Hardware Charge Control Circuit Using ADC for Battery Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging systems face challenges in safely managing charge voltage and current at varying temperatures, as they often rely on analog comparators that consume significant die area and have inflexible temperature threshold settings, and software solutions that are prone to failure at extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A charge control circuit and power management integrated circuit utilizing an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a control unit to monitor battery temperature and adjust charge current or voltage based on digital values, eliminating the need for analog comparators and ensuring all operations are performed in a hardware domain to prevent software hang-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog comparators are used to adjust charge voltage and current at high/low temperatures, then temperature control function is achieved, but die area is excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog comparator system with a digital processing system. The ADC converts temperature sensor output to digital values, and a digital processor compares these values against stored threshold ranges to determine charging adjustments. This substitution of digital for analog technology dramatically reduces the die area required while maintaining the temperature control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter domain from analog voltage comparison to digital value comparison. By converting the temperature signal to digital form and performing comparisons in the digital domain, the system achieves the same control function with significantly reduced hardware footprint and improved flexibility in threshold setting.
2Reliability
If analog comparators are used for temperature-based charge adjustment, then temperature threshold detection is achieved, but temperature threshold settings are not flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic and adjustable temperature threshold settings through digital storage in memory. The threshold ranges can be programmed and modified without changing the hardware circuitry, allowing the system to adapt to different battery types, charging standards, and temperature conditions. This dynamic configurability contrasts with fixed analog comparator thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of digital programmability to the temperature threshold setting process. Instead of fixed analog reference voltages, the system uses digitally stored threshold values that can be loaded from memory, enabling flexible configuration through software or configuration data without hardware modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software solutions are used to adjust charge voltage and current at high/low temperatures, then temperature-based control is achieved, but system reliability decreases due to software hang-up risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service hardware-based temperature control mechanism that operates independently of the main system software. The ADC continuously monitors temperature and the digital processor automatically compares readings against thresholds and controls charging parameters without requiring software intervention. This autonomous hardware operation eliminates the risk of software hang-ups affecting temperature safety control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based temperature control with a hardware-based digital control system. By implementing the temperature monitoring, comparison, and control logic in hardware (ADC and digital processor), the system achieves the adaptability of software while obtaining the reliability of hardware operation, as hardware circuits are not susceptible to software bugs or hang-ups.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively manages charge voltage and current by converting temperature readings to digital values, allowing for flexible threshold settings and preventing overheating or undercharging, thereby enhancing safety and reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable operation across temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an ADC is arranged for monitoring a temperature of a battery and converting the monitored temperature to a digital value
Data Source
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AI summary
A charge control circuit (200) includes an ADC (210) and a control unit (220), wherein the ADC (210) is arranged for monitoring a temperature of a battery (110) and converting the monitored temperature to a digital value; and the control unit (220) is coupled to the ADC (210), and is arranged for determining whether to generate a control signal to adjust a charge current or a charging voltage of the battery (110) or not according to the digital value, and the ADC (210) and the control unit (220) are fully hardware architectures.