Signalling system

• US 6,404,166 B1
• Filed: 08/24/2000
• Issued: 06/11/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Metrixx Ltd. (Analog Devices, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Metrixx Ltd. (Analog Devices, Inc.)
• Inventors: Puchianu, Silviu
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso, Edward H.
• Application Number:
  US09/645,224
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: 320/116, 320/118, 320/119, 320/120, 320/121, 320/122, 320/150
• US Class Current: 320/116
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/545 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/547 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/549 Current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/10 by alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/44 by parameter estimation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0046 relating to electric energy storage systems, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/12 responding to state of charge [SoC]
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/18 of two or more battery modules
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/21 having the same nominal voltage
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/04 Voltage dividers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 19/16542 for batteries charge condition monitoring in G01R31/36
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3832 without measurement of battery voltage
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/389 Measuring internal impedance, internal conductance or related variables
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/396 Acquisition or processing of data for testing or for monitoring individual cells or groups of cells within a battery
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4207 for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/482 for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A battery signalling system is provided which can be used to monitor and/or control a battery (1) having a number of series connected battery cells (C_i). When used to monitor the battery cells, the battery signalling system can comprise a central battery monitoring system (3) for monitoring the industrial battery (1) as a whole, a number of cell monitoring devices (CM_i) for monitoring one or more battery cells (C_i) and a communication link (9) for connecting the cell monitoring devices (CM_i) in series in a daisy chain configuration to the central battery monitoring system (3). In operation, the central battery monitoring system (3) can poll each of the cell monitoring devices (C_mi) in turn and analyze the data received from a polled cell monitoring device (CM_i) to detect malfunctions and/or underperforming cells.

Claims

1. A signaling system for use with a plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential, the system comprising:

first and second signaling devices, each to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems; and

an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said second signaling device;

wherein said first signaling device comprises;

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one of more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said first signaling device;

ii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply terminal of the first signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said first signaling device; and

iii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device;

wherein said second signaling device comprises;

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said second signaling device; and

ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said second signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and

wherein said input terminal of said second signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said second signaling device.

2. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said solid state switch comprises a transistor.

3. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a current sensor for sensing a variation in current passing through said input terminal.

4. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a voltage divider which is connected to said input terminal for sensing a change in voltage across said input terminal.

5. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said electrically conductive link is for connecting an output terminal of second signaling device to an input terminal of said first signaling device, wherein said second signaling device further comprises:

iii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said reference terminal of said second signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said second signaling device; and

iv.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch in said second signaling device for opening and closing said solid switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said second signaling device to said first signaling device;

wherein said first signaling device further comprises;

v.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said second signaling device to said input terminal of said first signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and

wherein said input terminal of said first signaling device is connected to the supply terminal of said first signaling device.

6. A signaling system according to claim 1, further comprising a third signaling device which is to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said second signaling device to an input terminal of said third signaling device;

wherein said second signaling device further comprises;

iii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply potential of said second signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said second signaling device; and

v.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch of said second signaling device, for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said second signaling device to said third signaling device;

wherein said third signaling device further comprises;

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said third signaling device; and

ii.) A sensor coupled to said input terminal of said third signaling device for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said second signaling device to said input terminal of said third signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and

wherein said input terminal of said third signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said third signaling device.

7. A signaling system according to claim 1, further comprising a third signaling device to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said third signaling device to an input terminal of said first signaling device;

wherein said third signaling device further comprises;

i.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply potential of said third signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said third signaling device; and

ii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch in said third signaling device, for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said third signaling device to said first signaling device;

wherein said first signaling device further comprises;

iv.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal of said first signaling device, for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said third signaling device to said input terminal of said first device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal, and

wherein input terminal of said first signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said first signaling device.

8. A signaling system according to claim 1, further comprising a third signaling device to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting a second output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said third signaling device;

wherein said first signaling device further comprises;

v.) A second solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode of said second solid switch being connected to said reference potential of said first signaling device and the second main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said second output terminal of said first signaling device; and

v.) a second controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said second solid state switch of said first signaling device, for opening and closing said second solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said third signaling device;

wherein said third signaling device further comprises;

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said third signaling device; and

ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal of said third signaling device, for sensing the signal transmitted from said second output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said third signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and

wherein said input terminal of said third signaling device is connected to the supply terminal of said third signaling device.

9. A signaling system according to claim 5, wherein said input terminal and output terminal of said first signaling device are the same physical terminal and wherein said input terminal and output terminal of said second signaling device are the same physical terminal and wherein said electrically conductive link comprises a single wire.

