ON Semiconductor has developed a method and apparatus for detecting battery cell imbalance in a series-connected battery pack. Utilizing a fuel gauge circuit, the system measures total voltage and assesses cell balance through resistance calculations, providing signals to indicate whether the cells are balanced or imbalanced. GlobalData’s report on ON Semiconductor gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on ON Semiconductor, was a key innovation area identified from patents. ON Semiconductor's grant share as of July 2024 was 71%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Battery cell imbalance detection apparatus and method

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: ON Semiconductor Corp

The patent US12072390B2 describes an innovative apparatus designed to connect to a battery pack consisting of two series-connected battery cells. The apparatus features a fuel gauge circuit that interfaces with the battery pack's terminals. This circuit includes a voltage detector for measuring the total voltage of the battery pack, a memory for storing battery characteristic data, and a processor that analyzes the data to detect imbalances between the two battery cells. The processor determines the capacity of the battery cells based on the measured voltage and characteristic data, computes the actual resistance of the battery pack under different load currents, and generates signals indicating whether the battery cells are balanced or imbalanced.

Additionally, the memory within the apparatus is capable of storing multiple sets of battery characteristic data, which include relationships between capacity, internal resistance, and current. The theoretical resistance used for comparison is derived from this data. The apparatus also employs a set of equations to compute the capacities of the individual battery cells and their resistances, ensuring accurate monitoring and management of the battery pack's performance. This technology aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of battery systems by providing real-time assessments of cell balance and capacity.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.