Parallel charger thermal regulation system and method

Abstract

Circuits and methods are provided that more effectively and efficiently implement a parallel charging circuit. A first charging circuit and a second charging circuit are configured in parallel between a power source and a load. A controller circuit monitors temperature signals received from the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit and controls the relative charging currents provided by each of the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit to maintain a temperature balance between them and to ensure that the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit reach their respective maximum thermal temperatures at the same time.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 559,136, filed February 28, 2024, entitled “PARALLEL CHARGER THERMALREGULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure relates to electronic circuits, and more specifically, for example, to parallel charging circuits.

[0003] Many electronic products, including mobile computing and / or communication products and components (e.g., smartphones, laptops, ultrabooks, tablets, LCDs, LED displays, etc.), use rechargeable batteries as their power source. Charging circuitry is typically integrated into such electronic products to control the periodic charging of the rechargeable battery.

[0004] Users of such electronic products typically want to recharge these batteries as quickly as possible, which requires increased charging current. In traditional battery charging systems, this increased charging current is usually associated with using a larger charger or coupling two or more chargers in parallel. Now, it's common to supply voltage and current to such onboard charging circuits from a so-called programmable power supply (PPS). The PPS regulates its voltage and / or current based on the needs of the charging circuitry it drives.

[0005] Another common practice is that when the charging circuit reaches a predetermined temperature, it triggers a reduction in the current supplied to the load. This reduction can be achieved directly by the charging circuit itself (when the charging circuit is regulated, e.g., a buck converter), or by signaling the power supply (PPS) to reduce the amount of power supplied by the PPS (this even works for unregulated charging circuits, e.g., charge pumps). This process of reducing the current supplied by the charging circuit by self-reduction or by reducing the power supplied to the charging circuit by the PPS when high temperatures are reached is called "thermal throttling" and is sometimes necessary to maintain a safe operating temperature for the charging circuit. Alternatively, thermal throttling of the charging circuit may simply be to prevent the electronic product from exhibiting excessively high "surface temperatures," i.e., becoming so hot that it would be uncomfortable for a user to place such an electronic product close to their skin.

[0006] If two similar charging circuits are coupled in parallel to provide an increased charging current, and if each such charging circuit provides substantially the same current, then the two charging circuits will generate approximately the same amount of heat. For example, if a 10A charging current is required to charge a battery or other load, two identical buck chargers can be arranged in parallel, each charger configured to deliver 5A to the load. Since the two buck chargers are virtually identical to each other (at least on the first order), the thermal characteristics of each buck charger will be the same, and each such buck charger will generate the same amount of heat, with minor differences possible due to process variations and / or installation location within the product.

[0007] However, if two different types of charging circuits operate in parallel, for example, a higher-efficiency charge pump charging circuit used in parallel with a lower-efficiency buck converter charging circuit, the more efficient charge pump will dissipate less power (and generate less heat) for a given charging current compared to the buck converter. A controller is used to interface the two charging circuits with the PPS. The controller can be configured to distribute the load charging current between the charge pump and the buck converter, such that more charging current is supplied from the charge pump than from the buck converter, thus balancing the heat dissipation. For example, the controller could be configured to direct the buck converter to provide 3.5A, and another 6.5A from the charge pump, thus supplying a total of 10A current to the load. However, the thermal characteristics and power losses of the two charging circuits may change as the battery charges. Similarly, the thermal characteristics and power losses of the two charging circuits may vary depending on the current load, temperature, process angle, and other factors. Inevitably, one of the two parallel charging circuits will reach its maximum operating temperature before the other, thus only one such charging circuit will reach its thermal limit. If this occurs, the controller will signal the PPS to reduce the supplied current in order to decrease the temperature in the charging circuit that has reached its thermal limit. This, in turn, will reduce the current supplied to the load, even if the other charging circuit may be much colder than its own thermal limit. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure include systems, circuits, and methods for operating and implementing various electronic circuits, including parallel charging circuits.

[0009] One embodiment includes a circuit comprising a first charging circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from a power source. The second terminal is configured to provide a first charging current to a load. The third terminal is configured to provide a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit. The fourth terminal is configured to receive a first control signal. The first charging circuit is configured to respond to the first control signal and is also configured to control the magnitude of the first charging current. A second charging circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from a power source voltage. The second terminal is configured to provide a second charging current to a load. The third terminal is configured to provide a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit. A controller circuit is configured to receive the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal and is configured to provide the first control signal to the fourth terminal of the first charging circuit. The controller circuit is configured to adjust the first control signal at least partially based on the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

[0010] Another embodiment includes a circuit comprising a first charging circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, the second terminal is configured to provide a first charging current to a load, and the third terminal is configured to receive a control signal. The first charging circuit is configured to respond to the control signal and is configured to control the magnitude of the first charging current. A first temperature sensor is configured to provide a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit. A second charging circuit has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, and the second terminal is configured to provide a second charging current to a load. The second temperature sensor is configured to provide a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit. A controller circuit is configured to receive the first and second temperature signals and is configured to provide a control signal to the third terminal of the first charging circuit. The controller circuit is configured to adjust the control signal at least partially based on the first and second temperature signals.

[0011] Another embodiment includes a method of operating a plurality of parallel charging circuits. The method includes operating a first charging circuit coupled to a programmable power supply and providing a first charging current to a load, the first charging current being adjustable. The method also includes operating a second charging circuit coupled to the programmable power supply and providing a second charging current to the load, the second charging circuit operating in parallel with the first charging circuit. The method includes obtaining a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit and obtaining a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit. The method further includes adjusting the first charging current in at least a partial response to the first and second temperature signals.

[0012] The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims, which are incorporated herein by reference. A more comprehensive understanding of embodiments of this disclosure and the realization of its additional advantages will be provided to those skilled in the art by considering the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. A brief description of the accompanying drawings will be given first with reference to the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a simplified circuit block diagram showing a first charging circuit and a second charging circuit arranged in parallel to supply current to the load.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating two or more parallel charging circuits for charging a load under the control of a controller circuit, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method of operating a first parallel charging circuit and a second parallel charging circuit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a first parallel charging circuit and a second parallel charging circuit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and maintaining the temperatures of the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit equal to each other.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a first parallel charging circuit and a second parallel charging circuit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and maintaining the temperature of both the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit below a specified maximum temperature.

