Power management method, electronic device, and computer-readable medium

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a first battery, a second battery, and a transformation circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery. For example, the transformation circuit may be configured to transform a first voltage of power supplied from the first battery into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery and provide the second voltage to the second battery.

Description

Power management methods, electronic devices, and computer-readable media

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0014072 dated February 4, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a power management method, an electronic device, and a computer-readable medium.

[0003] Recently, active research and development on secondary batteries has been underway. Here, secondary batteries refer to rechargeable batteries, encompassing conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries as well as the more recent lithium-ion batteries. Among secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the advantage of having a much higher energy density compared to conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries can be manufactured to be compact and lightweight, making them suitable for use as power sources for mobile devices.

[0004] On the other hand, secondary batteries have disadvantages due to their rechargeable nature. For example, in environments where management such as charging, replacement, or maintenance is difficult, it may become impossible to continue using the secondary battery. Additionally, there is a problem where the performance of the secondary battery deteriorates as charge-discharge cycles are repeated.

[0005] To overcome the aforementioned problems, other types of next-generation batteries are being developed. For example, active research and development is underway on nuclear batteries (or beta batteries) that generate electricity using beta particles emitted during the decay of radioactive isotopes. However, while nuclear batteries provide stable power over the long term, their instantaneous output is relatively low, presenting a problem in that they are not suitable for devices requiring high power output.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device and a method for managing power thereof can be provided for supplying power to another battery that requires charging, such as a secondary battery, by transforming the voltage of power supplied over a long period from a beta battery.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0008] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first battery, a second battery, and a transformer circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery. For example, the transformer circuit may be configured to transform a first voltage of power supplied from the first battery into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery and provide it to the second battery.

[0009] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first battery corresponds to a nuclear battery, and the second battery may correspond to a lithium-ion battery.

[0010] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transformer circuit may be driven by power supplied from the first battery or the second battery.

[0011] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a target capacitor electrically connected to the transformer circuit. For example, the target capacitor may store power output from the transformer circuit and provide the stored power to the second battery.

[0012] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a switch connected between the target capacitor and the transformer circuit and a processor electrically connected to the switch. For example, the processor may be configured to check the voltage of the target capacitor and, if the voltage of the target capacitor exceeds a predetermined voltage, to control the switch to supply power stored in the target capacitor to the second battery.

[0013] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine one of the first battery, the second battery, and the target capacitor as a target power source for driving the transformer circuit based on the voltage of the target capacitor or the State of Charge (SoC) of the second battery.

[0014] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transformer circuit may include at least one capacitor, at least one first switch disposed on a first electrical path between the first battery and the at least one capacitor and a second electrical path between the at least one capacitor and at least one ground, at least one second switch disposed on a third electrical path between the at least one capacitor and the second battery, and a rectifier capacitor connected to the second battery.

[0015] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to control the opening and closing of the at least one first switch and the at least one second switch in order to transform the first voltage of power supplied from the first battery into the second voltage and provide it to the second battery.

[0016] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor can control the at least one first switch to turn ON and the second switch to turn OFF when the SoC of the second battery exceeds a specified SoC, and control the at least one first switch to turn OFF and the second switch to turn ON when the SoC of the second battery is less than or equal to the specified SoC.

[0017] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor can control the at least one first switch to turn ON and the at least one second switch to turn OFF in order to transfer power supplied from the first battery to the at least one capacitor during a first time interval, and control the at least one first switch to turn OFF and the at least one second switch to turn ON in order to supply power stored in the at least one capacitor to the second battery during a second time interval after the first time interval has elapsed.

[0018] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine the first time interval and the second time interval based on the voltage of the target capacitor.

[0019] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second time interval may be smaller than the first time interval.

[0020] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine the first time interval and the second time interval based on the SoC of the second battery.

[0021] A power management method performed by an electronic device comprising a first battery, a second battery, and a transformer circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of controlling at least one first switch and at least one second switch included in the transformer circuit so that power supplied from the first battery is stored in at least one capacitor included in the transformer circuit, and an operation of controlling the at least one first switch and at least one second switch so that power stored in the at least one capacitor is supplied to the second battery. For example, the transformer circuit may be configured to transform a first voltage of power supplied from the first battery into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery and provide it to the second battery.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable non-transient recording medium may be disclosed, which records a program for executing a power management method performed by an electronic device on a computer.

