Connection multiple batteries to battery powered devices

A battery sequencer for connection between multiple smart batteries and a battery powered portable computer which has a socket for connection to a single smart battery, comprising

• a housing having a surface profile compatible with a surface profile of said portable computer,
• at least first and second battery sockets in said housing for connection to said multiple smart batteries, said battery sockets including connections for carrying electrical power and at least one additional signal connection used for communication between a smart battery and said portable computer to enable said portable computer to regulate charging and discharging of said smart battery,
• a plug for connection to said socket of said portable computer, said plug including connections for carrying electrical power and at least one additional signal connection for communication between said portable computer and a battery to enable said portable computer to regulate charging and discharging of said battery,
• a controllable switch circuit coupled between said battery sockets and said plug, said switch circuit being enabled in response to a first control signal to provide an electrical connection between respective power and signal connections of said plug and respective power and signal connections of said first battery socket, and enabled in response to a second control signal to provide an electrical connection between respective power and signal connections of said plug and respective power and signal connections of said second battery socket,
• a power flow sensor sensing power flow between said plug and one of said battery sockets, determining when said power flow decreases below a threshold, and generating a low power signal,
• a selector circuit producing said control signals, said selector circuit responding to said low power signal while producing said first control signal, by terminating said first control signal and initiating said second control signal, to thereby connect said second battery socket to said plug when low power flow is detected between said plug and said first battery socket.

A method of sequentially connecting multiple smart batteries to a battery powered portable computer which has a socket for connection to a single smart battery, comprising

• connecting said smart batteries to multiple battery sockets, said sockets including connections for carrying electrical power and at least one additional signal connection used for communication between a smart battery and said portable computer to enable said portable computer to regulate charging and discharging of said smart battery,
• connecting a plug to said socket of said portable computer, said plug including connections for carrying electrical power and at least one additional signal connection for communication between said portable computer and a battery to enable said portable computer to regulate charging and discharging of said battery,
• coupling a first battery socket to said plug, to provide an electrical connection between respective power and signal connections of said plug and respective power and signal connections of said first battery socket,
• sensing power flow between said plug and said first battery socket via said power connections of said plug and first battery socket, and
• when said power flow decreases below a threshold, uncoupling said first battery socket from said plug and coupling a second battery socket to said plug to provide an electrical connection between respective power and signal connections of said plug and respective power and signal connections of said second battery socket.