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

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a charging port; a first battery; a second battery; a first charging circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery; a second charging circuit electrically connected to the charging port and the second battery; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and a processor operatively connected to the memory. For example, when executed by the processor, the at least one instruction can instruct the electronic device to: monitor a connection state between the charging port and an external power source; determine a target charging circuit from among the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit on the basis of the connection state; and charge the second battery on the basis of the target charging circuit.

Description

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

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0014086 filed February 4, 2025 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0163339 filed November 3, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a power control 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] In existing technologies, it is common to charge batteries primarily through a single external power source (e.g., AC adapter, USB power), and even in systems using auxiliary batteries, the ability to efficiently switch charging paths between two or more batteries has been implemented only to a limited extent. In this case, the auxiliary power source cannot automatically intervene in the event of external power supply instability or reduced efficiency, and conversely, unnecessary discharge of the internal power source may occur even when the external power source is connected.

[0006] Meanwhile, nuclear batteries can provide an extremely stable long-term power source despite their low output, making them suitable for applications in power structures that allow for continuous auxiliary charging of high-capacity auxiliary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, or for autonomously continuing charging when the external power is cut off. However, due to their output characteristics, beta batteries have a relatively low charging efficiency per unit of time, and energy waste may occur when operated simultaneously with an external power source.

[0007] Therefore, power management technology is required that can dynamically determine a charging path for efficiently charging the main battery using an auxiliary power source including an external power source and a nuclear battery.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a power control method, an electronic device, and a computer-readable medium can be provided for charging a second battery using a charging circuit corresponding to power generated from a first battery or power delivered from an external power source, depending on whether the second battery is connected to an external power source.

[0009] 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.

[0010] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a charging port, a first battery, a second battery, a first charging circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery, a second charging circuit electrically connected to the charging port and the second battery, a memory storing at least one instruction, and a processor operatively connected to the memory. For example, when the at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device may be configured to monitor the connection status between the charging port and an external power source, determine a target charging circuit among the first charging circuit or the second charging circuit based on the connection status, and charge the second battery based on the target charging circuit.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device determines the first charging circuit as the target charging circuit when the charging port is not connected to the external power source, and supplies a first power from the first battery to the second battery using the first charging circuit.

[0013] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device determines the second charging circuit as the target charging circuit when the charging port is connected to the external power source, and supplies a second power source from the external power source to the second battery using the second charging circuit.

[0014] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device shorts the target charging circuit to charge the second battery through a power source corresponding to the target charging circuit, and opens the remaining circuits among the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit, excluding the target charging circuit.

[0015] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device opens the first charging circuit when the SoC of the second battery is greater than or equal to a threshold SoC.

[0016] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device distinguishes and identifies an active time period and a dormant time period based on the user's usage pattern of the electronic device, and short-circuits the first charging circuit only when the current time corresponds to the active time period.

[0017] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device checks the temperature of the second battery when the connection of the external power source is disconnected, and if the temperature is above a critical temperature, the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit are opened until the temperature becomes below the critical temperature.

[0018] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device stores the first power from the first battery in a power storage device using the first charging circuit while the external power source is connected to the charging port.

[0019] In an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one instruction may be configured such that, when executed by the processor, the electronic device identifies a first charging efficiency through the external power source for a predetermined time in response to confirming that the charging port is connected to the external power source, and if it is confirmed that the first charging efficiency is lower than the second charging efficiency by the first battery, the second charging circuit is opened and the first charging circuit is short-circuited.

[0020] A power control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of monitoring a connection state between a charging port and an external power source, an operation of determining a target charging circuit among a first charging circuit electrically connected to a first battery and a second battery or a second charging circuit electrically connected to the charging port and the second battery based on the connection state, and an operation of charging the second battery based on the target charging circuit.

[0021] A power control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include, when the charging port is not connected to the external power source, determining the first charging circuit as the target charging circuit and supplying the first power from the first battery to the second battery using the first charging circuit.

