Battery Control Circuit for Daisy-Chain Module Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems with daisy chain topology require individual setup of identification modes for each battery module, which is time-consuming and costly, and rely on isolated signal conversion elements to manage different battery unit voltages, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The battery module and system utilize a daisy chain communication method to set up enabled states and determine identification modes without isolated signal conversion elements, using a battery control circuit with enable, upstream, and downstream terminals to manage voltage balancing and mode determination through daisy chain communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual setup of identification modes is performed for each battery module, then the battery control circuits can operate correctly in different modes, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery control circuit automatically determines its own identification mode by detecting the connection state of adjacent battery modules through the daisy chain communication interface, eliminating the need for manual individual setup. The circuit self-configures by detecting whether it is connected to upstream and downstream modules, thereby identifying its position (top, middle, or bottom) in the daisy chain automatically.
2Reliability
If isolated signal conversion elements are used to manage different battery unit voltages, then signal level conversion is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The daisy chain communication interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the communication pathway for mode determination and the signal level conversion mechanism. The same physical interface (comprising enable, upstream, and downstream terminals) that enables daisy chain connectivity also performs the voltage level adaptation, eliminating the need for separate isolated signal conversion elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mode determination function and signal level conversion function into a single integrated daisy chain communication interface. The enable terminal, upstream terminal, and downstream terminal collectively perform both the identification mode detection and the voltage level matching, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If isolated signal conversion elements are used to convert enabling signals between different voltage levels, then signal compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The daisy chain communication interface is designed to universally handle multiple tasks: it establishes daisy chain connectivity, determines identification modes through connection detection, and performs signal level conversion all through the same set of terminals (enable, upstream, downstream), reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The daisy chain communication interface acts as an intermediary mechanism that naturally adapts signals between different voltage domains. The interface terminals mediate between battery modules operating at different voltage levels, providing automatic level shifting through the communication protocol without requiring additional conversion circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module for use in a battery system is operable in a bottom mode, a top mode or a middle mode during an enabled state. The battery module includes a battery unit and a battery control circuit. The battery unit which includes at least one battery generates a battery unit voltage between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery unit. The battery control circuit is powered by the battery unit voltage and is configured to control the battery unit. The battery control circuit includes an enable terminal, an upstream input terminal, an upstream output terminal, a downstream input terminal, and a downstream output terminal. When the enable terminal is at an operation enabling level, or when the upstream input terminal is at an upstream enabling level, the battery module enters the enabled state.