초록 ▼

An electronic device, such as a radiotelephone, is connectable to a variable-level power source. The electronic device includes a rechargeable power source which is repowered responsive to application of operative power generated by the variable-level power source. The electronic device provides a c

An electronic device, such as a radiotelephone, is connectable to a variable-level power source. The electronic device includes a rechargeable power source which is repowered responsive to application of operative power generated by the variable-level power source. The electronic device provides a constant charge current regulator for converting operative power of a constant voltage into operative power of a constant current to be applied to the rechargeable power source to recharge the rechargeable power source. The constant charge current regulator is made up of a series connected diode and resistor pair. According to a further aspect of the invention, when the rechargeable power source becomes fully recharged, application of the operative power can be reduced.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A portable electronic device for performing a primary function and for performing a secondary function, the secondary function being support of rechargeable operation using an external voltage supply for supplying a variable voltage to the portable electronic device in re

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A portable electronic device for performing a primary function and for performing a secondary function, the secondary function being support of rechargeable operation using an external voltage supply for supplying a variable voltage to the portable electronic device in response to a power-source voltage control signal, the portable electronic device comprising:a connector for connecting the variable voltage from the external voltage supply to the portable electronic device via a first connecting element and for connecting the power-source voltage control signal from the portable electronic device to the external voltage supply via a second connecting element;a charging circuit operatively coupled to the first connecting element to receive the variable voltage from the external voltage supply and provide a charging current therefrom;at least one rechargeable cell operatively coupled to the charging circuit to receive the charging current;a tracking voltage sensing connection operatively coupled between the rechargeable cell and the second connecting element for sensing voltage levels of the rechargeable cell to provide the power-source voltage control signal to the external voltage supply which tracks a voltage level of the rechargeable cell;a controller circuit for generating a charge control signal based on a charging status;a power control circuit operatively coupled to the rechargeable cell, the control circuit and the second connecting element for connecting the power-source voltage control signal from the tracking voltage sensing connection to the external voltage supply via the second connecting element based on the charge enable control from the threshold comparitor; andelectronic circuitry for performing the primary function of the portable electronic device and operatively coupled to the rechargeable cell to receive power from the rechargeable cell when the external voltage supply is not present during portable operation and operatively coupled to the external voltage supply to receive power from the external voltage when the external voltage supply is present regardless of whether the rechargeable cell is present.