Battery charger
First Claim
1. A battery charger, comprising:
- (a) a current source coupled to an output terminal;
(b) a communication terminal ; and
(c) a controller controlling said current source in response to a charging parameter value, said controller including communication circuitry coupled to said communication terminal;
(d) wherein said controller can acquire said charging parameter value from a battery connected to said output terminal and having a communication module connected to said communication terminal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A battery charger with charging parameter values derived from communication with a battery pack to be charged. Communication is over a one-wire bus with battery pack transmissions in response to charger inquiries. The battery charger may be in the form an integrated circuit driving a power transistor or other controllable DC supply. A battery pack may contain a program with multiple charging currents and charging interval termination methods such as time, temperature rise, and incremental voltage polarity. A lack of communication may be invoke a default charging program or denial of access to the charger. The charger also communicates over a high-speed three-wire bus with an external computer for analysis of identification information acquired from the battery and for control of the charger.
7 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A battery charger, comprising:
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(a) a current source coupled to an output terminal;
(b) a communication terminal ; and
(c) a controller controlling said current source in response to a charging parameter value, said controller including communication circuitry coupled to said communication terminal;
(d) wherein said controller can acquire said charging parameter value from a battery connected to said output terminal and having a communication module connected to said communication terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A battery charger control unit, comprising:
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(a) a current control output terminal;
(b) a communication terminal; and
(c) a controller connected to said terminals, wherein said controller includes communication circuitry which can acquire charging parameter values from a battery having a communication module connected to said communication terminal, and wherein said controller includes a driver connected to said current control output terminal and which can control a current source charging said battery, said driver controlled by said acquired charging parameter values. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A method of battery charging, comprising the steps of:
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(a) acquiring charging parameter values from a battery by electronic communication; and
(b) using said parameter values to control charging of said battery. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification