PowerSmart Intros PS331 Smart Battery IC in Production Quantities
The new PS331 from PowerSmart Inc. (Shelton, CT) is claimed to be the first smart battery IC available in production quantities that enables data error checking. The PS331 supports Packet Error Checking per version 1.1 of the System Management Bus Specification, and predicts battery capacity remaining to within 1 percent. The PS331 is designed to enable a host device, which appends a Packet Error Code (PEC) at the end of each message transfer, to check the integrity of the data communication. For each read or write bus transaction, an 8-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC-8) is used to calculate a frame check sequence. Only one millisecond is needed for the CRC-8 calculation of a single data byte. The PS331 is also capable of communicating with devices that do not implement PEC error correction protocols.Designed for use with all battery chemistries, the PS331 is available with all the necessary software to enable easy tailoring of battery control algorithm parameters and cell performance models to meet specific application requirements. According to PowerSmart, the PS331 can be configured to attain the highest fuel gauging accuracy available. Self-learning algorithms compensate for self-discharge, temperature, charge/discharge efficiencies and other factors, and an auto-zero offset correction feature automatically compensates for accuracy drift during usage. Packaged in a standard 28-pin 209-mil SSOP, the PS331 is priced below $4 in large quantities. Evaluation kits, which include all necessary hardware and software for programming of battery control algorithm parameters and for customizing preprogrammed cell data models, are available for $199.
