Microchip Technology Inc. (Chandler, AZ) introduced the PS402, a smart battery system (SBS)-compliant, battery management, integrated circuit that integrates all rechargeable battery monitoring functions for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries on a single chip. With accuracy to within ±1 percent, the PS402 is a fuel gauge IC that combines Microchip's RISC-based, microcontroller with a 15-bit, analog-to-digital converter.
The PowerSmart battery management family includes the PS401, the first in the 400 Series, focusing on lithium-ion and lithium-polymer applications for the notebook, PDA and digital camera markets. The PS402 is designed for NiMH applications that use 6 to 12 cells in series. The low-component count on a PS402-based solution reduces implementation cost and circuit board size. The PS402 minimizes space requirements through integration of a precision time base, regulator and temperature sensor. The precise, on-chip time base eliminates the need for an external crystal while the PS402 derives its power directly from the battery, eliminating the need for an external regulator. To monitor battery temperature, the user has the option of selecting an integrated temperature sensor or an external thermistor.
The PS402 is packaged in a single-chip, 28-pin, SSOP and is priced at $4 in quantities of 1,000. Samples and volume production quantities are now available.
