Intersil Delivers the Integrated Cell Balancing and Overcurrent Protection ICs for Multi-Cell Li-Ion Battery Packs

Intersil Corporation announced the release of the single-chip ISL9208, ISL9216 and ISL9217 chipset solution for cell balancing and overcurrent protection. These devices are the industry’s first integrated analog front ends for cell balancing and overcurrent protection in multi-cell li-ion battery packs.

These truly unique devices can replace up to 17 FETs, 12 diodes, 53 resistors and 31 capacitors in some designs and will simplify designs for multi-cell battery powered packs for applications ranging from power tools to hybrid automotive vehicles. This advancement further establishes Intersil as the leader in li-ion charging and protection ICs. Already the power management solution of choice in four of the world’s top five cell phone OEMs, Intersil is the recognized leader in single-cell li-ion battery charging and protection ICs.

The ISL9208 single chip and ISL9216/17 chipset perform cell balancing and protect battery packs against high current conditions. The cell balancing allows the microcontroller to keep cell capacities matched to increase the battery pack’s operating time and extend battery life. The built-in 3.3 V voltage regulator reduces component count while providing power to the microcontroller. The devices provide critical protection through the ability to detect short circuits and overcurrent conditions and automatically shut down the power FETs when necessary.

The ISL9208 is recommended for 5 to 7 cell (18 V to 28 V) battery packs and the ISL9216/17 chipset is recommended for 7 to 12 cell (28 V to 50 V) battery packs. The ISL9216 and ISL9217 chipset solution extends the monitoring capability to higher voltage cell packs by establishing a communication link between an I²C interface and a level shifter of the two chips.

Pricing and Availability
The ISL9208 is available in a 32-lead, 5mm x 5mm Pb-free QFN configuration starting at $2.27 each in quantities of 100 to 1,000. The ISL9216 is available in a Pb-Free 32-lead, 5mm x 5mm QFN package starting at $3.00 each in quantities of 100 to 1,000. The ISL9217 is available in a 4mm x 4mm Pb-Free 24-lead QFN configuration starting at $2.93 each in quantities of 100 to 1,000.

NOTE: The ISL9216 and the ISL9217 are designed as a chip set. Although they are priced individually, package pricing may be obtained by contacting Intersil.