Method and apparatus for communication between an electronic device and a connected battery

• US 7,079,038 B2
• Filed: 01/14/2004
• Issued: 07/18/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Original Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Inventors: Wendelrup, Heino, Hansson, Magnus
• Primary Examiner(s): GOINS, DAVETTA WOODS
• Application Number:
  US10/757,244
• Publication Number:
  US 20040145487A1
• Time in Patent Office: 916 Days
• Field of Search: 340/636.1, 340/634, 340/636.11, 340/636.12, 340/636.21, 340/636.18, 320/106, 324/430, 455/572, 455/573
• US Class Current: 340/636.1
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4257 Smart batteries, e.g. electronic circuits inside the housing of the cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00038 using passive battery identification means, e.g. resistors or capacitors identification by mechanical connections H02J7/0045
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

An apparatus supporting both identification of a battery type and communications over an interface between a battery and an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a processor for communicating with communications circuitry of the battery. Identification circuitry associated with the processor enables a determination of the type of battery with which the electronic device is connected. If a “smart” battery capable of carrying out serial communications with the electronic device is connected, the electronic device further provides means for carrying out communications between the processor and the communication circuitry of the battery.

Claims

1. An electronic device supporting both battery identification and communication of data over an interface between a battery and the electronic device, comprising:

a resistor having a resistance value;

a processor configured to calculate a resistance in the battery responsive to the resistance value and a voltage drop across the resistor, wherein the processor further determines whether the battery is capable of at least one of receiving and transmitting additional information based on the resistance in the battery;

circuitry for enabling communication of data between the processor and the battery, wherein the circuitry for enabling communication of data, further comprises;

a transceiver for transmitting and receiving serial communication of data between the electronic device and the communications circuitry of the battery;

a first register for holding data to be transmitted by the transceiver; and

a second register for holding data received by the transceiver.

2. A method enabling both battery identification and communication of data over an interface between a battery and an electronic device, comprising the steps of

attempting to communicate data to the battery from the electronic device via a serial connection responsive to a connection between the battery and the electronic device;

selectively switching a resistor in the electronic device between system voltage and a communications pin if the electronic device may not communicate data to the battery;

determining a first resistance value in the battery responsive to the impedance in the electronic device; and

attempting to communicate with the battery from the electronic device prior to the step of selectively switching.

3. An electronic device supporting both battery identification and communication of data over an interface between a battery and the electronic device, comprising:

a resistor having a resistance value;

a processor configured to calculate a resistance in the battery responsive to the resistance value and a voltage drop across the resistor;

wherein the processor further determines whether the battery is capable of at least one of receiving and transmitting additional information based on the resistance in the battery; and

wherein if the resistance in the battery is above a predetermined threshold, then the battery is a smart battery; and

circuitry for enabling communication of data between the processor and the battery.

4. An electronic device supporting both battery identification and communication of data over an interface between a battery and the electronic device, comprising:

a resistor having a resistance value;

a processor configured to calculate a resistance in the battery responsive to the resistance value and a voltage drop across the resistor,

wherein the processor further determines whether the battery is capable of at least one of receiving and transmitting additional information based on the resistance in the battery; and

wherein if the resistance in the battery is below a predetermined threshold, then the battery is a dumb battery; and

circuitry for enabling communication of data between the processor and the battery.