In-Pack Charge Control for Battery Packs
What is In-Pack Charge Control? Developed, optimized and patented by ICC system designers, In-Pack Charge Control is a revolutionary technology for placing the charge circuitry in the battery pack.
In-Pack Charge Control works in conjunction with the safety circuitry to ensure proper charging conditions over the life of the battery pack.
How In-Pack Charge Control Works
In-Pack Charge Control essentially places the voltage and current regulation, charge termination, and safety mechanisms necessary for properly charging li-ion batteries into the battery pack.
Constant Current Mode:
The In-Pack Charge Control limits the charge current to a preset level (usually 0.7C) per the cell manufacturer’s recommendation. Charging at the proper rate helps to maximize cycle life and reduces stress on the cell.
Constant Voltage Mode:
Just like a desktop charger, In-Pack charging tightly regulates the charge voltage to within 0.2% of the cell manufacturer’s specification. This ensures that the cell is never overcharged, providing maximum safety and excellent cycle life.
Termination:
The In-Pack Charge controller closely monitors the current delivered to the cell and terminates charge at a predetermined minimum current level, typically C/20. This full termination of charge current prevents float charging of the cell, minimizing stress on the cell and contributing to excellent cycle life.
Automatic Charge Re-Initiate:
If the battery pack is connected to a power source, the In-Pack Charger will automatically begin charging if the pack voltage falls below a predetermined level. This ensures that the battery pack will always be in a high state of charge.
Safety:
The In-Pack charging circuit utilizes a thermistor for temperature sensing, enabling charge mode only when the battery is within a safe temperature window. Additionally, on-board safety circuitry continually monitors the cell voltages and currents, preventing charge or discharge when an unsafe condition occurs.
VVT Technology built-in:
ICC’s patented VVT charging algorithm is programmed into the In-Pack Charger’s firmware. This ensures that the cell is fully charged in as little time as possible. VVT is able to accomplish this by extremely accurate measurement of the actual cell voltage, negating errors caused by series circuit elements such as safety circuits, connecting straps or dirty contacts. Overall charge time is reduced by up to 50% because the In-Pack charger remains in Constant Current mode for nearly the entire charge cycle, delivering maximum energy to the cell during that period.
Low Power Consumption:
The In-Pack charging circuitry is designed to consume very little power to extend your battery life. Current consumption during the charge cycle is 200uA less than 15uA during sleep mode.