MXPA97005594A - Apparatus and method for identifying the type and mark of a battery for a portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and portable device (100) is a cellular radiotelephone, which is powered by main and spare batteries (101, 102) in a state of operation. The main and spare batteries (101, 102) include respective memories (402, 410) for storing a 64-bit register number and 1024 bits of data to identify the type and brand of said batteries whose reliability and security for the modes of Operation and loading is known. The memories (402, 410) identify the batteries (101, 102), the 64-bit registration number includes a twelve-bit mark code that has a predetermined mark code value and an eight-bit type code that has a code value of predetermined type and the 1024 data bits include a message of multiple unique characters. By identifying the unique brand, type code and message code when a battery is inserted into a portable device (100), it can be ensured that the portable device (100) will operate with a reliable and safe battery. Otherwise, the portable device shuts down and the battery does not charge

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING THE TYPE AND MARK OF A BATTERY FOR A PORTABLE DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates in general to batteries, apparatus for batteries and battery-powered equipment, and more specifically with batteries each having a memory for storing battery identification data and portable radiotelephones adapted to determine the identity of said batteries before operating with them or upload them. 2. Description of Related Art Portable, battery-powered devices are increasingly popular because they are compact and lightweight. These portable devices, eg. cellular radiotelephones, cordless telephones and laptop laptops are generally equipped with one or more rechargeable batteries or dry cell blocks that each include multiple battery cells of several different types, e.g. nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), alkaline, or lithium ion cells. Since the batteries can be any of those various types, it is important for their reliable and safe operation that the type of the battery can be identified before operating the portable device or charging the batteries. According to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,164,652 and 5,237,257, resistors of different values are used to identify whether the capacity of a particular type of battery is small, medium or large. More recently, a memory that includes data identifying the type and capacity of the battery has been incorporated into the batteries and is read by the portable device before charging the batteries. However, none of the above techniques ensures that the portable device will operate or charge a battery of a predetermined brand known for its reliability and safety.

Accordingly, an improved apparatus and method is needed to identify the type and brand of the batteries before operating a portable device with said batteries or charging them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an illustration of a front, top and right side perspective view of a portable device in an open position with a main battery and a spare battery mounted thereon. Fig. 2 is an illustration of a rear, top and left side perspective view of a portable device in closed position with the main battery and the spare battery mounted thereon. Fig. 3 is an illustration in block diagram form of a radio frequency communication system employing the portable device of Fig. 1, the portable device has a discharge and charge circuit. Fig.4 is an illustration in block diagram form of the discharge and charge circuit of Fig.3. Fig.5 is an illustration in the form of a partial diagram of the discharge and charge circuit of Fig.3. Fig.6 is an illustration in the form of a flow chart of a method for discharging the main battery and the spare battery. Fig.7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a method for charging the main battery and the spare battery. Fig.8 is an illustration in the form of a flow diagram of a method for validating the main battery and the spare battery.

Detailed description of the invention In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the apparatus or portable device 100 illustrated is a portable cellular radio telephone, which is powered by the main and spare batteries 101, 102 in an operational state. The main and spare batteries 101,102 include respective memories 402,410 (see Figs 4 and 5) for storing a 64-bit register number and 1024 bits of data to identify the type and brand of those batteries known to be reliable and safe. for the modes of operation and loading. Memories 402 and 410 are preferably EPROM memories from Dallas Semiconductor of Dallas, Texas, United States of America, which store a 64-bit registration number engraved in laser and 1024 bits of data. To uniquely identify the batteries 101, 102, the 64-bit registration number includes a 12-bit mark code having a predetermined mark code value and an eight-bit type code having a predetermined type code value. and the 1024 data bits include a single multi-character message. By identifying the brand code, the type code and the unique multi-character message when a battery is inside the device 100, it can be ensured that the portable device 100 will be operated with a reliable and safe battery. Otherwise ^ the portable device shuts down and the battery does not charge.

Fig. 1 illustrates a portable device 100 having a main battery 101 and a spare battery 102. The portable device 100, which is preferably a radiotelephone, includes a cabinet 104 having a lower cabinet section 106 and a cabinet section upper 108 rotatably spliced by a hinge 110. Lower cabinet section 106 includes a retaining slot 123 for mounting spare battery 102, a screen 128, a keyboard 130 and a microphone hole 131. Screen 128 provides information visual to a user that includes, for ex. the amount of charge current remaining in the main battery 101 or in the replacement battery 102. The keypad 130 allows the user to turn on and off the device 100 and initiate calls by entering and sending numbers. A microphone (not shown) is concealed behind the microphone hole 131. The cabinet section 108 includes a speaker bezel 142 having holes with a speaker (not shown) located behind. In addition to providing voice to the user, the speaker can provide an audible alarm when the main and spare batteries 101,102 are close to being depleted. The lower and upper cabinet sections 106, 108 include the spare and main batteries 101, 102 mounted therein. The main and spare bataries 101,102 are removable from the portable device 100 as exemplified by Fig.2.

