Poing, February 11th, 2009

Avnet Memec, the highly specialised semiconductor distributor of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, introduces the DS2726 of Maxim Integrated Products, the industry's most comprehensive stand-alone protection IC with integrated cell balancing for 5- to 10-cell lithium-ion (Li+) battery packs. The only solution on the market that combines voltage and current monitoring with cell balancing in a single chip, the DS2726 provides an elegant, space-saving solution for battery-operated devices. It is thus an ideal protector for power tools, e-bikes, portable household appliances, battery-backup systems, or any application with a 5- to 10-cell Li+ battery pack.

The DS2726 employs high-side p-channel protection FETs to provide comprehensive overvoltage, undervoltage, discharge-current, and short-circuit protection. The protection circuit monitors individual cell voltages to detect overvoltage and undervoltage conditions. Additionally, 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.

To further simplify design and reduce cost, the DS2726 eliminates the need for an external microcontroller to configure the device. Voltage-protection and cell-balancing thresholds are pin programmable; overdischarge and short-circuit current limits are set with external resistors; and overdischarge and short-circuit current time-out delays are set with external capacitors.

This simple device thus provides robust protection while extending battery life by ensuring that all cells are equally charged. During cell balancing, internal switches shunt an industry-leading 150mA (typ) of current. For added flexibility, cell balancing can be enabled automatically on detection of a charger or by signaling a control pin.

The DS2726 is available in a space-saving, 7mm x 7mm, 32-pin TQFN package. Samples and evaluation kits are available to speed designs.

Avnet Memec, an independent business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, is a highly specialised semiconductor distributor, operating on a pan-European basis and employing a significant number of engineers to support customers’ design efforts. Avnet Memec specialises in highly innovative suppliers and technologies, which will help a variety of customers to differentiate their designs. Its area of specialisation extends from Analog and Microcontrollers to RF, Datacom and Networking. The business unit operates out of 31 offices in 19 European countries and represents major semiconductor franchises on a pan-European basis. www.avnet-memec.eu