TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to mobile communication devices and more particularly to using multiple batteries in a mobile communication device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Battery usage and energy consumption is a prominent issue with respect to mobile communication devices and other consumer electronic devices. Battery size, battery life and battery charging rates are constant issues in mobile communication device design. Large batteries are not desirable due to the amount of space occupied by such devices. Smaller batteries cannot always accommodate the desired battery performance. It is difficult to find a single battery or battery technology that satisfies all design and performance factors.

[0003] Battery technologies have varied in consumer electronics over time, from Nickel Cadmium to Nickel Metal Hybrid batteries and lately to Lithium based chemistries. Lithium-ion batteries are currently the de-facto standard selection in high energy density consumer electronics. This is due to highest voltage and highest energy density of practically available chemistries for re-chargeable batteries. However, the materials of these batteries can be expensive, and safety is an issue with certain battery types. [0004] Different lithium battery chemistries have different properties. A commonly used Lithium battery chemistry is a Lithium-Cobalt oxide (LiCoCk) battery, which has a low discharge rate, but a very high energy density. However, cobalt is expensive. Also, Lithium cobalt oxide batteries have been subject to explosion and fire risk. Lithium Iron Phosphate, LiFeP04, chemistry has long lifetime and is inherently safe, but is lower in energy density that LiCoC . The most common battery solution in mobile phones has been the use of the highest energy density battery, even when safety and charging performance is sacrificed.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to provide a battery solution for a mobile communication device that addresses at least some of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY

[0006] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to providing a multiple battery solution in an apparatus such as a mobile communication device. This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous modifications can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect the above and further objects and advantages are obtained by an apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first battery of a first type, a second battery of a second type different from the first type and a controller configured to determine an energy condition associated with the apparatus and select one of the first battery or the second battery to power the apparatus based on the determined energy condition. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable the use of different batteries in an apparatus. Batteries can be selected based on physical size and energy density and charging methods.

[0008] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus a chemical structure of the first battery is different from a chemical structure of the second battery. Different battery chemistries can be selected for an optimized mobile communication device architecture and operational requirements. [0009] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus the first battery comprises a

Lithium-Titanite battery and the second battery comprises a Lithium-Ion battery. A Lithium- Titanite battery, LkTixOx, provides good battery operation at low temperatures, fast charging and discharging behavior, but is low in energy density. The Lithium-Ion battery provides the highest voltage and highest energy density for rechargeable batteries. The different battery chemistries can be selected for an optimized mobile communication device architecture and operational requirements.

[0010] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus the apparatus further includes a first battery charging interface connected to the first battery and a second battery charging interface connected to the second battery. Different battery charging types can be used depending upon the different types of batteries.

[0011] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus the first battery charging interface is a fast speed battery charging interface. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable more than one charging mode depending upon the charging requirements and the type of battery to be charged.

[0012] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus the second battery charging interface is a low speed battery charging interface. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable more than one charging mode depending upon the charging requirements and the type of battery to be charged. [0013] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus the apparatus further comprises a hinge member connecting a first portion of the apparatus with the first battery to a second portion of the apparatus with the second battery. The hinge member allows the movement of the first portion and the second portion about the hinge to and between a folded or closed state and a spaced apart or open state. The controller is configured to determine a peak current condition of the apparatus and select one of the first battery or the second battery to supply power to the apparatus. By proper battery selection, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments can prevent peak current from passing over or through the hinge.

[0014] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus the apparatus comprises a mobile communication device. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable the use of different batteries in a mobile communication device depending upon specific energy consumption and usage requirements as well as architecture.

[0015] In a possible implementation form of the apparatus the apparatus comprises a computing device. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable the use of different batteries in a computing device depending upon specific energy consumption and usage requirements as well as architecture.

[0016] According to a second aspect the above and further objects and advantages are obtained by a method. In one embodiment, the method includes determining an energy condition associated with an apparatus, identifying a battery type associated with the energy condition; selecting one of a first battery or a second battery of the apparatus corresponding to the battery type and powering the apparatus with the selected first battery or second battery. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable the use of different batteries in an apparatus. Batteries can be selected based on physical size and energy density and charging methods.