Fig. 2 illustrates the portable device 100 in a closed position with the main and spare batteries 101, 102 removed. The main battery 101 includes a latch element 202 located approximately midway of a flange 204 that forms a first end of the main battery 101. A protrusion 206 is disposed along a second end of the main battery 101 facing the latch element 202. The portable device 100 includes a first cavity 210 formed in the upper cabinet section 108. The first cavity 210 is formed by a front wall 211, a right wall 212, a left wall 214 and a rear wall 216. A flange 218 extends outwardly from the rear wall 216 and above the first cavity 210. A latch element 222 includes the bosses 226,228 and comprises a cut-out area 224 of the front wall 211. A second cavity 230 of the fastener section 226 upper cabinet 108 extends forwardly from and above the front wall 211. Main battery 101 is mounted on the portable device mediant e insertion of the protrusion 206 of the main battery 101 under the flange 218 as shown by the imaginary line 231 and rotating the main battery 101 downwardly into the first cavity 210. The main battery 101 is rotated until the latch 202 fits into the bosses 226,228 of the latch element 222 and the flange 204 rests in the second cavity 230. The main battery 101 is removed by pressing the latch element 202 out of the bosses 226,228 and rotating the main battery 101 upwards and towards outside from the first and second cavity 210,230.

Spare battery 102 includes a flexible hook latch 232 and fixed supports 234,236 with pins 238,240, respectively. The portable device 100 includes a retaining slot 123 of Fig. 1 and receptacles 242, 244 disposed on an end 246 of the lower cabinet section 106 for mounting the replacement battery 102. The portable device 100 includes an elongated hole 248 disposed on the end lower 246 of lower cabinet section 106 between receptacles 242.244. The elongated hole 248 provides access to junction 314 (see Fig.3) arranged inside it. The replacement battery 102 is mounted by inserting the flexible hook latch 232 into the retaining groove 123, which extends in an angle with the replacement battery 102 downward until the fixed supports 234,236 move away from the lower end 246.; rotating the replacement battery 102 to overlap it with the lower cabinet section 106; and releasing the replacement battery 102 thus allowing the fixed supports 234,236 to move towards the lower end 246 allowing the pins 238,240 to be inserted into the receptacles 242,244 as telegraphed by the lines 250. The space between the supports 234,236 prevents the clogging of the orifice elongated 248 and maintains access to junction 314 when the spare battery 102 is mounted. The spare battery 102 is removed from the portable device 100 by reversing the steps mentioned for its assembly.

Although the protractive device 100 is illustrated and described as a radiotelephone, it is recognized that any of the numerous portable devices, e.g. laptop laptops, video cameras, pagers, two-way radios, personal digital agendas, etc. they can use the apparatus and method to download and charge a multi-battery device as described below.

Fig. 3 is an illustration in block diagram form of a radio frequency communication system 300 where a base station 301 and the portable device 100 communicate by radio frequency (RF) signals 302. The portable device 100 includes an antenna 303, a receiver 304, a transmitter 305, a controller 306 and a user interface 308 that includes the speaker (not shown), the screen 128 of FIG. 1, the microphone (not shown) and the keyboard 130 of FIG. .l. The controller 306 can be eg. a 68HC11 microprocessor available from Motorola Inc. The portable device 100 is powered by the removable main and spare battery 101,102 and operates as follows. The antenna 303 translates the radiofrequency signals 302 to electric radio frequency reception signals and splices the electric radio frequency reception signals to the receiver 304. The receiver 304 transforms the electric radio frequency reception signals into data reception signals which are then spliced by the controller 306 are issued to the user as a voice-over sound through the speaker and as operational information through the screen 128. The voice and data input by the user through the microphone and keyboard 130, respectively, are spliced with the transmitter 305 as data transmission signals. The transmitter 305 converts the data transmission signals into electrical radio frequency transmission signals that are translated by the antenna 303 _ and transmitted as radio frequency signals 302.

The portable device 100 includes a discharge and charge circuit 310, a memory 312 and a splice 314. The discharge and charge circuit 310 selectively discharges the main and replacement batteries 101,102 to supply uninterrupted power to the portable device 100. The discharge circuit and load 310 also selectively charges the main and spare batteries 101,102 under the control of a program executed by the controller 306. The program is stored in the memory 312. The memory 312 is preferably a read-only memory (ROM), but can also be an erasable read only memory (EPROM), a free access memory (RAM), or other suitable memory for the portable device. Although the memory 312 is displayed separately from the controller 306, it is recognized that the memory 312 may be internal to the controller 306 and / or that the controller 306 may contain other memory in addition to the memory 312. The splice 314 allows a user to mount an external power source 430 (see Fig.4) thereto to supply power to operate the portable device 100 (and save battery charge) or charge the main and spare batteries 101,102. Fig. 4 illustrates, in block diagram form, the main and replacement batteries 101,102, the discharge and charge circuit 310, the splice 314 and the controller 306. The main and spare batteries 101,102 are removably spliced with the discharge and charging circuit 310. The main battery 101 includes an electrochemical cell 404, a main memory device 402 and a thermal resistance device 406. In some cases, the main battery 101 may also include additional circuits to protect the electrochemical cell 404. It will be recognized that the main electrochemical cell 404, illustrated, represents one or a number of interconnected electrochemical cells to produce a predetermined output voltage. The main electrochemical cell 404 includes a main positive terminal 405 and a major negative terminal 407. The main electrochemical cell 404 is preferably rechargeable. The main electrochemical cell 404 is preferably one of the following types: Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Alkaline or Lithium Ion. The main memory 402 is preferably an EPROM. The main memory 402 characterizes the main battery 101 as an "intelligent battery" because the main memory 402 stores data that can be used to optimize the discharge and charge. Such data includes data of the battery type, discharge / charge hysteresis data and battery data. The main thermal resistance 406 is spliced with the main negative terminal 407 and is thermally connected to the main cell 404 to indicate the temperature of the main electrochemical cell 404 by a voltage drop across it. The main negative terminal 407 is also connected to an electrical ground 409.

The replacement battery 102 is similar to the main battery 101 and includes a spare memory device 410, a replacement electrochemical cell 412 having a positive replacement terminal 413 and a spare negative terminal 415 and a spare resistance device 414. It is recognized that the replacement electrochemical cell 412, illustrated, represents one or more interconnected electrochemical cells to produce a predetermined output voltage. The replacement negative terminal 415 is similarly connected to the electrical ground 409. In the preferred embodiment, however, the replacement battery 102 has a greater capacity than the main battery 101 and can supply power for longer periods of time.

A discharge section of the discharge and charge circuit 310 switchably connects the main and replacement batteries 101, 102 with a protruding device supply line 408 (designated B +). The main and replacement batteries 101,102 supply the portable device power line 408 with a voltage between 2.8 V and 5.5 V. The portable device power line 408 feeds the controller 306, the receiver 304 of FIG. .3, the transmitter 305 of FIG. 3, the user interface of FIG. 3, and other components of the portable device 100 by electrical connections (not shown). The discharge section mainly includes a spare battery switch 420, a dector 422 and a main battery switch 424. The replacement battery switch 420 is only associated with the replacement battery 102 and operates to connect the replacement battery 102. to power the portable device 100. A spare battery switch input 420 is connected to the positive replacement terminal 413 by the line 416. An output of the replacement battery switch 420 is connected to the portable device power line 408 .

The detector 422 is connected between the main and spare batteries 101, 102 and detects when the spare battery 102 has been discharged below a threshold level and when an external power source 430 has been mounted on the portable device 101. In the embodiment preferred the threshold voltage is 3.3 V. The positive replacement terminal 413 is connected to a first input of the detector 422 via the line 421. The main positive terminal 405 is connected to a second input of the detector 422 via the line 423. The splice 314 is connected to a third input of the detector 422 via line 425. The output of the detector 422 is connected to the main battery switch 424 and the controller 306 via the line 426.

The main battery switch 424, in response to the detector 422, connects or disconnects the main battery 101 as the power source from which the portable device 100 can operate. A first input of the main battery switch 424 is spliced with the output of the detector. 422 via line 426. A second input of main battery switch 424 is spliced with main positive terminal 405 via line 427. An output of main battery switch 424 is spliced with portable device power line 408.

The controller 306 also splices the output of the detector 422 to the user interface 308 of Fig.3. The user interface 308 interprets the output of the detector 422 and informs the user which of the main and replacement batteries 101,102 is powering the portable device 100 at a particular time.

The discharge section of the discharge and charge circuit 310 discharges the main and replacement batteries 101,102 according to a predetermined priority - when both batteries are mounted, the replacement battery 101 is discharged first. The replacement battery switch 420 initially connects the replacement positive terminal 413 with the portable device power line 408, thereby feeding the portable device 100 via the replacement battery 102. The detector 422 monitors the replacement electrochemical cell 412 while discharge. When a voltage of the spare positive terminal 413 falls below a threshold voltage, the detector 422 closes the main battery switch 424. This connects the main positive terminal 405 with the portable device power line thus feeding the portable device 100 through the main battery 101.

While one battery is in use, that is, it supplies power, the other battery that is not in use can be replaced (disassembled and reassembled) without interrupting the operation of the portable device 100. While the replacement battery 102 is in use, the Main battery 101 can be replaced. While the main battery 101 is in use, the replacement battery 102 can be replaced. After replacing the replacement battery 102, the detector 422 opens the main battery switch 424 (and disconnects the main battery 101) if the auxiliary positive terminal voltage 413 is above the threshold voltage.

Also, the battery in use can be disassembled without interrupting the operation of the portable device 100. If the replacement battery 102 is removed while in use, the detector 422, in response to the rapidly descending voltage on line 421, closes the switch of main battery 424 sufficiently fast to prevent interruption. The interruption is also prevented when the main battery 101 is dismantled while in use, even after the spare battery 102 has already been discharged up to the threshold voltage. This is achieved by adjusting the threshold voltage (eg 3.3 V) above a minimum voltage necessary to power the portable device 100. In the preferred embodiment, the threshold voltage is 2.8 V. Likewise, the battery switch Spare 420 should be molded so that it remains closed even after the spare battery 102 has been discharged to the threshold voltage. Accordingly, after disassembling the main battery 101 while in use, the spare battery 102 can still supply sufficient power to operate the portable device 100 (at least for a short time). Also, the detector opens the battery control switch 424 when the presence of the main positive terminal 405 is no longer detected at the second input thereof.

Dismantling the battery in use is an advantageous feature for users who wish to replace the battery in use during a telephone call without cutting the telephone call. In the preferred embodiment, the main battery 101 is smaller than the replacement battery 102 (see Figs. 1 and 2) and therefore more portable. It is then foreseen that users will carry more main batteries than spare batteries with them. The ability to replace the main battery 101 while it is in use is then advantageous.

When an external power 430 (designated as B + EXTERNAL) is mounted on the splice 314, the discharge of the main battery 101 or the spare battery 102 is stopped and the portable device 100 is powered by the external power 430. The external power 430 supplies to the portable device power line 408 a voltage that is approximately 1, 4V higher than the voltage supplied by the main and spare batteries 101,103. Once assembled, the diode 432, which is spliced between the splice 314 and the portable device power line 408, is deflected forward and splices the voltage supplied by the external power 430 with the portable device power line 408 (when the external power 430 is not mounted, the diode 432 prevents the main and spare batteries 101,102 from draining back to the splice 314.) In response to the higher voltage level in the portable device power line 408, the battery switch Spare 420 opens and the discharge of the spare battery 102 stops. The detector 422, after detecting the presence of the external power source 430 (through the third input), opens the main battery switch 424 and the discharge of the main battery 101 stops.

A load section of the discharge and charge circuit 310 selectively charges the main and replacement batteries 101,102. The loading section of the discharge and charge circuit 310 includes a memory switch 440, a charge switch 442, an external charger 444 and a thermal resistance switch 446. The charging section of the discharge and charge circuit 310 operates under the controller control 306.

The controller 306 selectively reads the contents of the master and spare memories 402,410 via the memory switch 440. The main memory 402 is spliced with the first input of the memory switch 440 via a collective data connection 448. The memory Spare 410 is spliced with a second input of memory switch 440 via collective connection 450. Controller 306 is spliced with a third input of memory switch 440 via line 452. Memory switch 440 includes an output that is spliced with the controller 306 via line 454. The controller 306 instructs the memory switch 440 via line 452 to connect the main memory 402 or the spare memory 410 with the controller 306 via the output of the memory switch 440 and line 454. Once the connection is established, the controller 306 reads the battery data.

The controller 306 selects the main battery 101 or the replacement battery 102 to charge it by the charge switch 442. The load switch 442 includes a first output that is spliced with the main electrochemical cell 404 through line 456. The switch 442 includes a second output that is spliced with the replacement electrochemical cell 412 via line 456. The internal charger 444 is spliced with a first input of the charge switch 442 through line 460. The controller 306 is spliced with a second input of the load switch 442 through the line 452. The controller 306 signals the load switch 442 through the line 452 to connect the internal charger 444 through the first input of the charge and charge switch. line 460 with the main electrochemical cell 404 or with the spare electrochemical cell 412. Once connected, a load current sumi supplied by the internal charger 444 charges the main electrochemical cell 404 or the spare electrochemical cell 412.

The controller 306 determines the presence of the main and replacement batteries 101, 102 by the thermal resistance switch 446. The main thermal resistance 406 is spliced with the first input of the thermal resistance switch 446 via the line 462. The replacement thermal resistance 414 is spliced with a second input of thermal resistance switch 446 via line 464. Controller 306 is spliced with a third input of thermal resistance switch 446 via line 465. Thermal resistance switch 446 includes an output that is spliced with the controller 306 via line 466. The controller 306 instructs the thermal resistance switch 446 via line 464 to connect the main thermal resistance 406 or the replacement thermal resistance 414 to the controller 306 via the output of the thermal resistance switch and the line 466. Once connected, the control or 306 determines the presence of the main battery 101 or the spare battery 102 by a voltage drop across the respective thermal resistance.

The internal charger 444 includes a charge controller 470, a current regulator 472 and a feedback switch 474. The charge controller is spliced with junction 314 through line 478, with controller 306 via line 480 and with the load current through. line 481. The charge controller 470 in response to splice 314, to controller 306 and to the load current, emits a current signal to the current controller 472. In addition to having inputs to receive the current from the charge controller 470, the current regulator 472 includes an input that is spliced with the splice 314 through the line 482. Current regulator 472, in response to current, emits charging current at a first or second rate to charge switch 442 through line 460. Once the charge current is emitted, current regulator 472 closes the feedback switch 474 through line 484. The feedback switch 474, once closed, splices the load voltage of line 460 with junction 314 through line 486. The load voltage is used for the traction for external power 430.

The charging section of the discharge and charging circuit 310 charges the main and replacement battery 101,102 according to a predetermined priority - when both batteries are mounted, the main battery 101 is charged first. Charging starts after mounting an external power supply capable of charging batteries, eg. external power 430, at junction 314. Controller 306, which captures the external power supply 430 via line 488, switches between main and replacement thermal resistors 406.414 via thermal resistance switch 446 to determine which batteries are present If both the main and replacement battery 101,102 are mounted, the controller 306 switches the memory switch 440 and reads the data from the main memory 402 via the line 454. The external power 430 feeds the charge controller 470 through of line 478. Controller 306 configures charge controller 470 via line 480 so that controller 470 supplies a current signal in accordance with the data reading of main battery 101. Feedback is provided in the line 481 so that the charge controller 470 can adjust the current signal, if necessary. The current controller 472, in response to the current signal from the charge controller 470, generates the load current using the external supply 430 provided by the line 482. The current controller 470 emits the load current to the load switch 442 on line 460. The controller 306 switches the load switch 442 to splice the charging current with the electrochemical cell 404 through the line 456. The main battery 101 is charged for a period in accordance with the load data read from the main memory 402. After being charged for this period, the main battery 101 is considered complete.

