Battery-monitor IC combines high accuracy with low power in tiny package

In an effort to increase battery runtime and lifespan in mobile phones, multimedia players, digital cameras, and other space-constrained portable gadgets, STMicroelectronics has developed a battery monitoring "gas gauge."

ST's STC3105 battery-monitor IC delivers high-precision measurement of the battery voltage and current in a 2 x 3 x 0.8 mm package. It uses open-circuit voltage and coulomb-counter methods to estimate the battery capacity and to supervise and track charge/discharge status. Accurate predictions of the battery state of charge and time-to-empty help avoid unnecessary re-charging, extend operating time between charges, and lengthen the battery lifespan in portable applications.

The STC3105 boasts low supply-current requirements - 60 µA typical – which also contribute to extending the battery runtime and lifespan. The power-saving mode reduces current consumption in the IC, as well as enabling low standby-power levels in the final application.

Key highlights:

• 0.5% accuracy battery voltage monitoring
• Low battery alarm output with programmable thresholds
• Low power: 60 μA in power-saving mode, 2 μA max in standby mode
• Ideal for implementation of robust gas gauge systems using open-circuit voltage and coulomb counter methods
• Small 3x2 mm package

Pricing:  $1 each in quantities of 1,000. 

Availability: Volume quantities.

Datasheet: Click here.