GB2474261A

GB2474261A - Apparatus for regulating charge to a battery and components of an electronic device

Info

Publication number: GB2474261A
Application number: GB0917608A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susanna Jarvinen; Petri Yliniemela; Raimo Kalervo Kivari; Paavo Olavi Niemitalo
Original assignee: Nokia Oyj
Current assignee: Nokia Oyj
Priority date: 2009-10-08
Filing date: 2009-10-08
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Also published as: GB0917608D0

Abstract

Described herein is, in a first embodiment, an apparatus 100 for regulating charge from a connected power supply 30 to a chargeable power source such as a battery 10 and one or more components 20 of an electronic device 40. The apparatus is configured to have one or more powering modes. The apparatus has an input path 3, a first output path 1 and a second output path 2. The input path receives power from the power supply; the first output path (in one or more of the powering modes) provides power form the input path to the battery to charge the battery; and the second output path (in one or more of the powering modes) provides power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power the components. The apparatus is configured to be able to bypass the provision of power from the battery to the components in one or more of the powering modes. The regulating apparatus may be provided in the electronic device, in the power supply or in a module connected between the power supply and the device. May be applied to a mobile phone, pda, media player or any other handheld electronic device with rechargeable batteries.

Description

User interfaces and associated apparatus and methods

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of apparatus for regulating charge, associated methods, computer programs and associated devices. Certain disclosed aspects/embodiments relate to portable electronic devices, in particular, so-called hand-portable electronic devices which may be hand-held in use (although they may be placed in a cradle in use). Such hand-portable electronic devices include so-called Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

The portable electronic devices/apparatus according to one or more disclosed aspects/embodiments may provide one or more audio/text/video communication functions (e.g. tele-communication, video-communication, and/or text transmission (Short Message Service (SMS)/ Multimedia Message Service (MMS)/emailing) functions), interactive/non-interactive viewing functions (e.g. web-browsing, navigation, TV/program viewing functions), music recording/playing functions (e.g. MP3 or other format and/or (FM/AM) radio broadcast recording/playing), downloading/sending of data functions, image capture function (e.g. using a (e.g. in-built) digital camera), and gaming functions.

Background

Many electronic devices/apparatus are provided with their own power source (such as an : internal battery/power cell) to enable the device/apparatus to be used away from a mains * ,e* power supply. This is mostly the case with hand-portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, notebooks, e-book readers, personal audio devices (CD, MP3, cassette players, and the like) etc, in order to allow them to be carried around * by/with a user without needing to be directly connected to an external power supply that would limit its portability (for example, a wall socket, a charger, a car charger, USB * )** charger, etc).

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It should be noted that a number of the abovementioned devices consume power very quickly. As such, their power sources are often drained within a short period of time. For example, mobile phones typically exhaust the capacity of their provided power sources within a few days of average use, whilst some personal entertainment devices (e.g. MP3 players) can only provide a few hours of continued use before their provided power source is drained. The power sources of such devices are often (re)chargeable so that the power source does not need to be replaced constantly. Instead, it can be recharged by connecting the onboard power source to a power supply to replenish the power stored by the source. This is often done repeatedly over the lifetime of such power sources or their device counterparts.

In most of the devices mentioned above, the power sources are the sole source of power for the device/apparatus they are provided with. They provide all the components of the device/apparatus with power needed for the device/apparatus provide their various functions.

For example, many apparatus/devices comprises processors, CPUs, application specific integrated circuits, displays, input areas (touch sensitive or keypads, etc), or the like.

Also, many apparatus/devices mentioned above also comprise (or are connected to) various audio components, such as speakers, small/large diameter drivers or armatures, speaker amplifiers, or the like. Figure la shows a schematic diagram layout of an example portable electronic device comprising such audio components.

Whilst onboard power sources such as batteries are exclusively used for powering portable devices, it should be noted that the power output provided by some batteries can be unstable. For example, it can fluctuate from a relatively low to a relatively high output voltage (typically from 3.IV to 4.4V with current battery technologies). Also, battery voltage ripple can be very high. For example, with current battery technologies, the voltage ripple for a component such as a time division multiplexed GSM900 transmitter that is active at full power at power level 5 can be up to 550 mV.

In order to compensate for such unwanted characteristics in a supply of power, it is S.., .. : normal practice to provide such devices/apparatus with one or more voltage regulators in *::::* 30 front of the components that need a constant and reliable supply of power. These are needed to stabilize the power supply for sensitive audio parts such as Analog-to-Digital S...

(AD) and Digital-to-Analog (DA) converters, and also for audio amplifiers, like earpiece amplifiers. Speakers and amplifiers used in, for example, hands-free type speaker accessories are often directly connected to a device/apparatus so as to receive power a..

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straight from the battery. This can make them particularly sensitive to battery voltage ripple.

Audio amplifiers are used to increase the voltage provided by the battery to be sufficient to drive the speaker. This is to ensure that the speaker/audio component is capable of producing the desired audio volume/level (even for earpieces, speakers, hands-free accessories/kits, etc). Some audio components require a significantly higher power supply than other audio components (hands-free or external speakers in particular).

A typical arrangement of apparatus known in the art is shown in Figures Ia & lb. Figure la illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a component layout for an apparatus that uses traditional charging technology together with standard battery and power supply interfaces (mains charger) for audio amplifiers. This afso utilises a voltage regulator as discussed above to regulate the provision of power from the battery to the audio amplifier/components. These components are explicitly labelled on Figure Ia. This arrangement is a standard layout as known in the art. This figure is merely provided for completeness and to show the various parts involved in such apparatus/devices. For simplicity, we will focus on Figure ib, which provides a simple illustration of the constituent parts involved in the charging of this apparatus.

The portable electronic device (D) comprises a rechargeable battery (B) and a number of components (C). The battery (B) is electrically connected to the components (C) to thereby provide power to the components (C) during normal operation of the device (D).

During normal operation of the device (D), the components (C) draw power from the battery (B) so that they can perform their normal function. For example, with reference to the discussion of audio components above and Figure la, the components may comprise a voltage regulator and audio amplifier for connection to a speaker (see also Figure la for an illustration of this type of signal path). The battery (B) therefore provides *..* .. : power to the regulator/amplifier arrangement to drive the connected speaker.

* .* * * * 30 **** Also illustrated in Figure lb is power supply (P) which is electrically connected to the portable electronic device (D). It is connected directly to the battery (B). This is to effect charging of the rechargeable battery (B)to replenish its power level. *

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Such devices (D) are typically still available for use when in this charging state. However, the battery (B) is still providing the components (C) with the necessary power whilst it is charging in this charging state. This leads to several short term issues as well as several long term issues that can affect the performance and longevity of the device (D).

Firstly, when the battery (B) is charging, it will experience a temperature increase whilst it is recharging (due to the nature of the recharging process -this is well known in the prior art). However, the battery (B) will also experience a further temperature increase due to power being drawn from it by the components (C). This can lead to unwanted heating of the battery (B), with a proportion of energy being lost as heat. This unwanted heating may also raise the temperature of the battery (B) above the optimal operating temperature. The components (C) connected to the battery (B) may also be producing heat during operation, which can serve to compound the problem. For example, RF transmitters, power amplifiers, high speed processors and memories, other voltage regulators, audio amplifiers, will also produce heat when in operation, thus contributing further to the overall temperature of the device. As a result, the maximum operating temperature of the device (D) would be achieved quicker than would be preferable for optimal operation of the device (D).

Exceeding a maximum operational temperature is a well known critical issue for electronic components (in particular memories or displays), but it may also cause other non-critical components, such as device or terminal covers, to become too hot for a user to hold or use. Software is currently used in known devices to monitor and deal with temperature issues (for example, shut down certain features), but such solutions' are non-ideal and can sometimes place limitations on the usability of the device for the user.

High temperature can also decrease the lifetime of components as well as the overall quality of the device. *...

Secondly, power provided from the power supply (P) is typically stepped down from a S...

mains voltage level (for example, -230V in the UK) and often rectified to provide a DC power source for charging the battery (B). This is an inefficient process and a great deal of power is lost through this process. As mentioned above, some components (e.g. speakers) require a higher power level than the battery can provide in order to be operational. This requires audio amplifiers and voltage regulators to step the voltage up to provide the necessary voltage level. This is also an inefficient process with energy S.....

being lost as a result. The device is therefore losing energy at two stages as it is transformed from one voltage level to another to be suitable for charging the battery, and then again stepped up again to power necessary components. This can be a great waste of energy.

Furthermore, as power is being drawn from. the battery whilst it is attempting to be charged, it will take longer for the battery to reach its maximum charge as power is constantly being siphoned off by the other components. For example, the battery could experience a 10% increase in charge in a given period of time, but during that time 5% of its power may also be used up by the components. In this scenario it would take up to twice as long to charge the battery compared to a scenario in which the device was not in use.

Thirdly, there is the problem of peak current limitation from battery. Typically the maximum allowed peak current from current batteries is about 3-4 A. In some cases (with low battery voltage) this can be achieved very easily. RF transmitters may be able to take/absorb such 2-3A peaks, switched mode power supplies used as audio amplifiers (e.g. SMPS TPS6 1052) may be able to take around 0.5-0.8A peaks, processors may be able to take 1-2A peaks, light emitting components (e.g. LEDs) may be able to take 0.5A peaks, whilst WLAN components may take substantially high peak currents. Some of these components may be vulnerable to issues developing if the peak current entering these components is not adequately regulated/controlled. For example, it may be necessary to limit the current to such components. This may be by limiting audio volume, LED brightness, or including some other limitations. Such limitations may affect the user's experience with the device and may be disappointing for a user.

One solution suggested for this could be adding so called "super capacitors" into power supply lines, but these are big and expensive components, and not yet ready/suitable for .. : mass production. Another solution is to use software to control such scenarios, so that S...

peak current is limited such that the components do not take the peak at the same time, or such that the feature is shut down (for example, WLAN or audio) during the peak.

However, this is not an ideal solution, because this can impede the operation of the device and could cause frustration for a user.

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The listing or discussion of a prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the present disclosure may or may not address one or

more of the background issues.

Summary

In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for regulating power from a connected power supply to a chargeable power source and one or more components of an electronic device, the apparatus configured to have one or more powering modes, the apparatus comprising: an input path configured to be able to receive power from a connected power supply; a first output path configured to be able to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source; and a second output path configured to be able to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path directly to the one or more components of the device to power said components, and wherein the apparatus is configured to be able to bypass the provision of power from the chargeable power source to said components in one or more of the powering modes.

Each of the powering modes can be considered to be different apparatus states that are adopted/established when an appropriate power supply is suitably connected and is determined to be able to provide appropriate levels of power to the apparatus when the power supply is suitably connected. Each of the one or more powering modes can be understood to have a number of different conditions that are implemented upon adoption **** .. : of a particular powering mode. For example, a first powering mode may encompass a .... 30 condition in which the first and/or second output paths are used i.e. either or both are used to provide power as indicated. Thus, in this first powering mode, the second output path could provide power to the one or more components, but the first output path may not actually be used. In another powering mode, both output paths could be used provide power to the components and the chargeable power source, to effect powering of the components and charging of the power source.

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The bypassing of the chargeable power source allows direct powering of the components from the power supply, rather than power being delivered via the chargeable power source.

The apparatus may be configured to have a further non-charging mode, in which the bypass is removed and the first output path is configured to be able to provide power from the chargeable power source to the second output path for onward provision to the one or more components.

The apparatus may be configured such that, in the non-charging mode, the chargeable power source is connected directly to the one or more components using the first and second output paths to allow for provision of power from the chargeable power source to the components.

The apparatus may also be configured such that, in the non-charging mode, the input path is disconnected from the first and second output paths to prevent the provision of power to the chargeable power source and one or more components.

The apparatus may further comprise a switch configured to be able to switch the paths of the apparatus such that the apparatus is moved between one or more of the powering modes and the non-charging mode, the switch being configured to be able to: in one or more of the powering modes, provide the bypass by connecting the input path to the second output path without connection to the first output path, to thereby allow for the direct provision of power from a connected power supply to the one or more components and to prevent the provision of power from the chargeable power source to the one or more components; and in the non-charging mode, remove the bypass by connecting the second output * .** path directly to the first output path without connection to the input path, to allow for the * .** *** 30 provision of power from the chargeable power source to the one or more components and to prevent the direct provision of power from the power supply to the one or more components.

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The switch enables the apparatus to control the connectivity of the respective paths to selectively route/provide power to the chargeable power source and the one or more components according to the respective mode that the apparatus is in.

The switch may be implemented via a simple SPST (single-pole, single-throw) or SPDT (single-pole, double throw) switch, or it may be one or more of DPDT (double-pole, double throw), DPTT/DP3T (double-pole, triple throw), TPTT/3P3T (triple-pole, triple-throw), etc. The switches may also be MEMS (micro electro-mechanical switches), NEMS (nano electro-mechanical switches), any type of FET (Field Effect Transistor), or the like. The switch may also be implemented via hardware switching and/or software switching. Any number of switches having different methods of switching could be used depending on the connections needed to appropriately connect a given power supply to a given device via the apparatus of the first aspect.

The first output path may comprise a first input channel and a second output channel, the chargeable power source also comprising an input terminal configured to be able to receive power and connected to the first input channel, and also comprising an output terminal configured to be able to provide power and connected to the second output channel, wherein the switch is further configured to be able to: in one or more of the powering modes, connect the input path to the first input channel of the first output path to thereby allow for the provision of power from the power supply to the chargeable power source, and in the non-charging mode, connect the second output channel of the first output path to the second output path to allow for the provision of power from the chargeable power supply to the one or more components.

The first input channel of the first output path may be configured to allow the chargeable power source to receive power so as to effect charging of the chargeable power source. *S.. * S* ** * * *S

The second input channel of the first output path may be configured to allow the chargeable power source to provide power to external components so as to act as a power source. SI*SS * S * S.. S...

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By splitting the first output path into two distinct channels, the chargeable power source is able to both receive power and provide power without either function/operation interfering with the other.

The apparatus may be configured to be able to: upon connection of the power supply, be moved into one or more of the powering modes; and upon disconnection of the power supply, be moved into the non-charging mode.

The apparatus may comprise a connection switch that is configured to be able to detect connection/disconnection of a power supply to the apparatus to thereby effect movement of the apparatus between the respective modes.

This connection switch may be a physical switch that is activated/deactivated upon physical connection/disconnection of a power supply, or this second switch may be an electronic switch that receives a signal upon connection/disconnection of a power supply.

The physical connection/disconnection of the power supply may cause for physical activation/deactivation of the switch for controlling the connection of the paths of the apparatus. For example, a connector comprised by a power supply to be connected may physically force the switch of the apparatus into a position associated with one or more of the powering modes upon connection with the apparatus. Also, the physical removal of the same connector may cause the switch to physically latch into a position associated with the non-charging mode upon disconnection from the apparatus.

The apparatus may also comprise a processor configured to control the adoption of the one or more powering modes and the provision/routing of power by the apparatus. This processor may be an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or it may be provided * by a multi-purpose IC, or even by an electronic component contained within either the S...

30 device or a connected power supply. S...

The processor may also be configured to receive signalling from the connection switch to 5S*SS * * thereby cause the apparatus to be moved between the respective modes. S...

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The apparatus may be configured to be able to receive power supply by one or more of a: USB power supply, car charger power supply, wall socket power supply, and external portable power supply.

The one or more components of the device may be or may comprise one or more of: audio components, display components, user input/output components, transmission/reception components, processing components, and antenna components.

The apparatus may be configured to be able to regulate the power from the power supply such that a constant power level is provided to the chargeable power source or the one or more components.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus may be or may be comprised within one or more of a: device, electronic device, portable electronic device, hand portable electronic device, radio communications device, data communicator, personal digital assistant, pager, digital camera, gaming device, media device, portable media device, or a module for any one or more of these devices.

The apparatus may also be comprised within any one or more of a: USB power supply, car charger power supply, wall socket power supply, external portable power supply, or a module for the aforementioned supplies.

In a further aspect, there is provided an apparatus for regulating charge from a connected means for supplying power to a means for providing power that is chargeable and one or more means of operation of an electronic device, the apparatus being configured to have one or more powering modes, the apparatus comprising: a means for receiving power configured to be able to receive power from a connected means for supplying power; S...

30 a first means for providing power configured to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the means for receiving power to the means for providing power that is chargeable to effect charging of the means for providing power that is S..'..

* chargeable; and a second means for providing power configured to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the means for receiving power directly to the one 4.S

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or more means for operation of the device to power said means for operation, and wherein the apparatus is configured to bypass the provision of power from the means for providing power that is chargeable to said means for operation in one or more of the powering modes.

In a further aspect, there is provided a method for assembling an apparatus for regulating charge from a power supply to a chargeable power source and one or more components of an electronic device, the apparatus being configured to have one or more powering modes, the apparatus comprising: io an input path configured to be able to receive power from the power supply; a first output path configured to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source; and a second output path configured to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power said components, and wherein the apparatus is configured to bypass the provision of power from the chargeable power source to said components in one or more of the powering modes, wherein the method comprises: assembling the input path such that it can receive power from a connected power supply; assembling the first output path such that, in one or more of the powering modes, it can provide power from the input path to the chargeable power source to effect charging of the chargeable power source; assembling the second output path such that, in one or more of the powering modes, it can provide power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power said components; and configuring the apparatus to be able to bypass the provision of power from the * .* 1** chargeable power source to said components when the apparatus is in one or more of (s.

the powering modes. ***4

In a further aspect, there is provided a method for regulating charge from a power supply to a chargeable power source and one or more components of an electronic device using an apparatus, the apparatus being configured to have one or more powering modes, the apparatus comprising: ** * * an input path configured to be able to receive power from the power supply; a first output path configured to be able to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source; and a second output path configured to be able to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power said components, and wherein the apparatus is configured to bypass the provision of power from the chargeable power source to said components in one or more of the powering modes, wherein the method comprises: receiving power from the supply via the input path, and providing power from the input path, in accordance with one or more of the powering modes, to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source using the first output path and/or providing power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power said components using the second output path, whilst bypassing providing power from the chargeable power source to said components when in one or more of the powering modes.

In another aspect there is provided a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being configured such that, when run, the computer program performs the method of the aspect immediately above.

The present disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure.

Corresponding computer programs for implementing one or more of the methods S...

disclosed are also within the present disclosure and encompassed by one or more of the *5*S . 30 described embodiments.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. .5S* * .

Brief Description of the Figures * 35

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A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure Ia illustrates an example of the prior art in which power is routed to components from/via the battery of a given device.

Figure lb illustrates a simplified example of the prior art in which power is routed to components from/via the battery of a given device.

Figure 2 illustrates an apparatus according to a first embodiment, which connects a power supply to a chargeable power source and other components to provide power between these components according to a charging or non-charging mode.

Figure 3a provides a detailed view of a diagram of the apparatus of the first embodiment and its overall operation.

Figure 3b provides a detailed view of a diagram of the apparatus of the first embodiment and its operation in the charging mode.

Figure 3c provides a detailed view of a diagram of the apparatus of the first embodiment and its operation in the non-charging mode.

Figure 4a illustrates an example of a first implementation of the apparatus of the first embodiment.

Figure 4b illustrates an example of a second implementation of the apparatus of the first embodiment.

Figure 4c illustrates an example of a third implementation of the apparatus of the first embodiment.

Figure 4d illustrates an example of a fourth implementation of the apparatus of the first embodiment.

Figure 5a illustrates a second embodiment in which the apparatus is implemented in a power supply to be connected to a device.

Figure 5b illustrates a third embodiment in which the apparatus is implemented in a module to be connected between a power supply and a device.

* .** Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of operation of the apparatus.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a computer readable media providing a program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

s..., Figure 8 illustrates a further variation of the first embodiment. **5.*

* Description of Example Aspects/Embodiments **.

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According to at least a first embodiment described herein, there is provided an apparatus for regulating charge from a connected power supply to a chargeable power source and one or more components of an electronic device. The apparatus is configured to have one or more powering modes, The apparatus also has an input path, a first output path and a second output path. The input path is able to receive power from the power supply, the first output path (in one or more of the powering modes) is able to provide power from the input path to the chargeable power source to charge the power source, and the second output path (in one or more of the powering modes) is able to provide power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power said components.

The apparatus is configured to bypass the provision of power from the chargeable power source to said components in one or more of the powering modes.

By bypassing the provision of power from the power source to the components in one or more of the powering modes, and instead providing power to the components directly from the connected power supply, many advantages can be gained.

Firstly, as the chargeable power source is no longer providing power to the components due to the bypass, the chargeable power source will not experience the additional temperature rise normally associated with this task (as mentioned in the background).

This in turn can help to keep the operating temperature of the chargeable power source at an optimal level for charging and so as not to be affected by the power needs of other components.

Secondly, power supplies such as mains or (in particular) USB connected power supplies are typically very stable and do not suffer from the power/voltage fluctuations that are often produced by chargeable power sources (e.g. batteries, particularly when the remaining stored charge is low). As such, this helps to address the issue of unwanted power peaks or surges, voltage ripples, etc that could affect the functionality or integrity of the one or more components. The power supply can therefore provide a reliable supply of power to the one or more components during charging. S..

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*5*SS* * Also, such power supplies often operate at a much higher voltage/power than portable : 35 power sources (such as batteries). Therefore, such power supplies are often capable of

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providing the power level needed by the abovementioned components (audio amplifiers, etc) without the need for a step-up transformer/SMPS convertor as discussed in the background section. This therefore reduces the need for such additional step-up'

components as presently used in the prior art.

Different powering modes can provide different routing of power to the respective parts of the device. For example, in one powering mode, the bypass between the components and the power source may be provided and power routed to the components only (i.e. the power source is not provided with power and therefore not charged). In another mode, the bypass may be. provided and power routed to both the components and the power source (i.e. the source is charged and the components are powered).

In this latter powering mode, the components (for example, audio components) do not draw power from the chargeable power source while it is charging. The chargeable power source is therefore able to undergo charging without any of its power being siphoned off or drained by any further components. This can allow for a more rapid and efficient charging of the power source than presently known in the art.

We will now describe an implementation of the apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment with reference to Figure 2. This apparatus 100 is able to regulate the charge/power for a portable electronic device 40, the power/charge being provided from a connected power supply 30. This particular embodiment will set forth a powering mode that causes powering of both components and a chargeable power source of an electronic device (discussed below). We have referred to this particular powering mode as a "charging mode" as it can be considered as being defined by the "charging" of the chargeable power source. The specifics of the internal operation and structure of the apparatus 100 will be described shortly, but we will first focus on how the apparatus 100 is connected to the device 40 and the power supply 30. IS.*

As shown in Figure 2, the device 40 comprises the apparatus 100, as well as chargeable power source 10 and electronic components 20. In this implementation, the device 40 is s... a mobile phone in which the apparatus 100 is integrated, but the skilled person will * appreciate that, in other embodiments (not shown) it may be another type of portable S.....

* electronic device, or indeed any other type of electronic device utilising a chargeable 35 powersourcelO.

S.. *** * The chargeable power source 10 is to be electrically connected to the apparatus 100 via a first output path 1. The first output path I can be considered to be part of the apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the chargeable power source is an internal rechargeable battery, such as a NiMH or Lithium-Ion battery. Other types of rechargeable power sources are well known in the art, and the skilled person will appreciate that any type of power source that can be recharged via the provision of electrical power from a connected power supply can be used instead. The chargeable power source 10 is internal whilst also being removable/replaceable in this embodiment, but in other embodiments it may be integrated within the device 40 such that it is not removable or replaceable.

The chargeable power source 10 in this embodiment also comprises a connection terminal (not shown) that is electrically connected to the first output path 1. Some types of chargeable power source have a single connection terminal to effect powering and receive charging, and thus can be considered to provide both an input terminal and an output terminal. Other types of chargeable power source utilise more than one terminal to provide and receive power. To make it easier to understand the routing of power to and from the chargeable power source, we will discuss the first embodiment with reference to respective input and output terminals (these are not shown in Figure 2 -instead see Figure 3) which are both to be electrically connected to the first output path 1. In essence, the input terminal we refer to is capable of receiving charge/power so as to effect charging of the power source 10. The output terminal, conversely, is capable of providing charge/power so as to provide power to electrically connected components (such as components 20). In this embodiment, the input and output terminals provided by the connection terminal are electrically conductive plates that are configured to be contacted by the first output path 1. This is typical for such rechargeable batteries. The skilled person will appreciate that, in other embodiments, the terminals may be some other type of electrically conductive material such as wires, or they may be directly soldered or connected to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)/Printed Wiring Board (PWB)/internal wiring etc of the device 40. The connection terminal of the chargeable power source 10 will be described in more detail shortly. S...

S

*5S55I * e The components 20 are electrically connected to the apparatus 100 via a second output : 35 path 2. The second output path 2 can be considered to be part of the apparatus 100. As *** * ***** mentioned above, the device 40 in this embodiment is a mobile phone. As such, the components 20 can comprise or consist of one or more of radio transceiver circuitry, antenna, displays (touch sensitive or the like), user input areas (such as keypads), memories, external connections, backlights or other types of light sources, audio amplifiers, speakers, voltage regulators (as discussed above), headphones, etc. The device 40 may also comprise still other components in this embodiment or others. The skilled person will appreciate that, in still other embodiments (where the device 40 provides some other type of functionality), it may comprise some other types of components 20 that require powering.

The power supply 30 is electrically connected to apparatus 100 comprised within the apparatus via input path 3. The input path 3 can be considered to be part of the apparatus 100. This enables the device 40 to receive power from the power supply 30, the power being routed via the apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the power supply 30 is a dedicated charger that is connected to a mains electricity supply via a wall socket. In this embodiment, the power supply charger also comprises a male USB connector (not shown) that is able to connectably mate with a corresponding female USB connector comprised by the apparatus 100/device 40 (the male/female arrangement may of course be the other way round). The corresponding male/female USB connections enable the power supply 30 to be connected to the device 40/apparatus 100 via the input path 3.

The skilled person will appreciate that, in other embodiments (not shown), the charger may utilise some other type of connector that is suitable to mate with a corresponding connector provided by the apparatus/device.

We have not described the exact physical arrangement of the device 40 (such as the housing, operation, etc) as this is not the focus of the present invention. Such electronic devices and their arrangements/functionality are well known in the art. The apparatus (that we are about to describe in detail) could be implemented in any of the abovementioned devices. As such, we have not discussed the physical arrangement of this device 40 in detail as it is not necessary for the purposes of understanding the present invention. * *

* We will now describe the apparatus 100 in detail with reference to Figure 3a.

S..... * . *. S...

S.....

S S

The apparatus 100 comprises the abovementioned first output path 1, the second output path 2, the input path 3, and switch 4. The apparatus 100 has a charging mode in which it enables charging of the chargeable power source 10 of the device 40 using the power supply 30, and a non-charging mode in which charging is not effected. These modes will be explained shortly.

As discussed above, the first output path 1 is for electrically connecting the apparatus to the chargeable power source 10. The first output path I is actually formed from two distinct electrical paths, having a first input channel la and a second output channel lb. The first input channel la is configured to be connected to the input terminal of the chargeable power source 10 once the apparatus 100 is assembled within the device 40.

This is so that the apparatus 100 is able to electrically connect the input terminal of the chargeable power source 10 to a connected power supply 30 via the input path 3 and the first input channel la (to thereby allow for charging of the chargeable power source 10 in the charging mode).

The second output channel 1 b is configured to be connectable to an output terminal of the chargeable power source 10. This is so that the apparatus 100 electrically connects the output terminal to the switch 4, so that the apparatus 100 can control the routing of power from the chargeable power source 10 when it is not being charged in the non-charging mode.

The second output path 2 is for electrically connecting the apparatus 100 to the components 20. This is so that the apparatus 100, in the charging mode, can electrically connect the components 20 to the power supply 30 via the input path 3 to allow for direct powering of the components and so that, in the non-charging mode, it can electrically connect the components 20 to the output terminal of the chargeable power source via the second output channel lb of the first output path 1. S..

The input path 3 is configured to be connectable to the power supply 30. This is so that *5S* * the power supply 30 can provide power to the apparatus 100 so that the apparatus 100 *5**S* * can route/provide this power onwards according to the particular mode (charging/non- : 35 charging) that the apparatus 100 has adopted. S...

S

S.....

S

The input and output paths 1-3 are provided by electrically conductive paths. In this embodiment, they are conductive paths provided on a single unitary printed circuit board (PCB), however the skilled person will appreciate that in other embodiments the paths may also be provided by simple wire connections, printed wiring boards (PWBs), or the like. Each of the paths may be provided by individual components (such as the PWBs or PCBs mentioned above), however each of the paths may be split into a plurality of different electrically conductive routes. The skilled person will appreciate how these paths could be implemented based on existing and future technology.

The switch 4 is a switch that is capable of changing the connections between the respective paths 1-3 so as to provide the respective modes. In this embodiment, the switch 4 is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. In other embodiments the skilled person will appreciate that the switch 4 could be any type of switch that could be used to provide the needed path switching. For example, the switch 4 could be a DPDT, TPTT, latching switch, latching transistor, etc. The switch 4 also comprises processor (not shown) that is electrically connected to the switching mechanism. This is so that the processor can control the switching performed by the switch 4 in response to electrical signals provided/received by the device 40. In other embodiments, this processor may be comprised within another processing component of the device (i.e. a central processing unit) or it may be provided separately by some other controlling mechanism, such as a physical switch that is user-actuatable, or even a switch that is tripped upon physical connection/disconnection of the power supply 30 to the device 40/apparatus 10. This aspect will be discussed in later embodiments.

For the SPOT switch 4 of this embodiment, we have denoted the three connecting points as X, Y & Z. X refers to the connection point of the end of the common pole (the actual switching mechanism -the single pole') that is to be electrically connected to the second output path 2. Y refers to the connection point of the first leg of the switch 4 that is to be electrically connected between the input path 3 and the first input channel la (i.e. the S...

* first throw'). Z refers to the connection point of the second leg of the switch 4 that is to * be electrically connected to the second output channel lb (i.e. the second throw'). S...

I

I..... S *

We will now describe the assembly of the apparatus 100, as well as the assembly of the apparatus 100 within the device 40.

The switch 4 forms the central part of the apparatus 100. The input path 3 (that connects the connected power supply 30 to the apparatus 100) is electrically connected via soldering to the Y connection point of the switch 4, as is the first input channel Ia. The second output channel 1 b (that connects the output terminal of the chargeable power source 10 to the apparatus 100) is electrically connected via soldering to the Z connection point of the switch 4. The second output path 2 (that connects the components 20 to the apparatus 100) is electrically connected via soldering to the X connection point of the switch 4. In other embodiments, the skilled person will appreciate that the switch 4 could be electrically connected to the various paths 1-3 via push-fit connectors, or screw fit connectors, or the like.

All of the components of the apparatus 100 are integrated on a planar substrate such as a PCB or PWB. In this embodiment, they are provided on a printed circuit board top to be electrically connected with the other electronic components of the device 40. In other embodiments, they are integrated within an epoxy resin to form an integrated unitary chip or module. The apparatus 100 could also be provided as an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application Specific IC (ASIC), or it could even be integrated with other components to form a general purpose IC/chip/processor that can perform additional functions. The skilled person will appreciate that the arrangement of the apparatus 100 could be implemented in a variety of different ways. The various components could also be provided separately in different components of a device 40 rather than in one locality (like in an IC).

In this embodiment, the printed circuit board of the apparatus 100 is provided within a housing of the device 40 that encapsulates and houses the various components of the device 40 (such as the chargeable power source 10, components 20, etc). In order to be integrated/connected to an appropriate device 40, the corresponding paths 1-3 just need to be electrically connected (for example, via soldering or push fit connectors) to the respective parts (such as the chargeable power source 10, the one or more components * 20, and to the connector (not shown) for connection to the power supply 30). Once *SS.sS * S integrated within the device 30, the apparatus 100 will be able to regulate the 35 power/charge applied to the device 40 from the power supply 30. S...

S

U.....

S

We will now describe the operation of the apparatus with reference to Figures 3b & 3c.

As previously mentioned, the apparatus 100 has a first charging mode (depicted in Figure 3b) and a second non-charging mode (depicted in Figure 3c).

In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be (or is) automatically moved into the charging mode upon electrical connection of the power supply 30, and the apparatus 100 is automatically moved into the non-charging mode upon disconnection of the power supply 30. The apparatus 100 utilises the comprised processor (or, in further embodiments, other available processing components of the device 40) to detect connection of the power supply and to then switch the apparatus into the charging mode (or vice versa into the non-charging mode).

In some embodiments, the processor is configured to detect physical/electrical connection of the power supply per se, and to switch the apparatus 100 into the first charging mode upon detection of this physical/electrical connection.

In other embodiments, the processor is configured to detect physical/electrical connection of the power supply and switch the apparatus 100 into the first charging mode once it has established that a particular set of conditions are met, i.e. such as various hardware and software checks. In some of these embodiments, the processor is configured to ensure that a suitable power supply 30 is electrically connected and actively providing the required/appropriate supply of power before it will switch the apparatus 100 into the first charging mode. For example, the processor must establish that the connector (not shown) of the power supply is of the right physical configuration (right connection pins, etc), provides the correct voltage/wattage/current supply, that the power supply can actually provide the requisite power (e.g. to avoid cases where an insufficient power supply is connected), the mains supply is on, or the like.

In some embodiments, the switching of the apparatus 100 by the processor may be effected by a physical (or even electrical/electronic) switch that is tripped upon * connection/disconnection of the power supply 30. In other embodiments the switching is *S*** * performed by a software switch. ***. * **** * * *

In other embodiments, the skilled person will appreciate that the apparatus 100/device may be configured to allow the user to select between the charging mode and the non-charging mode once the power supply is connected (i.e. manual selection rather than automatic). In variations on these embodiments, the apparatus 100 is connected to the power supply 30, but the apparatus 100 does not actually route power to the components 20 or begin to charge the chargeable power source 10 until it is manually instructed to provide power and/or effect charging. In still other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to automatically provide power to the components 20 upon connection of the power supply, but not to effect charging of the chargeable power source 10 (again, in some embodiments the charging aspect is manually selectable). In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to provide power to certain select components within component group 20 (such as audio functionality in a mobile phone), but not to provide power to other components within that group (such as WLAN/WiFi in a mobile phone).

As discussed above, the first embodiment is directed towards providing a "charging mode" to control charging of the chargeable power source and provision of power to components of the device. In other embodiments, there are other types of powering mode that the apparatus can adopt upon suitable connection to the power supply 30 depending on the functionality desired. For example, these may be a: (1) Charging mode (discussed above) -in this mode the apparatus 100 provides a bypass between the chargeable power source and the components, and is moved into a state where it both routes power from the power supply 30 to charge the chargeable power source 10, and also powers the components 20; (2) Component powering mode -this mode is similar to the first described charging mode, except that in this mode, the apparatus 100 is moved into a state where it routes power from the power supply 30 to power the components 20, but does not actually charge the chargeable power source 10. In this mode, only the components are provided with power by the apparatus; and (3) Non-powering mode -in this mode, the apparatus 100 is moved into a state where it does not route power to either the chargeable power source 10 or the components 20. In this mode, the apparatus 100 does not implement the bypass * of the provision of power from the chargeable power source 10 to the ***S* * components 20. In essence, although the power supply may be physically and **** ****

S

I..... * *

S

suitably connected, the apparatus does not actually engage powering/charging of either the chargeable power source or the components of the device.

It should be noted that in some embodiments where the apparatus 100 is configured to adopt the "component powering mode", the apparatus comprises an independent path for directly connecting the power supply to the components. In some embodiments the independent path is an electrical path that is completely separate and distinct from the other electrical paths to allow for direct provision of current from the connected power supply to the components. In other embodiments this independent path is formed from io input path 3 and output path 2 described above. Again, this is to ensure that power is directly provided from the power supply 30 to the components 20 in this component powering mode.

In some embodiments where the apparatus 100 is configured to adopt either of the second and third modes (component powering mode and non-powering mode mentioned above), the charging and/or powering aspects may not be initially provided by the apparatus 100 but may be selectable after connection of the power supply 30. For example, the charging and/or powering could be manually selectable/engageable by a user using a hardware or software switch. In other embodiments, the charging/powering is automatically engaged after a particular condition is met, such as a set time delay, once the chargeable power source reaches a particular level of stored charge, when the components require a particular level of power to be provided for optimal operation, etc. As stated above, Figure 3b illustrates the "charging mode" of the first embodiment, and Figure 3c illustrates the "non-charging" mode. As illustrated in these figures, the respective modes are defined by the position of the switch 4. We will now describe the power routing provided by these two modes.

In the illustration of the apparatus 100 in Figure 3b, a power supply 30 has been electrically connected to the apparatus 100, thereby moving the apparatus 100 into the charging mode. In this mode, the switch 4 is in the position where the common pole is connected to the first leg of the switch 4, in that terminal X is connected with terminal Y. * In this position, the input path 3 is connected to the second output path 2. Therefore, the * power supply 30 is directly connected to the components 20 via these paths. The 35 components 20 are therefore directly powered by the power supply 30 rather than being ****

S * *

powered by the chargeable power source 10, or via the chargeable power source 10 (i.e. draining the chargeable power source 10 whilst it is being charged).

The arrows on this figure illustrate the flow of charge/power through the apparatus 100 to the respective parts that it serves to electrically connect.

The power from the power supply 30 flows through the input path 3 to the apparatus 100.

The positioning of the switch 4 causes the power/charge to be routed from the input path 3 to the second output path 2 to the components 20. This provision of power to the components 20 allows the components 20 to be powered by the power supply 30.

Irrespective of the positioning of the switch 4 in this mode, the power/charge is also routed from the input path 3 along the first input channel la of the first output path 1 to the chargeable power source 10. This provision of power to the chargeable power source allows the chargeable power source 10 to be charged using the power supply 30.

In the illustration of the apparatus 100 in Figure 3c, a power supply is not connected to the apparatus, (or the power supply has been disconnected), thereby moving the apparatus 100 into the non-charging mode. In this mode, the switch 4 is in the position where the common pole is connected to the second leg of the switch 4, in that terminal X is connected with terminal Z. In this position, the second output channel lb of the chargeable power source 10 is connected to the second output path 2. Therefore, the chargeable power source 10 is directly connected to the components 20 via these paths.

The components 20 are therefore powered by the chargeable power source 10 and not by the power supply 30 (as it is not connected). This is as per normal operation of such devices 40. In some embodiments, this mode may be selected by a user even when a power supply 30 is connected to the apparatus 100/device 40. The apparatus 100 would then perform its function as if there was no power supply 30 connected.

In this mode, there is no power supply 30 connected to the apparatus 100. As such, no S..

* power is provided to the apparatus 100 from the input path 3. As a result, the chargeable ** SS** * power source 10 does not experience charging (hence providing the non-charging' 35 mode). Charge/power is instead provided by the chargeable power source 10, S... e.

specifically the second output channel lb connected to the output terminal of the chargeable power source 10. The positioning of the switch 4 causes power/charge to be routed from the second output channel lb to the second output path 2 onwards to the components 20. This provision of power to the components allows the components 20 to be powered by the chargeable power source 10.

In summary, the apparatus 100 of this first embodiment can be seen to be switchable between two modes: a charging mode and a non-charging mode. When the apparatus is in the non-charging mode (typically when a power supply is not connected), the apparatus 100 functions such that the device 40 is powered in substantially the same way as any other type of similar electronic device, in that its own chargeable power source 10 provides the power necessary for operation of its components 20. Upon connection of a power supply 30 to the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 is moved into the charging mode. In this mode, the apparatus 100 switches its comprised paths (i.e. reconfigures itself via switching) to cause power to be routed from the connected power supply to both the chargeable power source 10 for charging, and also directly to the components 20 for direct powering of the components 20 using the power supply 30. The apparatus also ensures that the chargeable power source 10 is not connected to the components 20 in this mode. Instead, this normal connection between the chargeable power source 10 and the components 20 is bypassed to ensure that the disadvantages discussed above are reduced/mitigated.

In this embodiment, the chargeable power source 10 is to be charged simply by direct application of a constant power supply 30. As such, the power is directly provided via the two paths 3, la without the power supply being affected by the apparatus 100. The skilled person will appreciate that, in other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to control the application of power from the power supply 30 to the chargeable power source 10 to conform to a charging profile. This may be done through the use of a comprised processor (or a processor shared with the device 40) in combination with a variable resistor, or the like, to control the magnitude of the charge/power being provided to the chargeable power source. * * 0**I

The apparatus 100 may also be configured to control the application of charge/power to * the chargeable power source 10 or components 20 in a variety of other ways. For 35 example, the apparatus 100 may be configured to regulate the power from the power * ****** * * supply 30 such that a constant power level is provided to the chargeable power source to effect a constant charging of the power source 10, or it may be configured to provide a constant power level to the one or more components 20 instead to provide for a constant powering of the components. The apparatus 100 may even be configured to only use some of the power provided by the power supply 30 to thereby ensure the chargeable power source 10 and the components 20 each receive a constant supply of power. The skilled person will appreciate that the apparatus 100 could be configured to control the provision of power in a variety of different ways.

Other embodiments depicted in the figures have been provided with reference numerals that correspond to similar features of earlier described embodiments. For example, feature number I can also correspond to numbers 101, 201, 301 etc. These numbered features may appear in the figures but may not have been directly referred to within the description of these particular embodiments. These have still been provided in the figures to aid understanding of the further embodiments, particularly in relation to the features of similar earlier described embodiments.

We will now describe several other example implementations of this apparatus 100 with reference to Figures 4a to 4c. It should be noted that in these embodiments, the components of the apparatus discussed above are not necessarily co-located with each other in a particular area. In some of these variations, the components are spread throughout the device, or separated out across the connected system. It should also be noted that it is the provision of the particular switching that enables these different modes and their associated advantages to be achieved.

In each of these schematic diagram layouts, we have illustrated the various paths (Ia, ib, 2 & 3) together with the switch 4 to make it clear how the apparatus can be implemented in a variety of different ways within a given apparatus. *�..

Figure 4a shows an example where a power supply (mains or USB charger) is used for providing power to the hands-free (HF, or internal hands-free -IHF) accessory of a mobile. Specifically, the power supply/mains charger is directly providing the amplifier with the necessary supply voltage when the charger is connected to the overall system of * the device. In this example, an internal switching mode power supply (like TPS61052) is used for stepping up the voltage from the chargeable power source when the charger is * *** S..

* * 26 not connected (i.e. when power directly from the charger is not available). This arrangement allows for a reliable and stable supply of power to the components, without the disadvantages of the prior art, when the apparatus/device is operating in a powering mode.

In essence, the switch provided by the apparatus allows for selection between the SMPS supply (drawing power from the power source) and direct use of the charger power supply. This bypasses the chargeable power source and the SMPS to allow for direct powering from the power supply. This integrated alternative is preferable in situations where a suitable external SMPS or power supply switches are not available and/or component cost and area needs to be minimized.

Figure 4b shows a slight variation of Figure 4a. In this variation, the switch and the SMPS are external to the apparatus. The switching provided by the switch/apparatus may be implemented in an external module that can be fitted between the power supply and the device having the power source and components to be charged/powered.

Figure 4c shows a further variation on these embodiments where an SMPS step-up convertor is not included. In essence, only battery level voltage is available when charger is disconnected. Therefore maximum and constant audio volume is available only when the charger is connected. This would be particularly advantageous in situations where a power source is readily available and hands-free operation would be the primary mode of use (for example, in a car having a car charger and a hands-free connection kit). This is less advantageous for normal pedestrian use. The switch could be integrated within the device or it could also be external (as per Figures 4a & 4b).

Figure 4d shows a further variation which includes an external audio amplifier. In such embodiments, separate SMPS do not need to be provided to achieve the required r. volume level for hands-free kits. In these external audio amplifiers (often referred to as boosted/booster' amplifiers), the step-up converter has been provided in the same package as the actual amplifier. This built-in converter generates the voltage rail for the audio amplifier, so no further external converter is needed for constant and high output I...

power. S... *...

S

* * 27 It should be noted from the embodiments shown in Figures 4a-4d that a particular advantage can be drawn for audio amplifiers (or the like) in electronic devices such as device 40. Volume output of speaker arrangements in such devices is limited at least in part by the available power amplification of the device, which is in turn limited by the available onboard power supply, such as the battery or (re)chargeable power source. By connecting a power supply directly to the amplifier (as in the above embodiments), it is possible to increase the audio/volume output of such arrangements and produce a higher quality audio experience for the user. This achieves a significantly more effective amplification of audio than the arrangements presently known in the art.

Shown in Figure 8 is a further variation on the first embodiment. In this variation, the apparatus 600 is provided with an additional switch S2 (the first switch as comprised by the first embodiment being denoted as Si). As in the first embodiment, the position of the first switch (Si) determines whether power/charge is provided to the components 620 from the chargeable power source, or whether power/charge is provided from a connected power supply. However, in this embodiment, the additional switch S2 is used to independently control whether power/charge is provided from a connected power supply to the chargeable power source. This allows for independent and separate control by the apparatus 600 over routing of power to the components and/or the chargeable power source. For example, power may be supplied to both the chargeable power source and the components, or just one of them upon connection of the power supply.

In a further example, linked with the embodiment of Figure 4d, it is possible to provide power directly to audio parts such as audio amplification means without actually engaging charging of a chargeable power source.

The skilled person will appreciate that providing independent separate switches for control of the charging/powering aspects can provide further advantageous combinations for control of different functions in different scenarios, such as component powering only, charging of power source(s) only, powering of specific components only, etc. * *.* In the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 & 3a-3b, the apparatus 100 was integrated **e* within a device 40. However, the apparatus 100 may also be implemented in a number of other ways. We will now discuss two possible variations with reference to Figures 5a & **** * I*. a* V * e 28 5b. It should be noted that in these embodiments, additional components have been provided It can be seen from these different implementations that the apparatus 100 can help to reduce the need for additional components such as voltage regulators or step-up transformers in certain embodiments. The use of the apparatus 100 can also help to improve the powering of various components spread throughout a particular device (such as audio components as depicted, amplifiers or the like).

Figure 5a illustrates an example where the apparatus 200 is provided within a charger that provides the power supply 30. The apparatus 200 still has the same input and output paths as ri the first embodiment. The first and second output paths 201, 202 provide the electrical connector for connecting the power supply 230 to the device 240.

The device 240 has three connection points configured to be able to receive and connect to the corresponding paths of the apparatus 200/power supply 230. These paths are provided within the connector arranged to mate with the device 240. The first connection point I is electrically connected to the input terminal of the chargeable power source and is able to receive the first input channel 201a of the apparatus 200. The second connection point 0 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the chargeable power source and is able to receive the second output channel 201 b of the apparatus 200. The third connection point N is electrically connected to the components 220 and is able to receive the second output path 202 of the apparatus 200.

The device 240 that is to be connected to the apparatus has an electrical connection between the chargeable power source 210 and the components 220 (connected between connection points 0 & N. This connection is provided with a single pole-single throw switch 204 (simple on-off switch) that is configured to be turned off' to break the connection upon connection with the apparatus 200.

Upon connection of the apparatus 200 with the device 240, the switch 204 is tripped, thus allowing the apparatus 200 to control routing of power between the chargeable S...

power source 210 and the components 220 according to the charging mode. Upon disconnection of the apparatus 200 from the device 240, the switch 204 is re-engaged, thus allowing the device 240 to operate as per its normal manner of operation.

S I.... 29

In other embodiments, the skilled person would appreciate that the control of the connection between the power source 210 and the components 220 may be done electronically or electrically by the connected apparatus 200. For example, the apparatus 200 may, upon connection to device 240, connect to a processor (not shown) of the device 240 responsible for regulating power from the power source 210 to other components 220 of the device 240. The apparatus 200 could then instruct the device 240 to stop providing power from the power source 210 to these components, and to take control of the regulation of power to these components 220 from the power supply 230.

Figure 5b shows a further example, where the apparatus is integrated as a module that is substantially the same as the apparatus discussed in Figure 5a, but it is configured to be able to connect to the power supply via the input path, and then onward to the device via the described connection points. This allows the advantages provided by the apparatus to be implemented in a module that can be retrofit to other devices.

Again, the skilled person will appreciate that, in other embodiments, the control of the connection between the power source and the components may be done electronically or electrically by the connected apparatus, i.e. in other ways other than physical switching.

It should be noted that, as the switch 204/304 provided in the device 240/340 is tripped upon connection of the connector (in either embodiments of Figures 5a & 5b), it is not necessary to provide connection point 0 or connect the second output channel to the device 240/340. In the connected mode, the switch is tripped and power is provided directly from the power supply to the components 220/320 via the second output path to connection point N. This eliminates the need for a direct electrical connection of the apparatus 200/300 to the output terminal of the chargeable power source 210/310. * SS

We will now describe a method aspect of the abovedescribed embodiments with reference to Figure 6. The above described apparatus and its variations allow control of current/charge and power regulation via controlled switching. This switching can be

S

controlled using hardware (as per the switching control discussed in Figures 5a & 5b) or it can be controlled using software (for example, detecting connection of a power supply and instructing the switch to move into the correct position for a particular powering

S

S...., mode). These components for controlling the operation of the apparatus follow a method for regulating charge from such a power supply to a chargeable power source of a device using an apparatus as discussed with reference to the first embodiment (as illustrated in Figure 6). The method comprises the steps of: 401 -receiving power from the supply via the input path -As discussed above, power is provided from the power supply 30 to the apparatus 100 via the input path 3.

The switching/routing capabilities of the apparatus 100 allow the apparatus 100 to control the routing of this power to the chargeable power source 10 and/or the components 20 according to the adopted powering modes; 402 -providing power from the input path, in accordance with one or more of the powering modes, to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source using the first output path and/or providing power from the input path, in accordance with one or more of the powering modes, directly to one or more components of the device to power said components using the second output path, whilst bypassing providing power from the chargeable power source to said components when in a particular powering mode -The switch allows the apparatus 100 to route power from the power supply 30/input path 3 to the chargeable power source 10 directly in a particular powering mode. The bypassing is also achieved via the switching arrangement. This enables direct provision of power from the connected power supply 30 to the components 20 via the apparatus 100, without involving the chargeable power source 10 in this chain'.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a computer/processor readable media 500 providing a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the computer/processor readable media is a disc such as a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a compact disc (CD). In other embodiments, the computer readable media may be any media that has been programmed in such a way as to carry out an inventive function. * * * 0* * * **

It will be appreciated to the skilled reader that any mentioned apparatus/device and/or other features of particular mentioned apparatus/device may be provided by apparatus arranged such that they become configured to carry out the desired operations only when enabled, e.g. switched on, or the like. In such cases, they may not necessarily have the appropriate software loaded into the active memory in the non-enabled (e.g. * switched off state) and only load the appropriate software in the enabled (e.g. on state).

S.....

* 35 The apparatus may comprise hardware circuitry and/or firmware. The apparatus may comprise software loaded onto memory. Such software/computer programs may be recorded on the same memory/processor/functional units and/or on one or more memories/processors/functional units.

In some embodiments, a particular mentioned apparatus/device may be pre-programmed with the appropriate software to carry out desired operations, and wherein the appropriate software can be enabled for use by a user downloading a "key", for example, to unlock/enable the software and its associated functionality. Advantages associated with such embodiments can include a reduced requirement to download data io when further functionality is required for a device, and this can be useful in examples where a device is perceived to have sufficient capacity to store such pre-programmed software for functionality that may not be enabled by a user.

It will be appreciated that the any mentioned apparatus/circuitry/elements/processor may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same apparatus/circuitry/elements/processor. One or more disclosed aspects may encompass the electronic distribution of associated computer programs and computer programs (which may be source/transport encoded) recorded on an appropriate carrier (e.g. memory, signal).

It will be appreciated that any "computer" described herein can comprise a collection of one or more individual processors/processing elements that may or may not be located on the same circuit board, or the same region/position of a circuit board or even the same device. In some embodiments one or more of any mentioned processors may be distributed over a plurality of devices. The same or different processor/processing elements may perform one or more functions described herein. ****

. : It will be appreciated that the term "signalling" may refer to one or more signals * *** transmitted as a series of transmitted and/or received signals. The series of signals may comprise one, two, three, four or even more individual signal components or distinct signals to make up said signalling. Some or all of these individual signals may be ****** . . * * transmitted/received simultaneously, in sequence, and/or such that they temporally overlap one another. I... *

**.**S * * With reference to any discussion of any mentioned computer and/or processor and memory (e.g. including ROM, CD-ROM etc), these may comprise a computer processor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or other hardware components that have been programmed in such a way to carry out the inventive function.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole, in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects/embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the

disclosure.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps 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 and/or method steps 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 S. .. : suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. Furthermore, in the * *** claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail * and a screw may be equivalent structures. * S

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for regulating power from a connected power supply to a chargeable power source and one or more components of an electronic device, the apparatus configured to have one or more powering modes, the apparatus comprising: an input path configured to be able to receive power from a connected power supply; a first output path configured to be able to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source; and a second output path configured to be able to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path directly to the one or more components of the device to power said components, and wherein the apparatus is configured to be able to bypass the provision of power from the chargeable power source to said components in one or more of the powering modes.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to have a further non-charging mode, in which the bypass is removed and the first output path is configured to provide power from the chargeable power source to the second output path for onward provision to the one or more components.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a switch configured to be able to switch the paths of the apparatus such that the apparatus is moved between one or more of the powering modes and the non-charging mode, the switch being configured to be able to: in one or more of the powering modes, provide the bypass by connecting the input path to the second output path without connection to the first output path, to thereby allow for the direct provision of power from a connected power supply to the one e.* or more components and to prevent the provision of power from the chargeable power source to the one or more components; and in the non-charging mode, remove the bypass by connecting the second output path directly to the first output path without connection to the input path, to allow for the provision of power from the chargeable power source to the one or more * components and to prevent the direct provision of power from the power supply to the ***** * 35 one or more components.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first output path comprises a first input channel and a second output channel, the chargeable power source also comprising an input terminal configured to be able to receive power and connected to the first input channel, and also comprising an output terminal configured to be able to provide power and connected to the second output channel, wherein the switch is further configured to be able to: in one or more of the powering modes, connect the input path to the first input channel of the first output path to thereby allow for the provision of power from the power supply to the chargeable power source in one or more of the powering modes, and in the non-charging mode, connect the second output channel of the first output path to the second output path to allow for the provision of power from the chargeable power supply to the one or more components.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the apparatus is configured to be able to: upon connection of the power supply, be moved into one or more of the powering modes; and upon disconnection of the power supply, be moved into the non-charging mode.
6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to be able to receive power supply by one or more of a: USB power supply, car charger power supply, wall socket power supply, and external portable power supply.
7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more components of the device are one or more of: audio components, display components, user input/output components, and transmission/reception components. *
S S 0* S

** 8. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to be able to regulate the power from the power supply such that a constant 5.5 power level is provided to the chargeable power source or the one or more components. 5.5'S S 5
9. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is one * or more of a: device, portable electronic device, hand portable electronic device, radio communications device, data communicator, personal digital assistant, pager, digital camera, gaming device, media device, portable media device, or a module for the aforementioned devices.
10. A method for regulating charge from a power supply to a chargeable power source and one or more components of an electronic device using an apparatus, the apparatus being configured to have one or more powering modes, the apparatus corn prising: an input path configured to be able to receive power from the power supply; a first output path configured to be able to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source; and a second output path configured to, in one or more of the powering modes, provide power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power said components, and wherein the apparatus is configured to be able to bypass the provision of power from the chargeable power source to said components in one or more of the powering modes, wherein the method comprises: receiving power from the supply via the input path, and providing power from the input path, in accordance with one or more of the powering modes, to the chargeable power source of the device to effect charging of the chargeable power source using the first output path and/or providing power from the input path directly to one or more components of the device to power said components using the second output path, whilst bypassing providing power from the chargeable power source to said components when in one or more of the powering modes.
11. A computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being configured such that, when run, the computer program * ..* performs the method of Claim 10. * .*S * S S... * . *. ***.. S. * * *..S*..*.. * a