NEC Tokin Corporation this week received a U.S. patent  7,566,828 for a solar-powered charger meant for use with rechargeable lithium batteries, the type that is likely used in wireless devices such as mobile phones and notebooks. Silicon semiconductor was mentioned as a candidate for the solar cell module component of the charger.

The patent also specified that the charger is capable of charging the battery in a stable way even when charging conditions are less than ideal. For example, when the sunlight intensity is low, or when there is impedance from the battery and wirings. This feature seems to be accomplished collectively by a number of components, including a reverse-current preventing element, an overvoltage protecting element and a charge on/off controlling circuitry arrangement.

TitlePower source device and charge controlling method to be used in same
InventorsSasaki; Hiroshi (Miyagi, JP)
AssigneeNEC Tokin Corporation (Miyagi, JP)
Serial Numbers 11/127,296
7566828
Dates May 12, 2005
July 28, 2009
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