Once the main battery 101 is fully charged, charging of the replacement battery 102 begins. The controller 306 switches the memory switch 440 and reads the battery data from the replacement battery memory 410. The controller 306 configures the battery memory. internal charger 444 for emitting the charging current according to the data read from the spare battery 102. The controller 306 switches the charging switch 442 to splice the charging current with the replacement electrochemical cell 412 via the line 416 The spare battery 102 is charged for a period in accordance with the optimal charge data read from the spare memory 410 and is then considered complete. If the main battery 101 is replaced while the spare battery 102 is being charged, the controller 306 (which continually toggle the thermal resistance switch 446 between the main and replacement thermal resistors 406.414 to determine the presence of the battery during charging) interrupts the charging of the replacement battery 102 and begins to charge the main battery 101 in the manner mentioned. Once both the main and replacement batteries 101, 102 are complete, the internal charger 444 repeatedly applies a maintenance charge to each of the main and spare batteries 101, 102 for a period of about 1800 seconds. The maintenance charge consists of the slow or finished charge to delay the exhaustion of the battery. Charging ends after dismounting external power 430.

Although the protractive device 100 includes an internal charger 444 for charging the arrangement of multiple batteries, it is recognized that the charging means of the main and replacement batteries 101,102 may be outside the portable device 100. For example. , without the internal charger 444, charging the main and spare batteries 101,102 could be done by an external charger mounted on the splice 314. In addition to being spliced with the 306 controller, the splicer 314, would be directly spliced with the thermal resistance switch 446, the memory switch 440 and the charge switch 442. After mounting the external charger, the presence of the battery is determined through the thermal resistance switch 446, the battery data is read from the main memory 402 or from the spare memory 410 and the charging current based on the battery data is supplied to the main battery 101 or to the spare battery 102 via the charge switch 442.

Fig.5 is an illustration in > partial schematic form of the discharge and charge circuit 310. As said, the discharge of the main and replacement batteries 101,102 is performed by the replacement battery switch 420, the detector 422 and the main battery switch 424. The switch of replacement battery 420 comprises diode 500, which is preferably a Schottky rectifier. The input of the diode 500 is connected to the positive replacement terminal 413 via the line 416. The output of the diode 500 is connected to the portable device power line 408.

The detector 422 mainly includes a comparator 502, transistor 504, diode 510 and gate O 506. The comparator 502 has a reference voltage 508 (marked VREF) set to a threshold voltage of the replacement battery 102 and spliced with a positive terminal ( +) of that one. The positive replacement terminal 413 is spliced with a negative (-) terminal of the comparator 502 via the line 421. The output of the comparator 502 is spliced with a first input of the gate O 506. A gate of the transistor 504, which is preferably a n-channel MOSFET is spliced with the main positive terminal 405 via line 423. A socket of transistor 504 is spliced with the positive replacement terminal 413 and with a second input of gate O 506. The diode 510 is connected between the socket of the transistor 504 and the gate O 506. The second input of the gate O 506 is also connected to the junction 314. The output of the gate 506 is connected to the main battery switch 424 via the line 426 The main battery switch 424 includes transistor 512, which is preferably a MOSFET in channel widening mode p and diode 514. A gate of transistor 512 is spliced with the output of gate O 506 via line 426. A transistor socket 512 is spliced with main positive terminal 405 through line 427. A source of transistor 512 is spliced with portable device power line 408. Diode 514 is spliced between source and transistor 512 socket .

When the main and spare batteries 101,102 are mounted (and the external power 430 is not mounted), the diode 500 leans forward and splits the positive replacement terminal 413 with the portable device power line 408. If the level of Positive terminal voltage 413 is greater than or equal to reference voltage 508, comparator 502 emits a logic high signal. This causes gate O 506 to emit a logic high signal on line 426. This, in turn, causes transistor 512 to shut down, thereby preventing the main positive terminal 405 from feeding the portable device power line 408. diode 514 prevents the current from the portable device power line 408 from discharging again and charging the main battery 101. The higher voltage supplied in the portable device power line 408 by the external power 430 prevents the forward inclination of the diode 500 As said, for charging the main and spare batteries 101,102 the discharge and charge circuit 310 includes the memory switch 440; the load switch 442; the charge controller 470, the current controller 472 and the feedback switch 474 of the internal charger 444; and the thermal resistance switch 446. The memory and thermal resistance switches 440.446 are preferably dual channel multiplexers / demultiplexers powered by a power supply of 2.75 V. Each of the memory and thermal resistance switches 440.446 mainly includes first and second channel ports 522,524 spliced with lines 448,464 and lines 450,462, respectively; a communication port 526 spliced with the lines 454,466; and a selector port 528 spliced with lines 452.465. A low logic signal spliced with the selector port 528 from the controller 306 splices the first channel port 522 (connected to the main battery 101) with the communication port 526 and also with the controller 306. A high logic signal spliced with the port selector 528 from controller 306 splices second channel port 524 (connected with spare battery 102) to communication port 526 and also to controller 306.

