Programmable Battery Dynamic Power Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable communications devices face inefficiencies in converting battery voltage to amplifier bias voltage, resulting in wasted battery capacity due to inefficient power conversion, which affects the adjustment of RF output power according to network requirements.

Innovation Solution

A programmable battery system that dynamically adjusts power characteristics based on received power configuration commands, utilizing a switch matrix and power converter to optimize power delivery to device subsystems, such as variable-gain power amplifiers, to match network power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a DC/DC converter is used to adjust RF output power by varying DC bias, then the RF power can be adjusted according to network requirements, but the conversion from battery voltage to amplifier bias voltage is inefficient and much battery capacity is wasted as heat

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF output power adjustment capabilityVSAvoidbattery capacity waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The battery array is divided into multiple individually controllable battery cells. The switch matrix can selectively connect different numbers of battery cells in series to different device subsystems, enabling granular power control without energy conversion losses. This segmentation allows direct voltage matching between battery cells and subsystem requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A switch matrix is introduced as an intermediary between the battery array and device subsystems. This switch matrix dynamically reconfigures the connection topology, selecting which battery cells supply power to which subsystems. This intermediary enables efficient power distribution by directly connecting appropriate battery cells to subsystems without requiring DC/DC conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a DC/DC converter is used to vary DC bias for power amplifier, then the amplification can be adjusted, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplifier gain adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpower conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameter from adjusting voltage through DC/DC conversion to adjusting the number of battery cells in series. By varying the series connection count of battery cells, the output voltage is directly changed to match the amplifier's bias requirements, eliminating conversion inefficiencies while maintaining full gain adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional battery power delivery is used, then the system is simple, but the battery capacity is not optimized for varying power requirements of different subsystems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery system simplicityVSAvoidbattery capacity utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power delivery system is made dynamic through the switch matrix, which continuously reconfigures the battery array configuration based on real-time power requirements of different subsystems. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize battery capacity utilization for each subsystem's specific needs while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2568568B1A method for wireless communication with a wireless communication device comprising a programmable battery
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2568568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2568568B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2568568B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable electronics device comprises at least one device subsystem, and a programmable battery. The programmable battery is coupled to a power input of the device subsystem and is configured to dynamically adjust a characteristic of the power that is applied to the power input in accordance with a power configuration command that is received at the battery.