Smart battery, secondary smart battery connection apparatus of portable computer system, AC adapter implementing same, and connection method thereof

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery connection apparatus of a portable computer system, and in particular to a secondary smart battery connection apparatus of a portable computer and a connection method thereof which are capable of connecting a secondary smart battery to a primary smart battery without using any additional equipment or changing the structure of a portable computer system.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] As used herein, the terms “primary” and “primary smart battery” and “secondary” and “secondary smart battery” refer to batteries intended for use with portable battery-powered devices such as portable computer systems, often called “notebook” computers, which conform with the industry specifications for so-called “smart batteries”, as specified in the following specifications, which are incorporated herein by reference made thereto:

[0006] “Smart Battery System (SBS), Specifications”, collectively comprised of:

[0007] “Smart Battery Data Specifications”, Revision 1.1. SBS-Implementers Forum, December 1998;

[0008] “Smart Battery Charger Specification”, Revision 1.1, SBS-Implementers Forum December 1998;

[0009] “Smart Battery System Manager Specification”, Revision 1.1, SBS-Implementers Forum, December 1998;

[0010] “System Management Bus Specification”, Revision 1.0, SBS-Implementers Forum, December 1998; and

[0011] “System Management Bus BIOS Interface Specification”, Revision 1.0, Feb. 15, 1995.

[0012] The above-listed specifications are available on the Internet via http://www.sbs-forum.org/specs/index.html and http://www.smbus.org/specs/.

[0013] Basically, the primary/secondary designation refers to smart batteries which contain internal discharge control mechanisms (e.g. blocking diodes and/or FET switches) to allow multiple batteries to be connected in parallel, and which of the batteries in a multiple battery is acting as a primary or secondary battery. This is not to be confused with the use of “primary” and “secondary” in reference to non-rechargeable and rechargeable type batteries, respectively, in that the smart batteries described herein are rechargeable type batteries.

[0014] In general, in supplying power to a portable computer system, a portable computer system is supplied with DC power by an AC adapter receiving AC power from an external power source, or is supplied power from a main primary smart battery without having any power supplied externally or is supplied power from the main primary smart battery and a secondary smart battery in case of continuous use for a long time.

[0015] In addition, in a signal control unit for supplying power to the portable computer system, a battery control microcomputer reads state information of a primary smart battery according to its discharge state and notifies it to a user through a System Management BUS (SM BUS) (i.e., the SM BUS is capable of transmitting optimum data by being constructed with a clock (SCL) and date (SDA), the user judges whether it is necessary to exchange the primary smart battery for a secondary smart battery and continues the operation of the system in accordance with the state information of the primary smart battery of the system. Accordingly, the user is less sensitive to a necessity of an adapter using AC power in use of the portable computer system at away from a source of AC power.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates changing a smart battery by a so-called “hot plugging” or “hot swapping” method in accordance with the prior art. As depicted in FIG. 1, a system can be operated by removing a presently installed storage module (i.e., a detachable floppy disc drive or a CD-ROM drive, etc.) from a portable computer system and inserting a secondary smart battery into the system by the conventional hot plugging method.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method for using a secondary smart battery in the conventional portable computer system. As depicted in FIG. 2, in a portable computer system being supplied power from a primary or a secondary smart battery, the portable computer system includes a smart battery selecting unit 5 selecting a primary smart battery 3 or a secondary smart battery 4 in the system, a system power supplying unit 1 being supplied power from the primary smart battery 3 selected by the smart battery selecting unit 5 and outputting power for operating the system, a System Management BUS (SM BUS) host 2 checking an operation state or operation information of the smart batteries 3, 4 through the SM BUS and requesting a charging of the smart batteries 3, 4, an AC/DC adapter 6 being supplied AC power from a power source and outputting DC power to the system, and a charger unit 7 being supplied DC power from the AC/DC adapter 6 and supplying charging power to the secondary smart battery.

[0018] The operation for supplying power to the conventional portable computer system will now be described.

[0019] First, when the portable computer system is being powered by the primary smart battery 3, in order to use the secondary smart battery 4 in the portable computer system, the secondary smart battery 4 is inserted into the portable computer system after removing a storage module (not shown) from the portable computer or a secondary bay module (not shown) is installed in the portable computer system and the secondary smart battery 4 is connected to the secondary bay module 4.

[0020] After that, when a remaining capacity of the primary smart battery 3 installed in the portable computer system reaches the limit and a rated voltage is not outputted from it, the smart battery selecting unit 5 switches a power source connection from the primary smart battery 3 used as a power supplier in the portable computer system to the secondary smart battery 4 in order for the secondary smart battery 4 to supply power to the portable computer system.

[0021] Herein, when the user wants to charge the primary smart battery 3 while the portable computer system is being powered by the secondary smart battery 4 in accordance with the switching operation of the smart battery selecting unit 5, the charger unit 7 of the portable computer system is supplied DC power from the AC/DC adapter 6 and charges the primary smart battery 3. Similarly, when the portable computer system is being by the primary smart battery 3, the charger unit 7 of the portable computer system charges the secondary smart battery 4 after a battery selection operation of the smart battery selecting unit 5.

[0022] However, in the secondary battery connection apparatus of the portable computer system in accordance with the prior art, when the user directly changes a battery, a powering-off and re-booting of the portable computer system has to be performed after ending a present system operation, when a secondary smart battery is to be used by the hot plugging method in operation of the system, and a storage module has to be removed in order to insert the secondary smart battery. Accordingly, if the user wishes to continue using the storage module, there is a limitation in use. And, when the secondary smart battery is connected to the portable computer system through a docking station (i.e., an apparatus for indirectly combining the storage module with the portable computer system when the storage module can not be directly combined with the portable computer system due to a thin thickness of the portable computer system) or a port replicator, the user has to additionally buy a second bay module such as the docking station or the port replicator and carry it always in use of the portable computer system.

[0023] It is an object of the present invention to provide a secondary battery connection apparatus for a portable computer system and a connection method thereof which are capable of not requiring a change in functions of a presently operating portable computer system when installing a secondary smart battery and not causing any inconveniences to users such as requiring a storage module change, by directly connecting a secondary smart battery to a primary smart battery.

[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide a secondary battery connection apparatus for a portable computer system and a connection method thereof which are capable of not requiring a change in functions of a presently operating portable computer system and facilitating using the portable computer system without requiring buying and carrying additional optional equipment such as a docking station or a port replicator, etc., by directly combining a secondary smart battery with an exterior connector of a primary smart battery.

[0025] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for supplying power inside a system by providing a smart battery inside an AC/DC adapter.

[0026] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is provided a secondary battery connection apparatus of a portable computer system including a primary smart battery and a secondary smart battery separately having a first connector and a second connector installed at its exterior for connecting the secondary smart battery to the primary smart battery, a smart battery selecting unit selecting the primary smart battery or the secondary smart battery and controlling the selected battery so as to supply power to a portable computer system, a system power supplying unit being supplied the power selected by the smart battery selecting unit and supplying power appropriate for operating the system, a System Management BUS (SM BUS) host checking operation states or operation information of both smart batteries and requesting a charge of each smart battery, an AC/DC adapter being supplied AC power from a power source and outputting DC power, and a charging unit being supplied the DC power from the AC/DC adapter and supplying power to the primary smart battery or the secondary smart battery.

[0027] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is provided a second battery connection method of a portable computer system including connecting a primary smart battery to a secondary smart battery with a connector, checking whether there is the secondary smart battery according to a discharge state of the primary smart battery, selecting the primary or secondary smart battery connected with the connector and supplying power of the selected smart battery to each device of a system, checking an operation state or operation information of the smart batteries through a System Management BUS (SM BUS), requesting charge of the smart batteries by sensing an AC/DC adapter, and communicating periodically with the primary or secondary smart battery through the SM BUS by being supplied power from the AD/DC adapter and supplying power to the primary or secondary smart battery by corresponding to the information provided from them.

[0028] In order to achieve above-mentioned objects, in an AC/DC adapter including a rechargable smart battery, an AC/DC adapter in accordance with the present invention includes a smart battery supplying power to a portable computer system or supplying power to an inward battery of the portable computer system in order to charge it, an AC/DC converter being inputted AC power from a power source and outputting DC power appropriate for operating the portable computer system, and a charging circuit unit being inputted the DC power from the AC/DC converter and supplying power to the smart battery.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view which illustrates the changing of a battery in a portable computer system by a hot-plugging method in accordance with the prior art;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a method of using a secondary smart battery in a portable computer system in accordance with the prior art;

[0031] FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating a primary smart battery and a secondary smart battery for a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating first and second connectors of a primary and secondary smart battery in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a secondary smart battery connection apparatus of a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a secondary smart battery connection apparatus of a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a secondary smart battery connection method of a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a secondary smart battery connection apparatus of a portable computer system without using a smart battery selecting unit in combination of a secondary smart battery with a primary smart battery in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating an AC/DC adapter including an internal smart battery;

[0038] FIG. 8B is a schematic block diagram illustrating an AC/DC adapter including a rechargable internal smart battery in accordance with the present invention; and

[0039] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the connection scheme of an AC/DC adapter to computer system in case of being supplied with power from an external smart power source in accordance with the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating a primary smart battery and a secondary smart battery in accordance with the present invention for use with, for example, a portable computer system. The primary smart battery pack and the second smart battery pack each respectively includes one or more battery cells, a ROM(Read Only Memory) storing data relevant to the battery and the implementing of the relevant system management, a gauging IC, a peripheral circuit, and first connectors C, (C′) and second connectors D, (D′) installed at its exterior in order to permit connecting the secondary smart battery with the primary smart battery. Herein, as depicted in FIG. 3B, the first connectors C, (C′) and the second connectors D, (D′) are constructed with a plurality of pins for inputting/outputting a battery power signal V_bat, a battery connecting detecting signal V_dot, a control signal and a SM BUS connection, respectively.

[0041] In more detail, the battery power signal V_batis a battery voltage path for charging and discharging, the battery connection detecting signal V_detis for detecting the connection of a battery when the battery is connected to the portable system. In addition, the SM BUS (System Management BUS) is a protocol composed of data and clock signals and follows the SM BUS specification. Accordingly, when a battery is inserted into the portable computer system, a smart battery selecting unit or a battery control microcomputer can detect whether the battery is inserted by means of the battery connection detecting signal V_det. Particularly, by the plurality of pins, the portable computer system can detect whether the secondary smart battery is inserted by connecting the battery connection detecting signal V_detfrom connector C′ of the second smart battery pack to a control signal of the connector D of the primary smart battery pack.

[0042] Accordingly, when the gauging IC measuring factors such as a temperature of the battery cells, etc. monitors and stores various information (the temperature of the battery cells, the charge capacity, the remaining capacity of the battery, etc.) in its register space, the SM BUS (System Management BUS) host selects and reads the battery information of each battery by transmitting a command.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a secondary battery connection apparatus of a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 4, a secondary battery connection apparatus of a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention includes a primary smart battery 30 and a secondary smart battery 40 each respectively having a first connector and a second connector provided at its exterior for connecting the secondary smart battery 40 to the primary smart battery 30, a smart battery selecting unit 50 selecting the primary smart battery 30 or the secondary smart battery 40 and controlling the selected battery so as to supply power to a portable computer system, a system power supply unit 10 being supplied with power from the primary smart battery 30 or secondary smart battery 40 selected by the smart battery selecting unit 50 and supplying power appropriate for operating the system, a SM BUS host 20 checking operation states or operation information of both smart batteries 30, 40 and state of each smart battery, an AC/DC adapter 60 being supplied with AC power from an external AC power source and outputting DC power, and a charging unit 70 being supplied with DC power from the AC/DC adapter 60 and supplying charging power to the primary smart battery 30 or the secondary smart battery 40.

[0044] The operation of the secondary battery connection apparatus of the portable computer system in accordance with the present invention will now be described.

[0045] First, in order to extend a use time of the portable computer system, the first connector C′ of the secondary smart battery 40 is connected to the second connector D provided at the exterior of the primary smart battery 30. When the smart battery selecting unit 50 detects the secondary smart battery 40 by receiving the battery connection detecting signal V_detfrom the secondary smart battery 40 through a control signal path(A) of the primary smart battery 30, the smart battery selecting unit 50 performs a communication through the SM BUS and controls the system so as to supply power to the system power supply unit 10. Herein, the smart battery selecting unit 50 can control the output of each battery voltage by transmitting a command through a communication with the primary and secondary smart batteries 30, 40. In addition, by embodying a switching unit (not shown) inside the portable computer system, by connecting the switching unit to each battery voltage V_BATpin of the primary and the secondary smart batteries 30, 40, an output voltage of the primary and the secondary batteries 30, 40 can be selected by a battery voltage selection control signal outputted from the smart battery selecting unit 50 of the portable computer system.

[0046] When the smart battery selecting unit 50 detects the battery connection detecting signal V_detfrom the secondary smart battery 40, the smart battery selecting unit 50 transmits a battery output stop command to the internal circuit of the primary smart battery 30 and draws power from the secondary smart battery 40 to the system power supply unit 10. Herein, when the AC/DC adapter 60 is inserted, the SM BUS host 20 checks the operation state or operation information of the primary and secondary smart batteries 30, 40 through the SM BUS and requests the charge status of the primary and secondary smart batteries 30, 40.

[0047] In more detail, when the AC/DC adapter is inserted, the SM BUS host 20 outputs a power selection control signal to the system power supply unit 10 whereby the system power supply unit 10 supplies the DC output of the AC/DC adapter 60 to each device of the system, so that the DC output of the AC/DC adapter is supplied to the charging unit 70, and the primary and secondary smart batteries are charged respectively by the charge voltage V_bat.

[0048] Notably, in the prior art, the primary smart battery 30 and the secondary smart battery 40 are installed in the system in a parallel structure. That is, each connected to a separate power or multi-bay connector of the portable computer system. However, in the secondary battery connection apparatus of the portable computer system in accordance with the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 5, the secondary smart battery 40 is serially, that is, daisy-chain or piggy-back, connected to the primary smart battery 30, and the connection of multiple batteries to a single power bay or multi-bay connector of the portable computer system is possible by connecting the additional battery or batteries to the second connector at the exterior of the primary or the secondary smart batteries 30, 40. In addition, the internal circuits (SM BUS, V_det, etc.) of the primary smart battery 30 and the second smart battery 40 when so connected are coupled to each other, and a cover may be installed at the exterior of the smart battery in order to protect the connector pins. And, a battery separation lever (not shown) or similar mechanism may be additionally installed at the exterior of the battery in order to separate the battery easily with one hand. Accordingly, because the secondary smart battery 40 can be combined with the outward connector of the primary smart battery 30 even in a system operation state or a system standby mode of the portable computer system, the secondary battery connection apparatus for a portable computer system according to the present invention does not affect functions of a presently operating portable computer system and eliminates inconveniences due to a storage module change, the use of docking station or the use of port replicator, etc.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a secondary battery connection method for a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 6, when power of a portable computer system is ON and the portable computer system is operating, the secondary battery connection method for a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention includes a step of connecting the secondary smart battery 40 to the primary smart battery 30 using the connector as shown at ST10, a step of selecting the primary smart battery 30 or the secondary smart battery 40 connected with the connector in the smart battery selecting unit 50 and supplying power, as shown at ST20, a step of checking an operation state or operation information of the smart battery through the SM BUS, as shown at ST30, a step requesting a charge status of each smart battery when the AC/DC converter 60 is inserted, as shown at ST40, communicating periodically with the primary smart battery 30 or the secondary smart battery 40 through the SM BUS and a step of supplying a charging voltage to the primary smart battery 30 or the secondary smart battery 40 corresponding to the information provided from respective the smart battery, as shown at ST50.

