Multi-Cell Battery Monitors Increase Safety, Protection for 12-V to 48-V Industrial Li-Ion Batteries

bq76940_NPR_finalTexas Instruments (TI) has introduced a scalable, multi-cell battery monitors that  improve battery pack safety and reduce design time of 12-V to 48-V lithium-ion and lithium-iron phosphate batteries used in e-bikes, power tools and energy storage systems. The bq76920, bq76930 and bq76940 circuits efficiently protect and control 3- to 15-cell batteries when charging or operating in harsh environment conditions.

The advanced monitors incorporate cell-balancing drivers, regulated output supplies and other unique features to reduce external component count and provide heightened protection against overvoltage, undervoltage and overcurrent conditions. Simplifying battery design and optimizing board space, the bq76920 supports 3- to 5-series cells or typical 18-V packs; the bq76930 manages up to 10-series cells or 36-V packs; and bq76940 monitors up to 15 cells or typical 48-V batteries.

The bq76920, bq76930 and bq76940 multi-cell battery monitors are available in volume production through TI and its worldwide network of authorized distributors. The bq76920 comes in a 20-pin, 4.4-mm by 6.5mm TSSOP package with a suggested resale price of US$1.50 each in 1,000-unit quantities; the bq76930 comes in a 30-pin, 4.4-mm by 7.8mm TSSOP package with a suggested resale price of $2.75 each in 1,000-unit quantities; and the bq76940 comes in a 44-pin, 4.4-mm by 11.3mm TSSOP package with a suggested resale price of $3.95 each in 1,000-unit quantities.