Battery pack and electronic device for selecting path for measuring voltage of battery cell

According to an embodiment, a battery pack comprises a battery cell including a positive electrode and a negative electrode and configured to generate an electromotive force via the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a plurality of first sub paths configured to connect the positive electrode to a sensing circuit of an electronic device to which the battery pack is connected, a plurality of second sub paths configured to connect the negative electrode to the sensing circuit, a power line configured to connect the positive electrode and the negative electrode to at least one of a system of the electronic device or a charging circuit of the electronic device, a first switch configured to selectively connect at least one of the plurality of first sub paths, selected depending on a voltage applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, to the sensing circuit, and a second switch configured to selectively connect at least one of the plurality of second sub paths, selected depending on the voltage, to the sensing circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0138353, filed on Nov. 12, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to a battery pack and electronic device for selecting a path for measuring the voltage of a battery cell.

Description of Related Art

A battery cell includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separation membrane. As lithium ions move between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the battery cell may be charged or discharged. The separation membrane separates the positive electrode and the negative electrode from each other and is used for the purpose of moving lithium ions. In lithium batteries, lithium ions may have different states at the positive electrode and negative electrode. This state difference leads to an electric potential difference between the positive electrode and negative electrode, which may move electrons, thereby causing discharging. Thus, an electric current may flow from the aluminum foil, which is a positive current collector, to the copper foil, which is a negative current collector. A battery pack may be a product with a housing for battery cells. The battery pack may be detachably coupled to an electronic device or be housed integrally in the electronic device, depending on the specifications of the electronic device.

Battery packs are available with a path for directly measuring the voltage of the battery cells so as to more precisely control quick charging and identify the state of charging (SoC) of the battery. Measurement of the voltage of the battery cells rather than the battery pack allows for more precise charging based on a more accurate voltage, thus reducing charging time and enabling stable charging.

If the voltage of a battery is reduced to a preset over-charge cut-off voltage or less as the battery is discharged, it is required that a field effect transistor (FET) of the protection circuit be opened so that the battery pack is electrically separated from a system (e.g., an electronic device housing the battery). However, in the case of a battery pack with a path for measuring the voltage of the battery cells, the battery cell voltage measurement circuit connects to the system without passing through the protection circuit. This is why the electronic device needs to continue to measure the voltage of the battery cells even while the protection circuit operates.

A leakage loop may be formed from the battery cell to the system via the path for measuring the voltage of the battery cell, causing leakage current. This may cause extra discharging in the battery cells and accelerate the discharge of battery cell voltage, with the result of negative influences on the battery cells, such as swelling or charging defects, or failure to guarantee the voltage that the battery cells are supposed to have. Further, noise may be introduced into each terminal of the battery cell sensing circuit, deteriorating the accuracy of measurement of battery cell voltage.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure address the foregoing and/or other issues. According to various example embodiments, a battery pack and electronic device which include a plurality of paths for measuring a battery cell and may measure the battery cell depending on the voltage of the battery cell may be provided. According to various example embodiments, a battery pack and electronic device including a buffer circuit may be provided.

In accordance with various example embodiments, a battery pack comprises a battery cell including a positive electrode and a negative electrode and configured to generate an electromotive force via the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a plurality of first sub paths configured to connect the positive electrode to a sensing circuit of an electronic device to which the battery pack is connected, a plurality of second sub paths configured to connect the negative electrode to the sensing circuit, a power line configured to connect the positive electrode and the negative electrode to at least one of a system of the electronic device or a charging circuit of the electronic device, a first switch configured to selectively connect at least one of the plurality of first sub paths to the sensing circuit, the at least one of the plurality of first sub paths being selected depending on a voltage applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a second switch configured to selectively connect at least one of the plurality of second sub paths to the sensing circuit, the at least one of the plurality of second sub paths being selected depending on the voltage applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

In accordance with various example embodiments, an electronic device electrically connected with a battery pack comprises a sensing circuit configured to measure a voltage applied to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a battery cell included in the battery pack, the battery pack being configured to generate an electromotive force via the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a plurality of first sub paths configured to connect the positive electrode to the sensing circuit, a plurality of second sub paths configured to connect the negative electrode to the sensing circuit, a power line configured to receive power from the battery cell, a first switch configured to selectively connect at least one first sub path, selected among the plurality of first sub paths depending on the voltage, to the sensing circuit, and a second switch configured to selectively connect at least one second sub path, selected among the plurality of second sub paths depending on the voltage, to the sensing circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one (e.g., the display device160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) of the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or along with the main processor121while the main processor121is an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain a sound through the input device150or output a sound through the sound output device155or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102(e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) directly or wirelessly connected with the electronic device101.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to an example embodiment, the power management module388may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

FIG. 2is a block diagram2illustrating the power management module188and the battery189according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 2, the power management module188may include charging circuitry210, a power adjuster (e.g., including power adjusting circuitry)220, and/or a power gauge230. The charging circuitry210may charge the battery189using power supplied from an external power source outside the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the charging circuitry210may select a charging scheme (e.g., normal charging or quick charging) based at least in part on a type of the external power source (e.g., a power outlet, a USB, or wireless charging), magnitude of power suppliable from the external power source (e.g., about 20 Watt or more), or an attribute of the battery189, and may charge the battery189using the selected charging scheme. The external power source may be connected with the electronic device101, for example, directly via the connecting terminal178or wirelessly via the antenna module197.

The power adjuster220may include various power adjusting circuitry and generate a plurality of powers having different voltage levels or different current levels by adjusting a voltage level or a current level of the power supplied from the external power source or the battery189. The power adjuster220may adjust the voltage level or the current level of the power supplied from the external power source or the battery189into a different voltage level or current level appropriate for each of some of the components included in the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the power adjuster220may be implemented, for example, and without limitation, in the form of a low drop out (LDO) regulator, a switching regulator, or the like. The power gauge230may measure use state information about the battery189(e.g., a capacity, a number of times of charging or discharging, a voltage, a temperature of the battery189, etc.).

