Monitors increase safety for 12- to 48-V Li-ion batteries

The first scalable, multi-cell battery monitors improve battery pack safety and reduce design time of 12- to 48-V lithium-ion and lithium-iron phosphate batteries used in e-bikes, power tools and energy storage systems. The bq76920, bq76930 and bq76940 circuits protect and control 3- to 15-cell batteries when charging or operating in harsh environment conditions. 

The monitors incorporate cell-balancing drivers, regulated output supplies and other features to reduce external component count and provide protection against overvoltage, undervoltage and overcurrent conditions. The bq76920 supports 3- to 5-series cells or typical 18-V packs; the bq76930 manages up to 10-series cells or 36-V packs; and bq76940 monitors up to 15 cells or typical 48-V batteries.