Power path management circuit and method
OwnerPo-Han Chiuinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Power path management method and circuit are provided. The supply current drained from a power supply is detected and controlled not to exceed a supply current limit . The charge current charging a battery is detected and controlled not to exceed a charge current limit . When the supply current is found to exceed the supply current limit, the charge current limit is decreased.
Claims14
A power path management circuit, for managing a power supply to supply power to a system and to charge a battery, the power path management circuit comprising:
- a first managing module, coupled to the power supply, for controlling a supply current drained from the power supply, the first managing module comprising a first current limiting control feedback circuit for detecting the supply current and controlling the supply current not to exceed a supply current limit;
- a second managing module, coupled to the battery, for controlling a charge current charging the battery, the second managing module comprising a second current limiting control feedback circuit for controlling the charge current approximately not to exceed a charge current limit;
- and
- a modifier, coupled to the first current limiting control feedback circuit, for adjusting the charge current limit according to the supply current.
The power path management circuit of claim. 8, wherein the second constant voltage controlled feedback circuit comprises another transconductor, for comparing the voltage of the charge end with the battery voltage limit, controlling the second power switch, and adjusting the voltage of the charge end not to exceed the battery voltage limit, and the second current limiting control feedback circuit takes precedence in controlling the second power switch over the second constant voltage control feedback circuit.
A power path management method, for managing a power supply supplying power to a system and charging a battery, the method comprising:
- detecting a supply current drained from the power supply;
- controlling the supply current to not exceed a supply current limit;
- detecting a charge current charging the battery;
- controlling the supply current not to exceed a charge current limit;
- and
- when the supply current approximately exceeds the supply current limit, decreasing the charge current limit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.