[0023] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, an electronic device and a power management method can be provided that significantly increase the usage time of a second battery and minimize a separate charging process by processing the power of a first battery, which is stable but has a relatively low output, through a transformer circuit and then supplying it to a second battery.

[0024] The effects of the invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram included in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram included in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit diagram included in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of a power management method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] In describing the embodiments, technical details that are well known in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs and are not directly related to this disclosure are omitted. This is intended to convey the essence of this disclosure more clearly without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0032] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings have been exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Additionally, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual dimensions. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing have been assigned the same reference numbers.

[0033] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely to ensure that the disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0034] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the process flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be executed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be loaded into the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since these computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory that can be directed toward the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement functions in a specific way, the instructions stored in such computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item containing means of instruction for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions that execute the computer or other programmable data processing equipment by creating a process that is executed by a computer through a series of operation steps performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment can also provide steps for executing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s).

[0035] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or part of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative execution examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For instance, two blocks described in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order according to their corresponding functions.

[0036] In this embodiment, the term "part" refers to a software or hardware component, such as an FPGA or ASIC, and the "part" performs certain roles. However, the meaning of "part" is not limited to software or hardware. The "part" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or configured to operate one or more processors. Thus, for example, the "part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts." Furthermore, the components and "parts" may be implemented to operate one or more CPUs within a device or secure multimedia card.

[0037] The expression “at least one of a, b, and c” described throughout the specification may include ‘a alone’, ‘b alone’, ‘c alone’, ‘a and b’, ‘a and c’, ‘b and c’, or ‘a, b, and c all’.

[0038] The "terminal" mentioned below may be implemented as a computer or portable terminal capable of connecting to a server or other terminal via a network. Here, the computer includes, for example, a notebook, desktop, or laptop equipped with a web browser, and the portable terminal is a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, and may include all types of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), communication-based terminals, smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041]

[0042] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) may include a memory (110), a processor (120), a first battery (130), a second battery (140), and a transformer circuit (150). According to an embodiment, the electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may further include at least one component other than the components illustrated in FIG. 1 (e.g., a display, an input device, a sensor device, or an output device).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the memory (110) may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the memory (110) may store data used by at least one component of the electronic device (100) (e.g., processor (120)). For example, the data may include software (or related instructions), input data, or output data. In one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device (100) to perform operations defined by the instructions when executed by the processor (120).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the memory (110) may store instructions or data. For example, the memory (110) may store at least one instruction that causes the electronic device (100) (or the processor (120)) to perform various operations when executed by the processor (120). For example, a program (or at least one instruction) stored in the memory (110) may be executed by the processor (120).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the memory (110) may include a plurality of storage devices of different types. For example, the memory (110) may include a volatile and / or non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory (110) may include at least one of RAM (random-access memory), ROM (read-only memory), eMMC (Embedded Multi-Media Card), or any combination thereof. For example, the memory (110) may include a buffer for temporarily storing data and a data area for storing data transferred from the buffer or an external device.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be implemented as a computer or a similar device according to hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Hardware-wise, the processor (120) may be implemented in the form of an electronic circuit that processes electrical signals to perform control functions, and software-wise, it may be implemented in the form of a program that drives the hardware processor (120). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be operatively connected to components included in the electronic device (100) (e.g., memory (110), processor (120), first battery (130), second battery (140), and transformer circuit (150)) to control the connected components.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

[0050] Meanwhile, unless otherwise specifically mentioned in the following description, the operation of the electronic device (100) may be interpreted as being performed under the control of the processor (120). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be implemented as at least one of a notebook, desktop, laptop, and server computing device that acquires and processes various information regarding a battery from an external device.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first battery (130) and the second battery (140) may correspond to different types of batteries.

[0052] For example, the first battery (130) may correspond to a nuclear battery (or a beta voltaic battery). A nuclear battery may correspond to a battery that converts the energy of beta particles (or electrons) emitted from a radioactive isotope into electricity. Unlike a conventional chemical battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery), a nuclear battery can supply power by using radioactive decay as an energy source rather than a chemical reaction. For example, high-energy electrons (or beta particles) emitted through the beta decay of radioactive materials (e.g., tritium, nickel-63, strontium-90, etc.) contained in the nuclear battery may collide with a semiconductor material inside the nuclear battery, and electron-hole pairs may be generated in the semiconductor material, causing current to flow and generating power. For example, a nuclear battery may generate power through alpha decay as well as beta decay. That is, the nuclear battery may correspond to an alpha battery. For example, alpha particles (e.g., helium nuclei) are emitted from the nuclei of Americium, Uranium, Thorium, Radium, etc., and electricity can be generated based on the emitted alpha particles.