[0022] A power control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include, when the charging port is connected to the external power source, determining the second charging circuit as the target charging circuit and supplying second power from the external power source to the second battery using the second charging circuit.

[0023] A power control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the operation of short-circuiting the target charging circuit to charge the second battery through a power source corresponding to the target charging circuit, and the operation of opening the remaining circuits among the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit, excluding the target charging circuit.

[0024] A medium according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable medium having a program stored on it for executing any one of the methods described above on a computer.

[0025] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, a power control method, an electronic device, and a computer-readable medium can be provided for adaptively determining a target charging circuit based on whether it is connected to an external power source, and efficiently and adaptively charging a second battery through the target charging circuit.

[0026] 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.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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’.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043]

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] 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 charging port (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 communication device, an interface, an input device, an output device, a capacitor).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the memory (110) may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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 a read-only memory (ROM), an 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.

[0050] 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. In hardware, the processor (120) may be implemented in the form of an electronic circuit that processes electrical signals to perform control functions, and in software, 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 a component included in the electronic device (100) to control the connected component.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first battery (130) may include a nuclear battery.

[0054] For example, the first battery (130) can convert energy released as a radioactive isotope decays into electricity.

[0055] For example, the first battery (130) may include an alpha cell that converts alpha rays emitted as a radioactive isotope undergoes alpha decay into power.

[0056] For example, the first battery (130) may include a beta cell that converts beta rays emitted as a radioactive isotope undergoes beta decay into power.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the second battery (140) may include a battery that converts external electrical energy into the form of chemical energy for storage and generates electricity when needed. The second battery (140) may include a rechargeable battery capable of charging and discharging.

[0058] For example, the second battery (140) may include a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second battery (140) may include at least one of a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, a lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) battery, an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, an NCM (Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese) battery, or any combination thereof.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the charging port (150) may include a port for inserting a charger for charging a charge / discharge battery (e.g., a second battery) included in the electronic device (100).

[0060] For example, the charging port (150) can be implemented as a USB-C port.

[0061] For example, the electronic device (100) can monitor whether an external power source is connected to the charging port (150) based on the operating status of the charging port (150).

[0062]

[0063] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (100) may include at least one of a processor (120), a first battery (130), a second battery (140), a charging port (150), a first charging circuit (201), and a second charging circuit (202), or any combination thereof.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can execute instructions stored in memory (110) to monitor the connection status between the charging port (150) and the external power source (200), the real-time status of the first battery (130) and the second battery (140), the charging efficiency by the first battery (130) and / or the charging efficiency by the external power source (200), etc. For example, the electronic device (100) can determine one of the first charging circuit (201) and the second charging circuit (202) as the target charging circuit depending on whether the external power source (200) is connected, and can charge the second battery (140) using the determined target charging circuit.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first battery (130) corresponds to a nuclear battery and may include a power source that converts the kinetic energy of particles (e.g., beta rays) emitted as a radioactive isotope decays into electrical energy. Unlike a conventional chemical battery, the first battery (130) can stably provide a constant output over a long period, but because the instantaneous output current is low, it may be used mainly for auxiliary charging or power maintenance of the second battery (140).

[0067] According to one embodiment, a first charging circuit (201) may be disposed between the first battery (130) and the second battery (140), and a second charging circuit (202) may be disposed between the second battery (140) and the charging port (150).

[0068] For example, the first charging circuit (201) may be positioned between the first battery (130) and the second battery (140) to form a path for transferring power supplied from the first battery (130) to the second battery (140). The processor (120) may control the charging circuit by short-circuiting the first charging circuit (201) when the external power source (200) is disconnected or when it is determined that the charging efficiency of the external power source (200) is lower than a critical efficiency (e.g., the charging efficiency of the first battery (130)), thereby allowing the power flow to proceed from the first battery (130) to the second battery (140). Conversely, when the external power source (200) is connected to the charging port (150) and it is determined that the charging efficiency of the external power source (200) is higher than the critical efficiency, the first charging circuit (201) may be opened.

[0069] For example, the second charging circuit (202) may be connected between the charging port (150) and the second battery (140) to form a path for delivering power supplied from an external power source (200) to the second battery (140). When the external power source (200) is connected to the charging port (150), the processor (120) may short-circuit the second charging circuit (202) and open the first charging circuit (201) to activate a charging path based on the external power source (200). Meanwhile, if it is determined that the charging efficiency of the external power source (200) is lower than the charging efficiency of the first battery (130), the processor (120) may open the second charging circuit (202) and short-circuit the first charging circuit (201) to immediately switch to a charging mode based on the first battery (130).

[0070] For example, if the connection between the external power source (200) and the charging port (150) is disconnected or the SoC of the second battery (140) drops below a threshold SoC, the processor (120) can short the first charging circuit (201) and charge the second battery (140) using power supplied from the first battery (130). In this case, the processor (120) can prevent interference between power paths or backflow by keeping the second charging circuit (202) open to block the flow of power from the external power source (200).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the second battery (140) includes a rechargeable chemical battery such as a lithium-ion battery and can be used as the main battery of the electronic device (100). The second battery (140) may be charged directly through an external power source (200), or it may be charged auxiliaryly by the first battery (130) when the connection of the external power source (200) is disconnected or the second charging circuit (202) is open.

[0072] For example, when an external power source (200) is connected to a charging port (150), the processor (120) can short-circuit the second charging circuit (202) and open the first charging circuit (201) to form a high-speed charging path by the external power source (200). Conversely, when the external power source (200) is disconnected, the processor (120) can open the second charging circuit (202) and short-circuit the first charging circuit (201) so that the first power from the first battery (130) is supplied to the second battery (140), thereby charging the second battery (140). Through such control, the electronic device (100) can stably maintain the power of the second battery (140) regardless of the presence or absence of power in the external environment.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the charging port (150) is a physical connection interface for charging the second battery (140) after receiving power from an external power source (200), and may be implemented as, for example, a USB Type-C standard port. The electronic device (100) can determine the connection status of the external power source (200) based on a connection signal of the charging port (150) (e.g., voltage detection line, communication protocol, or current detection signal, etc.). When the processor (120) confirms that the external power source (200) is connected to the charging port (150), it short-circuits the second charging circuit (202), and then analyzes the charging efficiency (e.g., current amount per unit time, power conversion efficiency) by the external power source (200) for a predetermined period of time. If it is determined that the charging efficiency based on the external power source (200) is more advantageous than the charging efficiency based on the first battery (130), the short-circuit state of the second charging circuit (202) may be maintained. Conversely, if it is determined that the charging efficiency based on the external power source (200) is less favorable than the charging efficiency based on the first battery (130), the second charging circuit (202) is opened and the first charging circuit (201) is short-circuited so that the second battery (140) can be charged using the first power from the first battery (130).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the external power source (200) may include a power adapter, an AC-DC converter, or an external charger as a power source for supplying power to the electronic device (100) or charging the second battery (140).

[0075] For example, since the output voltage or current of the external power source (200) may vary depending on the load condition or temperature condition, the processor (120) can measure the voltage stability and charging efficiency of the external power source (200) for a predetermined time after the external power source (200) is connected to the charging port (150).

[0076] For example, if the measured charging efficiency is lower than a preset standard, charging via an external power source (200) is stopped and the charging path is switched to charging using the first battery (130), thereby preventing unnecessary heat loss and efficiency degradation.

[0077] In this way, the external power source (200) can function not as a simple energy input source, but as a variable power source that is a subject of comparison for determining charging efficiency.

