GB2538762A

GB2538762A - Control switch for embedded battery

Info

Publication number: GB2538762A
Application number: GB1509126.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Quigley Kevin; I Simcea Lucian
Original assignee: Vertu Corp Ltd
Current assignee: Vertu Corp Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-28
Filing date: 2015-05-28
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Also published as: GB201509126D0

Abstract

A portable device 100 comprises an embedded battery 110 for providing supply power to the portable device; and a switch 130 connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry 120 of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device, in the operation mode the device receives control information for the switch and controls the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information. The control information may be supplied wirelessly, or by the user, or from an internal timer. The storage mode can be switched to the operation mode by charging the portable device. Computer memory and programs may be used to implement the switching.

Description

CONTROL SWITCH FOR EMBEDDED BATTERY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to embedded batteries. The invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to control a switch for an embedded battery of a portable device.

BACKGROUND ART

Battery powered portable devices are typically being shipped to customers with embedded batteries. Such devices drain power from the battery all the time when the battery is connected.

Portable devices with embedded batteries will start leaking current from the moment they are assembled. The magnitude of the current leak is higher, the higher the complexity of the electronics contained in the device. Furthermore, some devices contain electronic circuits that are permanently running, such as real-time-clocks and oscillators, supervisory circuits and associated power supply modules.

If batteries are subjected to a full depletion of charge, this can cause a permanent damage, a capacity loss, an increase in internal impedance and poor cycle-life performance. Li-Ion (Lithium chemistries) is particularly sensitive to these negative effects. These chemistries may also become problematic if kept over discharged due to the Copper dissolution into the electrolyte.

When the device is assembled by a device manufacturer, it is typically desired to include the battery to the device but not suffer such adverse effects. Current leakage degrades the overall performance of the product and situation is made particularly worse when the product is assembled and left in storage for a long period of time.

Some small devices with embedded batteries (usually small primary button-cells) use a mechanical isolation method in the form of an isolating plastic strip removed by the user before the first use. However, such strips are clumsy to use and difficult to arrange to mobile devices so that the outlook of the product would not suffer too much. Furthermore, once removed, the strip is difficult to be re-inserted in place again.

Thus, especially for portable apparatuses an improved solution is needed to provide a switch being operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device. Furthermore, the battery may be isolated automatically from the apparatus at the end of all factory alignment and test stages.

SUMMARY

According to a first example aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device comprising: an embedded battery for providing supply power to the portable device; a switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: receive, in the operation mode, control information for the switch; and control the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.

In an embodiment, the portable device further comprises: a wireless communication interface for transceiving information; and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: receive the control information using the wireless communication interface of the portable device.

In an embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code being further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receive the control information using a user interface of the portable device.

In an embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code being further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receive the control information from an internal timer based on pre-defined settings.

In an embodiment, the switch comprises a p-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) switch arranged as a high-side switch operationally connected between a terminal of the embedded battery and a terminal of a power supply for the electronic circuitry of the portable device.

In an embodiment, the portable device further comprises: a charging interface for providing supply power to the portable device; and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: detect, in the storage mode, a charging signal in the charging interface; and control the switch to change from the storage mode to the operation mode in response to the detected charging signal According to a second example aspect of the invention there is provided an arrangement for controlling a switch of an embedded battery for providing supply power to a portable device, the arrangement comprising: a battery switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide 10 an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; and a controller to receive, in the operation mode, control information for the battery switch and to control the battery switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.

In an embodiment, the controller comprises a flip-flop.

In an embodiment, the controller further comprises a delayed one-shot monostable.

In an embodiment, the controller further comprises RC (Resistive-Capacitive) delay elements to set the flip-flop.

In an embodiment, the controller further comprises a second switch configured to control the flip-flop by maintaining its off-state when the embedded battery is first connected to the portable device at assembly stage.