[0050] In the meantime, instead of using the battery selecting unit 50 to implement the battery selection, a microcomputer can be used for battery control in the portable computer system.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a secondary battery connection apparatus for a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention which does not employ the smart battery selecting unit 50 in implementing the combination of the secondary smart battery 40 with the primary smart battery 30. As depicted in FIG. 7, the secondary battery connection apparatus for a portable computer system in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, instead of using the smart battery selecting unit 50 includes, a battery control microcomputer 90 (e.g. an embedded controller serving as the SM BUS host) communicating with the primary and the secondary smart batteries 30, 40 having connectors at their exteriors through the SM BUS, and transmits commands thereto for determining the charge state of each battery. A battery cell charge switching unit 80 is installed inside each of the primary and secondary smart batteries 30, 40 and determines charge state of each battery through SM BUS communication with the battery control microcomputer 90, a system power supply unit 10 supplying power V_batappropriate for operating the system and receiving power from the primary and the secondary smart batteries 30, 40, an AC/DC adapter 60 being supplied AC power from an external AC power source and outputting DC power, and a charging unit 70 being supplied DC power from the AC/DC adapter 60 and supplying a charge voltage to the batteries.

[0052] The operation of the above-described embodiment of a secondary battery connection apparatus for a portable computer will now be described.

[0053] First, in order to extend the use time of the portable computer system, the first connector C′ of secondary smart 40 is connected to the second connector D installed at the exterior of the primary smart battery 30 inserted in the portable computer. When the battery control microcomputer 90 detects the secondary smart battery by receiving a contact detecting signal V_detfrom the secondary smart battery 40 through a control signal path B of the primary smart battery 30, it performs communication with the secondary smart battery 40 through the SM BUS and controls the secondary smart battery 40 so as to supply power to the system power supply unit 10. Herein, the battery control microcomputer 90 controls an output of each battery's voltage by transmitting a command through communication with the primary and the secondary smart batteries 30, 40. In addition, by embodying a switching unit (not shown) inside the portable computer system, and by selectively connecting the battery voltage V_BATconnector pins of the primary and the secondary smart batteries 30, 40 to the system power supply unit 10 by operation of the switching unit, an output voltage of the primary and second smart batteries 30, 40 can be selected in accordance with a battery voltage selection control signal outputted from the battery control microcomputer 90 in the portable computer system.

[0054] When the battery control microcomputer 90 detects the battery connection detecting signal V_detof the secondary smart battery 40, it transmits a battery output stop command to the internal circuit of the primary smart battery 30 via the SM BUS and controls the switching unit to supply power from the secondary smart battery 40 to the system power supply unit 10.

[0055] When the AC/DC adapter 60 is inserted, the battery control microcomputer 90 checks an operation state or operation information of the primary and secondary smart batteries 30, 40 through the SM BUS and whether a charging of the primary and secondary smart batteries 30, 40 is required.

[0056] And, when the AC/DC adapter 60 is inserted, the AC/DC adapter power is supplied to the system power supply unit 10 in accordance with a control signal from the battery control microcomputer 90 so as to supply power to each device of the system, whereby the DC output of the AC/DC adapter 60 is supplied to the charger unit 70, and accordingly charging of the primary and secondary smart batteries 30, 40 is performed by the charge voltage V_batsupplied from the charger unit 70.

[0057] In more detail, when the AC/DC adapter 60 is inserted, the battery control microcomputer 90 transmits a primary smart battery charge command to a battery controller (not shown) through the SM BUS, whereby the battery controller related to a charge circuit inside the battery charges the primary smart battery 30 by controlling the battery cell charge switching unit 80 inside the primary smart battery 30, but on the contrary, when a secondary smart battery charge stop command is transmitted, the secondary smart battery 40 stops the charging by controlling the battery cell charge switching unit 80 inside the secondary smart battery for a “quick” charging, differently from the above-mentioned method, only the secondary smart battery can be charged.

[0058] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 8A, a smart battery 140 can be installed inside an AC/DC adapter 110. FIG. 8B is a schematic block diagram illustrating the AC/DC adapter 110 installed inside of which is a rechargeable smart battery 140 in accordance with the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 8B, the AC/DC adapter 110 includes the smart battery 140 for supplying power to the portable computer system or supplying power to the internal battery of the portable computer system in order to charge it, an AC/DC converter 120 being supplied AC power from an external AC power source and outputting DC power appropriate for operating the portable computer system, and a charging circuit unit 130 being supplied DC power from the AC/DC converter and supplying it to the smart battery 140.

[0059] The operation of the AC/DC adapter 110 in accordance with the present invention will now be described.

[0060] First, the smart battery 140 inside the AC/DC adapter 110 is charged in advance by charger unit 130 with DC power converted by the AC/DC converter 120 from AC power supplied from an external AC power source. After that, when power of a basic (i.e., internal) battery of the portable computer system is less than a rated voltage, the portable computer user supplies power to the portable computer system by connecting the AC/DC adapter 110 including the smart battery 140 to the portable computer system and at the same time charges the battery inside the portable computer system.

[0061] In more detail, when the AC power is supplied to AC/DC adapter 110 connected to the portable computer system and the power capacity of the smart battery inside the portable computer system is less than a rated voltage, the portable computer user uses the AC/DC adapter 110 as a power source of the portable computer system and charges the smart battery inside the portable computer system.

[0062] In addition, when the AC/DC adapter 110 is not connected to an external AC power source, so that DC power from the AC/DC converter 120 is not supplied to the portable computer system and power output of the smart battery inside the portable computer system is less than the rated voltage, the user connects an output terminal of the AC/DC adapter 110 to the portable computer system, whereby the smart battery 140 inside the AC/DC adapter 110 is detected by the portable computer system, and thus supplies power from the smart battery 140 inside the AC/DC adapter 110 to the system power supply unit, whereby the portable computer system may continue to be operated.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the connection scheme of an AC/DC adapter to a portable computer system in accordance with the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 9, when the AC/DC adapter 110 is connected to the portable computer system and the plug of the AC/DC adapter 110 is connected to an external AC power source, an adapter detecting unit 150 contained within the portable computer system and to which a DC power output of the AC/DC adapter 110 is connected outputs a high detection signal to the battery control microcomputer 90 when power is supplied from the AC/DC adapter 110 to the portable computer system or a low detection signal when power is not supplied from the AC/DC adapter 110 to the portable computer system. And, the battery control microcomputer 90 receiving the high detection signal or the low detection signal routes DC power from the AC/DC adapter 101 to flow (in case of the high signal) to the system or routes power from the smart battery inside the AC/DC adapter 110 to flow (in case of the low signal) to the portable computer system. Accordingly, when power is supplied from the external AC power source to the AC/DC adapter 110, the battery control microcomputer 90 routes power from the AC/DC adapter 110 and uses the DC output power supplied from the AC/DC adapter 110, but when the plug of the AC/DC adapter 110 is disconnected from the external AC power source, the battery control microcomputer 90 performs communication with the AC/DC adapter 110 over the SM BUS and supplies DC output power from the smart battery inside the AC/DC adapter 110 to the portable computer system. Thus, SM bus signals are routed using the connecting cable of the AC/DC adapter.

[0064] As described above, the secondary battery connection apparatus for a portable computer, the connection method thereof and the AC adapter implementing same, in accordance with the present invention are capable of supplying power stably to a portable computer system by directly connecting a secondary smart battery to a primary smart battery through an exterior connector of the primary smart battery during system operation or in a standby mode without modifying a control structure of the portable computer system or using additional equipment such as a docking station or a port replicator, and of improving the reliability and stability of the product by minimizing the expense to a user and by not requiring a structural modification of the portable computer system.