The load switch 442 includes transistors 530,532,534,536. The transistors 530,532,534,536 are preferably MOSFETs in p-channel spreading mode. The gates of transistors 530,532 are connected to line 452. The gates of transistors 534,536 are connected to line 452 through an inverter gate 538. The sources of transistors 530,534 are spliced with line 460. The sources of the transistors 532,536 are spliced with the positive main and replacement terminals 405,413 via lines 456,458, respectively. The sockets of the transistors 530,532 are connected. The transistors 534,536 are connected. The diodes 540,542,544,546 are spliced with the transistors 530,532,534,536, respectively, from the socket to the source. A logic low signal on line 452 switches on transistors 534,536 so that the load current on line 460 can flow to main battery 101. A high logic signal on line 452 switches on transistors 530,532 so that current load on line 460 can circulate to spare battery 102. Diodes 540,542,544,546 prevent the charging current from flowing to the battery not selected for charging.

The charge controller 470, which preferably is an integrated circuit, consists mainly of a controlled current source 550, e.g. a pulse duration modulator (PWM), which generates an output current signal at a level determined by the charge controller 470. The current source 550 is powered by the splice 314 through the line 478 on a first port of input, configured by controller 306 via line 480 at a second input port, and set via line 481 at a third input port. The charge controller 470 splices a current signal generated by the current source 550, in response to the controller 306 and settings based on the feedback received through 481, with the current controller 472 through an output port 551 and a sensor port 552.

The current controller 472 mainly includes the transistor 553, the diode 554 and the diode 556. The transistor 553 is preferably a MOSFET in p-channel widening mode. A transistor gate 553 is spliced with the output port 551 of the charge controller 470. A source of the transistor 553 is spliced with the sensor port 552 of the charge controller 470 and the splice 314 (and the external power 430) through line 482. A socket of transistor 553 has an output to feedback switch 474 via line 484 and output to line 460 via diode 556. Transistor 552, which responds to the load signal received from the Exit 551 of charge controller 470, turn on and splice the current generated by external power 430 and current source 550 (the charge signal provided through sensor port 552 of charge controller 470) to line 460 through the diode 556. The diode 556 is preferably a Schottky rectifier. The diode 554 is spliced with the transistor 553 from the outlet to the source and prevents the charging current from flowing to the line 460 when the transistor 553 is turned off.

The feedback switch 474 mainly includes transistors 560,562. The transistors 560,562 are preferably bipolar joint transistors. The transistor 560 is an npn transistor. A base of transistor 560 is connected to current controller 472 via line 484. A collector of transistor 560 is spliced with the base of transistor 562. Transistor 560 is turned on in response to the charge current generated by the regulator. of current 472. Transistor 562 is a npn transistor. An emitter of transistor 562 is connected to line 460. A collector of transistor 562 is spliced to junction 314 via line 486. Transistor 562 splices the load voltage output emitted by current controller 472 to junction 314 when the transistor 560 is on. This allows the external power 430 to carry the charge voltage.

Fig.6 is an illustration in flowchart form of a method for discharging the main and spare batteries 101, 102 of Figs. 1-5. In the preferred embodiment, this method or process is implemented exclusively in the spare battery switch 420, the detector 422 and the main battery switch 424 of the discharge and charge circuit 310 of Figs. 4 and 5. It is recognized, without However, this method can also be implemented in a software program executed by microprocessor or controller.

The process starts in block 600. In decision block 602, it is determined whether external power 430 of Figs. 4 and 5 is mounted or not mounted on the portable device 100 of Figs. 1-3. If the external power 430 is mounted, the portable device 100 is fed through the external power supply 430 in the block 604 and the process returns to the decision block 602. If the external power supply 430 is not mounted, the process passes to the power supply block. Decision 606.

In the decision block 606, it is determined whether the replacement battery 102 is mounted or not, the process advances to the decision block 608. If the replacement battery 102 is mounted, it is determined whether the voltage of the replacement battery 102 it is greater or not -that -feed voltage 508 of Fig.5 in the decision block 610. If the voltage of the replacement battery 102 is greater, the portable device 100 is powered through the replacement battery 102 in block 612 and the process returns to decision field 602. If the voltage of spare battery 102 is not greater, the process proceeds to decision block 608.

In decision block 608, it is determined whether the main battery 101 of Figs. 1-5 is mounted or -no, -If the main battery 101 is mounted, the portable device 100 is powered through the main battery 101 in the block 614 and then the process returns to the decision block 602. If the main battery 101 is not mounted, the process is stopped in block 615 because there are no power supply sources mounted in portable device 100.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a main and replacement battery charging method 101,102 of Figs. 1-5. In the preferred embodiment, this method or process is implemented using a software program executed by controller 306 of Figs. 3-5. According to the program, the controller 306 operates the memory switch 440, the charge switch 442, the internal charger 444 and the thermal resistance switch 446 of the discharge and charge circuit 310 of FIGS. 4 and 5 to charge the batteries main and spare 101,102. It is recognized, however, that this method can be implemented using only discrete hardware components. Each state is represented by a block. The number in the upper left corner of each of the blocks indicates the number of batteries mounted in the portable device 100 of Figs. 1-3 during that state.

The block 700 indicates a state in which there are no batteries mounted. If the main battery 101 is mounted in the portable device 100 in the block 700, the process advances to the block 702. If the spare battery 102 is mounted in the block 700, the process advances to the block 704.

Block 702 indicates a state in which only main battery 101 is mounted and charged. If the main battery 101 is removed in block 702, the process advances to block 700. If spare battery 102 is mounted in block 702, the process advances to block 706. If main battery 101 is fully charged in block 702, the process advances to block 708.

The block 704 indicates a state in which only the spare battery 102 is mounted and charged. If spare battery 102 is removed in block 702, the process advances to block 700. If main battery 101 is mounted in block 704, the process advances to block 706. If the replacement battery is fully charged in block 704, the process returns to block 710.

The block 706 indicates a state in which the main and replacement batteries 101, 102 are mounted and the main battery 101 is under load. If the main battery 101 is removed in the block 706, the process advances to the block 704. If the spare battery 102 is removed in the block 706, the process advances to the block 702. If the battery 101 is fully charged in the block 706, the process advances to block 712.

Block 708 indicates a state in which only the main battery is mounted and in maintenance charge. If the main battery 101 is removed in the block 708, the process advances to the block 700. If the spare battery 102 is removed in the block 708, the process advances to block 712.

Block 710 indicates a state in which only battery 102 is mounted and in maintenance charging. If the replacement battery 102 is removed in block 710, the process advances to block 700. If main battery 101 is mounted in block 710, the process advances to block 714.

Block 714 indicates a state in which the main and replacement batteries 101,102 are mounted and the replacement battery 102 is charged. If the main battery 101 is removed in block 712, the process advances to block 704. If the spare battery 102 is removed in block 712, the process advances to block 708. If the spare battery 102 is fully charged in block 712, the process advances to block 716.

Block 714 indicates a state in which the main and replacement batteries 101,102 are mounted, the main battery 101 is charged and the replacement battery 102 is fully charged. If the main battery 101 is removed in block 714, the process advances to block 700. If spare battery 102 is removed in block 714, the process advances to block 702. If main battery 101 is fully charged in block 714, the process advances to block 716.

Block 716 indicates a state in which the main and replacement batteries 101,102 are assembled and in maintenance charge. If the main battery 101 is removed in the blake 716, the process advances to the block 710. If the spare battery 102 is removed in the block 716, the process advances to the block 708.

Fig.8 is a flowchart illustration of a method for validating the main and spare batteries 101, 102 of Figs. 1-5, when the portable device 100 is turned on, when a battery is inserted into the portable device. 100, when the portable device 100 is connected to the external power 430 or when the portable device 100 or a battery 101,102 is connected to the external charger device. In the preferred embodiment, the method or process is implemented in a software program executed by the microprocessor or controller.

Assuming that the power has not been connected by pressing the power key of the portable device 100 and placing it in the operating state, the process starts in block 800. Then in block 802, the main and spare batteries 101,102 are detected by interrogation to see if the respective thermal resistances 406,414 are present, reading the data of the EPROM memories 402, 410 and reading by means of analog-digital converters the voltage of each of the main and spare batteries 101,102. The thermal resistors 406, 444 can be interrogated one by one to determine if the respective main and spare batteries 101, 102 are present.

The data read from EPROM memories 402,410 includes a 64-bit register number and 1024 bits of data related to the type of battery and its operating and charging specifications. The 64-bit register number is laser-recorded in EPROM memories 402,410 and includes an eight-bit CRC, a twelve-bit mark code having a predetermined value, a thirty-six bit serial number code and a code of eight-bit type. The 1024 bits of data are divided into four pages of 256 bits each. Each page includes a sum of data verification, a battery identification code and is related to the discharge and charge parameters that belong to a particular type of battery, eg. nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), alkaline or lithium ion. The first page contains FDMA portable device data, the second page, data for TDMA portable devices, the third page, data for desktop chargers and the fourth page, data for a predetermined multi-character message. In the prsfpri da realization, the default message is: "COPR1 96MOTOROLA_E. P_CARGA_S0L0".

Then the process advances to block 804, where a check is made to see if the primary or replacement Joaoras 101,102 were detected or not. If not, arm NO is taken to block 806 where a check is made to see if external power 430 is detected. The external power 430 is detected by measuring this voltage is read by means of an analog-digital converter. If it is decided, the Jar is taken YES to block 840 to complete the process.

If the external power 430 is not detected in block 806, the arm NO is taken to block 830, where a visual and / or audible signal is provided to warn the user that an invalid battery has been detected. If the portable device 100 is turned on, the warning "BAD BADGE" is placed on the screen when the main battery 101 has not been detected and the warning "BAD REPLACEMENT" is placed on the screen when the spare battery has not been detected. The portable device 100 also provides an audible alarm by means of a tone. If there is a telephone call in progress, portable device 100 will terminate the call in an orderly manner by sending a call termination message to the cellular base station. If the portable device 100 is a desktop charger, the desktop charger flashes the red LED to provide a visual signal to detect an invalid battery. Then in block 836, portable device 100 will sound a bad battery signal tone for ten seconds. If the portable device is in the desktop charger, the desktop charger will flash the red LED for ten seconds. Then, in block 840, portable device 100 will be turned off if it was in the on or operating state. If the portable device is in the desktop charger, the desktop charger will interrupt the charging of the main and spare batteries 101,102.

Returning to block 804, if one of the main or spare batteries 101,102 was detected, the SI arm is taken to block 812 where the twelve bit type code is checked to see if it has a predetermined type code. If not, the NO arm is taken to block 830 to treat the battery with the wrong product type code as an invalid battery.

If the type code is verified as having the default type code in block 812, the SI arm is taken in block 814, where the mark code is verified to verify if it has a predetermined mark code. If not, will you? the arm NOT to block 830 to treat the battery with the wrong brand code as an invalid battery.

If the mark code is verified as having the predetermined mark code in block 814, the SI arm is taken to block 816, where the data on the fourth page is checked to verify that each character of the multi-character message has predetermined except for the characters of the year "1996". If not, arm NO is taken to block 830 to treat the battery with the wrong message as an invalid battery.

If the data on the fourth page is verified as having each character of the message of multiple predetermined characters in block 816, arm SI is taken to block 818, where a check is made to determine if all batteries have been verified. Otherwise, arm NO is taken to block 812 to repeat steps 812.814, and 816 for the other battery. If all batteries have been verified, the process advances to block 820, where the active state is continued, the operating state if the portable device is on, or the state of charge of the battery is continued by the charging circuit 310 or the desktop charger. Then, in block 822, freshly inserted batteries 101,102 are detected by interrogation to see if the respective load resistors 406,414 are present, the reading of data from the EPROM 402,410 memories and the reading by the analog-digital converters of the each of the main and replacement batteries 101,102. If only one battery 101, 102 was inserted, or one of the two batteries was removed, the portable device 100 can be inserted while the device is in the operating state. Then, in block 824, a check is made to determine if another battery was detected. If not, the NO arm is taken to return to block 820 to continue in the active state and monitor for another battery. If another battery 101,102 was detected in block 824, the process advances to block 812 to repeat the following verification steps.

In short, a portable device that has removable main and spare batteries and a charging and discharging circuit to discharge and charge batteries checks the brand and type of each battery before using or recharging them. By checking the brand and type of main and replacement batteries before using and recharging them, you can ensure that the portable device operates reliably and safely with high quality batteries.

Claims (10)

1. A battery for feeding a portable device in an operating state, characterized by: a number of cells spliced together to produce a predetermined output voltage; a memory device for storing data including at least one registration number, an identification code indicating the type of battery and a message of multiple predetermined characters, the registration number includes at least one predetermined brand code, a code of serial number and a code of predetermined type; and at least one collective data connection spliced with the memory device to give access to the data stored therein.

2. A battery according to claim 1 also characterized by a thermal resistance device thermally spliced with at least one of the number of cells.

3. A battery according to claim 1 characterized in that the memory device includes a section where the number of jagislro has been recorded in laser.

6. A method for identifying a type and brand of a battery spliced with a portable device in an operating state, the battery includes a memory that stores data including at least one brand code, one type code and one multi-character message, the method characterized by the following steps: (a) detecting a battery having a memory that stores data including at least one brand code, one type code and one multi-character message; (b) read the brand code, type code and multi-character message of the battery memory that is detected; (c) determining whether the trademark code, the type code code and the read multiple character message substantially combine with a trademark code, a type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicate when a combination is detected; (d) Moving on to power the portable device from the battery when a combination is detected; and (e) stop feeding the portable device when no combination is detected.

5. A discharge method according to claim 4, characterized in that the battery includes a thermal resistance device, and that the step - (- a) includes - the step of detecting the thermal resistance device in order to determine when - it is detected - a -battery, and -the -passage -of turning off the portable device when a thermal resistance device is not detected.

6. A download method according to claim 4 characterized in that the multi-character message includes a year of multiple characters and an alphanumeric number of characters and because the -pass (c) also includes the step of comparing each character except for the year of multiple characters -of -menag-e -of-multiple characters with each corresponding character of the message of multiple predetermined characters.

7. A method for identifying a type and brand of a battery spliced with and charged by a portable device spliced with an external power, the battery includes a memory that stores data including at least a brand code, a type code and a message of multiple characters, the method characterized by the following steps: (a) detecting a battery having a memory that stores data including at least one brand code, one type code and one multi-character message; (b) read the brand code, type code and multi-character message of the battery memory that is detected; (c) determining whether the trademark code, the type code code and the read multiple character message substantially combine with a trademark code, a type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicate when a combination is detected; (d) move to charge the battery when a combination is detected; and (e) terminate the battery charge when no combination is detected.

8. A discharge method according to claim 7, characterized in that the battery includes a thermal resistance device and that step (a) also includes the step of detecting the thermal resistance device in order to determine when a battery and the passage is detected. to terminate the battery charge when a thermal resistance device is not detected.

9. A download method according to claim 7 characterized in that the multi-character message includes a year of multiple characters and a number of alphanumeric characters and because step (c) also includes the step of comparing each character except the year of multiple characters with the message of multiple characters with each corresponding character of the message of multiple predetermined characters.

10. A portable device characterized by: a battery that produces an output voltage to power the portable apparatus in an operating state, the battery includes a number of cells spliced together to produce the output voltage and because it also includes a device memory for storing data that includes at least one brand code, one type code and one multi-character message; at least one collective data connection spliced with the battery memory device to give access to the data stored therein; and a controller spliced with the output voltage and spliced with the collective data connection to detect the battery, read the brand code, the type code and the multi-character message from the battery memory device that is detected, which determines whether the brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially combines with a brand code, type code and message of multiple predetermined characters, respectively, and indicates when a combination is detected, goes on to power the portable device from the battery when a combination is detected; and stops feeding the portable device when no combination is detected.