Highly integrated battery pack monitor

Intersil announces today the ISL94203, a 3-to-8 cell battery pack monitor designed to support Lithium-ion and other battery chemistries used in medical mobility carts, wheelchairs, handheld power tools, vacuum cleaners, e-bikes, and solar or renewable energy storage systems. The device accurately monitors, protects and cell balances rechargeable battery packs to maximize battery life and ensure safe charging and system operation.

OEMs are moving away from NiCd and lead-acid batteries to embrace the more environmentally friendly Li-ion battery chemistries. Li-ion batteries are smaller, weigh less, and deliver longer battery life, but require monitoring and protection for safe use. The ISL94203 functions as a stand-alone battery management system for rechargeable Li-ion battery packs. Its internal state machine has five pre-programmed stages that accurately control each cell of a battery pack to extend operating life. The ISL94203 integrates high-side charge/discharge FET drive circuitry, which allows customers to securely ground reference the battery pack to their designs.