The power management module188may determine, using, for example, the charging circuitry210, the power adjuster220, and/or the power gauge230, charging state information (e.g., lifetime, over voltage, low voltage, over current, over charge, over discharge, overheat, short, or swelling) related to the charging of the battery189based at least in part on the measured use state information about the battery189. The power management module188may determine whether the state of the battery189is normal or abnormal based at least in part on the determined charging state information. If the state of the battery189is determined to be abnormal, the power management module188may adjust the charging of the battery189(e.g., reduce the charging current or voltage or stop the charging). According to an embodiment, at least some of the functions of the power management module188may be performed by an external control device (e.g., the processor120).

The battery189, according to an embodiment, may include a protection circuit module (PCM) (e.g., including a battery protection circuit)240. The PCM240may perform one or more of various functions (e.g., a pre-cutoff function) to prevent and/or reduce a performance deterioration of, or damage to, the battery189. The PCM240, additionally or alternatively, may be configured as at least part of a battery management system (BMS) capable of performing various functions including cell balancing, measurement of battery capacity, count of a number of charging or discharging, measurement of temperature, or measurement of voltage.

According to an embodiment, at least part of the charging state information or use state information regarding the battery189may be measured or sensed using a corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) of the sensor module276, the power gauge230, or the power management module188. According to an embodiment, the corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) of the sensor module176may be included as part of the PCM140or may be disposed near the battery189as a separate device.

FIG. 3is a diagram3illustrating an example battery pack and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, according to an embodiment, a battery pack300(e.g., the battery189ofFIG. 1) may include a battery cell301and a protection circuit302(e.g., the battery protection circuit240ofFIG. 2). According to an embodiment, an electronic device101may include at least one of a discharge control switch310, a charging circuit320, a sensing circuit330, an electro-static discharge preventing/protection circuit331, a leakage current preventing/controlling resistor332, and/or a system340.

According to an embodiment, the battery cell301may generate an electromotive force, and the battery cell301may include some components, such as, for example, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separation membrane, and an electrolyte. The battery pack300may be electrically connected with the electronic device101, and the battery pack300may provide power with a preset voltage and current to the electronic device101via a power line. Depending on the specifications of the electronic device101, the battery pack300may be integrally formed with the electronic device101, or the battery pack300may be detachably coupled to the electronic device101. The battery pack300may be a secondary battery, e.g., a lithium ion battery. When the electronic device101is fabricated as a compact mobile terminal, e.g., a smartphone, the battery pack300may be shaped as a rectangular block, but it will readily be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the battery pack300is not limited to a specific kind or shape.

According to an embodiment, the protection circuit302may turn on or off depending on the voltage of the battery cell301. For example, when the voltage of the battery cell301falls within a first designated range (e.g., a normal range), the switch of the protection circuit302may be controlled to turn on, and the battery cell301may connect to the system340. For example, when the voltage of the battery cell301falls within a second designated range (e.g., an abnormal range), the switch of the protection circuit302may be controlled to turn off, and the battery cell301may be electrically separated from the system340. Although the protection circuit302is illustrated as including a single switch for illustration purposes, this is merely an example. The protection circuit302may include one or more switches, and a detailed example thereof is described below in connection withFIG. 4.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit320(e.g., the charging circuit210) may charge the battery cell301in the battery pack300with power provided from the outside through a charging port. The charging circuit320may adjust at least one of the voltage or current of power provided from the outside depending on various charging modes and may transfer the result to the battery cell301. For example, the charging circuit320may charge the battery cell301while maintaining a designated current based on a constant current (CC) mode. The charging circuit320may charge the battery cell301while maintaining a designated voltage based on a constant voltage (CV) mode. The charging circuit320may provide power with at least one of the voltage or current set in a quick charging mode to the battery cell301based on the quick charging mode. According to an embodiment, the charging circuit320may determine the charging mode based on at least the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301and may transfer power with at least one of the current or voltage required in the determine charging mode to the battery cell301. The charging circuit320may determine the charging mode based on the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301which is measured or sensed by the sensing circuit330. The sensing circuit330may measure or sense the voltage of the battery cell301which has been noise-removed and fluctuation-suppressed before entering into, e.g., the quick charging mode. In this example, the voltage of the battery cell301may be measured or sensed via a buffer, which is described below in greater detail.

According to an embodiment, the sensing circuit330may measure or sense the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. The sensing circuit330may be electrically connected with both ends of the battery cell301, and thus, the sensing circuit330may measure or sense the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. According to an embodiment, there may be a plurality of paths between both input ends of the sensing circuit330and both ends of the battery cell301, which are described in greater detail below with reference, for example, toFIGS. 6A, 6B, 8, 11, 12, and/or13. The plurality of paths may be positioned inside or outside the battery pack300.

According to an embodiment, the discharge control switch310may selectively connect one end of the battery pack300, e.g., the battery cell301, to the system340. For example, the on/off state of the discharge control switch310may be controlled depending on the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. When the discharge control switch310is in the on state, the battery cell301may connect to the system340. When the discharge control switch310is in the off state, the battery cell301may be electrically separated from the system340. The electro-static discharge preventing/protection circuit331may prevent and/or avoid an over voltage generated from the outside, e.g., static electricity, from being applied to the sensing circuit330or the battery cell301. The leakage current preventing/controlling resistor332may be a resistor that measures, e.g., about 1 kΩ to about 10 kΩ and the leakage current preventing/controlling resistor332may prevent and/or reduce application of leakage current from the battery cell301to the system340. The system340may include at least one of various hardware components of the electronic device101.

A charging integrated circuit (IC)360may include at least part of the configuration of an interface power management integrated circuit (IFPMIC) or a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The PMIC may receive power from the battery cell301and process the power to have a voltage or current appropriate for the hardware of the electronic device101and transfer the processed power to each hardware component.

