System and method for battery verification

1. A system for verification of a battery, comprising:

a battery, wherein the battery comprises:

a memory for storing an identification number and a verification number, wherein the verification number is generated by applying a key to the identification number; and

an electronic device coupled to the battery, wherein the electronic device comprises:

a device memory for storing the key; and

a processor for verifying the verification number of the battery by applying the key to the identification number.

2. A system as recited for claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of a battery charger, a wireless communication device, a Personal Digital Assistant, a handheld computer, a media drive, a digital camera, a portable audio player, a portable video player, and an electronic game.

3. A method for verification of a battery, the method comprising:

communicating with a battery, wherein one or more codes and a serial number are stored within the battery;

verifying the one or more codes for authorization;

reading the serial number;

performing a mathematical function on the serial number to provide a new number when the one or more codes are authorized in the verifying step;

applying a key to the new number to generate a verification number; and

storing the verification number.

4. A method as recited for claim 3 , wherein the one or more codes includes an 8-bit family code, and further wherein the verification step includes comparing the 8-bit family code to a pre-defined identification number.

5. A method as recited for claim 3 , wherein the serial number is a 48-bit serial number.

6. A method as recited for claim 3 , wherein the one or more codes includes an 8-bit CRC code.

7. A method as recited for claim 3 , further comprising disabling use of the battery when one of the one or more codes is unauthorized in the verification step.

8. A method as recited for claim 3 , further comprising disabling charging of the battery when one of the one or more codes is unauthorized in the verification step.

9. A method as recited for claim 3 , wherein the performing a mathematical function comprises:

separating the serial number into six distinct 8-Bit sections; and adding the six distinct 8 Bit sections together to form a new 8-Bit number.

10. A method as recited for claim 3 , further comprising:

calculating a checksum using the new verification number; and

verifying data stored in the battery is valid using the checksum.

11. A method as recited for claim 3 , further comprising:

programming the battery with a battery verification number prior to the communicating step;

comparing the battery verification number with the verification number; and

authorizing usage of the battery when the battery verification number matches the verification number.

12. A method as recited for claim 11 , wherein the programming comprises:

reading an EPROM identification number from a memory device within the battery;

generating the battery verification number by mathematically applying the key to the EPROM identification number; and

programming the battery verification number into a memory device of the battery.

13. A method as recited for claim 3 , further comprising:

programming the battery with a battery verification number prior to the communicating step;

comparing the battery verification number with the verification number; and authorizing charging of the battery when the battery verification number matches the verification number.

14. A method as recited for claim 13 , wherein the programming comprises:

reading an EPROM identification number from a memory device within the battery;

generating the battery verification number by mathematically applying the key to the EPROM identification number; and

programming the battery verification number into a memory device of the battery.

15. A battery comprising:

at least one battery cell for providing power for an electronic device; and

memory for storing a memory identification number and for storing a battery verification number, the stored battery verification number being generated by mathematically applying at least a key to the memory identification number.

16. The battery of claim 15 , wherein the memory further stores at least one additional code.

17. The battery of claim 16 , wherein the at least one additional code comprises a CRC code.

18. The battery of claim 15 , wherein the memory identification number is a serial number for identifying the memory.