[0017] In an implementation form of the method, the method further includes determining a change in the energy condition associated with the apparatus and selecting the other of the first battery or the second battery to power the apparatus. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable a specific battery to be selected that meets the current energy requirements of the apparatus. [0018] These and other aspects, implementation forms, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the embodiments described herein considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the description and drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosed invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Moreover, the aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0020] Figures 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. [0022] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates aspects of an exemplary method incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. [0024] Figure 5 illustrates aspects of an exemplary method incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS [0025] Referring to Figure 1, a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus

100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to the use of multiple batteries in an apparatus, such as a mobile communication device or a consumer electronic device.

[0026] As is illustrated in Figure 1, the exemplary apparatus 100 includes a first battery 102 of a first type and a second battery 104 of a second type. The first type of battery is generally different from the second type of battery. While the aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be described herein with respect to two different types of batteries, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the apparatus 100 can include any suitable number of batteries other than including two. For example, the apparatus 100 could include three or more batteries, depending upon the design and configuration of the apparatus 100. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to optimizing a size of the phone architecture with the use of multiple batteries as well as addressing energy considerations, as will be described further herein.

[0027] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a controller 106. The controller 106 generally comprises a processor or other suitable processing device. The controller 106, or the processor, can also include one or more memory devices. The controller 106, together with the processor and memory, is generally configured to execute machine readable instructions to carry out the processes and programs that are described herein. [0028] In one embodiment, the controller 106 is configured to determine an energy condition or state of the apparatus 100. The energy state of the apparatus 100 generally includes factors related to the energy consumption or charging state of the apparatus 100. These energy factors can include, but are not limited to, voltage and current requirements, energy life, environmental temperature and safety.

[0029] For example, where the apparatus 100 is being used for multimedia operations, the energy or power requirements may be higher than normal, or when the apparatus 100 is being used for other less energy intensive operations. In some situations, a long battery life may be required. Another factor can be the environmental temperature of the apparatus 100. For example, the apparatus 100 may be used in a low temperature environment, or an environment where a cold start is encountered. For each of the above situations, there can be one or more battery types that may be more suitable. While certain energy conditions and requirements are generally described herein, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, any suitable energy condition or state can be used as a factor in determining a type of battery to be used. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable the selection of a battery 102, 104 of the apparatus 100 that can provide or meet the energy requirements of the situation.

[0030] In the example of Figure 1, two batteries 102, 104 are illustrated. However, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments the apparatus 100 can include any number of batteries, other than including two. For example, the apparatus 100 could include three or four batteries. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are only limited by the size of the apparatus 100. As the size of batteries becomes smaller, different numbers and types of batteries can be accommodated in the architecture of the apparatus 100, such as a mobile communication device. [0031] In a two or multiple battery solution, several advantages can be found. One is that the phone architecture can be optimized. Generally, the battery of an apparatus 100 such as a mobile communication device tends to be the largest component in terms of volume occupied and the footprint area. The rest of the architecture of the apparatus 100 is mainly built around the battery. Actual battery shapes tend to be rectangular, which will guide the architecture design and determine component locations. By using multiple batteries, in some cases the overall battery size and footprint can be smaller than might otherwise be needed in a single battery solution. The multiple battery solution of the disclosed embodiments makes possible to make provide different design choices for monoblock devices, which do not bend or slide, as well as multi-block/foldable devices.

[0032] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable the selection of a particular battery to be based on different energy densities and chemistries. Using as an example Lithium- Ion (Li-ion) chemistries, one of the first battery 102 or second battery 104 can be a Lithium- Titanite battery, LLTixOx. Features of this battery type include suitable operation at low temperatures, ability to provide high current to the modules on the apparatus 100 needing high current and fast or rapid charging. Examples of such modules can include, but are not limited to power amplifiers (PA) and application engines.

[0033] The second battery in this example, which would be the other of the first battery

102 or second battery 104, can be selected to be a battery that does not need to provide very high current bursts and would have a long life time expectation. Examples of such batteries can include, but are not limited to batteries that are moderate or high in energy density, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (LiFePOT).

[0034] As other examples of the different types of batteries that can be used in implementations of aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a Lithium Manganese oxide (LiMnC ) type battery, is a low cost, long life and high discharge battery. This type of battery has a relatively low energy density, in the range of 110-120Wh/kg. A Lithium-Titanite (L TixOx) type battery provides good operation at low temperatures, such as down to -40 Centigrade. This type of battery has fast charging and discharging behavior, but is low in energy density, in the range of 30-1 lOWh/kg and voltage (nominal at approximately 2.4 Volts). A Lithium Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiMnCo02) type battery has long life and is safe with low heating. This type of battery has a relatively low in energy density, in the range of 95- 130Wh/kg.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes different electrical charging interfaces, shown as battery interface 112 and battery interface 114. In this example, battery interface 112 is connected to battery 102, while battery interface 114 is connected to battery 104. While for the purposes of the description, the battery interfaces 112, 114 will be referred to as a first battery interface and a second battery interface, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments the apparatus 100 can include any suitable number of battery interfaces other than including two.

[0036] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable different charging methods to be selected, since the different batteries 102, 104 will have corresponding battery charging interfaces and charging circuits. The battery charging interface 112, 114 can be selected based on the corresponding battery’s capability of fast charging or fast discharge. [0037] For example, in a commonly used battery charging mode, the battery is charged with constant current (CC) until approximately 50% of the battery capacity is realized. When the battery capacity reaches the approximate 50% level, the charging mode changes to a constant voltage (CV) mode. This is referred to as CC/CV charging. In this manner, the maximum battery voltage is not exceeded and the start stage of the charging is faster. Once the battery reaches its capacity, the charging mode goes into a no charging mode. In this mode, charging may occasionally take place in order to keep that battery at full charge. Generally, smaller batteries will charge faster to the 50% capacity level that will larger batteries, when the same voltage and current is applied. [0038] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a first portion or member 122, a second portion or member 124 and a hinge 126. The portions 122 and 124 are configured to move or pivot about the hinge 126, between a closed or folded state and an open or unfolded state. An example of this is a flip style of mobile communication device or a foldable computing device. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments allow for selection of a battery of the apparatus 100 that will avoid current from being carried across the hinge 126 during operation of the apparatus 100.

[0039] For example, in one embodiment, the controller 106 can be configured to detect when peak current is required by one or more components of the apparatus 100. The controller 106 can select a battery 102, 104 that is disposed in the same portion 122, 124 of the apparatus 100 as the component requiring the increased current. In this manner, higher current levels are not carried across the hinge 126.

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary process 200 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In this example, an apparatus 100 that includes at least a first battery 102 and a second battery 104 as illustrated in Figure 1, determines 202 an energy condition or requirement of one or more components of the apparatus 100. This can include, but is not limited to, for example, a demand for increased energy, such as current, or a long battery life need. A battery type is identified 204. The identified battery type will be one of the one or more batteries 102, 104 of the apparatus. A battery that corresponds to the identified battery type is selected 206 to provide power to the apparatus 100. While an exact match is desired, in one embodiment, the controller 106 can be configured to select the most suitable battery of the apparatus 100 that corresponds to the energy condition and the identified battery type. For example, in one embodiment, the controller 106 can include a table of energy conditions and suitable battery types. In this manner, a battery can be identified and selected that can meet a majority of the requirements. The apparatus 100 is then powered 208 by the selected battery.

[0041] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a switching device, such as the controller 106, that is configured switch the electrical power connections from one battery 102, 104 to the other battery 104, 102. For example, the controller 106 can comprise or include one or more relays or electrical switching circuits. [0042] Referring to Figure 5, in one embodiment, either alone or in combination with any of the other embodiments described herein, it is determined 210 whether there has been a change in the energy conditions and/or requirements of the apparatus 100. If a change is determined or detected, a battery type corresponding to a current energy condition and/or requirement is identified. A battery 102, 104 of the apparatus 100 is selected and the controller 106 is configured to switch the power source of the apparatus 100 from one battery 102, 104 to the other battery 104, 102. The apparatus 100 is then powered 216 by the selected battery.

[0043] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable batteries with different chemistries to be selected for different needs and implementations. The apparatus, such as a mobile communication device, can include different batteries for different current and energy needs, different operational and environmental temperatures as well as safety concerns. The apparatus can also include different electrical charging interfaces that allow charging based on the battery type and can include fast or slow charging.

[0044] Charging requirements can also be considered as an energy condition or requirement. Optimized charging can also be implemented based on the user needs by programmable chargers. For example, in one embodiment battery 102 can be used and then battery 104. Alternatively, battery 104 could be used first and then battery 102. Which battery 102, 104 is used first can depend on the specific energy performance required, the discharge and recharge rates as well as battery safety issues. [0045] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out, fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed invention. Further, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements, which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.