Battery pack monitor protects multi-cell Li-ion batteries

INTERSIL ISL94203 3-to-8 cell battery pack monitor supports lithium-ion (Li-ion) and other battery chemistries used in medical applications. Device accurately monitors, protects and cell balances rechargeable battery packs to maximize battery life and ensure safe charging and system operation. Product functions as a stand-alone battery management system for rechargeable Li-ion battery packs. Its internal state machine has five pre-programmed stages that accurately control each cell of a battery pack to extend operating life. Device integrates high-side charge/discharge FET drive circuitry, which allows customers to securely ground reference the battery pack to their designs. Product includes several programmable protection and monitoring features to safeguard battery packs from catastrophic events such as short circuit conditions and cell voltage shorts. http://www.intersil.com/products/isl94203