A smart battery reader

Abstract

A smart battery reader includes a microcontroller, a display module, a low-dropout regulator, a PD decoy, and a USB-C port. The smart battery is connected to both the display module and the microcontroller via the low-dropout regulator to power them. The USB-C port is connected to an external power source, which is then connected to the smart battery via the PD decoy and a current-limiting resistor to activate it in case of battery failure or depletion. The external power source is also connected to the display module and the microcontroller via the USB-C port, the PD decoy, and the low-dropout regulator to power them. The microcontroller communicates with the smart battery via an SMBus bus to read its internal data and displays it on the display module. When the smart battery is functioning correctly, the reader can be directly powered by the battery itself, eliminating the need for an external power source. This makes it more convenient to use, and the integrated display module eliminates reliance on a host computer or upper-level software, resulting in high efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium-ion battery technology, and specifically to a smart battery reader. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries, as a new type of clean and renewable energy source, have advantages such as high operating voltage, light weight, and high energy density. They have been widely used in power tools, digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops and other fields, and are showing a strong development trend.

[0003] Meanwhile, with the development of computer technology, higher requirements are placed on lithium batteries for portable devices powered by lithium batteries. The requirements include intelligent battery data, and the host should be able to easily obtain information such as the remaining battery power, real-time voltage, current, temperature, and health status. Furthermore, the battery should have the ability to record faults for after-sales fault analysis.

[0004] In 1995, Intel developed a communication standard for Smart Battery Systems, which led to the creation of the SMBus bus. Its initial purpose was to provide a simple, inexpensive, and reliable communication link between the smart battery, charging circuitry, and other system components (such as embedded controllers) in laptops.

[0005] Currently, SMBus-based smart batteries are widely used in various portable device smart battery systems, such as laptop batteries, medical device batteries, and handheld instrument batteries. However, there are currently no mature tools on the market that can easily read the data of these smart batteries. For example, one method involves a host computer reading the smart battery information, such as a laptop using its built-in software to view battery information. However, the battery information is limited, generally only showing the remaining power and battery health. Moreover, reading the battery information through the host CPU and displaying it under the operating system is equivalent to using the host to display battery-related information, which is dependent on the host computer and has poor convenience. The battery cannot be detected when it is disconnected from the host computer. Another method is to convert the smart battery's SMBus interface to a serial port and transmit the battery data to the host computer software to display the battery information. This system includes a host computer and communication conversion circuits. The system is relatively complex and requires certain professional skills and experience, making it difficult for general personnel to operate and use, thus resulting in poor ease of use. Utility Model Content

[0006] Based on this, the present invention provides a smart battery reader to solve the technical problems of existing smart battery readers, such as limited information reading, reliance on host computer, and poor ease of use.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a smart battery reader for reading data information inside a smart battery. It includes a microcontroller, a display module, a low-dropout regulator, a PD decoy, and a USB-C interface. The smart battery is connected to both the display module and the microcontroller via the low-dropout regulator to power them. The USB-C interface is connected to an external power source, which is then connected to the smart battery via the PD decoy and a current-limiting resistor to activate it when it fails or is out of power. The external power source is also connected to the display module and the microcontroller via the USB-C interface, the PD decoy, and the low-dropout regulator to power them. The microcontroller communicates with the smart battery via an SMBus bus to read the data information inside the smart battery and displays it on the display module.

[0008] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the reader further includes a first button and a second button for user input of command information.

[0009] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the first button is used for the user to input an upward information command, the second button is used for the user to input a downward information command, and pressing and holding the first button and the second button simultaneously is used for the user to input an instruction to turn off the battery management system of the smart battery.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the reader also includes a reverse connection protection circuit and a fault or activation indicator light. The reverse connection protection circuit is used to trigger the fault or activation indicator light to illuminate when the smart battery is connected in reverse.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the reader also includes a running indicator light, which is triggered to illuminate when the reader is working normally.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the display module is an LCD display screen.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the microcontroller displays data information on an LCD screen with an I2C interface via an I2C bus.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the microcontroller is an MCU.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the data information includes the battery's charge, voltage, current, temperature information, battery manufacturer, battery model, battery production date, battery health, and battery fault status.

[0016] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the smart battery includes a blade-type interface for reader insertion.

[0017] The smart battery reader of this utility model, by adopting the above technical solution, has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. When the smart battery is in good working order, the reader can be powered directly by the smart battery without the need for an external power source, making it more convenient to use.

[0019] 2. The reader integrates a display module, eliminating the need for a host computer or upper-level software, making it more efficient to use.

[0020] 3. The reader integrates a USB-C interface for connecting to an external power source, and also features a PD decoy, which can read the data information inside the smart battery even when the smart battery fails. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the smart battery reader of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Structural diagram;

[0024] The markings in the image are as follows:

[0025] 1. LCD display screen; 2. Blade-type interface; 3. USB-C interface; 4. First button; 5. Second button; 6. Run indicator light; 7. Fault or activation indicator light.

[0026] The purpose, features, and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," and "one" used in the preferred embodiments are merely for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of implementation of the present invention.