[0018] The embodiments and advantages of this disclosure will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description. Note that the dimensions of the various components and the distances between them are not drawn to scale in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that similar reference numerals are used to identify similar elements shown in one or more drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This disclosure includes novel circuits, architectures, systems, and methods for more effectively and efficiently solving the operation and control of parallel charging circuits.

[0020] Figures 1 to 5Various implementations of parallel charging circuits for battery charging applications, such as single-cell lithium-ion and lithium-polymer battery applications, are illustrated. It should be understood that the various improvements disclosed herein include innovative circuits, hardware components, architectures, and related logic applicable to applications beyond battery charging and extended to driving other types of loads. Such improvements can also be used for battery discharge, such as when the voltage on a storage battery is “boosted” back to a higher voltage.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, power supply 102 includes a voltage source 104 and a current source 106. Power supply 102 includes a regulator or "brain" adapted to selectively regulate the voltage and current supplied by power supply 102. Figure 1 The power supply 102 shown is a so-called programmable power supply or "PPS," also known as the "PPS fast charging" standard, which is compatible with the USB PD 3.0 standard adopted by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). A power supply conforming to this standard can adjust its voltage and current in real time according to the state of the device being charged, with the aim of supplying maximum power in a safe manner. While a PPS power supply is suitable for use in the disclosed embodiment, other power systems (e.g., AVS systems) capable of adjusting the supplied voltage and current according to the needs of the driven device can also be used.

[0022] Still refer to Figure 1 The first charging circuit 112 and the second charging circuit 114 are arranged in parallel with each other. Both the first charging circuit 112 and the second charging circuit 114 are coupled to the power supply 102 via a line 108 that receives voltage Vin and current Iin. The current supply output terminals of the first charging circuit 112 and the second charging circuit 114 are coupled to node 126 for supplying output charging current Iout to the battery 118. Figure 1 As shown, the first charging circuit 112 supplies charging current Iout1, and the second charging circuit 114 supplies charging current Iout2.

[0023] As mentioned above, the first and second charging circuits can be identical. For example, both the first charging circuit 112 and the second charging circuit 114 can be buck converters, each supplying half of the total charging current Iout. However, buck converters exhibit greater power losses compared to other types of switching power converters. For example, charge pumps typically have lower power losses than buck converters. Therefore, for a given amount of output current, a charge pump will generate less heat than a buck converter providing the same amount of output current. On the other hand, if the first charging circuit is configured as a buck converter and the second charging circuit is a charge pump, the first and second charging circuits may be at different temperatures, and one may reach its maximum temperature before the other. In such a case, even if only one of the two charging circuits has reached its maximum temperature, a signal is sent to power supply 102 to throttle the input current Iin, and the charging current Iout will decrease. In some cases, the total surface temperature of the product (smartphone, laptop, etc.) is a function of the temperatures of the first and second charging circuits (e.g., an average value), and therefore, even if only one of the two charging circuits is at an elevated temperature, the maximum surface temperature can still be reached.

[0024] Now refer to Figure 2 Power supply 102 and Figure 1 The same applies to the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214, which are again arranged in parallel with each other. The first charging circuit 212 has a first terminal coupled to the power node 108 for receiving current and voltage from the power source 102. The first charging circuit 212 includes a second terminal for providing a first charging current Iout1 to the output node 226 and the battery 118 used as a load. The first charging circuit 212 also includes a third terminal, shown as coupled to line 220, for providing a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit 212. This first temperature signal can be generated on the first charging circuit 212; for example, if the first charging circuit 212 is formed as an integrated circuit, the temperature sensor circuitry can be included on the same integrated circuit die. If desired, the analog temperature signal provided by such a temperature sensor can be converted into a digital format using an onboard analog-to-digital converter. Alternatively, it should be understood that the first temperature signal can be generated by a discrete temperature sensor located near the first charging circuit 212 but not fabricated on the same integrated circuit die. For example, the first temperature signal can be provided via a thermocouple in a package attached to the first charging circuit 212. It should also be noted that the first temperature signal does not have to be an absolute temperature measurement (proportional to Fahrenheit or Celsius), but may instead be a representation of the relative magnitude of the temperature and / or a representation of one of several temperature ranges.

[0025] The first charging circuit 212 also includes, for example, Figure 2The fourth terminal of line 224, shown as coupled to the first control signal, is configured to receive a first control signal. The first charging circuit 212, in response to the first control signal received via line 224, controls the magnitude of a first charging current Iout1 provided by the first charging circuit 212, at least in part, based on the first control signal. For example, if the first charging circuit 212 is a buck converter, the first control signal might correspond to a pulse-width modulated signal that determines how much current the buck converter will provide. By adjusting the control signal received via line 224, the magnitude of the charging current Iout1 provided by the first charging circuit 212 can be adjusted, i.e., increased, decreased, or kept constant at any given time.

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram also shows a second charging circuit 214. The second charging circuit 214 has a first terminal coupled to node 108 for receiving current and voltage from power supply 102. The second charging circuit 214 also includes a second terminal coupled to output node 226 for providing a second charging current Iout2 to battery 118. Furthermore, like the first charging circuit 212, the second charging circuit 214 includes a third terminal, shown as coupled to line 222, for providing a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit 214. The second temperature signal can be generated on the second charging circuit 214; if the second charging circuit 214 is formed as an integrated circuit, the temperature sensor circuitry can be included on the same integrated circuit die. Similar to the first charging circuit 212, the analog temperature signal provided by such a temperature sensor can be converted to a digital format using an analog-to-digital converter fabricated on the integrated circuit die of the second charging circuit. Alternatively, it should be understood that the second temperature signal can be generated by a discrete temperature sensor located near the second charging circuit 214 but not fabricated on the same integrated circuit die. For example, the second temperature signal can be provided via a thermocouple packaged and attached to the second charging circuit 214. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second temperature signal need not be an absolute temperature measurement (proportional to Fahrenheit or Celsius), but may instead be a representation of the relative magnitude of the temperature and / or a representation of one of several temperature ranges.

