Li-ion fuel gauge IC offers highest accuracy and lowest quiescent current

The new Maxim Integrated Products MAX17320 high-accuracy fuel-gauge and protection circuit extends run-time on multi-cell battery-powered products when also monitoring against self-discharge hazards. The device is a pack-side fuel gauge and protector IC for two to four series Li+ cells (2S-4S). It is part of a family of ICs equipped with the company’s patented ModelGauge m5 EZ algorithm that delivers 40% more accurate SOC readings than competitive offerings, removing the necessity for battery characterisation for most common Li+ cells. This fuel gauge also provides what is claimed to be the industry’s lowest IQ, which is 85% lower than the nearest competitor and offers SHA-256 authentication to safeguard systems from counterfeit batteries.

As with any mobile device, manufacturers aim to deliver products that have longer battery life than the competition. Devices also need to have accurate SOC information to determine the remaining run-time. As part of a family of ICs with ModelGauge m5 algorithm, the MAX17320 allows designers to enable the longest run-time and avoid a premature or sudden shutdown while delivering the most accurate SOC in the industry. The MAX17320 can run in an ultra-low-power mode, enabling the system to read the SOC instantly as it wakes up without being disconnected from the battery cells during shipment or when stored on the shelf. With the lowest IQ in the industry at 85% lower than the leading competitor, the MAX17320 supports longer product shelf life.

“It is important to ensure consumer safety for portable Li+ devices,” said Kevin Anderson, practice leader at Omdia. “Providing multiple levels of battery protection and safeguarding from counterfeit products will help designers prove their safety claims for their brands.”

“Maxim Integrated’s fuel gauge ICs are the industry’s safest and most accurate,” said Bakul Damle, business management director, Mobile Power Business Unit at Maxim Integrated. “The MAX17320 ICs provide additional safety by detecting internal leakage and preventing potentially hazardous outcomes while enhancing user experience through the industry’s highest accuracy for 2S-4S Li+ battery-powered devices using Maxim Integrated’s ModelGauge m5 algorithm.”