Bidirectional Multicell Active Battery Balancer Maximizes Capacity

Linear’s new LTC3300-1 is a high-efficiency bidirectional multicell battery balancer for equalizing cell state of charge in a series-connected battery stack. By redistributing charge throughout the stack, in applications such as EVs, plug-in hybrid EVs and large energy storage systems using cells with mismatched capacities, the balancer compensates for lost capacity due to the weakest cells, enabling faster charging and extending the run time and usable lifetime of the batteries. Operating as a fault-protected controller IC for transformer-based bidirectional active balancing, the device utilizes a non-isolated bidirectional synchronous flyback topology to balance up to 6 series-connected cells. Charge can be transferred between a selected cell and 12 or more adjacent cells. All balancers can operate independently and simultaneously with charge/discharge currents up to 10 A. Up to 92% transfer efficiency enables high current balancing with minimal power dissipation. The LTC3300-1 is offered in thermally enhanced 7 x 7 mm surface-mount packages: a low profile (.75 mm) 48-lead QFN, and a 48-pin LQFP. Devices are available from stock with a starting price of $5.95 each/1,000.

LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION