Process for auto-testing a fully discharged battery, such as double-layer capacitor battery, and circuit for doing the same

A method of auto-testing a fully discharged battery of an electronic appliance that includes a battery charger, comprising:

• performing an initialization phase;
• charging the battery with a predetermined constant current during a predefined period having a duration that allows stabilization of the current;
• detecting a voltage of the battery after the predefined period, while the battery is still being charged;
• determining whether the detected voltage is within a predetermined voltage range;
• and
• reporting a battery failure responsive to the detected voltage being outside the predetermined voltage range.

A circuit for auto-testing a fully discharged battery of an electronic appliance that includes a battery charger, the circuit being configured to:

• perform an initialization phase;
• charge the battery with a predetermined constant current during a predefined period having a duration that allows stabilization of the current;
• detect a voltage of the battery after the predefined period, while the battery is still being charged;
• determine whether the detected voltage is within a predetermined voltage range;
• and
• report a battery failure responsive to the detected voltage being outside the predetermined voltage range.