As set forth above, when the voltage of the battery cell301falls within a range indicating an abnormal state, the switch of the protection circuit302may be controlled to turn off. Thus, the battery cell301may be electrically opened from the system340, and discharge from the battery cell301to the system340may be prevented and/or reduced. However, a leakage current361may flow from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330according to a loop formed by the battery cell301and the sensing circuit330. A leakage current362may be rendered to flow by the battery cell301and the charging IC360or other blocks connected with the charging IC360. A leakage current363may flow from the battery cell301to the charging circuit320according to a loop formed by the battery cell301and the charging circuit320.

FIG. 4is a diagram4illustrating an example protection circuit according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4, a first protection circuit411and a second protection circuit412may be connected to the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301. The second protection circuit412may be connected to the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301. The negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301may be connected to the first protection circuit411via the second protection circuit412. When the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is a first value or more, the first protection circuit411may be controlled to turn on and, when the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is less than the first value, the first protection circuit411may be controlled to turn off. When the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is a second value or more, the second protection circuit412may be controlled to turn on and, when the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is less than the second value, the second protection circuit412may be controlled to turn off. The first value may be larger than the second value. Thus, when the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is the first value or more, the first protection circuit411and the second protection circuit412both may be controlled to turn on and, thus, both ends of the battery cell301may be connected to power output terminals P+ and P−. The path connecting both ends of the battery cell301to the power output terminals P+ and P− may be referred to, for example, as a power line or power lane. The power output terminals P+ and P− may be connected, for example, to the system340ofFIG. 3. When the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is not less than the second value and less than the first value, the first protection circuit411may be controlled to turn off, and the second protection circuit412may be controlled to turn on. When the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is less than the second value, the first protection circuit411and the second protection circuit412may be controlled to turn off. The voltage to determine on/off of each of the first protection circuit411and the second protection circuit412may be set per manufacturer or depending on standards, but is not limited thereto. Although two protection circuits, e.g., the first protection circuit411and the second protection circuit412, are shown, this is merely an example, and the number of protection circuits is not limited. Although not shown, the battery pack300may include an additional element for controlling the on/off state of the switches included in the first protection circuit411and the second protection circuit412. For example, the battery pack300may include a computation circuit that determines the on/off state of the first protection circuit411and the second protection circuit412based on the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301and outputs a control signal (e.g., a gate application voltage). The battery pack300may include a first comparator that receives a voltage for determining on/off of the first protection circuit411as a reference voltage and a voltage from at least one electrode of the battery cell301as a voltage for comparison. For example, a node with the potential of the reference voltage may be connected to one end of the first comparator, and a structure or scheme for generating the reference voltage at the node is not limited to a specific one. For example, when the voltage from at least one electrode of the battery cell301is not less than a voltage for determining on/off of the first protection circuit411, the first comparator may output a gate voltage for turning on the first protection circuit411. For example, when the voltage from at least one electrode of the battery cell301is less than the voltage for determining on/off of the first protection circuit411, the first comparator may output a gate voltage for turning off the first protection circuit411. The battery pack300may include a second comparator that receives a voltage for determining on/off of the second protection circuit412as a reference voltage and a voltage from at least one electrode of the battery cell301as a voltage for comparison. For example, a node with the potential of the reference voltage may be connected to one end of the second comparator, and a structure or scheme for generating the reference voltage at the node is not limited to a specific one. For example, when the voltage from at least one electrode of the battery cell301is not less than a voltage for determining on/off of the second protection circuit412, the second comparator may output a gate voltage for turning on the second protection circuit412. For example, when the voltage from at least one electrode of the battery cell301is less than the voltage for determining on/off of the second protection circuit412, the second comparator may output a gate voltage for turning off the second protection circuit412. The above-described controlling the on/off state of the protection circuits411and412is merely an example, and it will readily be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that controlling the on/off state of the protection circuits411and412is not limited to a specific scheme or method.

As described above, both ends of the battery cell301may be connected to the sensing circuit330ofFIG. 3. The positive electrode (+) and negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301may be connected to voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense), and the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) may be connected to the sensing circuit330. The path431from the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301to the first voltage sensing terminal P+sense may have its own resistance421, and the path432from the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301to the second voltage sensing terminal P−sense may have its own resistance422. Thus, although at least one of the first protection circuit411or the second protection circuit412is controlled to turn off, a leakage current may flow from the battery cell301through the first path431and the second path432, which may worsen discharge of the battery cell301. Thus, according to an embodiment, the battery pack300or the electronic device101may include a plurality of paths between both ends of the battery cell301and the sensing circuit330. The battery pack300or the electronic device101may control the on/off state of the switch of selectively open-circuiting or short-circuiting at least one path of a plurality of paths to transfer power for voltage sensing via at least one of the plurality of paths depending on the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. The plurality of paths may be positioned between the battery cell301and the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) or between the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) and the sensing circuit330.

FIG. 5is a diagram5illustrating an example battery pack according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 5, according to an embodiment, as compared withFIG. 4, the battery pack300may further include a sensing path selection block510connected between both ends of the battery cell301and the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). The sensing path selection block510may include a plurality of paths for connecting the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301and the voltage sensing terminal P+sense and a plurality of paths for connecting the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301and the voltage sensing terminal P−sense. Various embodiments of the plurality of paths are described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 6A, 6B, and8.

According to an embodiment, the sensing path selection block510may connect at least one of the plurality of paths for connecting the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301and the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to the voltage sensing terminal P+sense depending on the voltage of the battery cell301. The sensing path selection block510may connect at least one of the plurality of paths for connecting the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301and the voltage sensing terminal P−sense to the voltage sensing terminal P−sense depending on the voltage of the battery cell301. For example, when the voltage of the battery cell301is not less than a voltage set to control the on/off state of the first protection circuit411, the sensing path selection block510may be configured to select a first path among the plurality of paths. As used herein, ‘selecting a first path among a plurality of paths’ may refer, for example, to connecting at least one of a plurality of paths for connecting from the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301to the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to the voltage sensing terminal P+sense and connecting at least one of a plurality of paths for connecting from the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301to the voltage sensing terminal P−sense to the voltage sensing terminal P−sense. In other words, selecting a path may refer, for example, to selecting a path group for connecting the positive electrode and negative electrode of the battery cell301to their respective corresponding voltage sensing terminals. Further, connecting at least one of a plurality of paths to the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) may refer, for example, to connecting a single path of the plurality of paths to the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) or may refer, for example, to connecting two or more paths of the plurality of paths to the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). This is described below in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B.

Although in the above-described example, a reference voltage for selecting at least one of the plurality of paths is the same as a reference voltage for controlling on/off the first protection circuit411, this is merely an example. The reference voltage for selecting at least one of the plurality of paths may be the same as the reference voltage for controlling on/off the second protection circuit412or may be set to differ from the reference voltage for controlling on/off the protection circuits411and412.

Each of the plurality of paths included in the sensing path selection block510may have a different resistance. For example, the resistance of a first path among the plurality of paths may be higher than the resistance of a second path. In this example, if the battery cell301is connected to the sensing circuit330via the first path, a smaller magnitude of leakage current may flow via the first path than via the second path. Each of the plurality of paths may have a different width of the wire of the path, or a resistance element with a different resistance may be placed on each of the path, so that each path has a different resistance.

According to an embodiment, the battery pack300may include at least one switch for selectively connecting at least some of the plurality of paths to the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). The battery pack300may connect at least some of the plurality of paths to the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) by controlling the on/off state of at least one switch of the battery cell301. Although not shown, the battery pack300may include, for example, and without limitation, a control circuit, comparator, or the like, capable of controlling the on/off state of at least one switch depending on the voltage of the battery cell301. The means capable of controlling the on/off state of at least one switch may also be included in the sensing path selection block510or be positioned outside the sensing path selection block510.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare diagrams illustrating example sensing path selection blocks according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6A, according to an embodiment, a sensing path selection block600(e.g., the sensing path selection block510ofFIG. 5) may include a first input terminal Cell+ for connecting to the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301, a second input terminal Cell− for connecting to the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301, and voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). The voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense), respectively, may connect to both ends of the sensing circuit330. A first sub path connected with a first resistor611and a second sub path connected with a second resistor613may be connected to the first input terminal Cell+. The first resistor611and the second resistor613may be connected in parallel with each other. A third sub path connected with a third resistor621and a fourth sub path connected with a fourth resistor623may be connected to the second input terminal Cell−. The third resistor621and the fourth resistor623may be connected in parallel with each other. For illustration purposes, the first sub path and the third sub path being selected is referred to as a first path being selected, and the second sub path and the fourth sub path being selected is referred to as a second path being selected. The resistance of the first resistor611may be higher than the resistance of the second resistor613, and the resistance of the third resistor621may be higher than the resistance of the fourth resistor623. A first switch612may selectively connect the first input terminal Cell+ and the second resistor613, and a second switch622may selectively connect the second input terminal Cell− and the fourth resistor623.

According to an embodiment, when the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is a first value or more, the first switch612and the second switch622may be controlled to turn on and, when the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is less than the first value, the first switch612and the second switch622may be controlled to turn off. As set forth above, a control signal for controlling the on/off state of the first switch612and the second switch622may be generated inside the sensing path selection block600or generated by a hardware component outside the sensing path selection block600. The first value may be the same as a reference voltage for controlling the on/off state of the first protection circuit411in the battery pack300or a reference voltage for controlling the on/off state of the second protection circuit412or, alternatively, the first value may be set to differ from the reference voltages.

When the first switch612and the second switch622are controlled to turn on, the first input terminal Cell+ may connect to the voltage sensing terminal P+sense via the first sub path and the second sub path. Since the resistance of the first resistor611on the first sub path is higher than the resistance of the second resistor613on the second sub path, current from the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301may be delivered to the sensing circuit330substantially via the second sub path and the voltage sensing terminal P+sense. Thus, when the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is not less than the first value, current may be transferred from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330via the second path (e.g., the second sub path and the fourth sub path) corresponding to a relatively low resistance.

When the first switch612and the second switch622are controlled to turn off, the first input terminal Cell+ may connect to the voltage sensing terminal P+sense via the first sub path, and the second input terminal Cell− may connect to the voltage sensing terminal P−sense via the third sub path. When the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is less than the first value, current may be transferred from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330via the first path (e.g., the first sub path and the third sub path) corresponding to a relatively high resistance. Further, in this case, at least one of the first protection circuit411or the second protection circuit412is controlled to turn off and, thus, current from the battery cell301to the power output terminals P+ and P− may be cut off. Further, since current is transferred via the first path (e.g., the first sub path and the third sub path) corresponding to a relatively high resistance, the magnitude of leakage current from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330may reduce.

Referring toFIG. 6B, according to an embodiment, a sensing path selection block600(e.g., the sensing path selection block510ofFIG. 5) may include a first input terminal Cell+ for connecting to the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301, a second input terminal Cell− for connecting to the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301, and voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). The voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense), respectively, may connect to both ends of the sensing circuit330. A first sub path connected with a first resistor631and a second sub path connected with a second resistor632may be connected to the first input terminal Cell+. The first resistor631and the second resistor632may be connected in parallel with each other. A third sub path connected with a third resistor641and a fourth sub path connected with a fourth resistor642may be connected to the second input terminal Cell−. The third resistor641and the fourth resistor642may be connected in parallel with each other.

The resistance of the first resistor631may be higher than the resistance of the second resistor632, and the resistance of the third resistor641may be higher than the resistance of the fourth resistor642. The first switch633may connect the first input terminal Cell+ to any one of the first resistor631and the second resistor632, and the second switch643may connect the second input terminal Cell− to any one of the third resistor641and the fourth resistor642.

