BMS on a chip

[SamTexas]

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Electronic Component, Inc. (TAEC)*, Corp., a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create break through designs, today announced its Li-ion battery monitor chipset for automotive applications. The chipset includes the industry's first1 battery monitor IC capable of checking up to 16 cells per one IC, which simplifies design and lowers costs by reducing the number of components required in an automotive battery monitoring system. The new Toshiba chipset is ideal for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV), which require enhanced battery technology.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/08/4969936/toshiba-launches-li-ion-battery.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.toshiba.com/taec/Catalog/Line.do?familyid=28&lineid=1955932

 

[velias]

Thats cool, all the TI, Linear Tech, Maxim BMS chips only do 10 or 12 cells so you have to chain two of them together for a 16s pack.
This one does 16, no data sheets on it yet I guess, it says it isn't shipping till february.

 

[fechter]

No datasheet yet. Says it does balancing. I'll keep watching...

 

[BatteryMooch]

Interesting chip...
Not a standalone device like the TI and Linear chips (its micro needs to be programmed and libraries "are under development") but that does provide flexibility for those willing to spend the time learning the tools, code/language, and spend the time needed for BMS software development and debugging.

 

[Kingfish]

*Lurker* status = ON 8)

I'm keen to understand how it will balance. We shall wait and see... Thanks for posting.
~KF

 

[SamTexas]

Yes, balancing is also what I'm interested in. Can't wait for more detailed information.

 

[BatteryMooch]

IMHO, it's very unlikely that is will balance via anything other than internal, low-current resistive elements (perhaps a few mA or even up to 50mA or so for a single cell at a time). It will probably allow for the addition of external components for higher current levels (typically 100mA-150mA), but that's about it.

Most manufacturers have given up on active-balancing (inductor- or capacitor-based charge shuttling) due to the parts cost and lack of need for active balancing vs. simpler, less expensive passive balancing via resistor. There's just no need to go active for most apps.

The one new exception, AFAIK, is the still-to-be-released LTC3300 from Linear Technologies.

But, perhaps I've just had a bad day. :lol: