Battery Detection Circuit Using Bandgap Reference to Reduce Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional detection circuits for rechargeable battery cells have high power consumption and complex structures due to multiple DC current branches, making them inefficient for over-voltage protection.

Innovation Solution

A detection circuit with a sensing unit, a signal reference source using a bandgap reference circuit, and a detecting unit that generates a trigger signal indicative of voltage differences, eliminating the need for a comparator and reducing power consumption by simplifying the circuit structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional OVP circuitry with multiple DC current branches is used, then over-voltage protection function is provided, but power consumption is high and circuit efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveover-voltage protection functionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the voltage reference unit and comparator into a single integrated circuit block. The sense resistor string is integrated with the comparator circuitry, sharing common nodes and power supply connections. This merging eliminates separate DC current branches, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the over-voltage protection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The comparator circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the voltage comparison element and the over-voltage detection output generator. The same circuit nodes are used for both reference voltage generation and sensed voltage comparison, making the circuit multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional OVP circuitry with separate voltage reference unit and comparator is used, then over-voltage detection is achieved, but circuit structure is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveover-voltage detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the voltage reference unit and comparator into a single circuit block with shared components. The sense resistor string connects to both the reference voltage node and the comparator input, eliminating the need for separate connection paths. This integration simplifies the overall circuit structure while preserving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit is functionally segmented into distinct regions: the voltage reference generation section, the voltage sensing section, and the comparison section. However, these segments share common physical infrastructure such as power supply connections and ground references, achieving a balance between functional clarity and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8922218B2Detection circuits for batteries
Publication Date: 2014.12.30 O2 MICRO INC
  • US8922218B2 patent drawing
  • US8922218B2 patent drawing
  • US8922218B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A detection circuit includes a sensing unit, a signal reference source, and a detecting unit. The sensing unit provides a sensed signal by sensing an input signal representing a status of a battery. The signal reference source comprises a reference node and determines a signal reference at the reference node, and receives and is biased by the sensed signal at the same reference node to generate a trigger signal indicative of a difference between the sensed signal and the signal reference. The detecting unit is coupled to the signal reference source and generates an output signal according to the trigger signal to indicate an abnormal condition is present in the battery.