According to an embodiment, when the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is not less than a first value, the first switch633may connect the first input terminal Cell+ to the second resistor632, and the second switch643may connect the second input terminal Cell− to the fourth resistor642. According to an embodiment, when the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is less than a first value, the first switch633may connect the first input terminal Cell+ to the first resistor631, and the second switch643may connect the second input terminal Cell− to the third resistor643. As set forth above, a control signal for controlling the on/off state of the first switch633and the second switch643may be generated inside the sensing path selection block600or generated by a hardware component outside the sensing path selection block600. The first value may be the same as a reference voltage for controlling the on/off state of the first protection circuit411in the battery pack300or a reference voltage for controlling the on/off state of the second protection circuit412or, alternatively, the first value may be set to differ from the reference voltages.

When the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is not less than the first value, current may be transferred from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330via the second path (e.g., the second sub path and the fourth sub path) corresponding to a relatively low resistance. Further, in this case, most of the current output from the battery cell301may be transferred via the power output terminals P+ and P− to the system340.

When the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301is less than the first value, current may be transferred from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330via the first path (e.g., the first sub path and the third sub path) corresponding to a relatively high resistance. Further, in this case, at least one of the first protection circuit411or the second protection circuit412is controlled to turn off and, thus, current from the battery cell301to the power output terminals P+ and P− may be cut off. Further, since current is transferred via the first path (e.g., the first sub path and the third sub path) corresponding to a relatively high resistance, the magnitude of leakage current from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330may reduce.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare flowcharts illustrating an example method of controlling a battery pack or an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 7A, in operation701, the battery pack300or the electronic device101may measure or sense the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. In operation703, the battery pack300or the electronic device101may control the on/off state of a switch (e.g., the switch411and412) positioned on at least one path among a plurality of paths individually connected to both ends of the battery cell301depending on the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. As set forth above, the battery pack300may include a means that outputs a control signal for controlling the on/off state of the switches411and412depending on the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. As described below in greater detail, according to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a means that outputs a control signal for controlling the on/off state of the switches411and412depending on the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301.

Referring toFIG. 7B, in operation711, the battery pack300or the electronic device101may measure or sense the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell. In operation713, the battery pack300or the electronic device101may select a path for connecting to the sensing circuit330among a plurality of paths individually connected to both ends of the battery cell301depending on the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. In operation715, the battery pack300or electronic device101may connect both ends of the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330using the selected path. For example, as shown inFIG. 6B, the battery pack300or electronic device101may control at least one switch633or643to connect the battery cell301and the sensing circuit330via the selected path.

FIG. 8is a diagram8illustrating an example sensing path selection block according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 8, according to an embodiment, a sensing path selection block800(e.g., the sensing path selection block510ofFIG. 5) may include a first input terminal Cell+ for connecting to the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell301, a second input terminal Cell− for connecting to the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell301, and voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). The voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense), respectively, may connect to both ends of the sensing circuit330. A first sub path connected with a first resistor811, a second sub path connected with a first offset block814, and a third sub path connected with a second resistor813may be connected to the first input terminal Cell+. The first resistor811and the second resistor813may be connected in parallel with each other. A first OP-AMP815may be connected with the second offset block814. A fourth sub path connected with a third resistor821, a fifth sub path connected with a second offset block824, and a sixth sub path connected with a fourth resistor823may be connected to the second input terminal Cell−. The third resistor821and the fourth resistor823may be connected in parallel with each other. For illustration purposes, the first sub path and the fourth sub path being selected may be referred to as a first path being selected, the second sub path and the fifth sub path being selected may be referred to as a second path being selected, and the third sub path and the sixth sub path being selected may be referred to as a third path being selected. The resistance of the first resistor811may be higher than the resistance of the second resistor813, and the resistance of the third resistor821may be higher than the resistance of the fourth resistor823. A first switch812may selectively connect the first input terminal Cell+ and the second resistor813, and a second switch822may selectively connect the second input terminal Cell− and the fourth resistor823.

The first offset block814may apply a determined offset voltage (e.g., −xx mV) to an input voltage V(cell+), so that a voltage of V(cell+)−xx mV may be output from the first offset block814. The first OP-AMP815may suppress noise from the input voltage (e.g., V(cell+)−xx mV), thus outputting an output voltage with a stable magnitude. For example, the potential at the input terminal of the first offset block814may be V(cell+) mV from the ground, and the potential at the output terminal of the first offset block814may be V(cell+)−xx mV from the ground. The voltage output from the first OP-AMP815may be fluctuation-suppressed over time. The second offset block824may apply a determined offset voltage (e.g., +xx mV) to an input voltage V(cell−), so that a voltage of V(cell−)+xx mV may be output from the second offset block814. The second OP-AMP825may suppress noise from the input voltage (e.g., V(cell−)+xx mV), thus outputting an output voltage with a stable magnitude. The voltage output from the second OP-AMP825may be fluctuation-suppressed over time. The offset block and the OP-AMP may be referred to as a buffer circuit.

