An Uninterruptible Power Source, with a Laboratory Testing Option, for Battery-Powered Systems

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2002

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

School

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Abstract

This paper describes a monitoring circuit for battery-powered, printed circuit board systems. The circuit, which can be used with various battery technologies, is designed to act either as an uninterruptible power source for field use or as a battery testing module for laboratory use. It operates with one battery as the main power source and another as a reserve, using the stronger of the two batteries to provide system power based on a preset voltage differential. Field-effect transistors (FETs) with very low on-resistance minimize dropout voltage, and special drivers ensure that the transistors operate in full saturation. The circuit can be utilized in engineering and technology laboratories to demonstrate battery discharge curves, measure individual battery performance, and measure battery energy density, all of which are useful in comparing and contrasting the performance of different battery technologies.

Publication Title

Journal of Engineering Technology

Volume

19

Issue

1

First Page

30

Last Page

35

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