Method for distinguishing a standard battery from an ultrafast battery and charging same
First Claim
1. A method of charging a battery, the battery having a high rate protection circuit, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying a test current to the battery;
measuring a first battery voltage;
disabling the high rate protection circuit;
measuring a second battery voltage while the high rate protection switch is disabled;
re-enabling the high rate protection switch; and
charging the battery at an ultrafast rate if the second battery voltage is sufficiently higher than the first battery voltage.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In a charging system having a battery (104) with a high rate protection switch (120), and a charger (102) having a disable switch (221) that cooperates with a control switch transistor (224) to alternatively enable and disable the high rate protection switch, a method is employed by the charger to determine the presence or absence of the high rate protection circuit and apply an appropriate charge regime. The method includes applying a test current, then measuring the battery voltage while trying to disable the high rate protection circuit. If the voltage is sufficiently higher during such time, compared to normal operation, then the battery is charged at an ultrafast rate.
17 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of charging a battery, the battery having a high rate protection circuit, the method comprising the steps of:
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applying a test current to the battery; measuring a first battery voltage; disabling the high rate protection circuit; measuring a second battery voltage while the high rate protection switch is disabled; re-enabling the high rate protection switch; and charging the battery at an ultrafast rate if the second battery voltage is sufficiently higher than the first battery voltage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of distinguishing a standard battery from an ultrafast battery, the method comprising the steps of:
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coupling a battery to a charger; applying a test current to the battery from the charger; measuring a first battery voltage; asserting a control signal to attempt to disable a high rate protection circuit; measuring a second battery voltage while performing the step of asserting; de-asserting the control signal; and charging the battery at an ultrafast rate if the second battery voltage is sufficiently higher than the first battery voltage. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A method of distinguishing a standard battery from an ultrafast battery, comprising the steps of:
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coupling a battery to a battery charger; measuring a first battery voltage; measuring a second battery voltage while attempting to disable a high rate protection circuit; and charging the battery at a first rate if the first battery voltage and second battery voltage are substantially similar or at a second rate if the first battery voltage and second battery voltage are substantially different. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification