Battery management IC delivers longer battery runtime

Analog Devices has released the MAX17330 battery management IC with integrated fuel gauge and advanced battery protection for one-cell lithium-ion/polymer batteries that provides a longer battery runtime for consumer applications than comparable products. The new IC expands its battery management portfolio, which provides accuracy for the automotive and industrial markets that is among the largest in the industry. Compared with similar products, the MAX17330 significantly lengthens runtime and monitors internal cell self-discharge hazards while shrinking the solution size of single-cell battery-powered products. The company's proprietary AccuCharge and ModelGauge technologies deliver high top-off charge and deep safe discharge, enabling longer runtime of medical and fitness wearables, handheld computers, home and building automation sensors and terminals. The device also simplifies battery management for devices employing parallel cells, such as foldable smartphones and tablets and AR/VR smart glasses.

Conventional battery charger ICs implement techniques that produce inconsistent charging and, consequently, need an extra margin for the battery protector. This restricts the battery from charging to its maximum level. Many modern devices require multiple cells separated physically to handle the weight distribution for good ergonomics or user experience. This poses unique challenges while charging, as the batteries can have unequal impedances and different capacities and initial states. The MAX17330 addresses these challenges by controlling the charger using its integrated fuel gauge for each cell.