Date: 20/01/2012

Coulomb counting battery level indicator IC measure available power accurately

STMicroelectronics has introduced a new battery power monitoring IC, which is also termed as "gas gauge IC" for mobile phones and other mobile devices.

This battery gauge IC chip measuring 2 x 3 x 0.8 mm uses open-circuit voltage and coulomb-counter methods to estimate the battery capacity and to supervise and track charge/discharge status. Accurate predictions of the battery state of charge and time-to-empty help avoid unnecessary re-charging, extend operating time between charges, and lengthen the battery lifespan in portable applications.

The STC3105 consumes low supply-current of 60 µA typical. The power-saving mode is also featured.

STC3105 can alert the system when the battery state of charge reaches unacceptable levels without processing help from microcontroller, so that MCU is not disturbed for this purpose.

The STC3105 is available in volumes, with unit pricing at $1.00 in quantities of 1,000 pieces.