Dual-Battery Charging Current Sensing for Overcurrent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with multiple batteries face challenges in accurately measuring current intensity, leading to potential overcurrent and rapid battery discharge due to errors in current measurement, especially when active devices are used.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with at least one processor, a first and second battery, and respective sensing integrated circuits (ICs) connected through sensing resistors to accurately measure and control the charging current, using passive elements to prevent overcurrent and improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active devices are used to measure current intensity, then the measurement capability is provided, but measurement errors occur leading to inaccurate current detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electronic measurement devices with passive sensing resistors to measure current intensity. This substitution eliminates the measurement errors inherent in active devices while maintaining the capability to detect current flow through voltage drop measurement across the resistors, thereby improving both measurement precision and detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensing resistors as intermediary elements in the current path. These resistors convert current information into voltage signals that can be accurately measured, serving as a mediator between the current flow and the measurement system. This intermediary approach enables precise current detection without the errors associated with direct active device measurement.
2Ease of operation
If charging current is not accurately controlled, then charging simplicity is maintained, but overcurrent occurs causing rapid battery discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensing resistors continuously monitor current intensity and provide measurement signals to the processor. The processor compares these measurements against reference values and automatically adjusts the charging current accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents overcurrent conditions while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes reference values for safe current levels before charging begins. The system proactively monitors current against these pre-set thresholds and takes preventive action by adjusting charging parameters before overcurrent conditions can cause damage. This preliminary preparation of safety parameters enables automatic protection without complex user intervention.
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 prevents and reduces rapid battery discharge while increasing the accuracy of current measurement, ensuring stable charging currents and extending battery lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensing integrated circuit (IC) configured to identify a measurement value of a total charging current for charging the first battery and the second battery through a first sensing resistor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: at least one processor, a first battery, a second battery, a first sensing integrated circuit (IC) configured to identify a measurement value of a total charging current for charging the first battery and the second battery through a first sensing resistor connected to the first battery and the second battery, and a second sensing IC configured to identify a second charging current value for the second battery through a second sensing resistor connected to the second battery. The at least one processor may be configured to set the total charging current to a first value. The at least one processor may be configured to set the total charging current to a second value, the second value being less than the first value, based on identifying a first charging current value greater than a first reference value or the second charging current value greater than a second reference value.