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical terms of this application are explained below:

[0029] A low-dropout regulator (LDO), also known as a low-dropout linear regulator or low-voltage-drop regulator, is a type of linear DC regulator used to provide a stable DC voltage power supply. Compared to a typical linear DC regulator, a low-dropout regulator can operate with a smaller output-input voltage difference.

[0030] A PD decoy induces the charger to output a preset high voltage (such as 9V / 12V / 15V / 20V) by simulating the USB PD protocol handshake communication. Its core working principle includes three key links: protocol interaction, voltage request, and regulated output.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the smart battery reader provided by this utility model is used to read data information inside the smart battery. It includes a microcontroller, a display module, a low-dropout regulator, a PD decoy, and a USB-C interface 3. The smart battery is connected to the display module and the microcontroller through the low-dropout regulator to power the display module and the microcontroller. The USB-C interface 3 is connected to an external power source, and the external power source is connected to the smart battery through the PD decoy and a current-limiting resistor in sequence to activate the smart battery when it fails or is out of power. The external power source is also connected to the display module and the microcontroller through the USB-C interface 3, the PD decoy, and the low-dropout regulator in sequence to power the display module and the microcontroller. The microcontroller communicates with the smart battery through the SMBus bus to read the data information inside the smart battery and displays the data information through the display module.

[0032] Preferably, in order to provide users with more information, achieve a better user experience, and reduce energy consumption, the reader further includes a first button 4 and a second button 5 for users to input command information. The first button 4 is used for users to input an upward information input command, and the second button 5 is used for users to input a downward information input command. Pressing and holding the first button 4 and the second button 5 simultaneously is used for users to input a command to turn off the battery management system of the smart battery, thereby minimizing the self-power consumption of the smart battery to meet the needs of transportation or long-term storage.

[0033] To further enhance the safety of using the smart battery, the reader also includes a reverse connection protection circuit and a fault or activation indicator light 7. The reverse connection protection circuit triggers the fault or activation indicator light 7 to illuminate when the smart battery is connected in reverse. The reader will not function when the smart battery is reversed, but the hardware will not be damaged.

[0034] In one specific implementation, the reader also includes a running indicator light 6, which is triggered to illuminate when the reader is working normally.

[0035] Specifically, the display module is an LCD display screen 1, and the microcontroller displays data information on the LCD display screen 1 with an I2C interface via an I2C bus. The microcontroller is an MCU.

[0036] Specifically, the data information includes battery charge, voltage, current, temperature information, battery manufacturer, battery model, battery production date, battery health, battery fault status, etc.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the smart battery includes a blade-type interface 2 for reader insertion.

[0038] The working principle of the smart battery reader of this utility model is as follows:

[0039] When the smart battery is working normally and has voltage output, the reader is directly powered by the smart battery. The output of the smart battery will be reduced to 3.3V through LDO to power the MCU and LCD display 1. The MCU communicates with the battery through the SMBus bus to read the internal information of the battery, such as battery voltage, current, temperature, and power. Then, the battery information is displayed on the LCD display 1 of the I2C interface through the I2C bus.

[0040] When the battery fails or runs out of power, an external power source can be connected via a USB-C port to power the reader. Because the smart battery has a relatively high voltage, while a typical USB output is only 5V, a PD trigger is designed to induce the USB-C port to output a 12V PD voltage to activate the smart battery. Simultaneously, a current-limiting resistor limits the activation current. The power supply circuit is as follows: Figure 1 The dashed line.

[0041] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reader for a smart battery, used to read data information inside the smart battery, characterized in that, The system includes a microcontroller, a display module, a low-dropout regulator, a PD decoy, and a USB-C interface. The smart battery is connected to both the display module and the microcontroller via the low-dropout regulator to power them. The USB-C interface is connected to an external power source, which is then connected to the smart battery via the PD decoy and a current-limiting resistor to activate it in case of battery failure or depletion. The external power source is also connected to the display module and the microcontroller via the USB-C interface, the PD decoy, and the low-dropout regulator to power them. The microcontroller communicates with the smart battery via an SMBus bus to read data from the battery and displays this data on the display module.

2. The smart battery reader according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reader also includes a first button and a second button for users to input command information.

3. The smart battery reader according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first button is used for the user to input an upward information command, the second button is used for the user to input a downward information command, and pressing and holding the first and second buttons simultaneously is used for the user to input an instruction to turn off the battery management system of the smart battery.

4. The smart battery reader according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reader also includes a reverse connection protection circuit and a fault or activation indicator light. The reverse connection protection circuit is used to trigger the fault or activation indicator light to illuminate when the smart battery is connected in reverse.

5. The smart battery reader according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reader also includes a running indicator light, which is triggered to illuminate when the reader is working normally.

6. The smart battery reader according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module is an LCD screen.

7. The smart battery reader according to claim 6, characterized in that, The microcontroller displays data information on an LCD screen with an I2C interface via the I2C bus.

8. The smart battery reader according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microcontroller is an MCU.

9. The reader for a smart battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The data includes battery charge, voltage, current, temperature, battery manufacturer, battery model, battery production date, battery health, and battery fault status.

10. The smart battery reader according to claim 9, characterized in that, The smart battery includes a blade-type interface for reader insertion.

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