Xceltronics develops the CRX1, a battery management system monitor and protector IC that integrates measurement, protection, and cell balancing for lithium-based battery packs with up to 16-series cells. This technology provides precise voltage, current, and temperature monitoring to enhance battery safety and longevity while allowing for customizable control through host microcontrollers.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Lithium-based battery packs require precise monitoring and protection to ensure safety, maximize lifespan, and prevent damage from overvoltage, overcurrent, or thermal runaway. Existing battery management systems (BMS) may lack the integration and flexibility needed for advanced control and customization in diverse applications.
Solution
CRX Microtech's CRX1 is a battery management system monitor and protector IC designed for lithium-based battery packs with up to 16 series cells. The CRX1 integrates measurement, protection, and cell balancing functions, providing a comprehensive solution for battery management. It offers autonomous voltage, current, and temperature monitoring, along with robust protection features. The IC also allows host microcontrollers to access measurements for custom protection and control strategies, including cell balancing commands.
Target Audience
The CRX1 targets designers and manufacturers of e-mobility solutions, handheld power tools, light electric vehicles, light industrial equipment, and home energy storage systems.
Features
- Integrated cell balancing FETs, with the option to add external FETs for higher balancing currents
- Direct gate control for high-side charge and discharge FETs via an integrated charge pump
- Flexible communication options with support for both I2C and SPI protocols (selectable via pin bias), with the CRX1CX variant exclusively supporting I2C
- Additional digital status and control pins, including an ALRT pin
- Capability to manage pre-discharge and pre-charge FETs
- Chemical fuse control for permanently disabling a battery pack when necessary
- Detection of attempts by an external secondary protection IC to trigger the fuse
- Available in a 64-pin TQFP plastic package