TI boosts battery run-time in portable medical and industrial devices

DALLAS, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today introduced the industry's smallest and most accurate Li-Ion battery fuel gauge integrated circuit, the bq27421, which boosts battery run-time in portable medical devices, such as wearable health monitors, and industrial devices like inventory scanners and portable emergency lights and other consumer electronics.

Leveraging TI's proven Impedance Track™ advanced battery technology typically used in tablets and smartphones, the bq27421 system-side fuel gauge in a 9-ball chipscale (WCSP) package accurately reports remaining battery capacity, state-of-charge and battery voltage, allowing portable devices to extend run-time by 50 percent or higher. For samples and development kit module, visit: www.ti.com/bq27421-pr. 

"Users of portable medical and other electronics need an accurate prediction of remaining battery capacity to better manage their mobile device and decide when to recharge or replace the battery. Whether it's a blood glucose meter, wearable patient monitor bracelet or portable inventory scanner, you need accurate information to make good decisions," said Steve Lambouses, vice president of battery management. "TI's fuel gauges give consumers the battery information they can depend on, maximizing the level of convenience with their battery-powered devices and allowing them to get more run-time out of their batteries."

Gauge Studio for easier battery gauging design

Designers can use the pre-configured "plug-and-play" bq27421 fuel gauge with TI's new Gauge Studio software tool to simplify battery gauging design. The file size of the Gauge Studio design tool is about ten times smaller than TI's previous software, dramatically minimizing configuration and system firmware development. The bq27421EVM-G1A evaluation development kit is available for US$49.

Key benefits of the bq24721:

• Integrated sense resistor and tiny 1.5-mm by 1.5-mm by 0.5-mm WCSP package result in the smallest possible total solution size compared to competing gauges.
• Single-cell battery fuel gauge supports embedded or removable Li-Ion batteries.
• Simple-to-design, "plug-and-play" gauge requires minimal user configuration and system microcontroller firmware development versus competitive devices.
• Impedance track™ technology provides battery capacity measurement with 99-percent accuracy, and automatically adjusts for battery aging, self-discharge, temperature and rate changes.

TI analog for industrial

As the leading provider of battery fuel gauges in the industry, TI pioneered gauging technology, which began with notebooks and smartphones. TI is the industrial semiconductor leader, providing a diverse and readily available portfolio of analog ICs for a broad range of applications, including smart grid, factory automation, high-voltage power, LED lighting and control.  TI data converters, amplifiers, interface, isolation, clocking, and power management devices enable customers to differentiate their products, while TI software, design tools and reference designs simplify and accelerate design cycles. Learn how TI analog innovations are improving industrial safety, efficiency and reliability at www.ti.com/industrial-pr.

Availability and pricing

The bq27421 battery fuel gauge is available now in a 1.5-mm by 1.5-mm by 0.5-mm, 9-ball WCSP package, and is priced at US$1.20 in 1,000-unit quantities. A QFN package version is sampling to select customers, and is expected to be available in volume production in the fourth quarter.

Find out more about TI's battery management portfolio:

• Easy-to-use bq27421 development kit.
• Ask questions and help solve problems in the Battery Forum in the TI E2E™ Community: www.ti.com/batteryforum-pr.
• Download TI's Battery Management Solutions Guide: www.ti.com/bmsguide-pr.
• Check out TI's HealthTech end-equipment block diagrams, including blood glucose meters and other health and fitness designs.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks

Impedance Track and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated