Battery-Monitoring IC from STMicroelectronics Delivers Extra Features for a Better Handheld User Experience

The STC3100 battery-monitor IC can be located in the battery pack or in the handheld device, and integrates functions to monitor the battery voltage, current and temperature. It has a built-in Coulomb counter to calculate battery charge, and stores the data at 16-bit resolution for retrieval by the system controller. Access is via an industry-standard I2C interface, enabling the controller to create an accurate graphical representation of remaining battery-operating time.

ST has added several other reasons for designers to choose this chip over competing battery monitors. The device supports extra functionality by providing one external pin for use as a detector input or to drive an LED indicator. Each IC is also pre-programmed with a unique 64-bit identifier, which enables traceability of individual battery packs or subsystems. In addition, 32 bytes of accessible RAM allow storage of battery history or application-related information throughout the lifetime of the battery.

There are also two package options, giving designers the choice of a small-outline MiniSO-8 leaded package or a 1mm-high DFN8 leadless package with 3 x 3mm overall footprint. The STC3100 is in mass production, and available at $1.20 in quantities of 1000 units.