Apple Inc.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACTIVE CURRENT BALANCING IN MULTIPLE PARALLEL BATTERY CELLS

Abstract:

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for controlling charging power supplied to one or more parallel-connected rechargeable batteries. In the charging path of each battery, a current sensor and a current controller are disposed. The current sensor detects an amount of current being provided to the battery during charging, and provides this information to a system controller. The system controller receives the sensed current, and compares the current to an acceptable charge current range associated with the battery. If the charging current is determined to be within the acceptable range, then no changes are made to the current controller. If, on the other hand, the charging current is determined to be outside the acceptable range, then the system controller controls the current controller to adjust the amount of current provided to the battery.