The recently unveiled MAX17320 from Maxim Integrated is a high accuracy fuel gauge and protector IC for 2 to 4 series Lithium-ion (Li+) cells (2S-4S). Equipped with Maxim Integrated’s patented ModelGauge m5 EZ algorithm, the new fuel-gauge and protection circuit delivers 40% more accurate state-of-charge (SOC) readings than competitive ICs available in the market today. Not just that, the fuel gauge and protection circuit extends run-time on multi-cell battery-powered products while also monitoring against self-discharge hazards.
The new IC offers a low quiescent current (IQ) and also features SHA-256 authentication that ensures to safeguard systems from counterfeit batteries, thereby improving the product shelf life. High protection, high accuracy, and low IQ are the key advantages that MAX17320 IC offers. It provides battery protection of hand-held devices with 2S-4S Li+ batteries in the computing, Internet of Things (IoT), power tool, consumer, healthcare, and mobile devices. Besides warning the system and disabling a leaky battery before a potentially hazardous outcome, this IC uniquely allows fine-tuning of voltage and current thresholds based on various temperature zones. Moreover, it provides a secondary protection scheme that permanently disables the battery by assisting a secondary protector or blowing a fuse in severe fault conditions.
The MAX17320 can run in an ultra-low-power mode, enabling the system to read the SOC instantly as it wakes up without being disconnected from the battery cells. The MAX17320 is available at Maxim’s website for $1.55 (1000-up, FOB USA) and from authorized distributors. The MAX17320X2EVKIT# evaluation kit is also available for $89.
