Programmable event limit detector for computer system power control

• US 6,252,406 B1
• Filed: 01/12/2000
• Issued: 06/26/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Chapman, John, Tegge, Rainer
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Peter S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LUK, LAWRENCE W
• Application Number:
  US09/481,970
• Time in Patent Office: 531 Days
• Field of Search: 324/427, 324/428, 324/426, 320/136, 320/135
• US Class Current: 324/427
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00306 Overdischarge protection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0031 using battery or load disconnect circuits H02J9/002 takes precedence

Abstract

A system for controlling the application of power from a battery (12) to an electrical system (18) as well as to a computer (30) that monitors the battery, includes a switch (52) in the power supply path between the battery and the computer. The switch is operated by a controller (40) that receives data representing the battery voltage and the current supplied to the electrical system (18). The controller includes a comparator for comparing the received voltage and current data to preset data values to produce a signal (46) to turn on the switch for a predetermined time to supply power to actuate the computer to perform its monitoring function when one of the current or voltage data received by the controller exceeds one of a predetermined high or low limit data value. The system also includes a wake-up circuit (48) to produce the signal to turn on the switch for a predetermined time to supply power to actuate the computer when one of the predetermined high or low voltage or current limits is not exceeded for a given time.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the application of power from a battery that supplies power to an electrical system and also to a computer that monitors the battery, comprising:

a switch in the power supply path between the battery and the computer; and

a controller distinct from the computer and that receives data related to the battery voltage and current supplied to the electrical system;

said controller including a comparator for comparing the voltage and current data received to produce a signal to turn on said switch for a predetermined time to supply power to actuate said computer for a time sufficient to perform its battery monitoring function when one of the current or voltage data received by said controller exceeds one of a predetermined high or low limit.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein said controller further comprises a wake-up circuit to produce the signal to turn on said switch for a predetermined time to supply power to actuate the computer upon none of said predetermined high or low voltage or current limits being exceeded for a given time.

3. A system as in claim 2 wherein the battery is in a vehicle and said wake up circuit operates when said vehicle is inactive.

4. A system as in claim 3 wherein said wake-up circuit operates periodically.

5. A system as in claim 3 wherein, when said vehicle is in an operational state, said controller operates to periodically produce said signal.

6. A system as in claim 1 wherein said controller operates to periodically produce said signal at times in addition to the time said signal is produced upon one of said limits being exceeded.