Battery Charging IC With Series-Parallel Switching and Cell Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging technologies for battery devices with multiple batteries lack efficient modes for balancing currents and charging strategies, leading to suboptimal charging performance and potential battery degradation.

Innovation Solution

A charging integrated circuit (IC) that includes a connection circuit to selectively connect batteries in series or parallel, and multiple charger configurations for normal and quick charging modes, along with regulating circuits to manage balancing currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple batteries are charged using a single charging circuit without selective connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging performance and battery balancing capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging circuit structureVSAvoidcharging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging circuit is segmented into multiple independent charging circuits, with each circuit capable of independently charging one or more batteries. This segmentation allows each charging circuit to be optimized for specific charging modes (normal or quick charging) while maintaining overall system flexibility and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection circuit dynamically switches between series and parallel configurations based on charging requirements. The switching elements enable the system to adapt its topology in real-time, connecting batteries in series for quick charging mode and in parallel for normal charging mode, thereby optimizing charging speed for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If batteries are connected in series for quick charging, then the charging speed is improved, but the voltage imbalance between batteries worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidvoltage balance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The charging circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor battery voltages and adjust charging parameters accordingly. The controller receives voltage information from all batteries and dynamically adjusts the charging current distribution to maintain voltage balance, preventing any single battery from becoming overcharged or undercharged during series charging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each battery is equipped with its own regulating circuit that independently controls the charging current for that specific battery. This local quality approach ensures that each battery receives the appropriate charging current based on its individual state, maintaining voltage balance across all batteries even when connected in series for quick charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If batteries are charged in parallel for normal charging mode, then the voltage balance is maintained, but the charging speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage balanceVSAvoidcharging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between parallel and series configurations based on charging mode requirements. For normal charging, batteries are connected in parallel to maintain voltage balance and provide stable charging. For quick charging, the system switches to series configuration to increase charging speed, while the feedback control mechanisms ensure voltage balance is maintained in both modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If a single charging mode is used for all batteries, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different charging requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging mode controlVSAvoidcharging mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both normal charging and quick charging modes within a single system. The connection circuit and controller work together to enable the system to adapt to different charging requirements, supporting both series and parallel battery configurations, and providing appropriate charging modes based on user needs and battery states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250062629A1Charging integrated circuit for charging battery device and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A charging integrated circuit (IC) includes: a connection circuit configured to selectively connect a first battery and a second battery to each other in series and in parallel; a first charger configured to charge the first battery and the second battery connected to each other in parallel in a first charging mode; and a second charger configured to charge the first battery and the second battery connected to each other in series in a second charging mode. The connection circuit may include: a first regulating circuit connected to the first battery in series and configured to regulate a first balancing current flowing to the first battery; and a second regulating circuit connected to the second battery in series and configured to regulate a second balancing current flowing to the second battery.