Battery management IC monitors can shrink final form factors
Charge and fuel gauge accuracy in a smaller solution size can be realised with the MAX17330 by Analog Devices. It includes AccuCharge technology with integrated fuel gauge and battery protection for one-cell lithium-ion/polymer batteries to extend battery runtimes.
The IC expands ADI’s battery management portfolio, and the MAX17330, compared with similar products, “significantly extends runtime”, says the company. It also monitors internal cell self-discharge hazards while shrinking solution size of single cell battery-powered products. ADI’s proprietary AccuCharge and ModelGauge technologies deliver high top-off charge and deep safe discharge, enabling longer run-time of medical and fitness wearables, home and building automation sensors, handheld computers and terminals. The MAX17330 also simplifies battery management for devices using parallel cells, such as foldable smartphones and tablets, as well as AR / VR smartglasses
Conventional battery charger ICs implement techniques that result in inconsistent charging and consequently, requiring an additional margin for the battery protector, explains ADI. This limits the battery from being charged to its maximum level. Many devices today require multiple cells that are separated physically to manage the weight distribution for ergonomics or user experience. This poses challenges while charging, as the batteries can have unequal impedances and can also be of different capacities and initial states. The MAX17330 addresses these challenges by controlling the charger using its integrated fuel gauge for each individual cell.
The IC delivers 20 per cent more accurate charging with AccuCharge technology, says ADI, to deliver higher top-off charge for a longer runtime.
The ModelGauge m5 fuel gauge algorithm delivers 40 per cent more accurate state-of-charge (SOC) readings, reports the company. EZ configuration eliminates any need for battery characterisation.
The small wafer level package (WLP) and integration of the battery charger, fuel gauge, protector and authenticator functions reduce the total solution size by 36 per cent compared to similar solutions, says ADI.
The MAX17330 is now available in a 15-bump, 0.5mm pitch, 1.9 x 2.5mm WLP. The MAX17330X2EVKIT is also available.
