Lapis Semiconductor, a ROHM Group company, has announced the development of a lithium-ion battery monitoring LSI that supports up to 16 cells in series, significantly reducing the size of lithium-ion battery monitoring systems (for example in energy storage systems). The ML5239 facilitates multi-cell monitoring and allows for multi-stage series connection to support higher-voltage lithium-ion battery monitoring systems requiring more than 16 cells. In addition, current consumption during power down has been minimized to an industry-low 0.1µA, effectively reducing system power consumption.
High-density lithium-ion batteries, which have already been widely adopted in household power storage systems and uninterruptible power systems (UPSs), are expected to see increased demand with the proliferation of smart homes and HEMSs (Home Energy Management Systems). However, these applications require much greater battery capacities than those used for portable electronics or electric tools, necessitating battery monitoring solutions that supports multi-stage connection and higher voltages. It is also important that battery monitoring systems consume minimal current in order to ensure efficient operation in various power-sensitive applications such as emergency power supplies.
To meet these needs, LAPIS Semiconductor has developed a battery monitoring LSI optimized for high-voltage lithium-ion battery monitoring systems utilizing market-proven mixed signal circuit and high-voltage processes. And going forward Lapis Semiconductor will continue to respond to the demands of the industrial equipment market for higher voltage battery monitoring systems by offering novel multi-cell lithium-ion battery monitoring LSIs that support even greater voltages.
In addition to simplifying multi-cell battery monitoring, multiple LSIs can be connected in series to accommodate higher voltage systems. Current consumption is reduced to 0.1µA during power down, decreasing system power consumption considerably. This is particularly effective for systems with long monitoring intervals. Measured values are digitized by the built-in A/D converter and output via SPI, making it possible to construct simple, noise-resistant battery monitoring systems.
Features and specifications include: Cell voltage measurement accuracy of +/- 10mV; Internal MOSFET driver for cell balancing; Temperature sensor measurement via an external thermistor; Self-diagnostic capabilities including cell voltage measurement, open/short detection, etc; Operating temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C; Operating power supply voltage range of 10 to 72 Vdc; and the device is packaged in a TQFP64 (12mm x 12mm). Applications are expected to include energy storage systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Samples are currently available for a price of $11.40. Volume production is scheduled to begin in May at a rate of 20k pcs/month.