[0078] Meanwhile, in the description above, "charging efficiency" may correspond to an indicator representing the ratio of useful power in the energy conversion and transfer process. For example, charging efficiency may include power conversion efficiency (e.g., the ratio of output power to input power of a charging circuit), charging current efficiency (e.g., the ratio of current flowing into the second battery (140) to current delivered to the charging circuit), voltage rise efficiency (e.g., the rate of voltage increase of the second battery (140)), or at least one of any combination thereof.

[0079]

[0080] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can perform the operations disclosed in FIG. 3. 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 charging port (150) of FIG. 1) may be configured to perform the operations of FIG. 3.

[0082] In the following embodiments, the operations S310 to S330 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. 3 may be briefly explained or omitted.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can monitor the connection status between the charging port and the external power source (S310).

[0084] For example, the electronic device (100) can determine whether an external power source (200) is connected based on an electrical signal flowing in through the charging port. For example, the processor (120) can determine that an external power source is connected to the charging port if it detects that voltage is applied to a power line (e.g., VBUS) connected to the charging port. Meanwhile, the processor (120) can determine that an external power source is connected to the charging port only if it confirms that voltage is detected on the power line for a specific time (e.g., 5 seconds) or longer.

[0085] For example, the electronic device (100) can monitor the connection status between the charging port and the external power source using a temperature sensor (e.g., NTC, digital temperature sensor, etc.) and an open / close switch signal of the housing of the connection port.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can determine the target charging circuit among the first charging circuit or the second charging circuit based on the connection state (S320).

[0087] For example, the electronic device (100) may determine either the first charging circuit or the second charging circuit as the target charging circuit depending on the connection status of the external power source. If the external power source is connected to the charging port, the second charging circuit is determined as the target charging circuit, and the second battery can be charged through the second power of the external power source. If the external power source is not connected to the charging port, the first charging circuit is determined as the target charging circuit, and the second battery can be charged through the first power of the first battery.

[0088] For example, the electronic device (100) may perform mutual exclusion control to keep the remaining charging circuits, excluding the target charging circuit, in an open state to prevent collisions and reverse currents in the charging path. For example, if the second charging circuit is determined to be the target charging circuit, the electronic device (100) may block the switching element (e.g., MOSFET, ideal diode) placed in the first charging circuit to prevent the problem of reverse current flowing to the first battery side. For example, if the first charging circuit is determined to be the target charging circuit, the electronic device (100) may block the switching element placed in the second charging circuit and open the second charging circuit to prevent the formation of an unnecessary current path to the external power source side.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can charge a second battery based on a target charging circuit (S330).

[0090] For example, if the charging port is not connected to an external power source, the electronic device (100) can determine the first charging circuit as the target charging circuit and control the first charging circuit to supply the first power supplied through the first battery to the second battery.

[0091] For example, when the charging port is connected to an external power source, the electronic device (100) can determine the second charging circuit as the target charging circuit and control the second charging circuit to supply the second power supplied through the external power source to the second battery.

[0092] For example, the electronic device (100) can short the target charging circuit to charge the second battery through a power source corresponding to the target charging circuit, and open the other of the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit excluding the target charging circuit.

[0093] For example, if the target charging circuit is determined to be the first charging circuit, the electronic device (100) can charge the second battery by taking into account the output characteristics of the first battery. As an example, the first charging circuit may include a boost stage (e.g., a DC / DC converter) and a buffer accumulation stage (e.g., a capacitor or a super capacitor). The boost stage can efficiently collect the current of the first battery and boost it to a voltage required for charging the second battery, and the buffer accumulation stage can improve conversion efficiency and charging effectiveness by intermittently accumulating the first power of the first battery and then applying it to the second battery as effective power in short pulses. At this time, the electronic device (100) can control the second charging circuit to keep it open to block power interference with an external power path, and to short-circuit (or close) the first charging circuit so that the first power of the first battery flows to the second battery without reverse loss.

