DC-DC Conversion for Multi-Cell Batteries
AssigneeDialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited
InventorHolger Petersen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A power supply has a multi-level DC-DC converter and a battery pack with two or more cells provided in series. The switching DC-DC converter provides a regulated voltage at an output. The converter has an energy storage element. The switching regulator is designed to selectively operate in two or more different modes. It switches between a first mode where one cell is connected (between battery and inductor of the converter), and the converter functions like a single cell buck converter and a second mode where two cells are connected in series and the converter functions like a two series cell buck converter. In general, any number of cells and modes can be provided, with successive cells being connected in series in each mode.
Claims19
A power supply comprising:
- a battery comprising a plurality of cells coupled in series;
- and
- a switching DC-DC converter for providing a regulated voltage at an output and comprising an energy storage element;
- said switching DC-DC converter being arranged to selectively operate in two or more different modes, wherein for each mode the energy storage element is coupled between a different number of cells and the output;
- and wherein:
- said power supply is arranged to switch from a first mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a first number of cells and the output and a second mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a second number of cells and the output, said second number of cells being less than said first number of cells, when an input battery voltage provided by the coupled cell or cells reaches or rises above a predetermined threshold value.
A switching DC-DC converter for providing a regulated voltage at an output, comprising an energy storage element and a plurality of selectable inputs;
- and being arranged to selectively operate in two or more different modes, wherein for each mode the energy storage element is coupled between a different input and the output;
- and wherein:
- said switching DC-DC converter is arranged to switch from a first mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a first number of cells and the output and a second mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a second number of cells and the output, said second number of cells being less than said first number of cells, when an input battery voltage provided by the coupled cell or cells reaches or rises above a predetermined threshold value.
A battery comprising a plurality of cells coupled in series and wherein one or more intermediate terminals are provided between cells for the connection of a DC-DC converter input;
- and wherein:
- a DC-DC converter for providing said DC-DC converter input comprises:
- an energy storage element and a plurality of selectable inputs;
- and being arranged to selectively operate in two or more different modes, wherein for each mode the energy storage element is coupled between a different input and the output;
- and wherein:
- said DC-DC converter is arranged to switch from a first mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a first number of cells and the output and a second mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a second number of cells and the output, said second number of cells being less than said first number of cells, when an input battery voltage provided by the coupled cell or cells reaches or rises above a predetermined threshold value.
A method of supplying power comprising the steps of:
- providing a power supply with a battery comprising a plurality of cells coupled in series;
- and
- providing a switching DC-DC converter for providing a regulated voltage at an output and comprising an energy storage element;
- said switching DC-DC converter being arranged to selectively operate in two or more different modes, wherein for each mode the energy storage element is coupled between a different number of cells and the output;
- and wherein:
- said power supply is arranged to switch from a first mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a first number of cells and the output and a second mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a second number of cells and the output, said second number of cells being less than said first number of cells, when an input battery voltage provided by the coupled cell or cells reaches or rises above a predetermined threshold value.
A method of using a switching DC-DC converter to provide a regulated voltage at an output, comprising the steps of:
- providing an energy storage element and a plurality of selectable inputs;
- and arranging said selectable inputs to selectively operate in two or more different modes, wherein for each mode the energy storage element is coupled between a different input and the output;
- and wherein:
- said power supply is arranged to switch from a first mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a first number of cells and the output and a second mode wherein the energy storage element is coupled between a second number of cells and the output, said second number of cells being less than said first number of cells, when an input battery voltage provided by the coupled cell or cells reaches or rises above a predetermined threshold value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.