Maxim introduces high-precision battery gauges and protection circuits

     Maxim Integrated announced the launch of the MAX17320 high-precision battery meter and protection circuit, which effectively extends the uptime of multi-battery powered products and monitors battery self-discharge to avoid potential problems. The MAX17320 is a battery-side meter and protection IC that supports 2 to 4 Li-ion (Li+) cells in series (2S-4S) and is a new device in Maxim Integrated's patented ModelGauge m5 EZ algorithm family of ics.

     The IC improves the accuracy of state of charge (SOC) readings by 40% compared to competing products, and is suitable for the vast majority of Li+ battery-powered products without the need for battery profiling. The coulometer also has the industry's lowest static current (IQ), which is 80% lower than the nearest competitor; It also has SHA-256 safety certification, which guarantees that the system is not damaged by counterfeit batteries.

     In applications such as computing, Internet of Things (IoT), power tools, consumer, healthcare and mobile devices, user safety is a top consideration for designers when it comes to handheld devices powered by two to four Li+ batteries. A defective or damaged battery may cause internal battery leakage, which may cause serious accidents such as fire or explosion as the situation worsens. It directly endangers the safety of consumers, and of course damages the brand benefits of manufacturers. Strict factory screening can effectively prevent the leakage of batteries from the factory to the society. But until now, there is no scheme to detect the self-discharge generated by the battery during normal use.

     The MAX17320 fills this gap by alerting the system in time to shut down a leaking battery before a potential hazard occurs. In addition, the IC features state-of-the-art battery protection that fine-tunes voltage and current thresholds for different temperature zones. The IC also provides secondary protection, permanently disconnecting the battery in severe failure conditions by assisting the secondary protector or by blowing a fuse.

     As with all mobile devices, one of the goals for manufacturers is to develop products with longer battery life. Battery-powered devices require more precise SOC information to accurately estimate remaining operating time. As part of a family of ics with ModelGauge m5 algorithms, the MAX17320 provides the industry's highest precision SOC, allowing designers to achieve maximum system uptime and avoid premature or sudden system shutdowns. The MAX17320 works in ultra-low power mode, enabling the system to read SOC information immediately upon wake-up. There is no need to disconnect the battery during transport or storage. The MAX17320 has the lowest IQ in the industry, 85% lower than leading competitors, and supports a long product storage life.