The ML5233 also features an industry-low 0.1μA (typ.) current consumption during power down, minimising the effects on battery capacity – even during long-term storage – and contributing to more eco-friendly products with virtually no loss of charged battery power.
In addition, built-in temperature and short-circuit current detection circuits enable detection of not only over-charge/discharge and overcurrent, but also abnormal (high) temperatures during discharge along with battery pack short-circuits – all without an MCU. This decreases footprint by 20% and reduces the number of external components from four to one, leading to smaller battery protection systems and lighter development load.
The demand for battery-driven cordless vacuum cleaners and electric tools utilising secondary lithium-ion batteries is increasing worldwide every year due to their greater convenience and ease-of-use. Reducing weight to improve portability and other design factors are also considered important.
Secondary lithium-ion batteries feature greater energy efficiency per volume and weight compared to nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries, making it possible to reduce both size and weight. However, one drawback is that they must be continuously monitored and controlled to prevent fire, explosion, and/or reduced battery life, increasing the demand for compact, low consumption battery monitoring LSIs.
ML5233 is currently available in sample quantities, with mass production scheduled to begin in September 2015.