ON Semiconductor, driving energy efficient innovations, has introduced a new family of complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) ‘battery fuel gauge’ integrated circuits that provide accurate measurements of the remaining power level of one-cell lithium-ion (Li+) batteries commonly used in a wide range of portable electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras. The new LC709201F, LC709202F, and LC709203F combine high levels of accuracy with the industry’s lowest power consumption for competitive devices performing this function. These devices also reduce component count and system cost, as, unlike competing devices, they do not require a current sensing resistor to effect a solution.

ON Semiconductor’s new battery monitor devices reduce measurement errors to below ± 5 percent (for LC709201F and LC709202F) or below ± 2.8 percent (LC709203F) by employing a unique correction technology to ascertain temperature and voltage. Low current consumption minimizes the drain on battery power helping to extend time between charging cycles. This is enhanced further on the LC709202F and LC709203F by a sub 0.2 microampere (µA) power saving sleep mode feature. In addition, the LC709203F also has a 2 µA ECO Mode.

Key features of the LC709201F include an I2C interface and communications pin, plus further pins for battery temperature reading control, analog voltage input for battery temperature, reset, test and power supply. The LC709202F and LC709203F add an alert function - which is configurable on the LC709203F - to indicate low relative state of charge (RSOC) and battery voltage and external alarm / interrupt for low battery warning. Additionally, the LC709203F can accommodate any emerging Lithium Ion battery chemistry type by a table re-writing system.

“There is a clear requirement for the most accurate battery level and temperature measurement in portable electronics, where continual notification of remaining life is vital to users,” said Atsushi Bando, general manager of the Digital Solutions division at ON Semiconductor. “Our new family of battery fuel gauges achieves this through the use of unique technology. Additionally, the devices meet the challenging yet common demands from designers of space-constrained portable electronics by delivering a small-sized solution that minimizes overall component count and consumes minimal amounts of precious battery power.”