10. A signaling system according to claim 5, further comprising a third signaling device which is to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting a second output terminal of said second signaling device to an input terminal of said third signaling device;

wherein said second signaling device further comprises;

iii.) a second solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said supply potential of said second signaling device and the second main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said second output terminal of said second signaling device; and

v.) a second controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said second solid state switch of said second signaling device, for opening and closing said second solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said second signaling device to said third signaling device;

wherein said third signaling device further comprises;

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said third signaling device; and

ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal of said third signaling device, for sensing the signal transmitted from said second output terminal of said second signaling device to said input terminal of said third signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and

wherein said input terminal of said third signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said second signaling device.

11. A signaling system according to claim 5, further comprising a third signaling device to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said third signaling to a second input terminal of said first signaling device;

wherein said third signaling device further comprises;

i.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply potential of said third signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said third signaling device; and

ii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch in said third signaling device, for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said third signaling device to said first signaling device;

wherein said first signaling device further comprises;

iv.) a second sensor coupled to said second input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said third signaling device to said second input terminal of said first signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and

wherein said second input terminal of said first signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said first signaling device.

12. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said first signaling device further comprises a sensor input terminal for receiving a signal from a sensor and wherein said controller is operable to apply said control signal in dependence upon a signal received from said sensor input terminal.

13. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second signaling devices are operable to communicate with a central monitoring system.

14. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a microprocessor.

15. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said second signaling device further comprises a microprocessor for receiving the signal output by said sensor.

16. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein the signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device comprises square wave signals.

35. A signaling system according to claim 1, in combination with said plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential.

17. A signaling system for use with a plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential, the system comprising:

first and second signaling devices, each to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems; and

an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said second signaling device;

wherein said first signaling device comprises;

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one of more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said first signaling device;

ii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said reference terminal of the first signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said first signaling device; and

iii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device;

wherein said second signaling device comprises;

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said second signaling device; and

ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said second signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and

wherein said input terminal of said second signaling device is connected to the supply terminal of said second signaling device.

18. A signaling device comprising:

i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from a power source and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said signaling device;

ii.) an output terminal for connection to another signaling device via a conductive link;

iii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply terminal and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal; and

iv.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said signaling device to said other signaling device via said output terminal.

19. A signaling device according to claim 18 further comprising:

v.) an input terminal for connection to another signaling device via a conductive link, the input terminal being connected to the reference terminal of said signaling device; and

vi.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing a signal transmitted from said other signaling device to said input terminal and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal.

20. A signaling device according to claim 18, further comprising:

v.) an input terminal for connection to another signaling device via an electrically conductive link, the input terminal being connected to the supply terminal of said signaling device; and

vi.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing a signal transmitted from said other signaling device to said input terminal and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal.

21. A signaling device according to claim 19, further comprising:

vii.) a second solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said reference terminal of said signaling device and the second main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to a second output terminal of said first signaling device; and

viii.) a second controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said second solid state switch, for opening and closing said second solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to another signaling device.

22. A signaling device according to claim 21, further comprising:

ix.) a second input terminal for connection to another signaling device via a conductive link, said second input terminal being connected to said supply terminal of said signaling device; and

x.) a second sensor coupled to said second input terminal for sensing a signal transmitted from said another signaling device to said second input terminal and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal.

23. A signaling device according to claim 19, wherein said input terminal and said output terminal are the same physical terminal.

24. A signaling device according to claim 22, wherein said second input terminal and said second output terminal are the same physical terminal.

25. A signaling device according to claim 18, wherein said solid state switch comprises a transistor.

26. A signaling device according to claim 19, wherein said sensor comprises a current sensor for sensing a variation in current passing through said input terminal.

27. A signaling device according to claim 19, wherein said sensor comprises a voltage divider which is connected to said input terminal for sensing a change in voltage across said input terminal.

28. A signaling device according to claim 27, wherein said sensor further comprises a comparator for comparing an output voltage from said voltage divider with a reference voltage.

29. A signaling device according to claim 18, wherein said signaling device further comprises a sensor input terminal for receiving a signal from a sensor and wherein said controller is operable to apply said control signal in dependence upon a signal received from said sensor input terminal.

30. A signaling device according to claim 18, wherein said controller comprises a microprocessor.

31. A signaling device according to claim 19, further comprising a microprocessor for receiving the signal output by said sensor.

32. A signaling device according to claim 18, wherein said signal to be transmitted from said signaling device to said other signaling device comprises square wave signals.

33. A signaling kit for use in a signaling system comprising a plurality of signaling devices according to claim 18.

34. A signaling kit according to claim 33, further comprising a communication link for connecting said plurality of signaling devices in series.