[0053] For example, the second battery (140) may correspond to a lithium-ion battery. A lithium-ion battery may be a type of rechargeable battery that stores and releases energy through the movement of lithium ions (Li). The second battery (140) may be composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a separator. The second battery (140) may be charged by power supplied by the first battery (130) and transformed by the transformer circuit (150). As another example, the second battery (140) may include other types of rechargeable batteries. For example, the second battery (140) may include a lithium polymer battery (Li-Po), a lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO₄), a lithium sulfur battery (Li-S), a solid-state battery, a sodium ion battery, a lithium air battery (Li-Air), and a nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the transformer circuit (150) can be electrically connected to the first battery (130) and the second battery (140).

[0055] For example, the transformer circuit (150) can convert the magnitude of the voltage of the power supplied from the first battery (130). The transformer circuit (150) can transform the first voltage of the power supplied from the first battery (130) into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery (140). Here, the second voltage corresponding to the second battery (140) may refer to the rating voltage of the second battery (140) or the charging voltage required to charge the second battery (140). That is, since the first voltage of the power supplied from the first battery (130) is relatively low, the transformer circuit (150) can boost the first voltage to a second voltage corresponding to the second battery (140).

[0056] For example, the transformer circuit (150) may include various components for boosting or lowering the voltage magnitude. The transformer circuit (150) may include a plurality of switches and a plurality of capacitors. The components included in the transformer circuit (150) may be described in more detail later in the description of FIGS. 3 to 5 below.

[0057] For example, the transformer circuit (150) may be driven by power supplied from the first battery (130) or the second battery (140). The magnitude (or voltage magnitude) of the first power supplied from the first battery (130) and the second power supplied from the second battery (140) may be different.

[0058] Although not illustrated, the electronic device (100) may further include an information acquisition interface. For example, the information acquisition interface may establish a wired communication channel and / or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (100) and an external device, and transmit and receive data with the external device through the established communication channel. The information acquisition interface may receive battery charging data from the external device and / or an external server. Here, communication, i.e., the transmission and reception of data, may be performed via wired or wireless means. To this end, the communication device may include a wired communication module that connects to the internet, etc., via a Local Area Network (LAN), a mobile communication module that connects to a mobile communication network via a mobile communication base station to transmit and receive data, a short-range communication module that uses a communication method of the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) family such as Wi-Fi, or a communication method of the Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) family such as Bluetooth or Zigbee, a satellite communication module that uses a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), or a combination thereof.

[0059] For example, the information acquisition interface may include at least one sensor that acquires and detects information regarding the battery. The information acquisition interface may acquire data (e.g., voltage data) regarding each of a plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack. The information acquisition interface may include at least one voltage measuring element that measures the voltage of at least one capacitor included in the transformer circuit (150) and / or a target capacitor connected between the transformer circuit (150) and the first battery (130).

[0060]

[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first battery (130), a second battery (140), and a transformer circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery. The electronic device (100) may optionally further include at least one target capacitor (191, 192).

[0063] The first battery (130) may correspond to a nuclear battery.

[0064] The second battery (140) may be a lithium-ion battery.

[0065] The transformer circuit (150) can transform a first voltage of power supplied from the first battery (130) into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery (140) and supply it to the second battery (140). The transformer circuit (150) can be driven by power supplied from the first battery (130) or the second battery (140), where "driving" can be defined as meaning that at least some of the components included in the transformer circuit (150) (e.g., switches) are operated through power supplied from the first battery (130) or the second battery (140).

[0066] At least one target capacitor (191, 192) can store at least a portion of the power output from the transformer circuit (150) and provide at least a portion of the stored power to the second battery (140). For example, the first target capacitor (191) can store at least a portion of the power supplied from the first battery (130) and / or the power supplied from the first battery (130) to the transformer circuit (150). For example, the second target capacitor (192) can store at least a portion of the power supplied from the first battery (130) and converted to a second voltage by the transformer circuit (150).

[0067] For example, the electronic device (100) may further include a switch connected between at least one target capacitor (191, 192) and a transformer circuit (150), and a processor (120) electrically connected to the switch. The electronic device (100) may check (or monitor) the voltage of at least one target capacitor (191, 192). The electronic device (100) may control the switch to supply power stored in at least one target capacitor (191, 192) to a second battery (140) when the voltage of at least one target capacitor (191, 192) exceeds a predetermined voltage. For example, when the voltage of the first target capacitor (191) that stores power supplied from the first battery (130) exceeds a predetermined voltage, the electronic device (100) can control the switch connected between the first target capacitor (191) and the transformer circuit (150) to turn ON in order to provide at least a portion of the power stored in the first target capacitor (191) to the second battery (140) through the transformer circuit (150).

[0068] For example, the electronic device (100) may determine one of the first battery (130), the second battery (140), and at least one target capacitor (191, 192) as a target power source for driving the transformer circuit (150) based on the voltage of at least one target capacitor (191, 192) or the State of Charge (SoC) of the second battery (140). The target power source may drive the transformer circuit (150), for example, by supplying a control signal to some of the plurality of switches included in the transformer circuit (150). The target power source may drive the transformer circuit (150), for example, by supplying power to a processor (120) that supplies a control signal to some of the plurality of switches included in the transformer circuit (150). The target power source may drive the transformer circuit (150), for example, by applying voltage to the transformer circuit (150) itself.

[0069]

[0070] FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram included in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the transformer circuit (150) may include at least some of the components shown in FIG. 3. The transformer circuit (150) may include at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3). The transformer circuit (150) may include at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15). The transformer circuit (150) may include at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23). The transformer circuit (150) may include a rectifier capacitor (CC). The electronic device (100) may further include a target capacitor (TC) and a target switch (TS) disposed outside the transformer circuit (150). The target switch (TS) may be connected between the target capacitor (TC) and the transformer circuit (150). The target capacitor (TC) may be connected to a target ground (TG).

[0072] For example, at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) may include a first-1 switch (S13, S14, S15) disposed on a first electrical path between a first battery (130) and at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3). For example, at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) may include a first-2 switch (S11, S12) disposed on a second electrical path between at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) and at least one ground (G1, G2, G3). Unlike what is illustrated, the first-1 switch (S13, S114, S15) and the first-2 switch (S11, S12) may each be implemented as a single switch.

[0073] For example, at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) may be placed on a third electrical path between at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) and the second battery (140).

[0074] For example, the rectifier capacitor (CC) can be connected to the second battery (140) and ground (G0). The rectifier capacitor (CC) can minimize noise components such as ripple voltage and generate a stable voltage to be delivered to the second battery (140).

[0075] For example, the target capacitor (TC) can store power supplied from the first battery (130) and provide at least a portion of the stored power to the transformer circuit (150). The electronic device (100) checks the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) and, if the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) exceeds a predetermined voltage, can turn on the target switch (TS) to supply the power stored in the target capacitor (TC) to the transformer circuit (150). That is, the electronic device (100) can keep the target switch (TS) in the OFF state when the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) is below a predetermined voltage.

[0076] Although not illustrated, the electronic device (100) may further include an additional target capacitor positioned between the second battery (140) and the rectifier capacitor (CC). The additional target capacitor stores power output from the transformer circuit (150) and can provide at least a portion of the stored power to the second battery (140). For example, the electronic device (100) may further include an additional target switch connected between the additional target capacitor and the transformer circuit (150). The electronic device (100) checks the voltage of the additional target capacitor and, if the voltage of the additional target capacitor exceeds a predetermined voltage, can turn on the additional target switch to supply power stored in the additional target capacitor to the second battery (140). That is, the electronic device (100) can keep the additional target switch in the OFF state when the voltage of the additional target capacitor is below a predetermined voltage.

[0077] The electronic device (100) can control the opening and closing of at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) in order to transform the first voltage of power supplied from the first battery (130) into a second voltage and provide it to the second battery (140). The process of the electronic device (100) controlling the opening and closing of at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) will be described in detail later in the description of FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5 below.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram included in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit diagram included in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram in which at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is ON (or short-circuited) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is OFF (or open).

[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit diagram in which at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is OFF (or, open) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is ON (or, short-circuited).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can control the open / closed states of a plurality of switches such that at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is turned ON (or short-circuited) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is turned OFF (or open) in order to store power supplied from a first battery (130) in at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3).

[0084] The electronic device (100) can control the open / closed states of a plurality of switches such that at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is OFF (or, open) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is ON (or, short-circuited) in order to provide power stored in at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) to the second battery (140).

[0085] The electronic device (100) can provide power with a voltage boosted based on at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) to the second battery (140). The voltage of the power can be boosted in proportion to the number of at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3). In FIGS. 3 to 5, the electronic device (100) is shown to include three capacitors, but this is exemplary and the electronic device (100) may include additional capacitors. For example, if the number of at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) is n, the voltage can be boosted to a value close to n times the existing voltage.

