Battery stack fault monitor supervises high-voltage Li-ion strings

Battery stack fault monitor supervises high-voltage Li-ion strings

The LTC6801 is a high-voltage battery-stack fault-monitor that operates without a microprocessor and without the need for optocouplers or isolators. Each monitor device monitors up to 12 series-connected battery cells for overvoltage and undervoltage conditions. Multiple monitors can be daisy-chained providing a method to monitor each individual cell in very long battery strings. When connected in a daisy-chain, a single differential clock output confirms that all cells in the stack are within the defined operating range. The clock interface provides high noise-immunity and ensures that fault conditions are not hidden by frozen bits or short-circuit conditions.

The fault monitor is a low-cost companion to the LTC6802 precision battery measurement and cell-balancing IC. It provides a backup circuit for hybrid electric battery packs, battery backup systems, and other high-powered Li-ion battery systems. Overvoltage and undervoltage thresholds can be set via pin connections and the monitor offers selectable threshold hysteresis and adjustable update rates. It is specified for operation from –40° to 85°C and two temperature sensor inputs are monitored for overtemperature faults.( From $4.48 ea/1,000 — available 1st qtr 2010.)

Linear Technology , Milpitas , CA
Information 408-432-1900
http://www.linear.com