A charging circuit is provided for coupling a power source to a plurality of
loads.
The circuit includes a controller that continually senses the output voltage of
the power source. The controller may also decouple the power source from the loads
to measure the open circuit voltage of the power source. Once the open circuit
voltage is known, the controller establishes a threshold voltage that is slightly
below the open circuit voltage of the power supply. The controller then begins
delivering current to one of the loads by way of a current regulator. Whenever
the power source voltage is below the threshold voltage, the controller reduces
the current flowing through the current regulator. When the power source voltage
is above the threshold voltage, the controller increases the current flowing through
the current regulator. In so doing, the charging circuit simultaneously charges
both loads, thereby reducing overall charge time.