SMART MODULE AND METHOD WITH MINIMAL STANDBY LOSS

1 . A method to minimize standby loss, comprising:

detecting a current parameter at a load node;

determining whether a current parameter threshold has been reached; and

disabling power delivery based on determining whether the current parameter threshold has been reached.

2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the detecting step includes at least one of periodically detecting a DC current value and periodically detecting a rate of change of a DC current value over time.

3 . The method of claim 1 wherein when the detecting step includes periodically detecting a DC current value, the current parameter threshold is set at a predetermined DC current set-point, and when the detecting step includes periodically detecting a DC current value over time, the current parameter threshold is set at a predetermined rate of change of the DC current value over a certain time.

4 . The method of claim 1 where the detecting step includes a value of change of current over time that may be realized by one or any of: fixed circuit elements, parameters set in memory, or parameters programmed by software commands.

5 . The method of claim 1 further comprising providing an indicating component for visually indicating power delivery is disabled and that the current parameter threshold has been reached, the indicating component including a retracted position and an extended position.

6 . The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a bypass switch configured to over ride certain operations of the method.

7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the load node is coupled to an energy storage device.

8 . The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of the detecting, determining and disabling steps is enabled by use of an integrated circuit.

9 . The method of claim 1 wherein the steps of detecting, determining and disabling, define a battery charger with substantially zero standby loss once the current parameter threshold has been reached.

10 . A module to minimize standby loss, comprising:

an enclosure;

an actuator; and

a current sensing circuit configured to detect a current parameter at a load node, determine whether a current parameter threshold has been reached and disable power delivery based on determining whether the current parameter threshold has been reached, by de-actuating the actuator.

11 . The module of claim 10 , wherein the current sensing circuit includes an activation circuit connected to the actuator to provide a signal to de-actuate the actuator.

12 . The module of claim 10 , wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory alloy configured to change shape through Joule heating.

13 . The module of claim 10 , wherein the actuator comprises a button including a retracted position and an extended position.

14 . The module of claim 10 , wherein the actuator includes at least one of: dissimilar metal mechanisms wherein two metals may contract differentially upon heating and produce a bending effect; electromagnetic mechanisms such that movement may be achieved through action of an electromagnet upon a magnetically soft material including at least one of solenoids, relays and motors; electrostatic mechanisms wherein a voltage is used to cause repulsion of like charges, resulting in separation and movement of one element relative to another; piezoelectric mechanisms wherein application of a voltage to materials having piezoelectric properties produce displacements which can be amplified mechanically or through including a screw drive; electroactive polymer mechanisms configured with materials that constrict with an application of a voltage; microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices configured as miniature devices fabricated on silicon including electrostatic or electromechanical means to produce motion.

15 . The module of claim 10 , wherein the enclosure has an opening for receiving the actuator, the actuator comprising a button including a retracted position configured to enable the current sensing circuit and an extended position arranged to visually indicate that power delivery is disabled.

16 . The module of claim 10 , wherein the current parameter threshold is set at a predetermined DC current set-point, or is set at a predetermined rate of change of the DC current value over a certain time.

17 . The module of claim 10 further comprising a bypass switch configured to over ride certain operations of the module.

18 . The module of claim 10 wherein the load node is configured to be coupled to at least one of an electronic device, a wireless communication device and an energy storage device.

19 . The module of claim 10 wherein the enclosure comprises at least one of a battery charger, an autonomous electronic device and an internal component in an electronic device.