Battery charge indicators

摘要

A low-cost battery charge indicator is provided which is capable of indicating a quantity of charge upon a battery or battery pack. The charge indicator includes positive and negative battery terminals and a charge gauge circuit mounted within a battery pack or a battery-powered electronic device. The positive and negative terminals are adapted to receive a battery and to test the battery charge within the battery during times in which the charge gauge circuit is active. Activation of the charge gauge circuit occurs by depressing a momentary switch coupled between the charge gauge circuit and the battery terminals. Upon activation of the switch, one of three LEDs will emit light informing the user of the state of charge upon the battery or battery pack. The switch remains normally open to avoid current draw from the battery during non-test times.