Patent ID: 6937947
Filing Date: 2005-08-30
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
1. A method in a battery charger for charging a battery, said method comprising the steps of: providing a controller within said battery charger, said controller capable of responding to interrupts and capable of being coupled to a processor that is external to said battery charger utilizing a bus interface that is included in said controller; monitoring, using said controller, battery characteristics of said battery during normal non-charging battery operation and during charging of said battery; maintaining, within status registers in said controller, during said normal operation of said battery, detailed status information including said battery characteristics; maintaining, within said status registers, during charging of said battery, said detailed status information and an identification of a current charging method; starting a measurement cycle; during said measurement cycle: utilizing by said controller, said determined battery characteristics and said determined current charging method to determine an appropriate charging method for said battery; and causing, utilizing said controller, said battery charger to charge said battery utilizing said appropriate charging method.