Battery Protectors Offer Three Levels Of Over-Current Detection

Consuming only 120 µA while operating and only 0.1 µA in their power-down mode, the S-8243A/B Series battery protection integrated circuits (BPICs) are said to deliver superior accuracy for over-charge (±25 mV), over-discharge (±80 mV), and for three levels of over-current protection. The latter includes protection for short-circuiting: ±25 mV spanning 0.05V-0.3V (50 mV steps); ±100 mV at 0.5V; and ±15% for VDD/2. Incorporating battery protection circuits, a battery monitor amp, and a voltage regulator, the new 3- and 4-cell battery protectors are targeted for use in notebooks, handheld scanners, and other portable electronic products that use Li-Ion rechargeable battery packs. The S-8243A is for 3-cell batteries and the S-8243B, 4-cell batteries. The S-8243 BPICs are housed in a 16-pin TSSOP package measuring 5.1 mm x 6.4 mm x 1.1 mm. Price: $1.50 each/10,000. For more information, contact George Ho at SEIKO INSTRUMENTS USA INC., Torrance, CA. (310) 517-8146.