Tiny Device Protects Li-Ion Battery Packs

Measuring just 1.8 mm x 2 mm x 0.85 mm, the S-8242 may be the smallest protection device available for dual-cell, Li-Ion battery packs with the lowest power consumption at 10 µA in operation and 0.1 µA in power-down mode. Touting another breakthrough, the device requires just six external components, compared to similar devices that require 11. The device is available in 6-pin SNB (B) or SOT-23-6 surface-mount packages and provides over-charge detection voltages for each cell from 3.9V to 4.4V in 50 mV increments, over-discharge detection voltages from 2V to 3V in 100 mV increments, and two levels of over-current protection. Additional features include a withstanding voltage of 28V, charger-detection function, and an operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C. Prices are $0.60 (SOT-23-6) and $0.65 (6-pin SNB (B)) each/10,000, respectively. For more information, contact Jim Schlumpberger at SEIKO INSTRUMENTS USA INC., Torrance, CA. (310) 517-7884.