Multiple Function Current-Sharing Charging System and Method

• US 20100201319A1
• Filed: 04/20/2010
• Published: 08/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fundamental Innovation Systems International LLC (Fundamental Innovation Systems International Holdings LLC)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Bayne, Ryan M., Simoes, Felipe O., Todd, Colin N.
• Granted Patent: US 7,893,653 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/125
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/22 The load being a portable electronic device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0019 using switched or multiplexed charge circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones

Abstract

Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Claims

1. A multiple function current-sharing charging system, comprising:

a power source interface configured to receive energy from a power source;

a power converter connected to the power source and configured to regulate the energy received from the power source and to output charging current;

a plurality of power supply interfaces configured for connection to respective rechargeable power supplies; and

a charging controller connected to the power converter to receive the charging current and to the plurality of power supply interfaces, and configured to detect connection of a first rechargeable power supply to a first one of the plurality of power supply interfaces, to determine whether a second rechargeable power supply is connected to a second of the plurality of power supply interfaces, and to provide a first charging current to one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies and a second charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies where a second rechargeable power supply is connected to a second of the plurality of power supply interfaces.