The bq2063 SBS-compliant gas gauge IC for battery-pack or in-system installation maintains an accurate record of available charge in Li-Ion batteries. The bq2063 monitors capacity and other critical parameters in Li-Ion battery packs. It also directly interfaces the Seiko S-8243 protection IC to minimize component count in smart-battery circuits.

The bq2063 uses a V-to-F converter with automatic offset correction for charge and discharge counting. For voltage, temperature, and current reporting, the bq2063 uses an A-to-D converter. In conjunction with the S-8243, the onboard ADC also monitors individual cell voltages in a Li-Ion battery pack and allows the bq2063 to generate control signals to enhance pack safety.

The bq2063 supports the smart battery data (SBData) commands and charge-control functions. It communicates data using the system management bus (SMBus) 2-wire protocol or the 1-wire HDQ16 protocol. The data available include the battery’s remaining capacity, temperature, voltage, current, and remaining run-time predictions. The bq2063 provides LED drivers and a push-button input to depict remaining battery capacity from full to empty in 20% or 25% increments with a 4- or 5-segment display.

The bq2063 works with an external EEPROM. The EEPROM stores the configuration information for the bq2063, such as the battery’s chemistry, self-discharge rate, rate-compensation factors, measurement calibration, and design voltage and capacity. The bq2063 uses the programmable self-discharge rate and other compensation factors stored in the EEPROM to accurately adjust remaining capacity for use and standby conditions based on time, rate, and temperature. The bq2063 also automatically calibrates or learns the true battery capacity in the course of a discharge cycle from programmable near full to near empty levels.

The S-8243 protection IC may be used to provide power to the bq2063 from a 3- or 4-series Li-Ion cell stack.