[0086] The electronic device (100) can be controlled to turn on at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) and turn off at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) in order to transfer power supplied from the first battery (130) to at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) during a first time interval. The electronic device (100) can be controlled to turn off at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) and turn on at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) in order to supply power stored in at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) to the second battery (140) during a second time interval after the first time interval has elapsed. For example, the second time interval (e.g., 0.01 seconds) may be smaller than the second time interval (e.g., 0.99 seconds).

[0087] The electronic device (100) can determine (or adjust) the first time interval and the second time interval based on the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) or the SoC of the second battery (140).

[0088] For example, the electronic device (100) may reduce the first time interval when the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) exceeds a predetermined voltage. That is, when the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) exceeds a predetermined voltage, the electronic device (100) may reduce the first time interval to provide power stored in the target capacitor (TC) to the transformer circuit (150) and power boosted by the transformer circuit (150) to the second battery (140). At this time, the electronic device (100) may control the target switch (TS) to turn ON.

[0089] For example, the electronic device (100) can increase the first time interval when the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) is below a predetermined voltage. That is, the electronic device (100) can increase the first time interval to store more power in the target capacitor (TC) through the first battery (130) when the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) is below a predetermined voltage. At this time, the electronic device (100) can control the target switch (TS) to turn OFF.

[0090] For example, the electronic device (100) can reduce the first time interval and increase or maintain the second time interval as the SoC of the second battery (140) is lower. That is, when the SoC of the second battery (140) is low, the electronic device (100) can reduce the first time interval and increase or maintain the second time interval to provide power more frequently.

[0091] The electronic device (100) can control the open / closed state of a plurality of switches based on the SoC of the second battery (140). For example, the electronic device (100) can control the open / closed state of a plurality of switches such that when the SoC of the second battery (140) exceeds a specified SoC (e.g., 90%), at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is turned ON (or short-circuited) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is turned OFF (or open). For example, the electronic device (100) can control the open / closed state of a plurality of switches such that when the SoC of the second battery (140) is less than or equal to a specified SoC, at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is turned OFF (or open) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is turned ON (or short-circuited). That is, the electronic device (100) can control the open / closed states of a plurality of switches such that when the SoC of the second battery (140) exceeds a specified SoC, at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is turned ON (or short-circuited) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is turned OFF (or open) regardless of the time interval. Through this, the electronic device (100) may not supply the boosted power supplied from the first battery (130) to the first battery (130) when the second battery (140) is sufficiently charged.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of a power management method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can perform the operations disclosed in FIG. 6. For example, at least some of the components included in the electronic device (100) (e.g., memory (110), processor (120), first battery (130), second battery (140) and transformer circuit (150) of FIG. 1) may be configured to perform the operations of FIG. 6.

[0095] In the following embodiments, the operations of S610 to S620 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Additionally, content corresponding to or overlapping with the above description in relation to FIG. 6 may be briefly explained or omitted.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can control at least one first switch and at least one second switch so that power supplied from the first battery is stored in at least one capacitor included in the transformer circuit (S610).

[0097] For example, the electronic device (100) can be controlled to turn on at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) and turn off at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) in order to transfer power supplied from the first battery (130) to at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) during a first time interval.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can control at least one first switch and at least one second switch so that power stored in at least one capacitor is supplied to a second battery (S620).

[0099] For example, the electronic device (100) can be controlled to turn off at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) and turn on at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) in order to supply power stored in at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) to the second battery (140) during the second time interval after the first time interval has elapsed. For example, the second time interval (e.g., 0.01 seconds) may be smaller than the second time interval (e.g., 0.99 seconds).

[0100] For example, the transformer circuit (150) may be configured to transform the first voltage of power supplied from the first battery (130) into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery (140) and provide it to the second battery (140).

[0101] For example, the electronic device (100) can determine the first time interval and the second time interval based on the voltage of the target capacitor (TC) and / or the SoC of the second battery (140).

[0102] For example, the electronic device (100) can control the open / closed states of a plurality of switches such that when the SoC of the second battery (140) exceeds a specified SoC, at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) is turned ON (or short-circuited) and at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23) is turned OFF (or open), regardless of the first time interval and the second time interval. That is, when the SoC of the second battery (140) exceeds a specified SoC, the electronic device (100) determines that no further power supply is required and turns ON at least one first switch (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15) and turns OFF at least one second switch (S21, S22, S23), thereby allowing power to be continuously stored in at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3). At this time, by turning on the target switch (TS), additional power supplied from the first battery (130) can also be stored in the target capacitor (TC).

