Methods and systems for controlling an AC adapter and battery charger in a closed loop configuration

• US 20050225304A1
• Filed: 11/05/2004
• Published: 10/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Inventors: Martinez, Robert, Vieira Formenti, Jose Antonio
• Granted Patent: US 7,755,330 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 323/211
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 5/00 Circuit arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks and dc networks H02J3/36 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0031 using battery or load disconnect circuits H02J9/002 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/02 for charging batteries from ac mains by converters

Abstract

Disclosed are methods, circuits, and systems for implementing an AC voltage adapter and battery charger system in a closed loop topology. Embodiments of the invention include methods for controlling an AC adapter charging a battery with steps for using a closed loop configuration to monitor one or more selected parameters in the charging loop. Feedback to the AC adapter is used for dynamically controlling the adapter output voltage. A preferred embodiment exemplifies a closed loop circuit for battery charging. The circuit includes an AC adapter and a monitoring circuit for monitoring the closed loop and for providing feedback to the AC adapter, controlling the adapter output voltage.

Claims

1. A method for dynamically controlling battery charging comprising the steps of:

coupling a battery with an AC adapter in a closed loop;

monitoring at least one selected parameter of the closed loop;

using the monitored parameter to manage the AC adapter output whereby charging of the battery is dynamically controlled.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of using an error control signal from the closed loop to control the AC adapter output voltage.

3. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting voltage at the battery terminals as a monitored parameter.

4. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting current through the battery terminals as a monitored parameter.

5. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting impedance as a monitored parameter.

6. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting temperature as a monitored parameter.

7. A system for charging a battery comprising:

an AC adapter;

a closed loop electrical path between the battery and the AC adapter;

a monitoring circuit for monitoring one or more parameters of the battery;

wherein the AC adapter further comprises a dynamic power management circuit for dynamically adjusting the AC adapter output to the battery responsive to the monitored parameter.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises means for using an error control signal from the closed loop to control the AC adapter output voltage.

9. A system according to claim 7 wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises means for monitoring voltage.

10. A system according to claim 7 wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises means for monitoring current.

11. A system according to claim 7 wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises means for monitoring impedance.

12. A system according to claim 7 wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises means for monitoring temperature.

13. A closed loop circuit for controlling an AC adapter for charging a battery comprising:

a monitoring circuit for monitoring one or more physical parameters of the battery; and

a dynamic power management circuit for dynamically adjusting the AC adapter output to the battery responsive to the one or more monitored parameters.