ams offers simple, robust solution for lithium cell monitoring
1 min read
A new cell balancing ic has been introduced by ams, which it describes as a simplified, more robust solution for implementing cell monitoring and balancing in lithium battery systems.
The AS8506 can be operated without an mcu and is able to perform distributed cell monitoring and balancing operations for stacked cell modules, including Safe Operating Area checks and passive or active cell balancing.
According to ams, the ic eliminates the need for complex software and hardware requirements in battery cell systems, and is suitable for all lithium based cell chemistries, such as those found in hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
"In conventional systems, a complicated algorithm running remotely on a high end microcontroller decides which cells have to be balanced," said ams in a statement. "The new architecture supported by the AS8506 can control balancing locally at the cells, enabling designers to implement a more streamlined cell management system that eliminates the powerful host controller, complex software and vulnerable serial communication links normally used today."
The AS8506 can implement both passive and active cell balancing autonomously, or it can support an mcu based system via its SPI.
An advanced analogue circuit compares up to seven cell voltages against an internal or external reference with an accuracy of 1mV, to support cell balancing and cell monitoring functions.
Cell voltage measurements can also be digitised with an accuracy of 5mV and reported to a host controller.