[0094] For example, if the target charging circuit is determined to be the second charging circuit, the electronic device (100) can control the second power supplied through an external power source based on the state of the second battery (e.g., SoC, temperature, internal resistance, etc.). For example, if the temperature of the second battery is below a critical temperature, the electronic device (100) first performs a preheating charge with a limited initial current, and once it is confirmed that the temperature of the second battery has entered within the normal temperature range, it can continuously monitor the voltage rise while maintaining a target current range (e.g., 0.3 to 1C range) in the CC stage. Subsequently, when the voltage of the second battery approaches the target voltage, the electronic device (100) can switch the charging stage to the CV stage and continue charging until the current decreases below a predetermined threshold.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can perform the operations disclosed in FIG. 4. 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 charging port (150) of FIG. 1) may be configured to perform the operations of FIG. 4.

[0098] In the following embodiments, the operations S410 to S430 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. 4 may be briefly explained or omitted.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can monitor the connection status between the charging port and the external power source (S410).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can check whether the charging port is connected to an external power source (S420).

[0101] For example, if an external power source is connected to the charging port (e.g., operation S420 - Yes), the electronic device (100) can perform operation S430.

[0102] For example, if an external power source is not connected to the charging port (e.g., operation S420 - No), the electronic device (100) can perform operation S425.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can supply first power from the first battery to the second battery using the first charging circuit (S425).

[0104] For example, when the charging port of the electronic device (100) is not connected to an external power source, it can determine the first charging circuit as the target charging circuit and supply the first power from the first battery to the second battery using the first charging circuit.

[0105] For example, the electronic device (100) can determine whether to activate the first charging circuit based on the SoC of the second battery. For example, if the electronic device (100) confirms that the SoC of the second battery is greater than or equal to the first threshold SoC (e.g., 80%), it can open the first charging circuit even if the charging port is not connected to an external power source, thereby preventing an increase in unnecessary charge / discharge cycles and improving the lifespan of the second battery. Subsequently, if the electronic device (100) confirms that the SoC of the second battery is less than the second threshold SoC (e.g., 50%) and that the charging port is not connected to an external power source, it can supply the first power from the first battery to the second battery using the first charging circuit.

[0106] For example, the electronic device (100) can distinguish and identify an active time period and a dormant time period based on the user's usage pattern of the electronic device, and can short-circuit the first charging circuit only when the current time corresponds to an active time period.

[0107] For example, an electronic device (100) can divide a 24-hour day into an activity window and a sleep window based on a user's usage pattern, including the user's interaction history and environmental context, and update this at a predetermined interval (e.g., one month).

[0108] For example, “usage patterns” may include the frequency and number of touch inputs and / or button inputs on the user’s electronic device (100), display activation duration, app dwell time, notification response delay, and charging patterns (e.g., constant charging while sleeping).

[0109] For example, the electronic device (100) can calculate the probability of use by time interval based on the usage history of the user's electronic device (100) collected through a processor and convert it into a time interval label.

[0110] For example, the electronic device (100) initially applies a preset time interval profile (e.g., 07:00–23:00 - active time interval, 23:00–07:00 - dormant time interval), but can gradually shift the time interval boundaries based on logs collected during a predetermined learning period (e.g., 7 days).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can supply second power from an external power source to a second battery using a second charging circuit (S430).

[0112] For example, when the charging port of the electronic device (100) is connected to the external power source, the second charging circuit is determined as the target charging circuit, and the second power from the external power source can be supplied to the second battery using the second charging circuit.

[0113] For example, the electronic device (100) can store first power from the first battery in a power storage device using the first charging circuit while an external power source is connected to the charging port.

[0114] For example, the electronic device (100) can check the temperature of the second battery when the external power supply is disconnected, and if the temperature is above the critical temperature, it can open the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit until the temperature becomes below the critical temperature.

[0115] In the above description, the electronic device (100) can implement an interlock relationship between the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit by short-circuiting (or closing) the charging circuit determined as the target charging circuit and charging the second battery through a power source (e.g., a first battery or an external power source) corresponding to the target charging circuit, and opening the remaining circuits among the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit excluding the target charging circuit.

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can perform the operations disclosed in FIG. 5. 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 charging port (150) of FIG. 1) may be configured to perform the operations of FIG. 5.

[0119] In the following embodiments, the operations of S510 to S530 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. 5 may be briefly explained or omitted.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can check the temperature of the second battery when an external power source is connected and then disconnected (S510).

[0121] For example, when the voltage supply of an external power source from the charging port is interrupted, the electronic device (100) can obtain the real-time temperature of the second battery using a temperature sensor (e.g., NTC thermistor, RTD, or built-in digital temperature sensor) placed in one area of ​​the second battery.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can check whether the temperature of the second battery is above a critical temperature (S520).

[0123] For example, if the temperature is above a critical temperature (e.g., operation S520 - Yes), the electronic device (100) can perform operation S530.

[0124] For example, if the temperature is below the critical temperature (e.g., operation S520 - No), the electronic device (100) can perform operation S525.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can charge the second battery using the first power by short-circuiting the first charging circuit (S525).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can open the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit until the temperature becomes below the critical temperature (S530).

[0127] For example, the electronic device (100) may immediately open both the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit when the temperature of the second battery (140) is measured to be above a predefined threshold temperature. Here, “opening” means electrically disconnecting a MOSFET, relay, solid-state switch, etc., and consequently, the current flow through the two charging circuits may be completely cut off. Here, the electronic device (100) may store the first power of the first battery in a power storage device (e.g., a capacitor and / or a supercapacitor) electrically connected to the first battery.

[0128] Through this, the supply of first power by the first battery is also temporarily cut off, and the second battery can recover thermal equilibrium in a completely independent state. Afterward, the electronic device (100) can reactivate the first charging circuit only after the internal chemical reaction has completely stabilized by adding a certain time delay (e.g., 30 seconds) from the time of confirmation, after confirming that the temperature of the second battery has stabilized below a critical temperature.

[0129] For example, if the external power source is suddenly disconnected, the switching element of the second charging circuit may momentarily accumulate heat or the internal chemical reaction of the second battery may be excessively activated. As a result, the temperature of the second battery may temporarily rise. If the first charging circuit is immediately activated to continue charging the second battery in this state, problems such as lithium deposition on the electrode surface, decomposition of the electrolyte, and an increase in internal resistance may occur. Therefore, the electronic device (100) may immediately check the temperature of the second battery immediately after disconnecting the external power source, and if the temperature is above a critical temperature (e.g., 45°C), it may open all charging circuits to temporarily stop charging the second battery.

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of a power control method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] 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 charging port (150) of FIG. 1) may be configured to perform the operations of FIG. 6.

[0133] In the following embodiments, the operations of S610 to S630 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.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can identify a first charging efficiency through an external power source for a predetermined time in response to confirming that the charging port is connected to an external power source (S610).

[0135] For example, the electronic device (100) can measure a first charging efficiency in a charging process based on an external power source for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) from the time when an external power source is connected to a charging port.

[0136] For example, charging efficiency can be calculated based on various physical quantities. For example, an electronic device (100) can quantify the first charging efficiency by simultaneously measuring the input power of the second charging circuit and the output power actually delivered to the second battery, and calculating the ratio. For example, the electronic device (100) may further measure the first charging efficiency including the voltage rise value (or voltage rise rate) of the second battery per unit time.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can check whether the first charging efficiency is less than the second charging efficiency by the first battery (S620).

[0138] For example, the electronic device (100) can check the second charging efficiency of the first battery by referring to the charging history of the first battery stored in the memory (110). The second charging efficiency may include the average charging speed during the charging time of the first battery and / or the average value of the output power relative to the input power.

[0139] For example, if the first charging efficiency is less than the second charging efficiency by the first battery (e.g., operation S620 - Yes), the electronic device (100) can perform operation S630.