In an embodiment, the controller further comprises at least one user operable key configured to generate a trigger signal in response to user interaction of the at least one user operable key, wherein the trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller.

In an embodiment, the controller further comprises at least two user operable keys configured to generate a trigger signal in response to user interaction of the at least two user operable keys simultaneously, wherein the trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller.

In an embodiment, the controller further comprises a charger interface switch configured to set the battery switch in on-state when a charger is attached.

In an embodiment, the controller further comprises an external interface configured to receive an external trigger signal, wherein the external trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller to switch the embedded battery switch to be set in off-state.

According to a third example aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising: providing an embedded battery for providing supply power to a portable 20 device; providing a switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of a portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; receiving, in the operation mode, control information for the switch; and controlling the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.

According to a fourth example aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium comprising computer executable program code, which when executed by at least one processor of a portable device, causes the portable device to: receive, in an operation mode, control information for a switch, wherein the switch being operationally connected to an embedded battery of the portable device to provide the operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of a portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; and control the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.

The portable device may comprise a portable apparatus, such as a tablet, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a laptop, a digital camera, a toy, a medical device, a wearable device, or a personal digital assistant (PDA), for example.

Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the foregoing. The above embodiments are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in implementations of the present invention. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows some details of a portable device in which various embodiments of the invention may be applied; Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram showing phases in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; Fig 3 presents a schematic view of an apparatus, in which various embodiments of the invention may be applied; Fig 4 shows a flow diagram showing operations, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; and Fig 5 shows an arrangement in an apparatus such as a portable device in accordance with another example embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like numbers denote like elements.

Fig. 1 shows some details of a portable device 100 in which various embodiments of the invention may be applied.

A leakage current of a portable device 100 embedded battery 110 is minimized by isolating all offending loads. The isolating-state can be triggered by a number of automatic or manual methods.

In an embodiment, a portable device 100 comprises an embedded battery 110, main circuits 120 of the device 100 and a controllable electronic switch 130 arranged in the battery circuit. The switch 130 is controlled based on control signal 140 and causes the battery 110 to become completely disconnected and isolated from the main circuits 120. In such state, in storage state, the battery 110 is no longer discharged by the main circuits 120 of the device 100.

In an embodiment, if the device 100 is "powered", (e.g. from an external power source or from a button press), the switch 130 is closed again to connect the battery 110 to the device 100.

The control signal 140 may comprise a plurality of different options for control information triggering the switch 130. At least one of the options may be implemented in the device 100. At least following triggers could be used to control the switch: - an internal or a hidden switch within the device - a software based user-interaction (for example from user interface and general settings of the device) - a timer based circuit or software method that will cause the battery to be automatically disconnected after some time (e.g. one week) - a message sent to the device from an external system. (E.g. production automation process), which message may trigger the disconnection automatically/immediately or after a period of time - detection of charging of the device via a charging interface In an embodiment, the switch 130 comprises a switch inserted in the "high-side" of the battery circuit. This switch is connected to a control circuit, which contains logic. This logic can be activated by the device 100 or by external sources.

In an embodiment, the switch 130 comprises a switch inserted in the "low-side" of the battery circuit. This switch is connected to a control circuit, which contains logic. This logic can be activated by the device 100 or by external sources.

In an embodiment, the switch 130 comprises a p-channel Metal-Oxide-

Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET).

In an embodiment, the switch 130 comprises an n-channel Metal-OxideSemiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET).

Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram showing phases in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.

Controlling a switch for an embedded battery of a portable device is first started in item 200. The embedded battery provides supply power to the portable device. A switch is operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device. When the embedded battery is assembled to the portable device in item 210, the battery is charged. The switch is set in operation mode in item 220. The device may be tested by the manufacturer or reseller, for example. When in operation mode 220, control information 225 for the switch may be received.

Based on the received control information 225, the switch is controlled to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information. The control information 225 may comprise a timer information for instructing the switch to change state after a certain time period, for example after an hour, a day or a week. Utilization of timer information as control information 225 may improve the battery performance by automatically switching off the embedded battery after manufacturing and testing phase, before the device is transported from the manufacturer through the sales office to the end user.

Timer information is checked in item 230. If timer information is comprised by the control information 225, then a set delay is activated in item 235 before controlling the switch to activate a storage mode in item 240. If no timer information is received, then the switch is controlled to change to the storage mode in item 240 without a delay.

In the storage mode 240, trigger information 245 may be detected. For example, a charging signal in a charging interface of the portable device may power the device circuit and such signal may be used to trigger the switch to change back to operation mode 220. Thus, no matter the portable device is powered off in storage mode, a return back to the operation mode 220 is possible with a simple and efficient way.

The control information may be provided, for example, by an internal or hidden switch within the device that the user can operate, or a software based user-interaction (for example from user interface and general settings of the device) or acting on a combination of pre-defined keys. Furthermore, a timer based circuit or software routine may be defined to provide the control information 225. The control information 225 may also be received wirelessly at the device from an external device.

In an embodiment, user may be provided different control information with different actions. These different controls could be, for example, a button press, or a number of button presses. In an embodiment, the same button press(es) (or press sequence or combination) may invoke a different behavior, depending upon how long the buttons are pressed.

For example, if the buttons are held for a short time then a hard-reset is performed. If the buttons are held for a long time, a "battery disconnect" operation is performed.

The implementation could be software or hardware controlled. The solution may be more reliable if the logic is designed into hardware.

In an embodiment, the electronic implementation comprises two separate monitor circuits. Each circuit monitors the same user controls and performs its action depending upon how long the control is activated. The first circuit may require the control(s) to be activated for e.g. 10 seconds before it triggers the corresponding "hard-reset" action. The second circuit (or even the same circuit) monitors the same (or different set) of controls. If these are activated for e.g. 20 seconds the circuit triggers the "battery disconnect" action.

Embodiments of the solution provided prevent a degradation of battery performance after the device is manufactured. Furthermore, user's first-use experience is improved by ensuring that the device does reach the consumer with a battery in a discharged state. Products can also be stored fully assembled over long periods of time. Furthermore, a mechanical switch may not be needed at all that may reduce the costs.

Fig. 3 presents an example block diagram of an apparatus 300 in which various embodiments of the invention may be applied. The apparatus 300 may be a portable device.

The general structure of the apparatus 300 comprises an embedded battery 340, a communication interface 350, a processor 310, and a memory 320 coupled to the processor 310. The apparatus 300 further comprises software 330 stored in the memory 320 and operable to be loaded into and executed in the processor 310. The software 330 may comprise one or more software modules and can be in the form of a computer program product. The apparatus 300 further comprises a switch 360 controlling the embedded battery 340.

The processor 310 may be, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit, or 15 the like. Fig. 3 shows one processor 310, but the apparatus 300 may comprise a plurality of processors.

The memory 320 may be for example a non-volatile or a volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a data disk, an optical storage, a magnetic storage, a smart card, or the like. The apparatus 300 may comprise a plurality of memories. The memory 320 may be constructed as a part of the apparatus 300 or it may be inserted into a slot, port, or the like of the apparatus 300 by a user. The memory 320 may serve the sole purpose of storing data, or it may be constructed as a part of an apparatus serving other purposes, such as processing data.

The apparatus 300 may further comprise a user interface 370 with circuitry for receiving input from a user of the apparatus 300, e.g., via a key, or a knob, graphical user interface shown on the display of the user apparatus 300, speech recognition circuitry, or an accessory device, such as a headset, and for providing output to the user via, e.g., a graphical user interface or a loudspeaker. The display of the user interface 370 may comprise a touch-sensitive display.

The communication interface module 350 implements at least part of radio transmission. The communication interface module 350 may comprise, e.g., a wireless interface module. The wireless interface may comprise such as near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), or radio frequency identification (RF ID) radio module. The communication interface module 350 may be integrated into the user apparatus 300, or into an adapter, card or the like that may be inserted into a suitable slot or port of the apparatus 300. The communication interface module 350 may support one radio interface technology or a plurality of technologies. The apparatus 300 may comprise a plurality of communication interface modules 350.

In an embodiment, a portable device 300 comprises a wireless communication interface 350 for transceiving information, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor 310, cause the portable device to receive the control information using the wireless communication interface 350 of the portable device. Receiving the control information over the wireless communication interface improves controlling of switches in manufacturing stage and after that in logistics chain, storage and sale stages before the device 300 is received by the end user. Thus a plurality of devices 300 may be controlled wirelessly without a need for manually controlling each device.

The communication interface module 350 may further comprise a charging interface for charging the embedded battery 340 and/or powering the device 300.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 300 may further comprise a trigger interface 380. The trigger interface 380 may comprise, for example, a charger interface switch configured to set the battery switch in on-state when a charger is attached.

In an embodiment, the trigger interface 380 may comprise, for example, an external interface configured to receive an external trigger signal, wherein the external trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller to switch the embedded battery switch to be set in off-state.

A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown in Fig. 3, the 5 apparatus 300 may comprise other elements, such as microphones, displays, as well as additional circuitry such as input/output (I/O) circuitry, memory chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), processing circuitry for specific purposes such as source coding/decoding circuitry, channel coding/decoding circuitry, ciphering/deciphering circuitry, and the like. Additionally, the apparatus 10 300 may comprise a further disposable or rechargeable battery (not shown) for backup powering.

Fig. 4 shows operations in an apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.

In step 400, a method for controlling a switch is started In step 410, an embedded battery is provided for providing supply power to a portable device. In step 420, a switch is provided as operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of a portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device. In step 430, control information for the switch is received, in the operation mode. In step 440, the switch is controlled to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information. In step 450, trigger information is received. Such trigger information may comprise, for example, detecting charging signal in charging interface of the device. In step 460, the switch is controlled to change from the storage mode to the operation mode in response to the trigger information. In step 470, the method ends.

Fig. 5 shows an arrangement in an apparatus such as a portable device in accordance with another example embodiment of the invention.

A schematic illustrated in Fig. 5 may provide a solution in case software in the apparatus becomes irresponsive. A two-button press 1 for a longer time period than tdelay 510 is required to generate a pulse tp 520 that toggles a T-type flip-flop 530. This changes the state of the p-channel MOSFET switch 4. The circuit also provides a solution for re-connecting a battery 550 by a user when a charger is unavailable.

In an embodiment, the switch 4 may comprise, instead of a p-channel MOSFET, a n-channel MOSFET, an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) or a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), for example.

In an embodiment, RC (Resistive-Capacitive) delay elements 3 will ensure that the flip-flop 530 is set and a switch 4 maintains its off-state when the battery 550 is first connected to the apparatus at assembly stage.

In an embodiment, a charger interface switch 5 always sets the switch 4 in on-20 state when a charger is attached.

In an embodiment, an optional MCU interface allows the switch 4 to be set in off-state by the microcontroller 540 at software intervention. The optional MCU interface may comprise a second switch 6 that is configured to control the flip-flop 530 by maintaining its off-state when the embedded battery 550 is first connected to the portable device at assembly stage.

In an embodiment, an embedded battery 550 provides supply power to a portable device. A switch 4 is operationally connected to the embedded battery 550 to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry 560 of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device The portable device is configured to receive, in the operation mode, control information for the switch 4 and control the switch 4 to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information. The switch 4 is controlled using a flip-flop 530.

The portable device may further comprise a wireless communication interface (not shown in Fig. 5) for transceiving information and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to receive control information using the wireless communication interface of the portable device. The received control information is processed, for example, by processing unit 540 that controls the switch 4 via a delayed one-shot monostable 570 and a flip-flop 530. Controller unit 540 enables any software based controlling of the switch 4.

In an embodiment, the control information is received using a user interface 580 of the portable device, for example by pressing one or two keys.

The control information may also be received from an internal timer (not shown in Fig. 5) based on pre-defined settings.

In an embodiment, the switch 4 comprises a p-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) switch arranged as a high-side switch operationally connected between a terminal of the embedded battery 550 and a terminal of a power supply for the electronic circuitry 560 of the portable device.

In an embodiment, a charging interface 590 provides supply power to the portable device and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code is further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to detect, in the storage mode, a charging signal in the charging interface 590. If charging signal is detected, a charging control switch 5 controls the switch 4 to change from the storage mode to the operation mode in response to the detected charging signal.

In an embodiment, a delayed one-shot monostable 570 is used to generate an output pulse of a specified width, either "HIGH" or "LOW' when a suitable trigger signal is applied via a user interface 580 or a controller unit (MCU) 540. This trigger signal initiates a timing cycle which causes the output of the monostable 570 to change its state at the start of the timing cycle and will remain in this second state.

The timing cycle of the monostable 570 may be determined, for example, by a time constant of a timing capacitor, and the resistor, until it resets or returns itself back to its original (stable) state. The monostable will then remain in this original stable state indefinitely until another input pulse or trigger signal is received. Then, monostable have only one stable state and go through a full cycle in response to a single triggering input pulse.

Some of the advantages provided by embodiments of the invention comprise at least one of the following. First, a degradation of battery performance, after the device is manufactured, is prevented or at least reduced. Second, end user's first-use experience is improved by ensuring that the device does reach the consumer with a battery in a discharged state. Third, products can also be stored fully assembled over long periods of time. Fourth, a mechanical switch may not be needed at all that may reduce the costs. Fifth, improved method for remotely controlling the battery switch to change from an operation mode to a storage mode in response to the control information is provided.

Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words comprise, include and contain are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments of the invention a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented above, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention.

Furthermore, some of the features of the above-disclosed embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

