Two-Wire Fuel Gauge Eases Software Development

The DS2782 stand-alone fuel gauge employs a two-wire interface to communicate with the host and calculates the remaining capacity for Li and Li polymer batteries without the need for host-side, fuel-gauging algorithms. This feat promises to greatly simplify software development. Optimized for single-cell applications, the device can also accommodate multi-cell applications with a few circuit modifications. Other features include current-offset correction, programmable gain compensation, 11-bit voltage measurements with a resolution of 4.88 mV over a range of 0V to 4.992V, 11-bit temperature measurements with a resolution of 0.125°C over an operating range from -40°C to 85°C, and current measurement capabilities. Cell characterization data and application-performance parameters are stored in 24 bytes of nonvolatile memory. An additional 16 bytes of nonvolatile memory are available for use by the host system or pack manufacturer. Available in an 8-pin TSSOP, price starts at $2.60 each/1,000. DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR, Dallas, TX. (800) 998-8800.