[0027] The second charging circuit 214 can be a charge pump. A charge pump, when operating in a fixed voltage divider mode, is generally unrestricted in terms of the amount of output current it can provide. In this case, the charge pump of the second charging circuit 214 will supply any portion of the total input current Iin that is not yet occupied by the first charging circuit 212. On the other hand, if the second charging circuit 214 is a second buck converter, it can include its own control terminals, such as... Figure 2 The line shown is coupled to dashed line 228 to receive its own control signal for adjusting the amount of charging current Iout2 provided therefrom.

[0028] Still refer to Figure 2 The controller circuit 216 is configured to control the distribution of the total output charging current Iout between the first charging circuit 212 (Iout1) and the second charging circuit 214 (Iout2), etc. Although the controller circuit 216... Figure 2 While shown as a separate block, it should be understood that controller circuitry 216 can be incorporated into the same integrated circuit as the first charging circuit 212 or the second charging circuit 214. Controller circuitry 216 has a first terminal coupled via line 220 to the third terminal of the first charging circuit 212 to receive a first temperature signal from the first charging circuit 212. Controller circuitry 216 has a second terminal coupled via line 222 to the third terminal of the second charging circuit 214 for receiving a second temperature signal from the second charging circuit 214. Controller circuitry 216 also includes... Figure 2 The third terminal of line 224, as shown, is used to provide a first control signal to the fourth terminal of the first charging circuit 212. Controller circuit 216 is configured to adjust the first control signal carried by line 224 based at least in part on a first temperature signal and a second temperature signal. Controller circuit 216 is also coupled to power supply 102 via line 210. Under the PPS protocol, power supply 102 and the powered device (in this case, the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214) need to communicate with each other regarding the level of the voltage and / or current to be supplied. This communication may include requests to increase or decrease the supplied current (e.g., in the case of reaching a thermal maximum in the powered device). Controller circuit 216 continuously senses the total charging current Iout (either by directly monitoring the current Iout of battery 118 or by monitoring charging currents Iout1 and Iout2 and adding them together). If at least one of the charging circuits has reached or exceeded its thermal maximum operating temperature, controller 216 can signal power supply 102 to request a reduction in current, thereby causing thermal throttling.

[0029] If the first charging circuit 212 is a buck converter, and if the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, then the controller circuit 216 can thereby monitor the first and second temperature signals and adjust the first charging current Iout1, which will produce a corresponding but opposite change in the second charging current Iout2; this is simply because the total input current Iin is fixed by the power supply 102, the total output charging current Iout is also fixed, and the charge pump will provide the portion of the total charging current Iout that has not yet been provided by the buck converter. In this way, the controller circuit 216 can manipulate the first charging current Iout1 via a control signal transmitted via control line 224 to balance the first and second temperatures. The total charging current Iout supplied to battery 118 will remain substantially the same (in reality, due to the difference in relative power conversion efficiency between the buck converter and the charge pump, there may be a small current difference in the total charging current Iout as the current share shifts between the buck converter and the charge pump), but the corresponding charging currents supplied by the buck converter (first charging circuit 212) and the charge pump (second charging circuit 214) can be varied to keep the first temperature and the second temperature (i.e., the temperatures of the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214) balanced and approximately equal to each other. As a result, the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214 will simultaneously reach their respective maximum operating temperatures, thereby maximizing the charging current supplied to battery 118. In this way, the maximum charging current Iout is supplied regardless of process corner differences, variations in Vin, variations in Vout, or variations in the output charging current Iout; the power supply 102 will not signal to apply thermal throttling until both the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214 reach their maximum thermal limits.

[0030] As mentioned above, Figure 2This can also be used to illustrate a scenario where both the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214 are buck converters. In this case, a first control signal set on line 224 controls the first charging current Iout1, and a second control signal set on dashed line 228 controls the second charging current Iout2. Even if the two charging circuits are virtually identical, the placement of such charging circuits within the product package can lead to different operating temperatures, even when the charging circuits provide the same amount of charging current (i.e., Iout1 equals Iout2). For example, this temperature difference may occur because the first charging circuit 212 is physically closer to the battery 118, which itself heats up during charging. Alternatively, the second charging circuit 214 may operate cooler because it is physically closer to the heat sink that is carrying away the generated heat. In this case, controller circuit 216 can be used to regulate the relative current provided by each of the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214 to ensure that both devices reach their maximum thermal limit temperature simultaneously, ensuring the maximum charging current of the battery 118. It should also be understood that the disclosed implementation may be advantageous even in cases where the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214 are manufactured on the same integrated circuit die, because thermal variations may still occur due to process variations and heat concentration within a single integrated circuit die.

[0031] Still refer to Figure 2 If necessary, a third charging circuit 230 can be added in parallel with the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214. In this case, the third charging circuit 230 has a first terminal coupled to node 108 for receiving current and voltage from power supply 102, and a second terminal configured to provide a third charging current to the load via line 234. The third charging circuit 230 includes, as follows: Figure 2 The third terminal, coupled to dashed line 236, is configured to provide a third temperature signal related to the temperature of the third charging circuit 230. If the third charging circuit 230 is a buck converter or a similar power converter that provides controllable output current, it may also include... Figure 2The control terminal coupled to dashed line 238 is used to receive a control signal for adjusting the magnitude of the charging current supplied by the third charging circuit 230, at least in part, based on the control signal transmitted via dashed line 238. In this case, controller circuit 216 is coupled to the third charging circuit 230 via dashed line 236 to receive a third temperature signal. Controller 216 can then monitor the temperature of all three charging circuits and adjust the relative charging currents supplied by the first, second, and third charging circuits, at least in part, based on the first, second, and third temperature signals. Controller 216 can adjust the charging currents supplied by charging circuits 212, 214, and 230 by adjusting one or more of the control signals transmitted along lines 224, 228, and 238, all of which are based on the first temperature signal (line 220), the second temperature signal (line 222), and the third temperature signal (line 236). The same considerations can be applied to monitoring and controlling any number of parallel charging circuits added to the system beyond the third charging circuit 230.

