Independent Charge Control for Multi-Port Battery Charger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charger systems are unable to effectively support multiple power input ports coupled to a single battery, limiting their ability to charge systems with multiple battery stacks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple battery manager circuits and charger circuits that independently sense and control charging currents from multiple converters, allowing for coordinated charging of a battery from multiple power sources, including a first battery manager circuit operatively coupled to a system voltage node and a battery node, and a second battery manager circuit coupled to the system voltage node and battery node, along with corresponding charger circuits that receive current sensing inputs and transmit control signals to manage and regulate charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional battery charger systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot support multiple power input ports coupled to a single battery
Solution Approach 1:
The charger system is divided into multiple independent charger circuits (first charger circuit, second charger circuit, etc.), each with its own battery manager circuit. Each charger circuit independently manages charging from a specific power input port, allowing the system to support multiple ports while maintaining modular, manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each charger circuit and battery manager circuit is designed to handle charging operations universally, capable of managing power from different input ports with varying specifications. The circuits can adapt to charge a single battery or multiple batteries depending on configuration, providing multi-functional capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charger circuits are used to support multiple power input ports, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple charger circuits are merged into a single integrated charger system that shares common control logic and coordination mechanisms. The battery manager circuits work together through standardized communication protocols, allowing multiple charging paths to be managed as a unified system rather than separate independent units
Solution Approach 2:
The charger system dynamically allocates and coordinates charging currents from multiple converters based on real-time battery state and power source characteristics. The control system can adjust the operation of individual charger circuits dynamically, enabling flexible power distribution that adapts to changing conditions without requiring fixed, complex wiring and control structures
3Measurement precision
If independent charge control is implemented for each charger circuit, then the charging precision and safety improve, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery manager circuit implements independent feedback control by continuously monitoring charging current through dedicated current sensing inputs. The feedback loop compares actual charging current against target values and dynamically adjusts the charger circuit operation to maintain precise current control, ensuring accurate and safe charging while using standardized control algorithms that manage complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary implementations include a device with a first battery manager circuit operatively coupled to a system voltage node and a battery node, a second battery manager circuit operatively coupled to the system voltage node and the battery node, a first charger circuit operatively coupled to the first battery manager circuit to receive a first current sensing input and transmit a first battery control signal, and a second charger circuit operatively coupled to the second battery manager circuit to receive a second current sensing input and transmit a second battery control signal. Exemplary implementations also include a device with a first battery manager operable to sense a first charging current, a second battery manager operable to sense a second charging current, a first charger circuit operable to obtain a first charger current parameter and to charge a battery from a first converter based on the first sensed current, and a second charger circuit operable to obtain a second charger current parameter and to charge the battery from a second converter based on the second sensed current.