According to an embodiment, when the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301falls within a first range, the first switch812and the second switch822may be controlled to turn on, and the buffer circuit may be configured to turn off. When the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301falls within a second range, the first switch812and the second switch822may be controlled to turn off, and the buffer circuit may be configured to turn on. When the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301falls within a third range, the first switch812and the second switch822may be controlled to turn off, and the buffer circuit may be configured to turn off. The turn-on/off states of the switches and buffer circuit according to the first range to the third range may be shown, for example, in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1operation stateon/off state of buffer circuit (e.g.,the first offset block 814, the firstswitch (e.g., the firstRange of battery cellOP-AMP 815, the second offset blockswitch 812 and thevoltage824, and the second OP-AMP 825)second switch 822)first rangeturn-offoff state(e.g., not less than0 V and less than xV)second rangeturn-onoff state(e.g., not less thanxV and less than yV)third rangeturn-offon state(e.g., not less thanyV and less than zV)

xV in Table 1 may be a reference voltage indicating that the voltage of the battery cell301has been over-discharged and, when the battery cell301falls within the first range, the voltage of the battery cell301is measured via the first path (e.g., the first sub path and the fourth sub path) with the highest resistance, and the leakage current may thus be suppressed. yV in Table 1 may be a reference voltage set to start charging the battery cell301in a designated mode (e.g., quick charging mode). Starting charging in the designated mode requires measurement of stable, fluctuation-suppressed voltage. Thus, according to an embodiment, the battery pack300or electronic device101may turn on the buffer circuit and turn off the switches812and822, thereby allowing the sensing circuit330to sense fluctuation-suppressed output voltage. The offset adjustment value of the offset block814and824may be set as a value for compensating for an influence that the off state of the protection circuits411and412of the battery pack300has on the voltage. For example, different measurements for the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301may be obtained by the sensing circuit330between when the protection circuits411and412are in the on state and when the protection circuits411and412are in the off state. The offset blocks814and824may apply an offset voltage for compensation depending on whether the protection circuits411and412are in the on or off state, thus enabling more precise measurement of the voltage of battery cell301.

As set forth above, a control signal for controlling the on/off state of the first switch612and the second switch622and a control signal for turning on or off the buffer circuit may be generated inside the sensing path selection block800or generated by a hardware component outside the sensing path selection block800.

For example, when an external power supply is connected with the charging circuit320(e.g., the charging circuit210), the charging circuit320may determine the charging mode of the battery cell301based on the voltage applied to the battery cell301. For example, the charging circuit320may be configured to begin quick charging when the voltage applied to the battery cell301is yV in Table 1. When the voltage applied to the battery cell301falls within the first range, the charging circuit320may charge the battery cell301with power received from the outside. During the course, the sensing circuit330may identify the voltage of the battery cell301through the first path with the highest resistance, and the magnitude of leakage current from the battery cell301to the sensing circuit330may be suppressed. When the voltage applied to the battery cell301falls within the second range, the charging circuit320may charge the battery cell301with power received from the outside. During the course, the sensing circuit330may sense a stable, fluctuation-suppressed voltage through the second path, thus enabling more accurate start of quick charging. When the voltage of the battery cell301falls within the third range, the charging circuit320may charge the battery cell301, e.g., in the quick charging mode. During the course, the sensing circuit330may sense voltage via the third path which corresponds to the lowest resistance.

The embodiment ofFIG. 8is merely an example, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to an embodiment, the battery pack300may be configured to include a switch for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to any one of the first to third sub paths and a switch for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P−sense to any one of the fourth to sixth sub paths as shown inFIG. 4B.

FIG. 9is a flowchart9illustrating an example method of operation of a battery pack300or an electronic device101according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, in operation901, the battery pack300or the electronic device101may measure or sense the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. In operation903, the battery pack300or electronic device101may control the on/off state of a switch (e.g., the switches812and822ofFIG. 8) positioned on at least one path among a plurality of paths individually connected to both ends of the battery cell301depending on the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301, and the battery pack300or electronic device101and may also control the on/off state of the offset block (e.g., the offset blocks814and824ofFIG. 8).

FIG. 10is a flowchart9illustrating an example method of operation of a battery pack300or an electronic device101according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, in operation1001, the battery pack300or the electronic device101may measure or sense the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. In operation1003, the battery pack300or electronic device101may select the path, where the offset block (e.g., the offset blocks814and824ofFIG. 8) is positioned, as a path to be connected to the sensing circuit330, among a plurality of paths depending on the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. In operation1005, the battery pack300or electronic device101may control the magnitude of offset voltage of the offset block (e.g., the offset blocks814and824ofFIG. 8) depending on the magnitude of voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell301. As set forth above, the voltage of the battery cell301may be inaccurately measured or sensed by the sensing circuit330depending on the on/off state of the protection circuits411and412of the battery pack300. Thus, according to an embodiment, the battery pack300or electronic device101may control the offset block (e.g., the offset blocks814and824ofFIG. 8) to add a preset offset depending on the on/off state of the protection circuits411and412.

FIG. 11is a diagram11illustrating an example electronic device1100according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device1100(e.g., the electronic device101) may include a charging circuit1130(e.g., the charging circuit1130(e.g., the charging circuit210)) connected to power output terminals P+ and P− and a sensing circuit1140(e.g., the sensing circuit330) connected to voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). Although not shown, the electronic device1100may further include a system, and the system may be connected to the power output terminals P+ and P−. The electronic device1100may include a plurality of paths for connecting the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) to the sensing circuit1130. For example, the electronic device1100may include a first sub path and a second sub path for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to one end of the sensing circuit1130. A first resistor1111with a relatively higher resistance than a second resistor1113may be positioned on the first sub path, and the second resistor1113with a relatively lower resistance than the first resistor1111may be positioned on the second sub path. A first switch1112may be positioned on the second sub path, and the first switch1112may selectively connect the voltage sensing terminal P+sense and the second resistor1113. For example, the electronic device1100may include a third sub path and a fourth sub path for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to the other end of the sensing circuit1130. A third resistor1121with a relatively higher resistance than a fourth resistor1123may be positioned on the third sub path, and the fourth resistor1123with a relatively lower resistance than the third resistor1121may be positioned on the fourth sub path. A second switch1122may be positioned on the fourth sub path, and the second switch1122may selectively connect the voltage sensing terminal P−sense and the fourth resistor1123.

Similar to the operation of the battery pack300as described above in connection withFIG. 4A, the electronic device1100, when the voltage of the battery cell301is a first value or more, may control the switches1112and1122to turn on, so that the voltage of the battery cell301may be measured via the second path (e.g., the second sub path and the first sub path). When the voltage of the battery cell301is less than the first value, the electronic device1100may control the switches1112and1122to turn off, so that the voltage of the battery cell301may be measured via the first path (e.g., the first sub path and the third sub path). Since the first path has a relatively higher resistance than the second path, leakage current may be suppressed in such a case.

