Software Thermal Charging Regulation for Cellular Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal control methods for battery charging in cellular telephones rely on hardwired circuitry, limiting flexibility and programmability, which makes it difficult to optimize battery charging currents and power while maintaining safe temperatures, potentially leading to damage from excessive heat.
Innovation Solution
A software-controlled thermal feedback system that integrates a silicon temperature sensor, Analog/Digital converter, and microcontroller to monitor and adjust charging current and power levels dynamically, allowing for flexible thermal control and optimization of charging processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired circuitry is used for thermal control, then temperature regulation is achieved, but flexibility and programmability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardwired hardware control circuits with a software-based control system implemented on a microcontroller. The thermal control logic, previously fixed in hardware, is now implemented as programmable software that can be updated and configured without changing the physical circuitry. This substitution maintains reliable temperature regulation while dramatically improving flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables dynamic adjustment of charging parameters (current, voltage, power levels) through software control based on real-time temperature feedback. Unlike fixed hardwired circuits, the software can modify charging parameters adaptively according to temperature conditions, battery type, and charging stage, providing both reliable regulation and high programmability.
2Productivity
If charging power is increased to maximize charging rate, then charging time is reduced, but thermal heating increases risking component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the charging circuitry temperature and feeds this information back to the microcontroller. The software adjusts charging power dynamically based on this feedback, increasing power when temperatures are safe and reducing power when temperature thresholds are approached, thereby maximizing charging rate while preventing thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static, fixed charging rates to dynamic charging power adjustment. The software continuously adapts charging parameters in real-time based on temperature conditions, allowing the system to operate at maximum safe power levels throughout the charging process rather than using conservative fixed rates, thus improving productivity while managing thermal risks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software control is implemented for thermal management, then flexibility and programmability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the microcontroller's existing multi-functional capabilities to implement thermal control software. The same microcontroller that manages other cellular telephone functions is also used for thermal monitoring and charging control, consolidating control functions rather than adding dedicated hardware. This approach improves flexibility while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The software-based thermal control system is self-regulating, automatically adjusting charging parameters based on temperature feedback without requiring external intervention or complex hardware control circuits. The microcontroller executes the thermal management algorithm autonomously, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to hardware-based solutions while maintaining high programmability.
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 enables more efficient thermal management during battery charging, maximizing charging power and minimizing time while preventing damage to internal components by allowing for real-time temperature monitoring and power adjustments, enhancing flexibility and programmability beyond traditional hardwired methods.
Implementation Method 1
integrated within the ABB is a silicon temperature sensor used to monitor the temperature of any silicon components integrated on the ABB and detect any temperature change due to thermal heating
Implementation Method 2
the charging hardware block can generate significant on-chip thermal heating that could result in a significant increase in the temperature of the chip
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention implements a software controlled thermal feedback system for battery charging circuitry in portable devices, specifically in cellular telephones. The charging hardware block is integrated into a mixed-signal analog base-band (ABB) circuit. In addition to standard function controls, integrated within the ABB are silicon temperature sensors used to monitor the temperature of any silicon components integrated on the ABB and detect any temperature change due to thermal heating. The temperature value is passed to the digital base band (DBB) circuit. Here, a microcontroller is programmed to perform power management functions relating to the ABB. Thermal control software, implemented on the DBB microcontroller, monitors the silicon temperature of the ABB and adjusts the power levels on the ABB accordingly to provide a controlled chip temperature.