Flexible power architecture which supports multiple battery technologies for use with a portable device
First Claim
1. An arrangement for accommodating each one of a plurality of battery types in a portable device, the arrangement comprising:
- a first interface means in said portable device configured for receiving operating power for said portable device from a first battery type at a voltage output level suitable for operating said portable device; and
a second interface means associated with a second battery type, said second interface means being positioned between said first interface means and said second battery type for adjusting the voltage output level available from said second battery type to a level suitable for operating said portable device.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable device operable from batteries employing different cell technologies is disclosed. Through the addition of minimal circuitry, a portable device configured for operation with battery cells having a first type of technology may be configured to accommodate batteries employing alternative cell technologies. Circuitry is also associated with battery cells of the alternative battery technology for configuring output parameters of these battery cells for operation with the portable device. A single battery charger, which connects to the portable device, is usable for recharging each of the battery cell technologies through the portable device.
222 Citations
23 Claims
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1. An arrangement for accommodating each one of a plurality of battery types in a portable device, the arrangement comprising:
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a first interface means in said portable device configured for receiving operating power for said portable device from a first battery type at a voltage output level suitable for operating said portable device; and a second interface means associated with a second battery type, said second interface means being positioned between said first interface means and said second battery type for adjusting the voltage output level available from said second battery type to a level suitable for operating said portable device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An arrangement for accommodating each one of a plurality of battery types in a portable device, the arrangement comprising:
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a first interface means in said portable device configured for receiving operating power for said portable device from at least a first battery type and a second battery type, said first interface means also being configured for receiving operating power for said portable device from an input voltage source, said first interface means including isolation means for isolating the operating power for said portable device received from said battery type from the operating power for said portable device received from the input voltage source; battery charge circuit means in said first interface means for obtaining charging current from said input voltage source for charging said first and second battery types at a level suitable for charging said first battery type; and a second interface means associated with said second battery type for adjusting the level of said charging current to a level suitable for charging said second battery type. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of accommodating each one of a plurality of battery types in a portable device, the method comprising the steps of:
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configuring first interface circuitry in said portable device for receiving operating power for said portable device from a first battery type at a voltage output level suitable for operating said portable device; configuring second interface circuitry associated with a second battery type for adjusting the voltage output level available from said second battery type to a level suitable for operating said portable device; and positioning said second interface circuitry between said first interface circuitry and said second battery type. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of accommodating each one of a plurality of battery types in a portable device, the method comprising the steps of:
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configuring a first interface circuit in said portable device for receiving operating power from at least a first battery type and a second battery type for said portable device, configuring said first interface circuit for receiving operating power for said portable device from an input voltage source; isolating the operating power for said portable device received from said battery type from the operating power for said portable device received from the input voltage source; obtaining charging current in said interface circuit from said input voltage source for charging said first and second battery types at a level suitable for charging said first battery type; and adjusting in a second interface circuit the level of said charging current to a level suitable for charging said second battery type, said second interface circuit being associated with said second battery type. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification