Test circuit for back-up battery with protection during test mode
First Claim
1. Apparatus for supplying power to a load and testing a backup battery, said apparatus comprising:
- a main power source coupled to a load to deliver power at a normal rated voltage during normal operation, and at a lower, test mode voltage if required during a test mode;
means, during a battery test interval, for lowering an output voltage of said main power source to said test mode voltage and attempting to supply said load from said battery, said main power source at said test mode voltage being sufficient to drive the load if said battery fails during said battery test interval.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A circuit tests a back-up battery for a power supply. A power source is coupled to a load to deliver power at a normal rated voltage during normal operation. However, during a battery test interval, the power source voltage is lowered to a test mode voltage. This lowers the load voltage, and in response, the circuit attempts to supply the load from the battery. The load voltage is monitored during the test interval to determine if the battery is able to supply rated power. However, the main power source is still instantly available at the test mode voltage to drive the load if the battery fails during the battery test interval. This ensures uninterrupted operation during the test mode. Upon failure of the battery during the test mode, the power supply is quickly ramped up to the normal rated voltage (although the test mode voltage meets output specifications).
39 Citations
20 Claims
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1. Apparatus for supplying power to a load and testing a backup battery, said apparatus comprising:
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a main power source coupled to a load to deliver power at a normal rated voltage during normal operation, and at a lower, test mode voltage if required during a test mode; means, during a battery test interval, for lowering an output voltage of said main power source to said test mode voltage and attempting to supply said load from said battery, said main power source at said test mode voltage being sufficient to drive the load if said battery fails during said battery test interval. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for testing a battery which backs-up a main power source, said method comprising the steps of:
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delivering power from the main power source to said load at a normal rated voltage during normal operation; and during a test mode, lowering an output voltage of said main power source and attempting to supply said load from said battery, said main power source at said test mode voltage being coupled and sufficient to drive the load if said battery fails during said test mode. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 17)
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12. A test circuit for a battery which backs-up a main power source, said circuit comprising:
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an output port for connection to a load; an input port for connection to a main power source and coupling to said output port; a battery connection port coupled to said output port such that said battery is coupled to the load if said main power source drops below a predetermined level; and means, during a battery test interval, for signalling said main power source to lower an output voltage of said main power source to or below said predetermined level but sufficient to drive the load if said battery fails during said battery test interval. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification