Systems and methods for an open wire scan

An open connection detection circuit for detecting an open connection on at least one of a plurality of inputs from a multi-cell battery pack, the open connection detection circuit comprising:

• at least one current source connected between one of the plurality of inputs and a reference voltage, wherein the plurality of inputs are configured to couple to the multi-cell battery pack;
• at least one device for turning on and off the at least one current source;
• at least one comparing device for comparing voltages at adjacent inputs of the plurality of inputs and generating a control signal responsive thereto;
• at least one amplifier for amplifying voltages at adjacent inputs of the plurality of inputs and generating a voltage responsive thereto;
• an analog to digital converter for measuring voltages produced by the at least one amplifier, wherein the analog to digital converter measures the voltages produced by the at least one amplifier at the beginning and end of a time period;
• a control logic circuit for generating a fault detection indication responsive to the voltages indicating an open connection on at least one of the plurality of inputs based on the measured voltages by the analog to digital converter;
• and
• a second control logic circuit coupled to the at least one comparing device, the second control logic circuit generating a fault detection indication responsive to the control signal indicating an open connection on at least one of the plurality of inputs.

A system comprising:

• a multi-cell battery pack having a plurality of inputs;
• and
• a circuit device comprising:
• at least one current source connected between one of the plurality of inputs and a reference voltage, wherein the plurality of inputs are configured to couple to the multi-cell battery pack;
• at least one device for turning on and off the at least one current source;
• and
• an open circuit detector comprising:
• at least one amplifier for amplifying voltages at adjacent inputs of the plurality of inputs and generating a voltage responsive thereto;
• an analog to digital converter for measuring voltages produced by the at least one amplifier, wherein the analog to digital converter measures the voltages produced by the at least one amplifier at the beginning and end of a time period;
• and
• a control logic circuit for generating a fault detection indication responsive to the voltages indicating an open connection on at least one of the plurality of inputs based on the measured voltages by the analog to digital converter.