[0032] Figure 3 The diagram shows a first charging circuit and a second charging circuit operating in parallel (e.g., Figure 2 The method involves charging circuits 212 and 214. Block 300 indicates the starting point, and control then flows to block 302, where the first charging circuit 212 is set to provide an initial value for the first charging current Iout1. At block 304, the controller circuit exchanges a "handshake" communication with the programmable power supply 102 to set the initial voltage and current to be supplied by the power supply. Control then flows to block 306, where the value of the second charging current Iout2 is determined. In the case where the first charging circuit 212 is a buck converter and the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, the charge pump attempts to provide as much available current as possible from the power supply 102, but subtracts the amount of current already provided by the buck converter. In other words, Iout2 will be the load current Iout minus Iout1. On the other hand, if the second charging circuit 214 is a second buck converter, the controller can set an initial value for Iout2. Control then proceeds to block 308, where the controller circuit 216 obtains a first temperature signal T1 from the first charging circuit 212 and a second temperature signal T2 from the second charging circuit 214. At block 310, controller 216 determines whether the buck converter of the first charging circuit 212 needs to be adjusted to increase, decrease, or keep the first charging current Iout1 constant in order to maintain a desired temperature (T1 and T2) balance between the first and second charging circuits. Then, control flow returns to block 304 for an update "handshake" with the programmable power supply, and the described steps 306, 308, and 310 are repeated.

[0033] Therefore, if the first charging circuit 212 is configured as an integrated circuit and has a first maximum operating temperature associated therewith, and if the second charging circuit 214 is configured as a second integrated circuit and has a second maximum operating temperature associated therewith, then according to Figure 3 The method of operation of the controller circuit 216 is to regulate the first control signal supplied to the first charging circuit 212 to maintain the temperature of the first charging circuit 212 below its first maximum operating temperature, and also to maintain the temperature of the second charging circuit 214 below its second maximum operating temperature. It should be understood that, if desired, the relevant maximum operating temperature may correspond to the maximum surface temperature or system temperature of a selected product including such charging circuits.

[0034] Figure 4 It shows how to operate. Figure 2 A more detailed flowchart of the circuit system shown is provided to maintain a first temperature of the first charging circuit 212 substantially equal to a second temperature of the second charging circuit 214. Starting at block 400, control proceeds to block 402, where the charging current Iout1 of the first charging circuit 212 is set to an initial value. Control then proceeds to block 404, where the controller circuit 216 communicates with the programmable power supply 102 to select an appropriate voltage Vin and supply current Iin. Control then proceeds to block 406, where the charging current Iout2 to be supplied by the second charging circuit 214 is determined. As mentioned above, if the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, the charging current Iout2 will simply be the total load current supplied to the battery 118, but minus the charging current contributed by Iout1. Control then proceeds to block 408, and the controller circuit 216 obtains the current values ​​of the first temperature signal T1 and the second temperature signal T2.

[0035] Still refer to Figure 4 Then, control moves from block 408 to decision block 410, where controller circuit 216 checks whether temperature signals T1 and T2 are both below their respective thermal maximum values. If the answer is no, at least one of the charging circuits is overheated, and control proceeds to block 414; then, controller circuit 216 signals programmable power supply 102 indicating that the supplied power (current) needs to be reduced because the temperature of at least one of the first and second charging circuits is too high. Control then proceeds from block 414 along return line 416 to controller handshake block 404.

[0036] On the other hand, if decision block 410 confirms that the temperatures of both charging circuits are below their respective maximum operating temperatures, control proceeds to decision block 418 to determine whether the second temperature T2 (i.e., the temperature of the second charging circuit 214) is greater than the first temperature T1 (i.e., the temperature of the first charging circuit 212). If the answer is "yes," control proceeds along line 420 to block 422. At block 422, controller circuit 216 adjusts (via...) Figure 2 A control signal (224) is sent from block 422 to the first charging circuit 212 to increase the first charging current Iout1; this will cause the first charging circuit 212 to work harder and increase its temperature T1. Assuming the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, this will also reduce the second charging current Iout2 provided by the second charging circuit 214 and lower its temperature T2. The control then travels from block 422 back to the controller handshake block 404 along return line 416.

[0037] Refer again Figure 4 In decision box 418, if the answer is "no," i.e., T2 is not greater than T1, then control proceeds along line 424 to box 426. At box 426, controller circuit 216 adjusts the control signal sent to the first charging circuit 212 to reduce the charging current Iout1 provided by the first charging circuit 212. This will tend to lower the first temperature T1 of the first charging circuit 212. Again, if the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, the decrease in the first charging current Iout1 will result in an equal and opposite increase in the second charging current Iout2, which will tend to increase the second temperature T2 of the second charging circuit 214. Control then proceeds along return line 416 back to controller handshake box 404.

[0038] by Figure 4 As shown, the controller circuit 216 continuously monitors the first temperature signal T1 and the second temperature signal T2, and continuously adjusts the control signal applied to the first charging circuit 212 to keep T1 and T2 substantially equal to each other. Therefore, when a relatively high charging current Iout is required, both the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214 will reach their maximum thermal temperatures substantially simultaneously before the controller circuit 216 is forced to signal the programmable power supply 102 to throttle the supplied power. Again, if desired, the referenced maximum thermal temperature can refer to the maximum surface temperature of the product including such charging circuits or the total maximum system temperature.

[0039] When a lighter load is required, or when a more efficient charge pump can provide the required charging current without overheating, there may be good reason not to operate the first and second charging circuits at exactly the same temperature. For example, if the first charging circuit 212 is a buck converter and the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, the charge pump is more efficient than the buck converter and has a lower power loss conversion factor. Assuming that neither the buck converter of the first charging circuit 212 nor the charge pump of the second charging circuit 214 should operate above 70°C, and therefore, if either charging circuit 212 or 214 reaches 70°C, thermal throttling of power supply 102 should be triggered. If the temperature (T2) of the charge pump is less than, for example, 50°C (corresponding to a lower temperature range), the contribution of the buck converter to the charging current (Iout1) can be gradually reduced to a minimum (but still “on”) because the charge pump is much more efficient and should operate under lighter loads. If the charge pump temperature (T2) increases above 50°C (corresponding to a higher temperature range), the controller circuit 216 can control the buck converter to begin increasing its contribution to the load (Iout1) until both the first charging circuit 212 and the second charging circuit 214 are at or near 50°C. As the charging current demand further increases, the controller circuit 216 can be programmed to keep the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 equal to each other until a thermal throttling temperature of 70°C is reached, after which the power of the entire system will be limited by the programmable power supply 102.

