Single Resistor Battery Charging Control with Software Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microcontroller-based battery charging systems require additional pins and lack flexibility, as they use separate resistors for setting charging current and over-current shutdown, which are pre-programmed for specific charging currents and cannot easily adapt to different battery sizes or charging conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a single external resistor to simultaneously set the charge current and monitor over-current conditions, with software feedback control to adjust charge current and voltage, allowing for flexible programming to accommodate various battery sizes and charging scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate resistors are used for setting charging current and over-current shutdown, then the charging parameters can be precisely controlled, but additional pins are required and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of setting charging current and monitoring over-current shutdown into a single resistor. The single resistor serves dual purposes: it sets the charging current level and simultaneously provides the reference for over-current shutdown detection, thereby reducing pin count and device complexity while maintaining control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The single resistor performs multiple functions within the charging system. It acts as both the charging current setting resistor and the over-current detection reference resistor, making the system more versatile and reducing the number of external components needed
2Ease of manufacture
If the system is pre-programmed for a particular charging current, then the charging process is simplified, but flexibility is lost and the system cannot adapt to different battery sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic charging system where the charging current can be adjusted based on battery requirements. The single resistor value, combined with software control, allows the system to adapt to different battery sizes and charging conditions, transitioning from a static pre-programmed approach to a dynamic adjustable approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the charging current parameter by selecting different resistor values or adjusting software parameters. This enables the same hardware platform to charge different battery types by simply changing the resistor value or software configuration, providing both simplicity and flexibility
3Ease of operation
If additional pins are used for resistor connections, then separate control of charging parameters is achieved, but the device footprint increases and integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions into a single pin connection. The single resistor connects through one pin to provide both charging current setting and over-current shutdown reference, reducing the device footprint while maintaining the ability to control charging parameters through software
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 approach reduces hardware requirements, saves pins, and provides flexibility in charging different battery types and sizes by using a single resistor and software control, ensuring safe and efficient charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
an external resistor is used to simultaneously set the charge current and monitor an over-current shutdown for a battery charger... by using a sensor attached between the resistor and ground to measure or sense the voltage across the resistor to determine the current
Data Source
AI summary
A device using a single external resistor for battery charging applications and a software current feedback control loop for use with the external resistor is described. For instance, a single resistor can be used to determine the charge electrical current level being used to charge a battery. The determined level from the single resistor can be used in a feedback loop to set the charge electrical current level and to determine if there is an over current condition requiring the charge current be shut down.