0114] Example 12. The method according to any one of Examples 9-11, wherein the target voltage is user-configurable and obtained via a control interface.

[0115] Example 13. The method according to any one of Examples 9-11, wherein, for each battery module of the battery pack, the corresponding module interface circuitry includes a measurement circuit operable to measure the module-specific voltage of the battery module.

[0116] Example 14. The method according to Example 13, wherein, for each battery module of the battery pack, the corresponding module interface circuitry includes a switching circuit operable to configure the battery module to the connected state or the disconnected state.

[0117] Example 15. The method according to Example 14, wherein each module interface circuit includes: a module-side cathode interface electrically coupled to the cathode terminal of the battery module, a module-side anode interface electrically coupled to the anode terminal of the battery module, a load-side cathode interface electrically coupled to the battery circuit, and a load-side anode interface electrically coupled to the battery circuit.

[0118] Example 16. The method according to Example 15, wherein the switching circuit of each module interface circuit is operable to: connect the module-side cathode interface to the load-side cathode interface in the connected state, and disconnect the module-side cathode interface from the load-side cathode interface in the disconnected state.

[0119] Example 17. The method according to any one of Examples 15-16, wherein the measurement circuit of each module interface circuit is operable to: measure the module-specific voltage of the battery module between the module-side cathode interface and the module-side anode interface or across the module-side cathode interface and the module-side anode interface.

[0120] Example 18. The method according to any one of Examples 9-17, wherein the buck regulator is electrically coupled to the regulated high-side interface via an electrical connector that acts as a regulated high-side feedback path for the buck regulator to regulate the voltage of the unregulated high-side interface to the target voltage at the regulated high-side interface.

[0121] Example 19. An integrated system for providing regulated power from a battery pack to an electrical load comprising a plurality of battery modules, the system comprising: the electrical load; and a power regulation system comprising: a regulated high-side interface configured to provide a regulated voltage to the electrical load relative to a ground reference; a plurality of module interface circuits, wherein, for each battery module of the battery pack, a corresponding module interface circuit among the plurality of module interface circuits includes: a measurement circuit operable to measure a module-specific voltage of the battery module; and a switching circuit operable to switch the battery module between a connected state relative to the battery circuit and a disconnected state relative to the battery circuit; an inductor having an electrical current... Coupled between the regulated high-side interface and the unregulated high-side interface; a capacitor electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface and the anode electrical interconnect of the module interface circuit in the plurality of module interface circuits, the anode electrical interconnect interconnecting the anode terminals of the battery modules in the plurality of battery modules to the battery circuit; and a buck regulator configured to command a high-side driver to deliver power to the inductor via the unregulated high-side interface during the on-phase of the duty cycle and to stop delivering power to the inductor during the off-phase of the duty cycle to obtain a target voltage at the regulated high-side interface, wherein the inductor is charged during the on-phase of the duty cycle.

[0122] Example 20. The system according to Example 19, wherein the electrical load comprises or takes the form of a laser system comprising a plurality of laser diodes.

[0123] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are merely exemplary, and these specific implementations or examples should not be construed as limiting, as various variations may exist. The specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Therefore, the various operations illustrated and / or described may be performed in the order illustrated and / or described, or in a different order, in parallel, or omitted. Similarly, the order of the processes described above may also be changed.

[0124] The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various processes, systems and configurations disclosed herein, as well as all equivalents.

Claims

1. A regulated power supply system (102), comprising: Battery pack (110), comprising multiple battery modules (112-1–112-N), which collectively provide an unregulated voltage (562) to an unregulated high-side interface (125) via a battery circuit (129) relative to a ground reference (128); and Power regulation system (111), comprising: The high-side interface (131) is configured to provide an regulated voltage (572) to the electrical load (104) relative to the ground reference (128); Multiple module interface circuits (121), wherein, for each battery module (112-1) of the battery pack (110), the corresponding module interface circuit (120) in the multiple module interface circuits (121) includes: Measurement circuit (240), operable to measure module-specific voltage (546) of the battery module (112-1), and A switching circuit (250) is operable to switch the battery module (112-1) between a connected state (264) relative to the battery circuit (129) and a disconnected state (266) relative to the battery circuit (129). An inductor (138) is electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface (131) and the unregulated high-side interface (125); A capacitor (140) electrically coupled between the regulated high-side interface (131) and the anode electrical interconnect (262) of the module interface circuit (120) in the plurality of module interface circuits (121), the anode electrical interconnect (262) interconnecting the anode terminal (212) of the battery module (112-1) in the plurality of battery modules (112-1–112-N) to the battery circuit (129); and A buck regulator (132) is configured to command a high-side driver (134) to deliver power to the inductor (138) via the unregulated high-side interface (125) during the on-phase of the duty cycle (592), and to stop delivering power to the inductor (138) during the off-phase of the duty cycle (592) to obtain a target voltage (532) at the regulated high-side interface (131), wherein the inductor (138) is charged during the on-phase of the duty cycle (592).

2. The regulated power supply system (102) according to claim 1, further comprising a control system (160); The control system (160) is configured to command the buck regulator (132) to the target voltage (532).

3. The regulated power supply system (102) according to claim 2, wherein the control system (160) is configured to obtain the target voltage (532) via a control interface (660); and The target voltage (532) is configurable by the user via the control interface (660).

4. The regulated power supply system (102) according to claim 1, wherein the power regulation system (111) further includes the high-side driver (134) and the low-side driver (136). The buck regulator (132) is configured to command the low-side driver (136) to transfer the electrical energy recovered from the inductor (138) back to the battery pack (110) via the battery circuit (129) during the shutdown phase of the duty cycle (592) of the high-side driver (134).

5. The regulated power supply system (102) according to claim 1, wherein each module interface circuit (120) of the plurality of module interface circuits (121) comprises: A module-side cathode interface (220) electrically coupled to the cathode terminal (210) of the battery module (112-1). A module-side anode interface (222) electrically coupled to the anode terminal (212) of the battery module (112-1). The load-side cathode interface (230) electrically coupled to the battery circuit (129); and A load-side anode interface (232) electrically coupled to the battery circuit (129).

6. The regulated power supply system (102) according to claim 5, wherein the switching circuit (250) is operable to: In the connected state (264), the module-side cathode interface (220) is connected to the load-side cathode interface (230), and In the disconnected state (266), the module-side cathode interface (220) is disconnected from the load-side cathode interface (230).

7. The regulated power supply system (102) according to claim 5, wherein the measurement circuit (240) is operable to measure the module-specific voltage (546) of the battery module (112-1) between or across the module-side cathode interface (220) and the module-side anode interface (222).

8. The regulated power supply system (102) according to claim 1, wherein the buck regulator (132) is electrically coupled to the regulated high-side interface (131) via an electrical connector (144), the electrical connector (144) serving as a regulated high-side feedback path to the buck regulator (132) for regulating the voltage of the unregulated high-side interface (125) to the target voltage (532) at the regulated high-side interface (131).

9. A method (400) for supplying regulated power (576) from a battery pack (110) comprising a plurality of battery modules (112-1–112-N) to an electrical load, the method (400) comprising: Measure the module-specific voltage (546) of each battery module (112-1) of the battery pack (110). Obtain the target voltage (532) of the regulated high-side interface (131) connected to the electrical load (104); Based on the target voltage (532) and the module-specific voltage (546) measured for each battery module (112-1) of the battery pack (110), a set of battery modules (556) of the battery pack (110) are selected for connection to the unregulated high-side interface (125) via the battery circuit (129). The battery module group (556) is configured to be connected (264) relative to the unadjusted high-side interface (125) via the battery circuit (129), and other battery modules of the battery pack (110) not included in the battery module group (556) are configured to be disconnected (266) relative to the unadjusted high-side interface (125) via the battery circuit (129); and The unregulated voltage (562) provided by the set of battery modules (556) is adjusted to the target voltage (532) at the regulated high-side interface (131) via the buck regulator (132).

10. The method (400) according to claim 9, wherein the buck regulator (132) is configured to command the high-side driver (134) to perform the following operations: During the conduction phase of the operating cycle (592), electrical energy is transferred to the inductor (138), which is electrically coupled between the unregulated high-side interface (125) and the regulated high-side interface (131), and the inductor (138) is charged during the conduction phase of the operating cycle (592); and During the off phase of the operating cycle (592), the transfer of electrical energy to the inductor (138) is stopped in order to obtain the target voltage (532) at the regulated high-side interface (131).

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