[0140] For example, if the first charging efficiency is greater than or equal to the second charging efficiency by the first battery (e.g., operation S620 - No), the electronic device (100) can perform operation S625.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can supply second power from an external power source to a second battery using a second charging circuit (S625).

[0142] For example, the electronic device (100) can maintain a short-circuit state of the second charging circuit and continue to charge the second battery through the second power in response to confirming that the first charging efficiency is greater than or equal to the second charging efficiency.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can open the second charging circuit and short-circuit the first charging circuit (S630).

[0144] For example, the electronic device (100) can dynamically control the activation state of the charging circuit to immediately stop charging through an external power source and charge the second battery based on the first power output from the first battery in response to confirming that the first charging efficiency is less than the second charging efficiency.

[0145]

[0146] 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), 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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, Charging port; First battery; Second battery; A first charging circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery; A second charging circuit electrically connected to the charging port and the second battery; Memory for storing at least one instruction; and A processor operatively connected to the above memory; comprising, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: Monitor the connection status between the above charging port and the external power source, and Based on the above connection state, determine the target charging circuit among the first charging circuit or the second charging circuit, and Configured to charge the second battery based on the above target charging circuit, 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, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: If the above charging port is not connected to the above external power source, the above first charging circuit is determined as the target charging circuit, and A first power from the first battery is supplied to the second battery using the first charging circuit. Electronic device.

4. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: When the above charging port is connected to the above external power source, the above second charging circuit is determined as the target charging circuit, and A second power source from the external power source is configured to be supplied to the second battery using the second charging circuit. Electronic device.

5. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: The above target charging circuit is short-circuited to charge the second battery through a power source corresponding to the above target charging circuit, and Among the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit, the remaining circuits excluding the target charging circuit are configured to be open. Electronic device.

6. In Paragraph 3, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: When the SoC of the second battery is greater than or equal to the threshold SoC, the first charging circuit is configured to open. Electronic device.

7. In Paragraph 6, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: Based on the user's usage pattern of the aforementioned electronic device, the active period and the dormant period are distinguished and identified, Configured to short-circuit the first charging circuit only when the current time corresponds to the above activity time interval, Electronic device.

8. In Paragraph 4, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: When the connection of the above external power source is disconnected, the temperature of the above second battery is checked, and When the above temperature is above a critical temperature, the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit are configured to be opened until the above temperature becomes below the critical temperature. Electronic device.

9. In Paragraph 4, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: While the above external power source is connected to the above charging port, the first power from the first battery is configured to be stored in a power storage device using the first charging circuit. Electronic device.

10. In Paragraph 4, When the above at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device: In response to confirming that the charging port is connected to the external power source, a first charging efficiency through the external power source is identified for a predetermined period of time, and When it is confirmed that the first charging efficiency is lower than the second charging efficiency by the first battery, the second charging circuit is opened and the first charging circuit is short-circuited. Electronic device.

11. A power control method performed by an electronic device, Operation to monitor the connection status between the charging port and the external power source; An operation to determine a target charging circuit among a first charging circuit electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery or a second charging circuit electrically connected to the charging port and the second battery based on the above connection state; and The operation of charging the second battery based on the above target charging circuit; comprising Power control method.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above power control method is, When the above charging port is not connected to the above external power source, the operation of determining the above first charging circuit as the target charging circuit; and The operation of supplying first power from the first battery to the second battery using the first charging circuit; further comprising Power control method.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above power control method is, When the above charging port is connected to the above external power source, the operation of determining the above second charging circuit as the target charging circuit; and The operation of supplying second power from the external power source to the second battery using the second charging circuit; further comprising Power control method.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above power control method is, The operation of short-circuiting the target charging circuit to charge the second battery through a power source corresponding to the target charging circuit; and The operation of opening the remaining circuits among the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit, excluding the target charging circuit; further comprising Power control method.

15. A computer-readable medium storing a program for executing the method of paragraph 11 on a computer.

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