Motorola Mobility LLC

Motorola Corporation

Freescale Semiconductor,inc.

Mark J Carlson

Jiri Slaby

Mark R Braun

Robert Michael Johnson, Jr

Gregory Redmond Black

Dennis Budnick

Alan L Ruff

Matthew M Nakanishi

Hyuck Joo Kwon

Greg R Black

Daniel S Rokusek

Valeriy F Marchevsky

John P Boos

Daniel Harley Wagner

David M Hess

Eric J Overtoom

Edward D Brann

Timothy M McCune

An electronic device included a first energy storage device coupled to a second energy storage device by a conductor. A charging node is coupled to the first energy storage device. Another conductor couples the charging node to the second energy storage device. A switch is electrically coupled between the conductor and the second energy storage device. A control circuit opens the switch, thereby allowing a first charging current to flow from the charging node to the first energy storage device through the conductor and a second charging current to flow from the charging node to the second energy storage device through the other conductor and closes the switch when a difference between a voltage of the first energy storage device and a voltage of the second energy storage device is within a predefined voltage difference threshold.

Electronic devices with multiple energy storage device charging circuits and corresponding methods

An electronic device, method, and computer program product enable limiting electromagnetic emissions from current between batteries. A first battery is positioned proximal to an earpiece speaker within the electronic device. At least one second battery is positioned at a different location within the electronic device that is not proximal to the earpiece speaker. A switch is coupled to a first battery proximal to the earpiece speaker among the plurality of batteries. The switch is selectively toggled to limit current drawn from the first battery while the earpiece speaker is operating, in order to reduce baseband electromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery.

Electronic device that limits electromagnetic emissions from multiple batteries

An electronic device, method, and computer program product enable limiting electromagnetic emissions from current between batteries. A first battery is positioned proximal to an earpiece speaker within the electronic device. At least one second battery is positioned at a different location within the electronic device that is not proximal to the earpiece speaker. A controller is electrically connected to a switch that is electrically connected in-line with the first battery. The controller selectively toggles the switch between first and second switches state. The controller initiates activation of a first software mode of the electronic device corresponding to operation of the earpiece speaker. In response to detecting the activation, the controller toggles the switch to the first switch state in which the switch limits current drawn from the first battery while the electronic device is in the first software mode, thus reducing baseband electromagnetic emissions emanating from the first battery.

In embodiments, a mobile device includes a primary battery as a power source to power components of the mobile device, and includes a secondary battery as an additional power source to power the components of the mobile device. A sensor is implemented to detect a free-fall of the device that indicates an impending secondary battery disconnect event due to the mobile device being dropped. A battery controller is implemented to receive a sensor input of the detected free-fall from the sensor. The battery controller can then switch from the secondary battery to the primary battery as the power source based on the detected free-fall of the mobile device. The battery controller can switch back from the primary battery to the secondary battery as the power source based on a lack of acceleration of the mobile device.

Battery disconnect safeguard

A power supply includes a connector, a power conversion controller to generate a power supply signal at the connector, and a communication and control processor. The communication and control processor is to receive a set of current control parameters including a current limit over a communication link in the connector, receive measurements of current and voltage of the power supply signal, and generate a drive signal for controlling the power conversion controller based on the received current control parameters and the measurements of the current and the voltage.

Power supply with variable configurable current limit

In embodiments, a mobile device includes a primary battery as a power source to power components of the mobile device, and includes a secondary battery as an additional power source to power the components of the mobile device. A sensor is implemented to detect an acceleration of the device that indicates an impending secondary battery disconnect event due to the mobile device falling. A battery controller is implemented to receive a sensor input of the detected acceleration from the sensor. The battery controller can then switch from the secondary battery to the primary battery as the power source based on the detected acceleration of the mobile device. The battery controller can switch back from the primary battery to the secondary battery as the power source based on the acceleration of the mobile device no longer being detected.

In embodiments, a mobile device includes a primary battery as a power source to power components of the mobile device, and includes a secondary battery as an additional power source to power the components of the mobile device. A sensor is implemented to detect moisture proximate a battery connection of the secondary battery, where the detected moisture indicates an impending secondary battery disconnect event due to the secondary battery shorting out. A battery controller is implemented to receive a sensor input of the detected moisture from the sensor. The battery controller can then switch from the secondary battery to the primary battery as the power source based on the detected moisture proximate the battery connection of the secondary battery.

A method and device for extending the useful life of an energy storage device, for a mobile computing device is described. The method () can include the steps of: running () a first application in synchronous communication with a first application server; detecting () energy expenditure while running the first application; and synchronizing () a subsequent application based on the detected energy expenditure, by: continuing to communicate with the subsequent application if the detected energy expenditure is below a threshold, and discontinuing communication if the detected energy expenditure is above a threshold. Advantageously, this method can provide substantial energy savings in mobile computing device applications.

Method and device for improving battery life of a mobile computing device

An USSD transporting method () and mobile computing device () are described. The method () can include the steps of: providing a data pushing operation () over a universal supplementary services data (USSD) channel from the application server to the mobile device client; and initiating a data pulling operation () over an internet protocol (IP) channel by the mobile device client, in response to the pushing operation. Advantageously, for short data transfers, such as application server push notifications, USSD messages require lower power drain than packet data, due to the longer time to transition to an RRC idle state after the data transfer is completed. Also, push notifications can be sent over USSD without an open IP session, thereby saving the client from having to maintain a persistent IP session, while employing alternate pulling transport means such as wireless LAN which require lower power drain than a wide area network.

USSD transport method and device

Automated software loading into a battery-less mobile phone is accomplished through attachment of a special non-standard USB On-The-Go cable to a serial connector of the mobile phone, thereby delivering power supply and unique signals for placing the phone in a special mode of operation used for production or distribution. In operation, when a unique non-standard voltage is asserted on the identification (ID) pin of the USB connector interface, it is detected by special circuitry in the serial connector. The circuitry then enables power supply to the battery-less phone and generates a turn-on signal directing the mobile phone to automatically power-on and enter into a particular state of operation, for example a test or software loading mode. Because this process is automatic, the efficiency of software loading or testing during production or distribution of the mobile device is improved.

Battery-less electronic device

A wireless communication device () and method () adapted to prolong the useful life of an energy storage device is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: determining () a limit temperature discharge energy rate of an energy storage device; sensing () a temperature range threshold in proximity to the energy storage device; and adjusting () a discharge energy rate in response to the determined limit temperature discharge energy rate () and sensed temperature range threshold (). The device () and method () can automatically and dynamically manage current drain of an energy storage device when a certain temperature range threshold is reached, to maintain the energy storage device within desired specifications and tolerances. This can prolong the useful life of the energy storage device and help to maintain a maximum recharging capacity.

Device and method to prolong the life of an energy source

Method and apparatus for powering and loading software into a battery-less electronic device

A highly versatile interface that is capable of digital and audio signal coupling is provided. The interface comprises contacts () that are used to couple both audio and digital signals, and separate contacts () that are used initiate and negotiate signaling mode transitions. Transitions can be effected without creating glitches, e.g., audible noise, in audio signals that are being coupled through the interface.

Electronic apparatus and system with multi-purpose interface

A Universal Serial Bus hub apparatus and method is disclosed that is compatible with the On-the-Go (OTG) supplement to the USB 2.0 specification so as to enable dual-role devices (OTG devices) to be connected via a hub. The hub includes a number of ports that are configured to connect the hub to one or more external devices, which may include OTG devices. A controller within the hub controls operations therein. The hub also includes a port switching device controlled by the controller for selectively allowing one of the number of ports to act as a host port and the other remaining ports to act as device ports.

Growing community of inventors

Arlington Heights, IL, United States of America

Mark J Carlson