Multi-cell Li-ion fuel gauge IC helps to monitor self-discharge, extends battery life and offers a low quiescent current
Extending run-time on multi-cell battery-powered products is the new MAX17320 high-accuracy fuel-gauge and protection circuit that also keeps in check the self-discharge hazards. For up to 2 to 4 series Lithium-ion (Li+) cells (2S-4S), the device is part of an IC family equipped with ModelGauge m5 EZ algorithm that delivers 40 per cent more accurate state-of-charge (SOC) readings, eliminating the need for battery characterisation for most common Li+ cells.
This fuel gauge also offers 85 per cent lower quiescent current (IQ) and features SHA-256 authentication for safeguarding systems from counterfeit batteries.
Damaged or defective batteries may develop an internal cell leakage, which can progressively get worse and result in dangerous outcomes, including fire or explosion. This can endanger consumers and tarnish brand value for manufacturers as well. Stringent factory screening process may prevent leaky cells from getting shipped out of the factory.
Until now there were no solutions for detecting self-discharge that develops during normal usage of the battery. But with the release of the MAX17320 that is suitable for hand-held devices with 2S-4S Li+ batteries, applications consisting of computing, IoT, power tool, consumer, healthcare and mobile device categories can be met with high customer safety standards.
By warning the system and disabling a leaky battery before a potentially hazardous occurs, the MAX17320 offers advanced battery protection that uniquely allows fine-tuning of voltage and current thresholds based on various temperature zones. The IC also provides a secondary protection scheme that permanently disables the battery by assisting a secondary protector or blowing a fuse in severe fault conditions.
Manufacturers of mobile devices aim for delivering products that have a long battery life. Devices also need to have accurate SOC information to determine the remaining run-time. As part of a family of ICs with ModelGauge m5 algorithm, the MAX17320 allows designers to enable long run-time and avoid a premature or sudden shutdown while delivering the most accurate SOC in the industry. The MAX17320 can run in an ultra-low-power mode, enabling the system to read the SOC instantly as it wakes up without being disconnected from the battery cells (whether during shipment or when stored on the shelf).
The MAX17320 and the MAX17320X2EVKIT# is available at Maxim Integrated’s website and also available from authorised distributors.
