Method and apparatus for indicating a battery status

摘要

A battery-status-indicating apparatus and arrangement for use-with electronic equipment (100) provides an operator with a displayed indication of remaining battery capacity. A removable battery pack (35) contains memory (37) for storing battery identification information, battery capacity information and a time stamp signal. Electronic circuitry (100), powered by the battery pack (35), maintains current time information and generates the time stamp signal for delivery to said removable battery (35). In addition, the electronic circuitry (100) comprises memory (30) for storing circuit module current draw signals (I1-I4) and battery discharge rate signals (I5) representative of a discharge rate for different type battery chemistries. A microprocessor (27) containing a real time clock (31) is programmed to determine a battery discharge amount during a time interval (T5) when the battery is removed from service as well as a battery consumption amount during circuit operation (T1-T4). The microprocessor (27) is also programmed to determine a scaling factor for use in determining a battery consumption amount as multi configuration battery packs (35) are utilized.