[0103]

[0104] The electronic device (100) according to the above-described embodiments may include a processor, memory for storing and executing program data, permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, and user interface devices such as a touch panel, a key, an icon, etc. Methods implemented as software modules or algorithms may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium as computer-readable code or program instructions executable on the processor. Here, computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random-access memory), floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)). Computer-readable recording media may be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium may be readable by a computer, stored in memory, and executed by a processor.

[0105] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented by various numbers of hardware and / or software configurations that execute specific functions. For example, the embodiments may employ integrated circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., which can execute various functions by the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similar to how components may be implemented as software programming or software elements, the embodiments may be implemented in programming or scripting languages ​​such as C, C++, Java, assembler, etc., including various algorithms implemented as combinations of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming configurations. Functional aspects may be implemented as algorithms executed on one or more processors. Additionally, the embodiments may employ prior art for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as “mechanism,” “element,” “means,” and “configuration” may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations. The above terms may include the meaning of a series of software processes (routines) in conjunction with processors, etc.

[0106] The aforementioned embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, First battery; Second battery; and It includes a transformer circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery, and The above transformer circuit is configured to transform a first voltage of power supplied from the first battery into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery and provide it to the second battery. Electronic device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first battery corresponds to a nuclear battery, and The above second battery corresponds to a lithium-ion battery, Electronic device.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above transformer circuit is driven by power supplied from the first battery or the second battery, Electronic device.

4. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a target capacitor electrically connected to the above transformer circuit, and The above-mentioned target capacitor is, Storing power output from the above transformer circuit and providing the stored power to the second battery, Electronic device.

5. In Paragraph 4, A switch connected between the above target capacitor and the above transformer circuit; and It further includes a processor electrically connected to the above switch, The above processor is, Check the voltage of the above target capacitor, and When the voltage of the above-mentioned target capacitor exceeds a predetermined voltage, the switch is configured to control the power stored in the above-mentioned target capacitor to supply the power to the second battery. Electronic device.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor is, A configuration for determining one of the first battery, the second battery, and the target capacitor as a target power source for driving the transformer circuit based on the voltage of the target capacitor or the State of Charge (SoC) of the second battery. Electronic device.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above transformer circuit is, At least one capacitor; At least one first switch disposed on a first electrical path between the first battery and the at least one capacitor and a second electrical path between the at least one capacitor and at least one ground; At least one second switch disposed on a third electrical path between the at least one capacitor and the second battery; and A rectifier capacitor connected to the second battery, Electronic device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above processor is, A configuration configured to control the opening and closing of at least one first switch and at least one second switch in order to transform the first voltage of the power supplied from the first battery into the second voltage and provide it to the second battery. Electronic device.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above processor is, If the SoC of the second battery exceeds a specified SoC, the at least one first switch is controlled to turn ON and the second switch is turned OFF. If the SoC of the second battery is less than or equal to the specified SoC, controlling to turn off at least one first switch and turn on the second switch, Electronic device.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above processor is, Controlling to turn on the at least one first switch and turn off the at least one second switch in order to transfer power supplied from the first battery to the at least one capacitor during the first time interval, Controlling to turn off the at least one first switch and turn on the at least one second switch in order to supply power stored in the at least one capacitor to the second battery during the second time interval after the first time interval has elapsed. Electronic device.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above processor is, Configured to determine the first time interval and the second time interval based on the voltage of the target capacitor. Electronic device.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above second time interval is smaller than the above first time interval, Electronic device.

13. In Paragraph 10, The above processor is, Based on the SoC of the second battery, configured to determine the first time interval and the second time interval, Electronic device.

14. A power management method performed by an electronic device comprising a first battery, a second battery, and a transformer circuit, wherein The operation of controlling at least one first switch and at least one second switch included in the transformer circuit so that power supplied from the first battery is stored in at least one capacitor included in the transformer circuit; and The operation includes controlling the at least one first switch and the at least one second switch so that power stored in the at least one capacitor is supplied to the second battery, and A power management method in which the above transformer circuit is configured to transform a first voltage of power supplied from the first battery into a second voltage corresponding to the second battery and provide it to the second battery.

15. A computer-readable, non-transient recording medium having a program for executing the method of paragraph 14 on a computer.

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