Linear Technology announces the LTC6802, a highly integrated multicell battery monitoring IC capable of measuring up to 12 individual battery cells. Using a novel stacking technique, multiple LTC6802s can be stacked in series without opto-couplers or isolators, allowing precision voltage monitoring of every cell in long strings of series connected batteries. Long battery strings enable high power, rechargeable battery applications, such as electric & hybrid electric vehicles, scooters, motorcycles, golf carts, wheelchairs, boats, submarines, forklifts, robotics and portable medical equipment.
The maximum total measurement error is guaranteed to be less than 0.25% from -40°C to 85°C and every cell voltage in a battery stack can be measured within 13ms. Each cell is monitored for under voltage and over voltage conditions and an associated MOSFET switch is available to discharge over-charged cells. Each LTC6802 communicates via a 1MHz serial interface. Also included are temperature sensor inputs, GPIO lines and a precision voltage reference. The LTC6802 is a small 8mm x 12mm surface mount device. The combined robustness, exceptional precision and tiny package directly addresses the critical requirements of emerging and advanced battery technologies.
