Linear’s High Voltage Battery Stack Monitor

Linear Technology has announced its LTC6802, an integrated multicell battery monitoring IC capable of measuring up to 12 individual battery cells. The device’s proprietary design allows multiple LTC6802s to be stacked in series without optocouplers or isolators, for precision voltage monitoring of every cell in long strings of series-connected batteries. Long battery strings enable high power, rechargeable applications, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles, scooters, motorcycles, golf carts, wheelchairs, boats, forklifts, robotics, portable medical equipment, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.



The maximum total measurement error is guaranteed at less than 0.25% from -40°C to 85°C and all cell voltages in a battery stack can be measured within 13ms. Each cell is monitored for undervoltage and overvoltage conditions, and an associated MOSFET switch is available to discharge overcharged cells. Each LTC6802 communicates via a 1MHz serial interface, and includes temperature sensor inputs, GPIO lines and a precision voltage reference. Priced at $9.95 each in 1,000-piece quantities, samples, demonstration boards and the data sheet are now available at www.linear.com. The product will be available in production quantities in the fourth calendar quarter 2008.