Integrated battery management IC monitors up to 256 cells in series

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced what it claims to be the industry’s first integrated battery monitor and protector to measure 16 battery cells at one time. The bq76PL455A-Q1 provides highly accurate cell-voltage monitoring for large batteries with up to 256 cells in a series and can enable more intelligent battery management in electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and grid energy storage systems.

The bq76PL455A-Q1 is said to enable accurate computation of a battery pack’s state of charge and state of health by measuring cell voltage and also provides active and passive cell-balancing support to extract the maximum amount of energy from the battery. Passive cell balancing compensates for charging voltage mismatches, while active cell balancing maximises the amount of each charge. For hybrid and electric vehicles, TI says this can lead to a decreased production cost for manufacturers while supporting an increased mileage range for drivers.

System integrators can use the bq76PL455A-Q1 to develop innovative battery management systems including considerations for efficiencies and safety.

The bq76PL455A-Q1 evaluation module (bq76PL455EVM) and bq76PL455A-Q1-EVM-GUI-SW graphical user interface tool enables customers to evaluate device features and performance to help speed time to market. A TI Design reference design is also available for step-by-step guidance for passive balancing.