Electronic device performing low voltage protection function of battery and method for operating same

Abstract

This electronic device comprises: a battery; a switch disposed on a discharge path; and a battery protection circuit including a comparator, a first debounce timer, and a second debounce timer, wherein the battery protection circuit monitors a voltage outputted from the battery while controlling the switch to an ON state, outputs an enable signal to each of the first debounce timer and the second debounce timer on the basis of determining, via the comparator, that the voltage is lower than a specified voltage, controls the switch to an OFF state on the basis of determining that the voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified by the first debounce timer, and maintains the OFF state of the switch even when the voltage rises higher than the specified voltage again, on the basis of determining that the voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a second time period, longer than the first time period, specified by the second debounce timer.

Description

Electronic device performing low voltage protection function of battery and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device that performs a low voltage protection function of a battery and an operating method thereof.

[0002] Thanks to remarkable advancements in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the proliferation and use of various electronic devices is rapidly increasing. Electronic devices are being developed to enable users to carry and communicate with one another. Portable electronic devices can refer to devices that can be carried by users and perform specific functions based on preloaded programs, such as mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, wearable electronic devices, audio / video devices, or laptop computers.

[0003] As technology advances, the power consumption of portable electronic devices is increasing, and accordingly, the capacity of batteries (or battery cells) installed in portable electronic devices is also increasing.

[0004] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a battery, at least one switch disposed on a discharge path of the battery, and a battery protection circuit including a comparator, a first debounce timer, and a second debounce timer. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to monitor a first voltage output from the battery while controlling the at least one switch to an on state. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output an enable signal to each of the first debounce timer and the second debounce timer based on determining through the comparator that the first voltage is lower than a designated voltage. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to control the at least one switch to an off state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than a designated voltage for a first time period designated by the first debounce timer. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to maintain the off state of the at least one switch even if the first voltage rises above the designated voltage again based on determining that the first voltage remains lower than the designated voltage for a second time period longer than the first time period specified in the second debounce timer.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device including a battery and a battery protection circuit of the battery may include an operation of monitoring a first voltage output from the battery while controlling at least one switch disposed on a discharge path of the battery to be in an on state. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of outputting an enable signal to each of a first debounce timer included in the battery protection circuit and a second debounce timer included in the battery protection circuit based on determining that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage through a comparator included in the battery protection circuit. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of controlling the at least one switch to be in an off state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage for a first time period specified by the first debounce timer. The method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of maintaining the off state of the at least one switch even if the first voltage rises again above the specified voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a second time longer than the first time specified in the second debounce timer.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a battery, at least one switch disposed on a discharge path of the battery, and a battery protection circuit including a first comparator, a second comparator, a first debounce timer connected to the first comparator, and a second debounce timer connected to the second comparator. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to monitor a first voltage and a first current output from the battery while controlling the at least one switch to an on state. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a first enable signal to a first debounce timer based on determining through the first comparator that the first voltage is lower than a first designated voltage. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to control the at least one switch to an off state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the designated voltage for a first time period designated by the first debounce timer. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a second enable signal to a second debounce timer based on determining through the second comparator that the first current is higher than a designated current. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to maintain the off state of the at least one switch even if the first voltage becomes higher than the designated voltage again based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the designated voltage for a first time period specified by the first debounce timer and that the first current is not higher than the designated current for a second time period specified by the second debounce timer.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a battery according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a battery protection circuit configured to perform a low voltage protection function of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an electronic device to perform a low voltage protection function of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a battery protection circuit to operate in auto-recovery mode or latch mode for low-voltage protection of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating that a battery protection circuit performs auto recovery mode or latch mode according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a battery protection circuit configured to perform a low voltage protection function of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a battery protection circuit to operate in auto-recovery mode or latch mode for low-voltage protection of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 1O is a graph illustrating that a battery protection circuit performs an auto recovery mode or a latch mode according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0019] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0020] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0021] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0022] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0023] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0024] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0025] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0026] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0027] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0028] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0029] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0030] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0031] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0032] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0033] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0034] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0035] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0036] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0037] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0038] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0039] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a processor (220), a memory (230), and a battery (250). For example, the electronic device (201) may be implemented in the same or similar manner as the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may control the overall operation of the electronic device (201). For example, the processor (220) may be implemented in a manner identical to or similar to the processor (120) of FIG. 1. The processor (220) according to one embodiment may execute software (e.g., the program (140) of FIG. 1) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (201) connected to the processor (220), and may perform data processing or calculations based on the instructions. The instructions according to one embodiment may include instructions configured in a machine language that can be processed by the electronic device (201) or the processor (220). For example, the instructions may include instructions corresponding to operation instructions used in the program.

[0043] Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 illustrates that the electronic device (201) includes one processor (220), this is merely exemplary and the technical concept of the present invention may not be limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (201) may include at least one processor. For example, the processor (220) may be implemented as at least one processor.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the memory (230) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1) may store at least one instruction (or command) that causes at least one operation of the electronic device (201). The at least one instruction, when executed collectively or individually by the processor (220), may cause the electronic device (201) to perform the corresponding operation.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the battery (250) can store power. According to one embodiment, the battery (250) can include battery cells for storing power. For example, the battery (250) can store power provided from the outside in the battery cells. The battery (250) can provide the power stored in the battery cells to components of the electronic device (201). The battery (250) can output a voltage of a certain magnitude (hereinafter, battery voltage) based on the level of power stored in the battery cells. For example, the battery (250) can output a battery voltage within a specified range. However, the battery (250) can also output a battery voltage lower than the specified range when the level of power stored in the battery cells falls below a certain level.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the battery (250) may include a battery protection circuit (e.g., a protection circuit module (PCM) IC) (e.g., the battery protection circuit (320) of FIG. 3) for protecting the battery cell. For example, the battery (250) may experience degradation in performance or damage when overcharge, overdischarge, or overvoltage is applied, or when overcurrent flows. The battery protection circuit may perform overcharge protection (e.g., overvoltage protection (OVP)), overdischarge protection (e.g., undervoltage protection (UVP)), and / or overcurrent protection (overcurrent protection (OCP)). Through this, the battery protection circuit may perform a function of preventing degradation in performance or damage to the battery (250) in advance.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may limit the discharge of the battery (250) to protect the battery (250) when the battery (250) outputs a battery voltage lower than a specified range. The battery protection circuit will be described in more detail in FIG. 3 below.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may control at least some of the operations of the battery protection circuit. At least some of the operations of the battery protection circuit described below may be controlled by the processor (220).

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a battery according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, a battery (250) may include a battery protection circuit (320), a battery cell (350), and at least one switch (370).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the battery cell (350) can store power. According to one embodiment, the battery cell (350) can store power provided from the outside. The battery cell (350) can provide the stored power to components of the electronic device (201). The battery cell (350) can output a voltage of a certain magnitude (hereinafter, battery voltage) based on the level of the stored power. For example, the battery cell (350) can output a battery voltage within a specified range. For example, the specified range can represent a range of voltages output from the battery cell (350) so that the performance of the battery cell (350) is not abnormally degraded. The battery cell (350) can also output a battery voltage lower than the specified range when the stored power level falls below a certain level.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the battery (250) may experience degradation in performance or damage to the battery (250) when overcharged, overdischarged, or overvoltage is applied, or when overcurrent flows. The battery protection circuit (320) may perform overcharge protection (e.g., overvoltage protection (OVP)), overdischarge protection (e.g., undervoltage protection (UVP)), and / or overcurrent protection (overcurrent protection (OCP)). Through this, the battery protection circuit (320) may perform a function of preventing degradation in performance of the battery cell (350) or damage to the battery (250) in advance. For example, the battery protection circuit (320) may turn on or off at least one switch (370) disposed on the charging path and / or discharging path of the battery cell (350) in a specific situation (e.g., overvoltage, low voltage, or overcurrent detection situation) to prevent performance degradation of the battery cell (350) or damage to the battery (250) in advance.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (320) can check or monitor the battery voltage output from the battery cell (350). For example, the battery protection circuit (320) can monitor the first voltage output from the battery (250) while controlling at least one switch (370) to be in the on state.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (320) may limit the discharge of the battery cell (350) to protect the performance of the battery cell (350) when the battery cell (350) outputs a battery voltage lower than a specified range. For example, the battery protection circuit (320) may turn off at least one switch (370) disposed on the charge path and / or the discharge path of the battery cell (350) when it is determined that the first voltage (e.g., battery voltage) output from the battery cell (350) is lower than a specified voltage. For example, the specified voltage may indicate a voltage value specified for undervoltage protection (UVP). For example, the specified voltage may include a voltage set to prevent the performance of the battery cell (350) from abnormally deteriorating. For example, the specified voltage may be determined as a voltage lower than a specified range or a minimum voltage of a specified range.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (320) can control at least one switch (370) to be in an off state to block power discharged from the battery cell (350) based on determining that the first voltage output from the battery cell (350) is lower than a specified voltage.

[0056] In this specification, controlling at least one switch (370) to an OFF state may mean controlling the corresponding switches to cut off power output or discharged from the battery cell (350). For example, when at least one switch includes a plurality of switches (e.g., two MOSFETs arranged in different directions), the plurality of switches may include a charge cutoff switch (e.g., a charge cutoff MOSFET) and a discharge cutoff switch (e.g., a discharge cutoff MOSFET). For example, controlling at least one switch (370) to an OFF state may mean an operation of turning off the discharge cutoff switch (e.g., the discharge cutoff MOSFET). In addition, controlling at least one switch (370) to an ON state may mean an operation of turning on the discharge cutoff switch (e.g., the discharge cutoff MOSFET).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (320) may operate in an auto recovery mode or a latch mode when controlling at least one switch (370) to an off state.

[0058] According to one embodiment, in auto-recovery mode, the battery protection circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to an off state and then continue to monitor the first voltage output from the battery cell (350). Accordingly, the battery protection circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to an on state based on determining that the first voltage output from the battery cell (350) in auto-recovery mode becomes higher than a specified voltage again.

[0059] According to one embodiment, in the latch mode, the battery protection circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to an off state and then stop monitoring the first voltage output or discharged from the battery cell (350). Accordingly, the battery protection circuit (320) may maintain the off state of at least one switch (370) in the latch mode even if the first voltage output or discharged from the battery cell (350) becomes higher than a specified voltage again. In the latch mode, the battery protection circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to an on state when a specific voltage is applied to a pin for receiving power from an external electronic device (e.g., an external power supply device) (e.g., connected to an external electronic device (e.g., a charger) for receiving power). Additionally, the battery protection circuit (320) may resume monitoring the first voltage output from the battery cell (350) after the specific voltage is applied to the pin for receiving power from an external electronic device in the latch mode. Thereafter, the battery protection circuit (320) may operate in the auto-recovery mode or the latch mode based on the first voltage output from the battery cell (350).

[0060] In auto-recovery mode, the battery protection circuit (320) may need to continuously monitor the first voltage output from the battery cell (350) to determine whether the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage. To this end, the battery protection circuit (320) may need to remain continuously activated. Therefore, in auto-recovery mode, the battery protection circuit (320) may consume more power than in latch mode. However, in latch mode, since at least one switch (370) is turned off only when an external electronic device (e.g., a charger) is connected to the electronic device, the discharge of the battery cell (350) may be blocked even if the first voltage rises above a specified voltage.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (320) can perform both auto-recovery mode and latch mode. For example, the battery protection circuit (320) can operate in latch mode if it is determined that the first voltage output from the battery cell (350) has entered an undervoltage protection (UVP) region where the battery (250) is not actually being used (e.g., discharging of the battery cell (350)). In addition, the battery protection circuit (320) can operate in auto-recovery mode if it is determined that the first voltage output from the battery cell (350) is in an region where the battery (250) is actually being used (e.g., discharging of the battery cell (350)).

[0062] Through the above-described method, the electronic device (201) according to one embodiment can reduce power consumption due to the battery protection circuit (320) while increasing the usability of the battery (250).

[0063] According to one embodiment, at least one switch (370) may be disposed on a charge path and / or a discharge path of a battery cell (350). The at least one switch (370) may be turned on or off according to the control of the battery protection circuit (320). For example, when the at least one switch (370) is turned on, power contained in the battery cell (350) may be discharged. When the at least one switch (370) is turned off, discharge of power contained in the battery cell (350) may be blocked. For example, the at least one switch (370) may be implemented as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0064] Although two switches (370) are illustrated in FIG. 3, the number or type of switches may not be limited thereto.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a battery protection circuit configured to perform a low voltage protection function of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (320) may include a comparator (321), a first debounce timer (323), a second debounce timer (324), a control circuit (325), and a driver (327). The battery protection circuit (320) may further include a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, and a fourth pin.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first pin may be configured to sense a drain voltage (VDD) (e.g., a positive voltage) of the battery cell (350). For example, the first pin may sense the drain voltage (or voltage value) of the battery cell (350) through a first resistor (R1). The second pin may be configured to sense a source voltage (VSS) (e.g., a negative voltage) of the battery cell (350). For example, the first voltage output from the battery cell (350) may be a voltage sensed through a voltage between the first pin and the second pin (e.g., a voltage applied across the capacitor (C). For example, the second pin may be connected to ground. For example, the voltage (VDD) sensed through the first pin may correspond to (or match) the first voltage. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the voltage of the first pin will be described as the first voltage (VDD) because the voltage sensed through the first pin corresponds to the first voltage. For example, the control circuit (325) can check or monitor the first voltage (VDD) output from the battery cell (350) through the first pin.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the third pin may be configured to sense a first current (CS) output or discharged from the battery cell (350). For example, the third pin may sense the first current (CS) (or current value) output or discharged from the battery cell (350) through the second resistor (R2). For example, the control circuit (320) may check or monitor the first current (CS) output from the battery cell (350) through the third pin.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the fourth pin may be configured to determine whether an external electronic device (e.g., a charger) is connected to receive power from the outside. For example, when an external electronic device (e.g., a charger) is connected to the electronic device (201), a specific voltage (VM) may be applied to the fourth pin. For example, the control circuit (320) may determine whether an external electronic device (e.g., a charger) is connected to the electronic device (201) based on the application of a specific voltage (VM) to the fourth pin.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the comparator (321) may compare the first voltage (VDD) with the designated voltage (VTH). If the comparator (321) determines that the first voltage (VDD) is lower than the designated voltage (VTH), the comparator (321) may output an enable signal to each of the first debounce timer (323) and the second debounce timer (324). For example, one enable signal output from the comparator (321) may be input to each of the first debounce timer (323) and the second debounce timer (324). If the comparator (321) determines that the first voltage (VDD) is not lower than the designated voltage (VTH), the comparator (321) may not output the enable signal to each of the first debounce timer (323) and the second debounce timer (324).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first debounce timer (323) may output a first signal of high level to the control circuit (325) after the first time from the time of receiving the enable signal based on continuously receiving the enable signal for a first time (e.g., 128 ms) specified in the first debounce timer (323). The first debounce timer (323) may output a first signal of low level to the control circuit (325) based on not continuously receiving the enable signal for the first time.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the second debounce timer (324) may output a second signal of high level to the control circuit (325) after a second period of time from the time of receiving the enable signal based on continuously receiving the enable signal for a second period of time (e.g., 4 seconds) specified for the second debounce timer (324). The second debounce timer (324) may output a second signal of low level to the control circuit (325) based on not continuously receiving the enable signal for the second period of time. For example, the second period of time may be set longer than the first period of time.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (325) may control at least one switch (370) to be on or off through the driver (327) based on signals (e.g., a first signal and a second signal) output from the first debounce timer (323) and the second debounce timer (324). For example, the at least one switch may include two MOSFETs arranged in different directions. For example, the control circuit (325) may control at least one switch (370) to be on in response to a first signal having a low level. For example, the control circuit (325) may control at least one switch (370) to be off in response to a first signal having a high level. For example, the control circuit (325) may maintain at least one switch (370) in the off state in response to a second signal having a high level. For example, the control circuit (325) may stop monitoring the first voltage in response to a high-level second signal. Thereafter, the control circuit (325) may maintain the off state of at least one switch (370) even if the first voltage rises above the specified voltage again (or even if a low-level first signal and / or a low-level second signal is received).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (325) may operate the UVP function in an auto recovery mode in response to the first signal at a high level. The battery protection circuit (320) may monitor the first voltage through the first pin while operating in the auto recovery mode. At this time, the battery protection circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to be turned on through the driver (327) based on confirming that the first voltage has again become higher than a specified voltage.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (325) may operate the UVP function in a latch mode in response to a high-level second signal while the high-level first signal is received. The control circuit (320), while operating in the latch mode, may stop monitoring the first voltage until a specific voltage (VM) is confirmed through the fourth pin. The control circuit (320), while operating in the latch mode, may keep at least one switch (370) in an off state until the specific voltage (VM) is confirmed through the fourth pin. When the control circuit (320), while operating in the latch mode, confirms the specific voltage (VM) through the fourth pin, the control circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to an on state through the driver (327). In addition, the control circuit (320), while confirming the specific voltage (VM) through the fourth pin, may resume monitoring the first voltage.

[0076] Through the above-described method, the electronic device (201) according to one embodiment can reduce power consumption due to the battery protection circuit (320) while increasing the usability of the battery (250).

[0077] The low voltage protection function of the electronic device (201) described below may be performed by at least one of the processor (220) or the battery protection circuit (320). However, for convenience of explanation, the function will be described as being performed by the electronic device (201).

[0078] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an electronic device to perform a low voltage protection function of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0079] According to one embodiment, in operation 501, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) may monitor a first voltage output from a battery (250) while controlling at least one switch (e.g., at least one switch (370) of FIG. 3) disposed on an output path (or discharge path) of a battery (e.g., battery (250) of FIG. 2)) (or a battery cell (e.g., battery cell (350) of FIG. 3)) to be turned on.

[0080] According to one embodiment, in operation 503, the electronic device (201) may determine whether the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage for a first time period specified in a first debounce timer (e.g., the first debounce timer (323) of FIG. 4).

[0081] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the first voltage is not lower than the specified voltage for the first time period (NO of operation 503), the electronic device (201) may continue to monitor the first voltage output from the battery (250).

[0082] In one embodiment, based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for the first time period specified in the first debounce timer (323) (example of operation 503), in operation 505, the electronic device (201) can control at least one switch (370) to be in an off state.

[0083] In one embodiment, at operation 507, the electronic device (201) may continue to check or monitor whether the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage after controlling at least one switch (370) to an off state.

[0084] According to one embodiment, after controlling at least one switch (370) to an OFF state, if it is determined that the first voltage is not lower than a specified voltage (NO in operation 507), in operation 501, the electronic device (201) may control at least one switch (370) to an ON state. Thereafter, the electronic device (201) may continue to monitor the first voltage.

[0085] According to one embodiment, after controlling at least one switch (370) to an OFF state, if it is determined that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage (Yes in operation 507), in operation 509, the electronic device (201) may determine whether the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a second time period specified in the second debounce timer (324). If it is determined that the first voltage is not lower than the specified voltage for the second time period (No in operation 509), in operation 507, the electronic device (201) may determine whether the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage until the second time period.

[0086] According to one embodiment, if the first voltage is determined to be lower than the specified voltage for a second time period (e.g., operation 509), in operation 511, the electronic device (201) may maintain the off state of at least one switch (370) even if the first voltage becomes higher than the specified voltage again. In addition, the electronic device (201) may stop monitoring the first voltage. Thereafter, the electronic device (201) may stop monitoring the first voltage until an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device for receiving power. In addition, the electronic device (201) may maintain the off state of at least one switch (370) until an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device for receiving power.

[0087] Meanwhile, at least some of the operations of the battery protection circuit (320) described below may be controlled by the control circuit (325). However, for convenience of explanation, the subject of all operations will be described as the battery protection circuit (320).

[0088] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a battery protection circuit to operate in auto-recovery mode or latch mode for low-voltage protection of a battery, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a battery protection circuit operating in auto-recovery mode or latch mode, according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, according to one embodiment, in operation 601, a battery protection circuit (e.g., the battery protection circuit (320) of FIG. 4) may monitor a first voltage (VDD) output or discharged from a battery while controlling at least one switch (e.g., at least one switch (370) of FIG. 4) to be in an on state.

[0090] According to one embodiment, in operation 603, the battery protection circuit (320) may determine whether a second signal output from a second debounce timer (e.g., the second debounce timer (324) of FIG. 4) is at a high level. For example, referring to FIG. 7, it may be determined whether the first voltage (VDD) is continuously lower than a specified voltage (VTH) during a second time (t2) specified in the second debounce timer (324). If the battery protection circuit (320) determines that the first voltage (VDD) is continuously lower than the specified voltage (VTH) during the second time (t2), the battery protection circuit (320) may determine the second signal at a high level. If the first voltage (VDD) is not continuously determined to be lower than the specified voltage (VTH) during the second time (t2), the battery protection circuit (320) may determine the second signal at a low level.

[0091] According to one embodiment, if the second signal is determined to be at a low level (NO in operation 603), in operation 605, the battery protection circuit (320) may determine whether a first signal output from a first debounce timer (e.g., the first debounce timer (323) of FIG. 4) is at a high level. For example, referring to FIG. 7, it may be determined whether a first voltage (VDD) is continuously lower than a specified voltage (VTH) during a first time (t1) specified in the first debounce timer (323). If the battery protection circuit (320) determines that the first voltage (VDD) is continuously lower than the specified voltage (VTH) during the first time (t1), the battery protection circuit (320) may determine the first signal to be at a high level. The battery protection circuit (320) can confirm the first signal at a low level if the first voltage (VDD) is not continuously confirmed to be lower than the specified voltage (VTH) for a first time (t1).

[0092] In one embodiment, if the first signal is determined to be at a low level (NO of operation 605), the battery protection circuit (320) may monitor the first voltage while keeping at least one switch (370) in an on state.

[0093] According to one embodiment, when the first signal is determined to be at a high level (example of operation 605), the battery protection circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to be in an OFF state. In addition, the battery protection circuit (320) may operate in an auto-recovery mode while controlling at least one switch (370) to be in an OFF state.

[0094] According to one embodiment, if the second signal is determined to be high level (example of operation 603), in operation 609, the battery protection circuit (320) may control at least one switch (370) to be off. For example, if at least one switch (370) was on, the battery protection circuit (320) may change at least one switch (370) to be off. Alternatively, if at least one switch (370) was off, the battery protection circuit (320) may maintain the at least one switch (370) in the off state. In addition, the battery protection circuit (320) may operate in a latch mode while controlling at least one switch (370) to be off. Thereafter, the battery protection circuit (320) may maintain at least one switch (370) in the off state even if the first voltage becomes higher than a specified voltage. Alternatively, the battery protection circuit (320) may keep at least one switch (370) in an off state even if the first signal is determined to be a low level or the second signal is determined to be a low level. For example, the battery protection circuit (320) may keep at least one switch (370) in an off state until an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device (201) to receive power.

[0095] In one embodiment, at operation 611, the battery protection circuit (320) may stop monitoring the first voltage. Thereafter, the battery protection circuit (320) may stop monitoring the first voltage until an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device (201) to receive power.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a battery protection circuit configured to perform a low voltage protection function of a battery, according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may include a first comparator (331), a second comparator (332), a first debounce timer (333), a third debounce timer (334), a control circuit (335), and a driver (337). The battery protection circuit (320-1) may further include a first pin (VDD), a second pin (VSS), a third pin (CS), and a fourth pin (VM).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first comparator (331) may be implemented identically or similarly to the first comparator (321) of FIG. 4, and the first debounce timer (333) may be implemented identically or similarly to the first debounce timer (323) of FIG. 4. In addition, the first pin, the second pin, the third pin, and the fourth pin may be implemented identically or similarly to the pins of FIG. 4.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the second comparator (332) may compare the first current (CS) with the designated current (ITH). If the second comparator (332) determines that the first current (CS) is higher than the designated current (ITH), the second comparator (332) may output an enable signal to the third debounce timer (334). If the second comparator (332) determines that the first current (CS) is not higher than the designated current (ITH), the second comparator (332) may not output an enable signal to the third debounce timer (334).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the third debounce timer (334) may output a third signal of high level to the control circuit (335) after a third period of time from the time of receiving the enable signal based on receiving the enable signal for a third period of time designated for the third debounce timer (334). The third debounce timer (334) may output a third signal of low level to the control circuit (335) based on not receiving the enable signal continuously for the third period of time. For example, the third period of time may be set to be the same as the first period of time. Alternatively, depending on the implementation, the third period of time may be set to be different from the first period of time.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (335) may control at least one switch (370) to be on or off through the driver (337) based on signals (e.g., a first signal and a third signal) output from the first debounce timer (333) and the third debounce timer (334). For example, at least one switch may include two MOSFETs arranged in different directions. For example, the control circuit (335) may control at least one switch (370) to be on in response to a first signal having a low level. For example, the control circuit (335) may control at least one switch (370) to be off in response to a first signal having a high level. For example, the control circuit (325) may control or maintain at least one switch (370) in an off state in response to a first signal having a high level and a third signal having a high level. At this time, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may operate in auto-recovery mode and monitor the first voltage. For example, the control circuit (325) may stop monitoring the first voltage in response to the first signal at a high level and the third signal at a low level. At this time, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may operate in latch mode and stop (or temporarily suspend) monitoring the first voltage. After the battery protection circuit (320-1) operates in latch mode, the control circuit (325) may maintain the off state of at least one switch (370) even if the first voltage becomes higher than a specified voltage again (or even if the first signal at a low level and / or the third signal at a low level are received).

[0102] Meanwhile, at least some of the operations of the battery protection circuit (320-1) described below may be controlled by the control circuit (335). However, for convenience of explanation, the subject of all operations will be described as the battery protection circuit (320-1).

[0103] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a battery protection circuit to operate in auto-recovery mode or latch mode for low-voltage protection of a battery, according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a battery protection circuit operating in auto-recovery mode or latch mode, according to one embodiment.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in one embodiment, at operation 901, a battery protection circuit (e.g., battery protection circuit (320-1) of FIG. 8) may monitor a first voltage (VDD) and a first current (CS) output (or discharged) from a battery (250) (or a battery cell (350)) while controlling at least one switch (e.g., at least one switch (370) of FIG. 8) to be in an on state.

[0105] According to one embodiment, in operation 903, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may check whether only the first signal output from the first debounce timer (e.g., the first debounce timer (333) of FIG. 8) is at a high level. For example, referring to FIG. 10, it may be checked whether the first voltage (VDD) is continuously lower than the specified voltage (VTH) during the first time (t1) specified in the first debounce timer (323). If the battery protection circuit (320-1) determines that the first voltage (VDD) is continuously lower than the specified voltage (VTH) during the first time (t1), the battery protection circuit (320-1) may check the first signal at a high level. If the first voltage (VDD) is not continuously determined to be lower than the specified voltage (VTH) during the first time (t1), the battery protection circuit (320-1) may check the first signal at a low level.

[0106] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that only the first signal is not at a high level (NO in operation 903), in operation 905, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may determine whether both the first signal output from the first debounce timer (333) and the third signal output from the third debounce timer (e.g., the third debounce timer (334) of FIG. 8) are at a high level. For example, referring to FIG. 10, it may be determined whether the first current (CS) is continuously higher than the designated current (ITH) during a third time (t3) designated for the third debounce timer (334). If it is determined that the first current (CS) is continuously higher than the designated current (ITH) during the third time (t3), the battery protection circuit (320-1) may determine the third signal to be at a high level. The battery protection circuit (320-1) can confirm a third signal at a low level if the first current (CS) is not continuously confirmed to be higher than the specified current (ITH) for a third time (t3).

[0107] According to one embodiment, if both the first signal and the third signal are determined to be at a low level (NO in operation 905), in operation 901, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may monitor the first voltage (and the first current) while keeping at least one switch (370) in an ON state.

[0108] According to one embodiment, if both the first signal and the third signal are determined to be at a high level (example of operation 905), the battery protection circuit (320-1) may control at least one switch (370) to be in an OFF state. In addition, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may operate in an auto-recovery mode while controlling at least one switch (370) to be in an OFF state.

[0109] According to one embodiment, if it is confirmed that only the first signal is at a high level (e.g., the first signal is at a high level and the third signal is at a low level) (example of operation 903), in operation 909, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may control at least one switch (370) to be in an OFF state. In addition, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may operate in a latch mode while controlling at least one switch (370) to be in an OFF state. Thereafter, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may maintain at least one switch (370) in an OFF state even if the first voltage becomes higher than a specified voltage. Alternatively, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may maintain at least one switch (370) in an OFF state even if the first signal is confirmed to be at a low level or the third signal is confirmed to be at a high level. For example, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may keep at least one switch (370) in an off state until an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device (201) to receive power.

[0110] In one embodiment, at operation 911, the battery protection circuit (320-1) may stop monitoring the first voltage (and the first current). Thereafter, the battery protection circuit (320) may stop monitoring the first voltage (and the first current) until an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device (201) to receive power.

[0111] Through the above-described method, the electronic device (201) according to one embodiment can reduce power consumption due to the battery protection circuit (320) while increasing the usability of the battery (250) by using the battery protection circuit (320-1) which has a different configuration from the battery protection circuit (320) of FIG. 4.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a battery (250), at least one switch (370) disposed on a discharge path of the battery, and a battery protection circuit (320) including a comparator (321), a first debounce timer (323), and a second debounce timer (324). According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to monitor a first voltage output from the battery while controlling the at least one switch to an on state. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output an enable signal to each of the first debounce timer and the second debounce timer based on determining through the comparator that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to control the at least one switch to an OFF state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified in the first debounce timer. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to maintain the at least one switch in the OFF state even if the first voltage rises above the specified voltage again based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a second time period longer than the first time period specified in the second debounce timer.

[0113] In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to stop monitoring the first voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage during the second time period.

[0114] In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to control the at least one switch to an on state based on determining that the first voltage again becomes higher than the designated voltage after the first time period and before the second time period. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to monitor the first voltage output from the battery.

[0115] In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to control the at least one switch to an on state when voltage is applied to a pin for receiving power from an external electronic device after the first voltage is determined to be lower than the specified voltage for a second time period longer than the first time period specified in the second debounce timer.

[0116] In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to resume monitoring the first voltage output from the battery after the voltage is applied to the pin.

[0117] In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a first signal of high level through the first debounce timer based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the designated voltage for the first time period designated by the first debounce timer. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to operate in an auto recovery mode in response to the first signal of high level.

[0118] In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a second signal of high level through the second debounce timer based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the designated voltage for the second time period designated by the second debouncer. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to operate in a latch mode in response to the second signal of high level.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured such that the specified voltage represents a voltage value determined for under voltage protection (UVP).

[0120] According to an embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (201) including a battery (250) and a battery protection circuit (320) of the battery may include an operation of monitoring a first voltage output from the battery while controlling at least one switch (370) disposed on a discharge path of the battery to be in an on state. According to an embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of outputting an enable signal to each of a first debounce timer (323) included in the battery protection circuit and a second debounce timer (324) included in the battery protection circuit based on determining that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage through a comparator (321) included in the battery protection circuit. According to an embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of controlling the at least one switch to be in an off state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage for a first time period specified by the first debounce timer. The method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of maintaining the off state of the at least one switch even if the first voltage rises again above the specified voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a second time longer than the first time specified in the second debounce timer.

[0121] The method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of stopping monitoring the first voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage during the second time period.

[0122] The method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of controlling the at least one switch to an on state based on determining that the first voltage becomes higher than the specified voltage again after the first time period and before the second time period. The method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of monitoring the first voltage output from the battery.

[0123] The method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of controlling the at least one switch to an on state when voltage is applied to a pin for receiving power from an external electronic device after the first voltage is determined to be lower than the specified voltage for a second time period longer than the first time period specified in the second debounce timer.

[0124] The method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of resuming monitoring of the first voltage output from the battery after the voltage is applied to the pin.

[0125] The operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of outputting a first signal of a high level through the first debounce timer based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for the first time period specified in the first debounce timer. The operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of operating in an auto recovery mode in response to the first signal of the high level.

[0126] The operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of outputting a second signal of a high level through the second debounce timer based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the designated voltage for the second time period designated for the second debouncer. The operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of driving in a latch mode in response to the second signal of the high level.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a battery (250), at least one switch (370) disposed on a discharge path of the battery, and a battery protection circuit (320-1) including a first comparator (331), a second comparator (332), a first debounce timer (333) connected to the first comparator, and a second debounce timer (e.g., a third debounce timer (334) of FIG. 8) connected to the second comparator. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to monitor a first voltage and a first current output from the battery while controlling the at least one switch to an on state. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a first enable signal to the first debounce timer based on determining through the first comparator that the first voltage is lower than a first specified voltage. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to control the at least one switch to an OFF state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified by the first debounce timer. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a second enable signal to a second debounce timer based on determining that the first current is higher than the specified current through the second comparator. In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to maintain the OFF state of the at least one switch even if the first voltage becomes higher than the specified voltage again based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified by the first debounce timer and that the first current is not higher than the specified current for a second time period specified by the second debounce timer.

[0128] In one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to stop monitoring the first voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified in the first debounce timer and that the first current is not higher than the specified current for a second time period specified in the second debounce timer.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to control the at least one switch to an on state when the first voltage again becomes higher than the specified voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified by the first debounce timer and that the first current is higher than the specified current for a second time period specified by the second debounce timer.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a first signal at a high level through the first debounce timer based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for the first time period specified in the first debounce timer. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to output a second signal at a high level through the second debounce timer based on determining that the first current is higher than the specified current for the second time period specified in the second debounce timer. According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to operate in an auto recovery mode based on the first signal at the high level and the second signal at the high level.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit may be configured to operate in a latch mode based on the first signal at the high level and the second signal at the low level.

[0132] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0133] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0134] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0136] According to embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the electronic device (201), Battery (250); At least one switch (370) arranged on the discharge path of the battery; and A battery protection circuit (320) including a comparator (321), a first debounce timer (323), and a second debounce timer (324), wherein the battery protection circuit comprises: Monitoring the first voltage output from the battery while controlling the at least one switch to be turned on, Based on the determination that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage through the comparator, an enable signal is output to each of the first debounce timer and the second debounce timer, Controlling the at least one switch to an off state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified in the first debounce timer; An electronic device configured to maintain the off state of the at least one switch even if the first voltage rises above the specified voltage again based on determining that the first voltage remains lower than the specified voltage for a second time period longer than the first time period specified in the second debounce timer.

2. In the first paragraph, the battery protection circuit, An electronic device configured to stop monitoring the first voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage during the second time period.

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 2, the battery protection circuit, Controlling the at least one switch to an on state based on determining that the first voltage becomes higher than the specified voltage again after the first time and before the second time, An electronic device set to monitor the first voltage output from the battery.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the battery protection circuit, An electronic device configured to control at least one switch to an on state when voltage is applied to a pin for receiving power from an external electronic device after the first voltage is determined to be lower than the specified voltage for a second time period longer than the first time period.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the battery protection circuit, An electronic device configured to resume monitoring the first voltage output from the battery after the voltage is applied to the pin.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, the battery protection circuit, Based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage during the first time, a first signal of high level is output through the first debounce timer, An electronic device configured to operate in auto recovery mode in response to the first signal of the high level.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the battery protection circuit, Based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage during the second time, a second signal of high level is output through the second debounce timer, An electronic device configured to operate in latch mode in response to the second signal of the high level.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above specified voltage is an electronic device that indicates a voltage value set for under voltage protection (UVP).

9. In a method of operating an electronic device (201) including a battery (250) and a battery protection circuit (320) of the battery, An operation of monitoring a first voltage output from the battery while controlling at least one switch (370) disposed on the discharge path of the battery to be in an on state; An operation of outputting an enable signal to each of a first debounce timer (323) included in the battery protection circuit and a second debounce timer (324) included in the battery protection circuit based on determining that the first voltage is lower than a specified voltage through a comparator (321) included in the battery protection circuit; An operation of controlling the at least one switch to an off state to cut off power output from the battery based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a first time period specified in the first debounce timer; and An operating method of an electronic device including an operation of maintaining the off state of the at least one switch even if the first voltage rises above the specified voltage again based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for a second time longer than the first time specified in the second debounce timer.

10. In paragraph 9, A method of operating an electronic device further comprising an action of stopping monitoring the first voltage based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage during the second time period.

11. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 10, An operation of controlling the at least one switch to an on state based on determining that the first voltage becomes higher than the specified voltage again after the first time and before the second time; and A method of operating an electronic device further comprising an operation of monitoring the first voltage output from the battery.

12. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, An operating method of an electronic device further comprising an operation of controlling the at least one switch to an on state when voltage is applied to a pin for receiving power from an external electronic device after the first voltage is determined to be lower than the specified voltage for a second time longer than the first time specified in the second debounce timer.

13. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 12, A method of operating an electronic device further comprising an action of resuming monitoring of the first voltage output from the battery after the voltage is applied to the pin.

14. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 13, An operation of outputting a first signal of a high level through the first debounce timer based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for the first time period specified in the first debounce timer; and An operating method of an electronic device further comprising an operation of driving in an auto recovery mode in response to the first signal of the high level.

15. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 14, An operation of outputting a second signal of a high level through the second debounce timer based on determining that the first voltage is lower than the specified voltage for the second time specified in the second debouncer; and A method of operating an electronic device further comprising an operation of driving in a latch mode in response to the second signal of the high level.

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