Monolithic Power Systems has launched the MPQ2645, a battery charger IC which provides a complete system for controlling the charge current to up to five lithium battery cells, while actively balancing the charge across the cells to maximize the battery’s energy capacity and extend its lifetime.
A single MPQ2645 can redistribute charge between five series cells in a lithium-ion, lithium polymer, or lithium iron phosphate battery, or a supercapacitor power supply. The charger IC, a bidirectional buck-boost active balancer, can be configured to supply up to 3.75 A of charge redistribution. Its proprietary active cell balancing technology efficiently moves charge between cells to provide for much faster balancing and less heat generation than in conventional passive cell balancing systems. The MPQ2645 can also compensate for cell capacity mismatch.
The MPQ2645 is easily controlled via a robust single-wire interface. Up to eight MPQ2645 can be connected in a cascade topology to enable charging and cell balancing of battery packs with up to 33 cells in series.
