Maxim launches integrated circuit protector

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the DS2726, a standalone protection IC with integrated cell balancing for five- to 10-cell lithium-ion (Li+) battery packs.

The DS2726 combines voltage and current monitoring with cell balancing in a single chip, providing a space-saving product for battery-operated devices.

It is a suitable protector for power tools, e-bikes, portable household appliances, battery-backup systems, or any application with a five- to 10-cell Li+ battery pack.

The DS2726 employs high-side p-channel protection FETs to provide overvoltage, under-voltage, discharge-current and short-circuit protection.

The protection circuit monitors individual cell voltages to detect overvoltage and under-voltage conditions.

High-side protection allows the host system to maintain communication with a fuel gauge, such as the DS2788, even when a fault condition causes the protection FETs to switch off.

The DS2726 eliminates the need for an external microcontroller to configure the device.

Voltage-protection and cell-balancing thresholds are pin programmable; over-discharge and short-circuit current limits are set with external resistors; and over-discharge and short-circuit current time-out delays are set with external capacitors.

This device provides extended battery life by ensuring that all cells are equally charged.

During cell balancing, internal switches shunt 150mA (typical) of current.

For added flexibility, cell balancing can be enabled automatically on detection of a charger or by signalling a control pin.

The DS2726 is available in a 7mm x 7mm, 32-pin TQFN package.

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