Patent ID: 7579842

Claim:
A battery management system for managing a string of cells including a sensing module; a DC/DC converter; a control module coupled to the sensing module and the DC/DC converter; and a common line coupled to both the sensing module and the DC/DC converter and adapted for connection to a battery when in use, wherein the sensing module is configured to receive battery information from the common line and output a sensing signal to the control module in accordance with the battery information, wherein the control module is configured to receive the sensing signal from the sensing module and output a control signal in accordance with the battery information, and wherein the DC/DC converter has a first port configured to be coupled across a plurality of cells of the string and a second port coupled to the common line, the DC/DC converter operative to transfer energy between the first and second ports to feed and/or drain a battery connected to the common line when in use in accordance with the control signal.