Analog Devices introduces Lithium-Ion battery monitoring and protection system

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has introduced a Li-ion battery monitoring and protection system that integrates all necessary components, including voltage and current measurement, signal isolation and safety monitoring.

Unlike NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries traditionally used in high-voltage applications, battery stacks using Li-ion technology can comprise a large number of individual cells totaling hundreds of volts. Each cell must be properly monitored and balanced to ensure user safety, improve battery performance and extend battery life. ADI said its Li-ion battery monitoring and protection system performs these functions while also allowing power system designers to replace costly discrete components, decrease power consumption and reduce system space.

“Although the quality of battery fabrication has improved, guarding against higher temperature conditions in any energy, industrial or automotive application is critical,” said Steve Sockolov, director, Precision Signal Processing group, Analog Devices.

ADI offers the main components required for a complete Li-ion battery monitoring and protection system:

• Voltage measurement device – monitors and balances the cells (AD7280)
• Current measurement device – monitors the cell stack’s current (ADuC703x or AD821x)
• Isolator – brings the measurement signals across the high-voltage barrier to the battery management unit (ADuM140x or ADuM540x)
• Safety monitor – enables creation of a fail-safe circuit and safe environment to the user (AD8280)
• Battery management unit – controls and manages battery functions to optimize operation (Blackfin ADSP-50x)

New Product: AD8280 Integrated Li-ion Battery Safety Monitor

The Li-ion battery monitoring and protection system includes a safety monitor, the AD8280. The new safety monitor provides the designer with the final piece needed to develop the complete front-end of a battery monitoring and protection system. The AD8280 is an integrated solution that monitors six cell voltages and two temperature inputs. It is powered completely from the battery stack providing either a shared or a separate alarm for any of three conditions – over-voltage, over-temperature or under-voltage.

Other benefits include:

• Extensive self-test upon prompt enhancing the designers ability to meet functional safety requirements such as ISO26262 and IEC61508
• Large, continuous range-of-trip point settings provide the flexibility to work with any Li-ion battery chemistry
• Flexible safety monitor configurations
• Communications daisy-chain option minimizes the need for isolators in a high-voltage cell stack
• Low-power mode enables the user to minimize battery drain when the battery is not in use.
• Compliant with AEC-Q100 and EMI (electromagnetic interference) standards, making the part suitable for automotive applications.

The AD8280 Li-ion battery safety monitor is sampling now at $3.49 per unit in 1,000-unit shipments in a 48-lead LQFP (low-profile quad package). For more information about ADI’s complete Li-ion battery monitor and protection system for industrial and energy applications click here. For automotive applications, click here.