Integrated MOSFET current sensing for fuel-gauging
US8717033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Integrated MOSFET current sensing for fuel-gauging. A 1st MOSFET through which the current is to be sensed is coupled to a 2nd MOSFET of the same type, the 2nd MOSFET being biased to have the same resistance as the 1st MOSFET. The 2nd MOSFET has a much smaller area than the 1st MOSFET, and is coupled to a current source representing a maximum current through the 1st MOSFET. The voltage across the 1st MOSFET relative to the voltage across the 2nd MOSFET provides a measure of the current through the 1st MOSFET. Various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments in battery packs to eliminate the need for additional and expensive external components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.