O2Micro International has been granted a patent for an open cell detection system that includes a battery management system. The system includes a control unit that enables and disables various components for specific time periods. The system also includes under-voltage and over-voltage comparison units that compare voltages with open cell thresholds and output comparison results. A judging unit determines if the connection between the battery unit and the management system is inoperative based on these comparison results. GlobalData’s report on O2Micro International gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on O2Micro International, Battery management systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. O2Micro International's grant share as of September 2023 was 59%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Battery management system with open cell detection capabilities
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11777154B2) describes a battery management system that includes various components and methods for monitoring and controlling battery performance. The system comprises a balance unit, under-voltage comparison unit, over-voltage comparison unit, and a judging unit.
The balance unit is connected to a first battery unit and is enabled for a specific time period and then disabled for another time period. The under-voltage comparison unit receives a voltage between the positive and negative electrodes of the first battery unit and compares it with a threshold to determine if the battery is under voltage. Similarly, the over-voltage comparison unit receives a voltage between the positive and negative electrodes of a second battery unit, which is connected in series with the first battery unit, and compares it with a threshold to determine if the battery is over voltage. The judging unit uses the comparison results from the under-voltage and over-voltage comparison units to determine if the connection between the first battery unit and the battery management system is inoperative.
The battery management system also includes a filter capacitor that is connected to the balance unit. If the first battery unit is disconnected from the system and the balance unit is enabled, the filter capacitor discharges through the balance unit. On the other hand, if the first battery unit is connected to the system and the balance unit is disabled, the first battery unit charges the filter capacitor. The length of the time periods for enabling and disabling the balance unit is set to ensure that the filter capacitor fully discharges and charges within those periods.
Additionally, the system includes a protection unit that is connected to the second battery unit. This protection unit clamps the voltage provided by the second battery unit within a preset value. The thresholds used for comparison in the under-voltage and over-voltage comparison units are set based on the preset value and the maximum operating voltage of the second battery unit.
Overall, this battery management system and its associated methods provide a comprehensive approach to monitoring and controlling battery performance, ensuring optimal operation and preventing potential issues such as under-voltage and over-voltage conditions.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
