Battery RTC Power Supply via Cell Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing battery systems with real-time clocks face high power consumption and high production costs due to the use of low-dropout regulators, which are not efficient during idle periods and increase the overall cost, especially in applications like electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A battery system with an internally powered real-time clock that uses a single battery cell to supply power to the RTC in both operation states, eliminating the need for active regulators and balancing, and utilizing passive elements to adapt voltage, thereby reducing power consumption and production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a low-dropout regulator (LDO) is used to supply power to the RTC, then the RTC can be continuously powered, but the power consumption increases significantly during idle periods

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRTC power supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power supply to the RTC by switching between active LDO power supply and passive battery cell power supply based on system state. During idle periods, the RTC is powered periodically by the battery cell without requiring continuous LDO operation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining timekeeping functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the power supply method to the RTC based on system conditions. The power supply circuit can switch between LDO-based continuous power supply and battery cell-based periodic power supply, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption according to whether the system is in active or idle state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a low-dropout regulator (LDO) is used to supply power to the RTC, then the RTC can be continuously powered, but the production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRTC power supply reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RTC power supply function with the existing battery cell that is already part of the battery system. By utilizing the battery cell's voltage for RTC power supply during idle periods, the invention eliminates the need for separate backup power sources or additional voltage regulation components, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining power supply reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery cell serves multiple functions: it provides power to the load during active periods and simultaneously serves as a backup power source for the RTC during idle periods. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated backup batteries or capacitors, reducing component count and production costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If active regulators and balancing circuits are used for RTC power supply, then power regulation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the RTC power supply function from the main power management circuitry during idle periods. By directly connecting the battery cell to the RTC through a simple switch or diode OR circuit, the invention removes complex regulators and balancing circuits from the RTC power path, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate power supply stability for timekeeping operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 lowers power consumption during idle periods, reduces production costs, and ensures a secure power supply to the RTC in all operating states without active switching, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

An electrolyte solution is injected into the case in order to enable charging and discharging of the battery via an electrochemical reaction of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS11218002B2Battery system comprising real-time clock to which power is supplied internally, and power supply circuit for real-time clock

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery system with internally powered real time clock, the battery system includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series and/or in parallel between a first terminal and a second terminal and a real time clock electrically connected to a first node of the plurality of battery cells, a voltage of a single battery cell of the plurality of battery cells applies to the first node, and the real time clock draws power via the first node in a first operation state and in a second operation state of the battery system.