Multiple function current-sharing charging system and method

• US 7,893,653 B2
• Filed: 04/20/2010
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• 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.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso, Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fantu, Yalkew
• Application Number:
  US12/763,721
• Publication Number:
  US 20100201319A1
• Time in Patent Office: 308 Days
• Field of Search: 320/106
• US Class Current: 320/106
• 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 method of charging rechargeable power supplies comprising:

providing a charging system having at least one universal serial bus (USB) connection and at least one non-USB charging interface;

providing a first charging current usable to charge a first rechargeable power supply via the USB connection using a USB V-bus power line;

determining an available second charging current based on a difference between the first charging current and a maximum output of the charging system; and

while continuing to provide the first charging current at the USB V-bus power line, providing a second charging current at one of the at least one non-USB charging interface, the second charging current usable for charging a second rechargeable power supply, the second charging current based on the available second charging current.

2. The method of claim 1 where the second charging current comprises the majority of the available second charging current.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising:

determining that the first rechargeable power supply is substantially charged; and

applying to the second charging current a charging current based on the total output current available from the charging system.

4. The method of claim 1 where the at least one non-USB charging interface comprises a connection enabled for use to connect to a second rechargeable power supply that is outside of a mobile device.

5. The method of claim 1 where as the first rechargeable power supply charges, gradually reducing power of the first charging current applied to the first rechargeable power supply.

6. A method of charging power supplies comprising:

providing a charging system comprising a universal serial bus (USB) connection and a non-USB connection;

sending an identification signal via a first USB connection using the first USB'"'"'s data lines, the identification signal configured to be receivable by a first device with a first rechargeable power supply and allowing recognition that the charging system can provide charging current for a rechargeable power supply;

providing a first charging current to the USB connection using a first V-bus power line;

determining an available second charging current based on a difference between the first charging current and a maximum output of the charging system; and

while continuing to provide the first charging current using the first V-bus power line, providing the available second charging current to the non-USB connection.

7. The method of claim 6 where the non-USB connection is configured to interface with a rechargeable power supply that is not in a mobile device.

8. The method of claim 6 where the second charging current comprises the majority of the available second charging current.

9. The method of claim 6 comprising:

determining that the current being drawn through the first V-power line indicates the first rechargeable power supply is substantially charged; and

enabling the amount of current to be drawn through the non-USB connection to approach the maximum output of the charging system.