[0040] Figure 5 The flowchart shown illustrates an operational scheme similar to the example just described. Starting at block 500, control proceeds to block 502, where the charging current Iout1 of the first charging circuit 212 is set to an initial value. Control then proceeds to block 504, where the controller circuit 216 communicates with the programmable power supply 102 to select an appropriate voltage Vin and supply current Iin. Control then proceeds to block 506, where the charging current Iout2 to be provided by the second charging circuit 214 is determined. As mentioned above, if the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, the charging current Iout2 will simply be the total load current supplied to the battery 118, but minus the charging current contributed by Iout1. Control then proceeds to block 508, and the controller circuit 216 obtains the current values ​​of the first temperature signal T1 and the second temperature signal T2.

[0041] Still refer to Figure 5Then, control moves from block 508 to decision block 510, where controller circuit 216 checks whether temperature signals T1 and T2 are both below their respective thermal maximum values. If the answer is no, at least one of the charging circuits is overheating, and control proceeds to block 514; then, controller circuit 216 signals programmable power supply 102 indicating that the supplied power (current) needs to be reduced because the temperature of at least one of the first and second charging circuits is too high. However, it should be noted that, assuming the system is operating normally at this time, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 should be the same as each other. Then, control proceeds from block 514 along return line 516 to controller handshake block 504.

[0042] On the other hand, if decision block 510 confirms that the temperatures of both charging circuits are below their respective maximum operating temperatures, control proceeds to decision block 518 to determine whether the second temperature T2 (i.e., the temperature of the second charging circuit 214) is close to its maximum temperature T2max (e.g., within 10°C to 20°C of T2max). If the answer is "yes," control proceeds along line 520 to block 522. At block 522, controller circuit 216 adjusts (via...) Figure 2 A control signal (line 224) is sent to the first charging circuit 212 to increase the first charging current Iout1; this will cause the first charging circuit 212 to work harder and raise its temperature T1. Assuming the second charging circuit 214 is a charge pump, this will also reduce the second charging current Iout2 provided by the second charging circuit 214 and lower its temperature T2. The control then travels from block 522 back to the controller handshake block 404 along return line 516.

[0043] Refer again Figure 5 In decision box 518, if the answer is "No" (i.e., T2 is not close to T2max), control proceeds along line 524 to box 526. At box 526, controller circuit 216 adjusts the control signal sent to the first charging circuit 212 to reduce the charging current Iout1 provided by the first charging circuit 212; however, if Iout1 is already held at the nominal standby level, it will not be further reduced. This allows the charge pump within the second charging circuit 214 to continue providing the majority of the total charging current Iout, which the charge pump can achieve in a more efficient manner. Control then proceeds along return line 516 back to controller handshake box 504.

[0044] When Figure 5When operating as shown, when the temperature T2 of the second charging circuit 214 approaches and / or nears the second maximum operating temperature T2max, the first charging circuit 212 is adjusted to increase the first charging current Iout1, while when the temperature T2 of the second charging circuit 214 is not close to the second maximum operating temperature T2max, the first charging circuit 212 is adjusted to decrease the first charging current Iout1. Therefore, when the temperature T2 of the second charging circuit 214 is in a lower temperature range, the first charging current Iout1 is adjusted to a relatively low value; however, when the temperature T2 of the second charging circuit 214 is in a higher temperature range (closer to T2max), the first charging current Iout1 is increased to keep the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 approximately equal to each other. When both T1 and T2 reach their respective maximum operating temperatures (T1max and T2max, respectively), the controller circuit 216 signals the programmable power supply 102 to supply a smaller current.

[0045] While the above description already includes buck converters and charge pumps, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of different switching power converter circuits, including buck converters, multilevel buck converters, multiphase buck converters, hybrid buck converters, charge pumps, multilevel power converters, and buck-boost converter circuits.

[0046] Other aspects of this disclosure include the following:

[0047] Aspect 1 includes a circuit comprising: a first charging circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, the first terminal being configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, the second terminal being configured to provide a first charging current to a load, the third terminal being configured to provide a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit, and the fourth terminal being configured to receive a first control signal; the first charging circuit being configured to respond to the first control signal and further configured to control the magnitude of the first charging current at least partially based on the first control signal; a second charging circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the first terminal being configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, the second terminal being configured to provide a second charging current to a load, and the third terminal being configured to provide a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit; a controller circuit being configured to receive the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal and being configured to provide the first control signal to the fourth terminal of the first charging circuit; and wherein the controller circuit is configured to adjust the first control signal at least partially based on the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

[0048] Aspect 2 includes the circuitry of aspect 1, wherein the load is a battery.

[0049] Aspect 3 includes the circuitry of any one of aspects 1 to 2, and further includes a programmable power supply configured to provide current and voltage to the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit.

[0050] Aspect 4 includes the circuitry of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the first charging circuit is a buck converter.

[0051] Aspect 5 includes the circuitry of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the second charging circuit is a charge pump.

[0052] Aspect 6 includes the circuitry of any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the first charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a first maximum operating temperature associated therewith; the second charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a second maximum operating temperature associated therewith; and the controller circuit is configured to adjust a first control signal to maintain the temperature of the first charging circuit below the first maximum operating temperature and to maintain the temperature of the second charging circuit below the second maximum operating temperature.

[0053] Aspect 7 includes the circuitry of any one of aspects 1 to 6, and further includes: a third charging circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the first terminal being configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, the second terminal being configured to provide a third charging current to a load, and the third terminal being configured to provide a third temperature signal related to the temperature of the third charging circuit; a controller circuit being configured to receive the third temperature signal; and wherein the controller circuit is configured to adjust a control signal based at least in part on the first temperature signal, the second temperature signal, and the third temperature signal.

[0054] Aspect 8 includes the circuitry of any one of Aspects 1 to 7, and further includes: a third charging circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, the first terminal being configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, the second terminal being configured to provide a third charging current to a load, the third terminal being configured to provide a third temperature signal related to the temperature of the third charging circuit, the fourth terminal being configured to receive a second control signal, the third charging circuit being configured to respond to the second control signal, and being configured to control the magnitude of the third charging current at least partially based on the second control signal; wherein a controller circuit is configured to receive the third temperature signal, and the controller circuit is configured to provide the second control signal; and the controller circuit is configured to adjust the second control signal at least partially based on the first temperature signal, the second temperature signal, and the third temperature signal.

[0055] Aspect 9 includes a circuit comprising a first charging circuit having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the first terminal being configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, the second terminal being configured to provide a charging current to a load, and the third terminal being configured to receive a control signal; the first charging circuit being configured to respond to the control signal and being configured to control the magnitude of the first charging current at least partially based on the first control signal; a first temperature sensor being configured to provide a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit; a second charging circuit having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, and the second terminal being configured to provide a second charging current to a load; a second temperature sensor being configured to provide a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit; a controller circuit being configured to receive the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal, and being configured to provide the control signal to the third terminal of the first charging circuit; and wherein the controller circuit is configured to adjust the control signal at least partially based on the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

[0056] Aspect 10 includes the circuitry of aspect 9, wherein the load is a battery.

[0057] Aspect 11 includes the circuitry of any one of aspects 9 to 10, and further includes a programmable power supply configured to provide current and voltage to the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit.

[0058] Aspect 12 includes the circuitry of any one of aspects 9 to 11, wherein the first charging circuitry is a buck converter.

[0059] Aspect 13 includes the circuitry of any one of aspects 9 to 12, wherein the second charging circuitry is a charge pump.

[0060] Aspect 14 includes the circuitry of any one of Aspects 9 to 13, wherein the first charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a first maximum operating temperature associated therewith; the second charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a second maximum operating temperature associated therewith; and the controller circuitry is configured to adjust a first control signal to maintain the temperature of the first charging circuit below the first maximum operating temperature and to maintain the temperature of the second charging circuit below the second maximum operating temperature.

[0061] Aspect 15 includes a method of operating a plurality of parallel charging circuits, the method comprising: operating a first charging circuit coupled to a programmable power supply and providing a first charging current to a load, the first charging current being adjustable; operating a second charging circuit coupled to the programmable power supply and providing a second charging current to a load, the second charging circuit operating in parallel with the first charging circuit; obtaining a first temperature signal relating to the temperature of the first charging circuit; obtaining a second temperature signal relating to the temperature of the second charging circuit; and adjusting the first charging current at least in part in response to the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

[0062] Aspect 16 includes the method of aspect 15, wherein the load is a battery.

[0063] Aspect 17 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 16, wherein the first charging current is adjusted to keep the first temperature and the second temperature approximately equal to each other.

[0064] Aspect 18 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 17, wherein a first charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a first maximum operating temperature associated therewith; a second charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a second maximum operating temperature associated therewith; and a first charging current is adjusted to maintain the temperature of the first charging circuit below the first maximum operating temperature and the temperature of the second charging circuit below the second maximum operating temperature.

[0065] Aspect 19 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 18, wherein the second charging circuit has a lower power loss conversion factor than the first charging circuit; and when the temperature of the second charging circuit is close to the second maximum operating temperature, the first charging circuit is adjusted to increase the first charging current; and when the temperature of the second charging circuit is not close to the second maximum operating temperature, the first charging circuit is adjusted to decrease the first charging current.

[0066] Aspect 20 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 19, wherein when the temperature of the second charging circuit is in a lower temperature range, the first charging current is adjusted to a relatively low magnitude; and when the temperature of the second charging circuit is in a higher temperature range, the first charging current is increased to keep the first temperature and the second temperature approximately equal to each other.

[0067] Aspect 21 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 20, further comprising signaling the programmable power supply to reduce the supplied current when both of the following occur: the temperature of the first charging circuit approaches a first maximum operating temperature; and the temperature of the second charging circuit approaches a second maximum operating temperature.

[0068] Aspect 22 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 21, wherein the second charging current is adjustable, and wherein the method includes adjusting the second charging current in response to a first temperature signal and a second temperature signal.

[0069] Aspect 23 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 22, further comprising providing a third charging circuit configured to be coupled to a programmable power supply and to provide a third charging current to a load; obtaining a third temperature signal related to the temperature of the third charging circuit; and adjusting the first charging current in response to the first temperature signal, the second temperature signal and the third temperature signal.

[0070] Aspect 24 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 23, wherein the first charging circuit is a buck converter.

[0071] Aspect 25 includes the method of any one of aspects 15 to 24, wherein the second charging circuit is a charge pump.

[0072] The implementations described herein can be implemented in a variety of IC technologies (e.g., MOSFET, GaN, GaAs, and bulk silicon) and packaging technologies (e.g., flip chip, ball grid array, wafer-level chip packaging, wide fan-out packaging, and embedded packaging).

[0073] The advantages and benefits of the embodiments described herein enable their use in a wide range of applications. For example, applications include portable and mobile computing and / or communication products and components (e.g., laptops, ultrabooks, tablets, and phones), displays (e.g., LCDs, LEDs), radio-based devices and systems (e.g., cellular systems, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and GPS-based devices), wired network devices and systems, data centers (e.g., power conversion for battery backup systems and / or for processing systems and / or electronic / optical networking systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., smart switches and lights, security sensors and security cameras), home appliances and electronics (e.g., set-top boxes, battery-powered vacuum cleaners, appliances with built-in radio transceivers, such as washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators), AC / DC power converters, all types of electric vehicles (e.g., for drivetrains, control systems, and / or infotainment systems), and other devices and systems that use portable power sources and / or require power conversion.

[0074] The applications of radio systems include wireless RF systems (including base stations, relay stations, and handheld transceivers) using a variety of technologies and protocols. These technologies and protocols include various types of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (“OFDM”), Orthogonal Amplitude Modulation (“QAM”), Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”), Time Division Multiple Access (“TDMA”), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (“W-CDMA”), Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), 5G and WiFi (e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11ac, 802.11ax) and other radio communication standards and protocols.

[0075] Programmable implementation

[0076] Some or all aspects of this invention (particularly the firmware code embedded in the controller circuit 2016) can be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of both (e.g., a programmable logic array). Unless otherwise stated, the algorithms included as part of this invention are not inherently associated with any particular computer or other device. In particular, various general-purpose computers can be used with programs written according to the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient to use a dedicated computer or dedicated hardware (e.g., integrated circuits) to perform specific functions. Therefore, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in one or more computer programs (i.e., sets of instructions or code) that execute on one or more programmed or programmable computer systems (which may have various architectures, such as distributed, client / server, or grid systems), each system including at least one processor, at least one data storage system (which may include volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device or port, and at least one output device or port. Program instructions or code can be applied to input data to perform the functions described in this disclosure and generate output information. Output information can be applied to one or more output devices in known manners.

[0077] Each such computer program can be implemented in any desired computer language (including machine, assembly, or high-level procedural, logical, or object-oriented programming languages) to communicate with a computer system, and can be implemented in a distributed manner, in which different parts of the computation specified by the software are executed by different computers or processors. In any case, the computer language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Some or all of the computer programs implementing this invention can form one or more modules of a larger program or program system. Some or all of the elements of the computer program can be implemented as data structures stored in a computer-readable medium or other organized data conforming to a data model stored in a data repository.

[0078] Each such computer program may be stored on or downloaded to (e.g., by means of a solid-state memory medium or device, or a magnetic or optical medium) a tangible, non-transitory storage medium or device for a period of time (e.g., the time between refresh cycles of a dynamic memory device such as dynamic RAM, or semi-permanently, or permanently), which may be read by a general-purpose or special-purpose programmable computer or processor to configure and operate the computer or processor when the computer or processor reads the storage medium or device to perform the processes described above. The system of the present invention may also be considered as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, wherein such a storage medium causes a computer or processor to operate in a particular or predefined manner to perform the functions described in this disclosure.

[0079] Manufacturing technology and selection

[0080] In various implementations of buck converters and charge pumps, the use of specific types of capacitors can be advantageous. For example, such capacitors often possess low equivalent series resistance (ESR), low DC bias degradation, high capacitance, and small size. Low ESR may be particularly important. Specific capacitors should be selected after considering specifications such as power level, efficiency, size, etc. Various types of capacitor technologies can be used, including ceramic (including multilayer ceramic capacitors), electrolytic capacitors, film capacitors (including power film capacitors), and IC-based capacitors. The capacitor dielectric can vary depending on the specific application requirements and can include paraelectric dielectrics such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), hafnium dioxide (HFO2), or alumina (Al2O3). Additionally, buck converter and charge pump designs can incorporate or replace capacitors designed to benefit from utilizing inherent parasitic capacitances (e.g., inherent to power FETs) to reduce circuit size and / or improve circuit performance. The selection of capacitors for such power converters can also consider factors such as variations in capacitor components, reduced effective capacitance with DC bias, and the temperature coefficient of ceramic capacitors (minimum and maximum operating temperature limits, and capacitance variation with temperature).

[0081] Similarly, in various implementations of buck converters, the use of specific types of inductors can be advantageous. For example, inductors with low DC equivalent resistance, high inductance, and small size are often useful.

[0082] The controller used to control the charging circuit can be implemented as a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), register transfer level (RTL) circuit system and / or combinational logic.

[0083] As used herein, the term "MOSFET" includes any field-effect transistor (FET) having an insulated gate with conductivity that determines its voltage, and includes an insulated gate having a metallic or metalloid, insulator, and / or semiconductor structure. The terms "metal" or "metalloid" include at least one conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper, or other metals, or highly doped polycrystalline silicon, graphene, or other electrical conductors); "insulator" includes at least one insulating material (e.g., silicon oxide or other dielectric material); and "semiconductor" includes at least one semiconductor material.

[0084] As used in this disclosure, the term "radio frequency" (RF) refers to an oscillation rate in the range of about 3 kHz to about 300 GHz. The term also includes frequencies used in wireless communication systems. RF frequencies can be the frequencies of electromagnetic waves or the frequencies of alternating voltage or current in a circuit.

[0085] Regarding the accompanying drawings referenced in this disclosure, the dimensions of the individual elements are not drawn to scale; for clarity or emphasis, some dimensions have been significantly enlarged vertically and / or horizontally. Furthermore, references to orientations and directions (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “lateral,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) are relative to the example drawings and are not necessarily absolute orientations or directions.

[0086] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented to meet a wide range of specifications. Unless otherwise noted above, the selection of appropriate component values ​​is a matter of design choice. Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using any suitable integrated circuit (IC) technology (including, but not limited to, MOSFET structures) or in hybrid or discrete circuit form. Integrated circuit embodiments can be fabricated using any suitable substrate and process, including but not limited to standard bulk silicon, high resistivity bulk CMOS, silicon-on-insulator (SOI), and silicon-on-sapphire (SOS). Unless otherwise stated above, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using other transistor technologies such as bipolar, BiCMOS, LDMOS, BCD, GaAs HBT, GaN HEMT, GaAs pHEMT, and MESFET technologies. However, embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful when fabricated using SOI or SOS-based processes or when fabricated using processes with similar characteristics. Fabrication using SOI or SOS processes in CMOS enables circuits to have low power consumption, the ability to withstand high power signals during operation due to FET stacking, good linearity, and high-frequency operation (i.e., radio frequency up to and exceeding 300 GHz). Since parasitic capacitance can usually be kept low (or minimal, and uniform across all cells, thus allowing for compensation of parasitic capacitance) through careful design, monolithic IC implementations are particularly useful.

[0087] Voltage levels and / or voltage and / or logic signal polarities can be adjusted according to specific specifications and / or implementation technologies (e.g., NMOS, PMOS, or CMOS, and enhancement-mode or depletion-mode transistor devices). The voltage, current, and power handling capabilities of components can be adjusted as needed, for example, by adjusting device size, "stacking" components (especially FETs) in series to withstand higher voltages, and / or using multiple components in parallel to handle higher currents. Additional circuit components can be added to enhance the capabilities of the disclosed circuit and / or provide additional functionality without significantly altering its overall functionality.

[0088] The circuits and devices according to the invention can be used alone or in combination with other components, circuits, and devices. Embodiments of the invention can be manufactured as integrated circuits (ICs), which can be encapsulated in IC packages and / or modules for ease of handling, manufacturing, and / or performance improvement. In particular, IC embodiments of the invention are typically used in modules in which one or more such ICs are combined with other circuit blocks (e.g., filters, amplifiers, passive components, and possible additional ICs) into a single package. The ICs and / or modules are then typically combined with other components, usually on a printed circuit board, to form part of an end product (e.g., a cellular phone, laptop computer, or tablet computer) or to form a higher-level module that can be used in a wide variety of products (e.g., vehicles, test equipment, medical devices, etc.). Through various configurations of modules and components, such ICs typically implement communication (typically wireless communication) modes.

[0089] Some embodiments of this disclosure have been described. It should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, some steps in the above-described steps may be sequentially independent and therefore may be performed in a different order than that described. Furthermore, some steps in the above-described steps may be optional. The various activities described with respect to the methods identified above may be performed in a repetitive, serial, and / or parallel manner.

[0090] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting, of the scope of this disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims, and other embodiments are also within the scope of the claims. In particular, the scope of this disclosure includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter set forth in the appended claims. (Note that the bracket markings of claim elements are for the convenience of referencing such elements and do not in themselves indicate a particular desired order or enumeration of elements; furthermore, such markings may be repeated in dependent claims as references to additional elements and are not considered as a sequence of markings that initiates conflict.)

Claims

1. A circuit comprising: A first charging circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from a power source. The second terminal is configured to provide a first charging current to a load. The third terminal is configured to provide a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit. The fourth terminal is configured to receive a first control signal. The first charging circuit is configured to respond to the first control signal and is also configured to control the magnitude of the first charging current at least in part based on the first control signal. A second charging circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from the power source, the second terminal is configured to provide a second charging current to the load, and the third terminal is configured to provide a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit. A controller circuit configured to receive the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal, and configured to provide the first control signal to the fourth terminal of the first charging circuit; as well as The controller circuit is configured to adjust the first control signal based at least in part on the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The load is a battery.

3. The circuit of claim 1 further includes a programmable power supply configured to provide current and voltage to the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit.

4. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The first charging circuit is a buck converter.

5. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The second charging circuit is a charge pump.

6. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein: a) The first charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a first maximum operating temperature associated with the first charging circuit; b) The second charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a second maximum operating temperature associated with the second charging circuit; as well as c) The controller circuit is configured to adjust the first control signal to maintain the temperature of the first charging circuit below the first maximum operating temperature and to maintain the temperature of the second charging circuit below the second maximum operating temperature.

7. The circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: A third charging circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from the power source. The second terminal is configured to provide a third charging current to the load. The third terminal is configured to provide a third temperature signal related to the temperature of the third charging circuit. The controller circuit is configured to receive the third temperature signal; as well as The controller circuit is configured to adjust the control signal based at least in part on the first temperature signal, the second temperature signal, and the third temperature signal.

8. The circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: A third charging circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from the power source. The second terminal is configured to provide a third charging current to the load. The third terminal is configured to provide a third temperature signal related to the temperature of the third charging circuit. The fourth terminal is configured to receive a second control signal. The third charging circuit is configured to respond to the second control signal and is configured to control the magnitude of the third charging current at least in part based on the second control signal. The controller circuit is configured to receive the third temperature signal and to provide the second control signal; and The controller circuit is configured to adjust the second control signal based at least in part on the first temperature signal, the second temperature signal, and the third temperature signal.

9. A circuit comprising: A first charging circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive current and voltage from a power source, the second terminal is configured to provide a first charging current to a load, and the third terminal is configured to receive a control signal. The first charging circuit is configured to respond to the control signal and is configured to control the magnitude of the first charging current at least in part based on the first control signal. A first temperature sensor is configured to provide a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit. A second charging circuit has a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being configured to receive current and voltage from the power source, and the second terminal being configured to provide a second charging current to the load. A second temperature sensor is configured to provide a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit. A controller circuit configured to receive the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal, and configured to provide the control signal to the third terminal of the first charging circuit; as well as The controller circuit is configured to adjust the control signal based at least in part on the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

10. The circuit according to claim 9, wherein, The load is a battery.

11. The circuit of claim 9 further includes a programmable power supply configured to provide current and voltage to the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit.

12. The circuit according to claim 9, wherein, The first charging circuit is a buck converter.

13. The circuit according to claim 9, wherein, The second charging circuit is a charge pump.

14. The circuit according to claim 9, wherein: a) The first charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a first maximum operating temperature associated with the first charging circuit; b) The second charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a second maximum operating temperature associated with the second charging circuit; as well as c) The controller circuit is configured to adjust the first control signal to maintain the temperature of the first charging circuit below the first maximum operating temperature and to maintain the temperature of the second charging circuit below the second maximum operating temperature.

15. A method for operating multiple parallel charging circuits, the method comprising: a. Operate a first charging circuit coupled to a programmable power supply and provide a first charging current to a load, wherein the first charging current is adjustable; b. Operate a second charging circuit coupled to the programmable power supply and provide a second charging current to the load, wherein the second charging circuit operates in parallel with the first charging circuit; c. Obtain a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the first charging circuit; d. Obtain a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the second charging circuit; and e. Adjusting the first charging current in at least a partial response to the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The load is a battery.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first charging current is adjusted to keep the first temperature and the second temperature approximately equal to each other.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein; a) The first charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a first maximum operating temperature associated with the first charging circuit; b) The second charging circuit is configured as an integrated circuit and has a second maximum operating temperature associated with the second charging circuit; as well as c) Adjust the first charging current to keep the temperature of the first charging circuit below the first maximum operating temperature and the temperature of the second charging circuit below the second maximum operating temperature.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: a) The second charging circuit has a lower power loss conversion factor than the first charging circuit; as well as b) When the temperature of the second charging circuit approaches the second maximum operating temperature, adjust the first charging circuit to increase the first charging current; as well as c) When the temperature of the second charging circuit is not close to the second maximum operating temperature, adjust the first charging circuit to reduce the first charging current.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: a) When the temperature of the second charging circuit is within a low temperature range, the first charging current is adjusted to a relatively low level; and b) When the temperature of the second charging circuit is in a higher temperature range, increase the first charging current to keep the first temperature and the second temperature approximately equal to each other.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising signaling the programmable power supply to reduce the supplied current when either of the following occurs: The temperature of the first charging circuit is close to the first maximum operating temperature; and The temperature of the second charging circuit is close to the second maximum operating temperature.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The second charging current is adjustable, and the method includes adjusting the second charging current in response to the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal.

23. The method of claim 15, comprising: A third charging circuit is provided, the third charging circuit being configured to be coupled to the programmable power supply and to provide a third charging current to the load; Obtain a third temperature signal related to the temperature of the third charging circuit; as well as The first charging current is adjusted in response to the first temperature signal, the second temperature signal, and the third temperature signal.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first charging circuit is a buck converter.

25. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The second charging circuit is a charge pump.

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