Claims

Claims: 1. A portable device comprising: an embedded battery for providing supply power to the portable device; a switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: receive, in the operation mode, control information for the switch; and control the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.
2. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless communication interface for transceiving information; and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: receive the control information using the wireless communication interface of the portable device.
3. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receive the control information using a user interface of the portable device.
4. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receive the control information from an internal timer based on pre-defined 5 settings.
5. The portable device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch comprising a p-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) switch arranged as a high-side switch operationally connected between a terminal of the embedded battery and a terminal of a power supply for the electronic circuitry ofthe portable device.
6. The portable device of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a charging interface for providing supply power to the portable device; and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: detect, in the storage mode, a charging signal in the charging interface; and control the switch to change from the storage mode to the operation mode in response to the detected charging signal.
7. An arrangement for controlling a switch of an embedded battery for providing supply power to a portable device, the arrangement comprising: a battery switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide 25 an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; and a controller to receive, in the operation mode, control information for the battery switch and to control the battery switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.
The arrangement of claim 7, wherein the controller comprises a flip-flop.
9. The arrangement of claim 8, wherein the controller further comprises a delayed one-shot monostable.
10. The arrangement of any of claims 8 to 9, further comprising RC (Resistive-Capacitive) delay elements to set the flip-flop.
11. The arrangement of any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a second switch configured to control the flip-flop by maintaining its off-state when the embedded battery is first connected to the portable device at assembly stage.
12. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 11, further comprising at least one user operable key configured to generate a trigger signal in response to user interaction of the at least one user operable key, wherein the trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller.
13. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 11, comprising at least two user operable keys configured to generate a trigger signal in response to user interaction of the at least two user operable keys simultaneously, wherein the trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller.
14. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 13, further comprising a charger interface switch configured to set the battery switch in on-state when a charger is 25 attached 15. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 14, further comprising an external interface configured to receive an external trigger signal, wherein the external trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller to switch the embedded battery switch to be set in off-state.16. A method comprising: providing an embedded battery for providing supply power to a portable device; providing a switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of a portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; receiving, in the operation mode, control information for the switch; and controlling the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.17. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium comprising computer executable program code, which when executed by at least one processor of a portable device, causes the portable device to: receive, in an operation mode, control information for a switch, wherein the switch being operationally connected to an embedded battery of the portable device to provide the operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of a portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; and control the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the control information.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows Claims: 1. A portable device comprising: an embedded battery for providing supply power to the portable device; a switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: (Cs 15 receive, in the operation mode, control information for the switch, wherein the control information comprises a time value indicating how long CO control is activated; CD control the switch to reset the portable device in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a first threshold; andCDcontrol the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.2. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless communication interface for transceiving information; and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: receive the control information using the wireless communication interface of the portable device.3. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receive the control information using a user interface of the portable device.4. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receive the control information from an internal timer based on pre-defined 10 settings.5. The portable device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch comprising a p-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) switch arranged as a high-side switch operationally connected between a terminal of the (D 15 embedded battery and a terminal of a power supply for the electronic circuitry of the portable device. (.0CD 6. The portable device of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: CD a charging interface for providing supply power to the portable device; and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the portable device to: detect, in the storage mode, a charging signal in the charging interface; and control the switch to change from the storage mode to the operation mode in response to the detected charging signal.7. An arrangement for controlling a switch of an embedded battery for providing supply power to a portable device, the arrangement comprising: a battery switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide 30 an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of the portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device; and a controller to receive, in the operation mode, control information for the battery switch, wherein the control information comprises a time value indicating how long control is activated, and to control the switch to reset the portable device in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a first threshold control the battery switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.The arrangement of claim 7, wherein the controller comprises a flip-flop.9. The arrangement of claim 8, wherein the controller further comprises a CO 15 delayed one-shot monostable.CO 10. The arrangement of any of claims 8 to 9, further comprising RC (Resistive-CD Capacitive) delay elements to set the flip-flop.11. The arrangement of any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a second switch configured to control the flip-flop by maintaining its off-state when the embedded battery is first connected to the portable device at assembly stage.12. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 11, further comprising at least one user operable key configured to generate a trigger signal in response to user interaction of the at least one user operable key, wherein the trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller.13. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 11, comprising at least two user operable keys configured to generate a trigger signal in response to user interaction of the at least two user operable keys simultaneously, wherein the trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller.14. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 13, further comprising a charger interface switch configured to set the battery switch in on-state when a charger is attached.
15. The arrangement of any of claims 7 to 14, further comprising an external interface configured to receive an external trigger signal, wherein the external trigger signal is received as the control information by the controller to switch the embedded battery switch to be set in off-state.
16. A method comprising: providing an embedded battery for providing supply power to a portable device; providing a switch operationally connected to the embedded battery to provide an operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein CO 15 in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of a portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in CO the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic CD circuitry of the portable device; receiving, in the operation mode, control information for the switch, whereinCDthe control information comprises a time value indicating how long control is activated; controlling the switch to reset the portable device in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a first threshold; and controlling the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.
17. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium comprising computer executable program code, which when executed by at least one processor of a portable device, causes the portable device to: receive, in an operation mode, control information for a switch, wherein the switch being operationally connected to an embedded battery of the portable device to provide the operation mode and a storage mode for the embedded battery, wherein in the operation mode the embedded battery being connected to an electronic circuitry of a portable device to provide supply power to the portable device, and in the storage mode the embedded battery being disconnected from the electronic circuitry of the portable device, wherein the control information comprises a time value indicating how long control is activated; control the switch to reset the portable device in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a first threshold; and control the switch to change from the operation mode to the storage mode in response to the time value of the control information being greater than a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.