FIG. 12is a view12illustrating an example electronic device1200according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device1200(e.g., the electronic device101) may include a charging circuit1230(e.g., the charging circuit1130(e.g., the charging circuit210)) connected to power output terminals P+ and P− and a sensing circuit1240(e.g., the sensing circuit330) connected to voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). Although not shown, the electronic device1200may further include a system, and the system may be connected to the power output terminals P+ and P−. The electronic device1200may include a plurality of paths for connecting the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) to the sensing circuit1230. For example, the electronic device1200may include a first sub path and a second sub path for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to one end of the sensing circuit1230. A first resistor1211with a relatively higher resistance than a second resistor1212may be positioned on the first sub path, and the second resistor1212with a relatively lower resistance than the first resistor1211may be positioned on the second sub path. The first switch1213may selectively connect the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to any one of the first resistor1211or the second resistor1212. For example, the electronic device1200may include a third sub path and a fourth sub path for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to the other end of the sensing circuit1230. A third resistor1221with a relatively higher resistance than a fourth resistor1222may be positioned on the third sub path, and the fourth resistor1222with a relatively lower resistance than the third resistor1221may be positioned on the fourth sub path. The second switch1223may selectively connect the voltage sensing terminal P−sense to any one of the third resistor1221or the fourth resistor1222. Similar to the operation of the battery pack300as described above in connection withFIG. 4B, the electronic device1200, when the voltage of the battery cell301is a first value or more, may control the first switch1213to connect to the second resistor1212and may control the second switch1223to the fourth resistor1222. When the voltage of the battery cell301is less than the first value, the electronic device1200may control the first switch1213to connect to the first resistor1211and may control the second switch1223to connect to the third resistor1221.

FIG. 13is a diagram13illustrating an example electronic device1300according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device1300(e.g., the electronic device101) may include a charging circuit1330(e.g., the charging circuit1130(e.g., the charging circuit210) connected to power output terminals P+ and P− and a sensing circuit1340(e.g., the sensing circuit330) connected to voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense). Although not shown, the electronic device1300may further include a system, and the system may be connected to the power output terminals P+ and P−. The electronic device1300may include a plurality of paths for connecting the voltage sensing terminals (P+sense, P−sense) to the sensing circuit1340. For example, the electronic device1300may include a first sub path, a second sub path, and a third sub path for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to one end of the sensing circuit1340. A first resistor1311with a relatively higher resistance than the resistance of a second resistor1313may be positioned on the first sub path, a first offset block1314and a first OP-AMP1315may be placed on the second sub path, and the second resistor1313with a relatively lower resistance than the resistance of the first resistor1311and a first switch1312for selectively connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to the second resistor1313may be placed on the third sub path. For example, the electronic device1300may include a fourth sub path, a fifth sub path, and a sixth sub path for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P−sense to the other end of the sensing circuit1340. A third resistor1321with a relatively higher resistance than the resistance of a fourth resistor1323may be positioned on the fourth sub path, a second offset block1324and a second OP-AMP1325may be placed on the fifth sub path, and the fourth resistor1323with a relatively lower resistance than the resistance of the third resistor1321and a second switch1323for selectively connecting the voltage sensing terminal P−sense to the fourth resistor1323may be placed on the sixth sub path.

Similar to the operation of the battery pack300as described above in connection withFIG. 8, the electronic device1300, when the voltage of the both ends of the battery cell301falls within the first range, may control the switches1312and1322to turn off and turn off the offset blocks1314and1324so as to allow the sensing circuit1340to perform sensing via the first path (e.g., the first sub path and the fourth sub path). When the voltage of the both ends of the battery cell301falls within the second range, the electronic device1300may control the switches1312and1322to turn off and turn on the offset blocks1314and1324so as to allow the sensing circuit1340to perform sensing via the second path (e.g., the second sub path and the fifth sub path). When the voltage of the both ends of the battery cell301falls within the third range, the electronic device1300may control the switches1312and1322to turn on and turn off the offset blocks1314and1324so as to allow the sensing circuit1340to perform sensing via the third path (e.g., the third sub path and the sixth sub path).

The embodiment ofFIG. 13is merely an example and the disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may be configured to include a switch for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P+sense to any one of the first to third sub paths and a switch for connecting the voltage sensing terminal P−sense to any one of the fourth to sixth sub paths as shown inFIG. 12.

According to an example embodiment, a battery pack (e.g., the battery pack300) comprises a battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) including a positive electrode (+) and a negative electrode (−) and configured to generate an electromotive force via the positive electrode (+) and the negative electrode (−), a plurality of first sub paths configured to connect the positive electrode (+) to a sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) to which the battery pack (e.g., the battery pack300) is connected, a plurality of second sub paths configured to connect the negative electrode (−) to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), a power line configured to connect the positive electrode (+) and the negative electrode (−) to at least one of a system (e.g., the system340) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) or a charging circuit (e.g., the charging circuit320) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101), a first switch configured to selectively connect at least one of the plurality of first sub paths, selected depending on a voltage applied to the positive electrode (+) and the negative electrode (−), to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), and a second switch configured to selectively connect at least one of the plurality of second sub paths, selected depending on the voltage, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330). The first sub path and the second sub path may differ from the power line. The state of each of the first switch and the second switch may be controlled by a voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301).

According to an example embodiment, each of the plurality of first sub paths may have a different resistance, and each of the plurality of second sub paths may have a different resistance.

According to an example embodiment, based on the voltage falling within a first range, a state of the first switch may be controlled to connect a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), and a state of the second switch may be controlled to connect a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330).

According to an example embodiment, based on the voltage falling within a second range, a state of the first switch may be controlled to connect a path with a higher resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), and a state of the second switch may be controlled to connect a path with a higher resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330).

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be configured to selectively connect the positive electrode (+) to a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths, and the second switch may be configured to selectively connect the negative electrode (−) to a path with a lower resistance, than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths.

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be controlled to turn on when the voltage falls within a first range, and the first switch may be controlled to turn off when the voltage falls within a second range, and the second switch may be controlled to turn on when the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) falls within the first range, and the second switch may be controlled to turn off when the voltage falls within the second range.

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be configured to connect the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to any one of the plurality of first sub paths, and the second switch may connect the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to any one of the plurality of second sub paths.

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be configured to connect the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths based on the voltage falling within the first range, and the first switch may be configured to connect the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a higher resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths based on the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) falling within the second range, and the second switch may be configured to connect the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths based on the voltage falling within the first range, and the second switch may connect the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a higher resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths based on the voltage falling within the second range.

According to an example embodiment, the battery pack (e.g., the battery pack300) may further comprise at least one protection circuit, wherein the at least one protection circuit is configured to connect the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to at least one of the system (e.g., the system340) or the charging circuit based on the voltage falling within the first range, and the at least one protection circuit is configured to not connect the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to the system (e.g., the system340) and the charging circuit based on the voltage falling within the second range.

According to an example embodiment, at least one of the plurality of first sub paths may include a first offset block and a first operational amplifier (OP-AMP), and at least one of the plurality of second sub paths may include a second offset block and a second OP-AMP. Based on the voltage falling within a third range, the first offset block may apply a first offset voltage to a voltage applied from the positive electrode (+), the first OP-AMP may be configured to remove noise from a voltage output from the first offset block and output the noise-removed voltage to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), the second offset block may be configured to apply a second offset voltage to a voltage input from the negative electrode (−), and the second OP-AMP may be configured to remove noise from a voltage output from the second offset block and output the noise-removed voltage to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330).

According to an example embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) electrically connected with a battery pack (e.g., the battery pack300) comprises a sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330) configured to sense a voltage applied to a positive electrode (+) and a negative electrode (−) of a battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) included in the battery pack (e.g., the battery pack300) and configured to generate an electromotive force via the positive electrode (+) and the negative electrode (−), a plurality of first sub paths configured to connect the positive electrode (+) to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), a plurality of second sub paths configured to connect the negative electrode (−) to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), a power line configured to receive power from the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301), a first switch configured to selectively connect at least one, selected among the plurality of first sub paths depending on the voltage, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), and a second switch configured to selectively connect at least one, selected among the plurality of second sub paths depending on the voltage, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330). The first sub path and the second sub path may differ from the power line. The state of each of the first switch and the second switch may be controlled by a voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301).

According to an example embodiment, each of the plurality of first sub paths may have a different resistance, and each of the plurality of second sub paths may have a different resistance.

According to an example embodiment, based on the voltage falling within a first range, a state of the first switch may be controlled to connect a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), and a state of the second switch may be controlled to connect a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330).

According to an example embodiment, based on the voltage falling within a second range, a state of the first switch may be controlled to connect a path with a higher resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), and a state of the second switch may be controlled to connect a path with a higher resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths, to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330).

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be configured to selectively connect the positive electrode (+) to a path with a lower resistance, other than the other paths, among the plurality of first sub paths, and the second switch may be configured to selectively connect the negative electrode (−) to a path with a lower resistance, than the other paths, among the plurality of second sub paths.

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be controlled to turn on when the voltage falls within a first range, and the first switch may be controlled to turn off based on the voltage falling within a second range, and the second switch may be controlled to turn on based on the voltage applied to both ends of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) falling within the first range, and the second switch may be controlled to turn off based on the voltage falling within the second range.

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be configured to connect the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to any one of the plurality of first sub paths, and the second switch may be configured to connect the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to any one of the plurality of second sub paths.

According to an example embodiment, the first switch may be configured to connect the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a lower resistance among the plurality of first sub paths based on the voltage falling within the first range, and the first switch may be configured to connect the positive electrode (+) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a higher resistance among the plurality of first sub paths based on the voltage falling within the second range, and the second switch may be configured to connect the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a lower resistance among the plurality of second sub paths based on the voltage falling within the first range, and the second switch may be configured to connect the negative electrode (−) of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to a path with a higher resistance among the plurality of second sub paths based on the voltage falling within the second range.

According to an example embodiment, the battery pack (e.g., the battery pack300) may further comprise at least one protection circuit, wherein the at least one protection circuit is configured to connect the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to at least one of a system (e.g., the system340) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) or a charging circuit of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) based on the voltage falling within the first range, and the at least one protection circuit is configured to not connect the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell301) to the system (e.g., the system340) and the charging circuit based on the voltage falling within the second range.

According to an example embodiment, at least one of the plurality of first sub paths may include a first offset block and a first operational amplifier (OP-AMP), and at least one of the plurality of second sub paths may include a second offset block and a second OP-AMP. Based on the voltage falling within a third range, the first offset block may be configured to apply a first offset voltage to a voltage applied from the positive electrode (+), the first OP-AMP may be configured to remove noise from a voltage output from the first offset block and output the noise-removed voltage to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330), the second offset block may be configured to apply a second offset voltage to a voltage input from the negative electrode (−), and the second OP-AMP may be configured to remove noise from a voltage output from the second offset block and output the noise-removed voltage to the sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit330).

As is apparent from the foregoing description, according to various embodiments, there may be provided a battery pack and electronic device which include a plurality of paths for measuring a battery cell and may measure the battery cell depending on the voltage of the battery cell. This allows for measurement of the voltage of the battery cell via the path which may reduce leakage current when the battery is over-discharged while preventing extra discharging of the battery. According to various embodiments, there may be provided a battery pack and electronic device including a buffer circuit, which may measure the voltage of the battery cell in a noise-suppressed, accurate manner.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as illustrated, for example, in the appended claims and their equivalents.