Sophisticated battery management addresses emerging battery technologies

As the need to provide portable electronic equipment increases, the management of existing and emerging battery chemistries is receiving increased attention across a wide range of industries. With the surge in demand for portable computers and cellular phones, consumers are becoming more sophisticated about the various aspects of battery-powered equipment, such as the charge rate, self-discharge, and temperature characteristics of nickel cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and lithium-ion batteries. Users are beginning to demand advanced battery management features. The sophistication of battery and power management systems is now being evaluated in the marketplace. As a result, new standards are being proposed that will standardize battery management across the industry. This paper discusses new and existing battery chemistries, evaluates the movement toward standardized battery management and battery packs, and offers an application example using a sophisticated battery management circuit.