Pulse charge technique to trickle charge a rechargeable battery
First Claim
1. A system for pulse trickle charging a rechargeable battery, comprising:
- means coupled to the battery for providing current through the battery to fast charge the battery;
a transistor switch coupled in the charge path of the battery, wherein the battery is fast charged by said current providing means when said transistor switch is on and wherein said current providing means provides a negligible amount of current when said transistor switch is off; and
means coupled to said transistor switch for pulsing said transistor switch on and off for a predetermined trickle charge period, wherein each pulse has a predetermined period and a predetermined duty cycle to provide an effective trickle charge over said predetermined period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A battery pack for a computer system including static memory to maintain battery operating parameters and charge information, a real time clock (RTC) for measuring periods of non-use of the battery and a communication means to exchange the battery information with a microcontroller located in the computer system. The static memory, RTC and communication means is preferably in the form of a single RAM/RTC chip. The battery pack also includes circuitry to maintain power to the RAM/RTC from the battery if AC power is not available. The microcontroller detects the presence of the battery and retrieves the present time from the RTC, a timestamp indicating time or removal of the battery and other operating parameters and charge information from the battery pack, and controls the charging functions of the battery accordingly. The microcontroller also updates the charge information of the battery pack while performing other housekeeping functions of a DC-DC converter. The microcontroller further controls a switch located in the charge path of the battery to control fast charging. Trickle charge is simulated by pulsing the switch at a predetermined duty cycle and period. The microcontroller may be placed in standby to conserve energy, while also monitoring the standby switch to pull the computer system out of standby mode if the standby switch is pressed. This allows the keyboard controller 21 to be shut off during standby mode to conserve energy.
94 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A system for pulse trickle charging a rechargeable battery, comprising:
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means coupled to the battery for providing current through the battery to fast charge the battery; a transistor switch coupled in the charge path of the battery, wherein the battery is fast charged by said current providing means when said transistor switch is on and wherein said current providing means provides a negligible amount of current when said transistor switch is off; and means coupled to said transistor switch for pulsing said transistor switch on and off for a predetermined trickle charge period, wherein each pulse has a predetermined period and a predetermined duty cycle to provide an effective trickle charge over said predetermined period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification