Maxim introduces a battery monitor

     Maxim Integrated Products announced the launch of the MAX17853 battery Monitor IC, a single-chip solution for automotive applications that enables safer, more productive battery management systems through ASIL-D certification. The MAX17853 optimizes the design of medium and large battery packs for electric and hybrid vehicles, and uses Maxim's unique Flexpack flexible architecture, enabling customers to quickly change module configurations and respond quickly to market demands.

     To meet safety standards, automotive applications require the addition of redundant components to the system. The MAX17853 is the only single-chip IC in the industry that supports medium to large battery pack configurations and complies with the ASIL-D rating, enabling customers to create systems with the highest levels of security in terms of voltage, temperature, communications and more. The advanced battery equalization system automatically adjusts each battery according to time and voltage, minimizing the risk of battery overcharge and further improving system safety. Customers can achieve all of these functions without adding additional components such as redundant comparators, further reducing the size of the solution. In addition, the MAX17853 reduces system BOM costs by 35% compared to competing solutions, helping customers achieve lower cost BMS solutions.

     Flexibility is also a very important factor, and engineers must design and validate the board and bill of Materials (BOM) for different module configurations. The MAX17853 is the only IC in the industry that enables multi-channel configurations (8 to 14 batteries) on a single board. This will save the customer's audit and certification time, and shorten the development cycle by 50%. For example, customers can support 8-section and 14-section module designs from the same board, cutting development time and certification efforts in half.