System dongle

Abstract

A method for operating an electronic system with a dongle is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving system information from system components. The method further comprises continuing or ceasing to operate the electronic system based upon the system information; and writing system information to the dongle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A control system for an electronic system, the control system comprising:
 a dongle configured to store at least communication system information and system information, the dongle electrically connected to a controller, which receives the system information;   continues or ceases operation of the electronic system based upon the system information;   writes the system information to the dongle; and   configures the electronic system using at least some of the system information.   
     
     
         2 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller further:
 receives first communication system information,   sends the first communication system information and the system information,   receives second communication system information, and   writes second communication system information to the dongle.   
     
     
         3 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication system information includes identification of the electronic system to at least one of a data server and an SMS server. 
     
     
         4 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller further:
 writes into the dongle a serial number of a first component and first associated date and time information when the first component is added to the electronic system, and   writes into the dongle a serial number of a second component and second associated date and time information when the second component is added to the electronic system,   whereby a component history, comprised of the first component's serial number, the first associated date and time information, the second component's serial number, and the second associated date and time information, is stored in the dongle.   
     
     
         5 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the dongle remains in the electronic system when parts of the electronic system are removed. 
     
     
         6 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller further:
 upon reset, initializes system hardware and software;   determines whether a hard or a soft reset occurred;   verifies Ebox information;   reads and sends the communication system information when the dongle contains the communication system information;   receives the communication system information and writing the communication system information to the dongle when the dongle does not contain the communication system information;   reads first system parameters from the dongle when the dongle contains first system parameters;   writes second system parameters to the dongle and uses second system parameters when the dongle does not contain first system parameters;   registers with at least one of a data server and an SMS server using the communication system information; and   writes system parameters to the dongle.   
     
     
         7 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein a digital system further:
 tests the dongle;   receives or generates unique identification information;   writes at least one of the communication system information, the system information, and system parameters to the dongle; and generates a report.   
     
     
         8 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the dongle is comprised of a non-volatile memory, housing, connector, and potting material. 
     
     
         9 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic system is a flow battery.