SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY DISCONNECTING BATTERIES

Methods and systems that selectively controls whether a battery is electronically connected to or disconnected from operational circuitry of an electronic device are described. The switching circuitry electronically connects the battery with operational circuitry in response to external electric power being available to the operational circuitry, thereby allowing the battery to be available as a backup source of electrical power for the operational circuitry when external electric power is lost. Methods and systems also electronically disconnect the battery from the operational circuitry in response to a loss of external electric power to the operational circuitry. As a result, undesirable battery drainage is avoided if the device is left in storage or is not being used for an extended period of time.