Intelligence for batteries from now to 2000. In-pack charge control leads the way

Battery technology has evolved in the past five years like no other point in history. New portable applications, and as a result, battery chemistries have emerged at lightning pace. The impact on the battery industry has been overwhelming. Topics such as communications protocols, chemistry independence, and smart batteries are now commonplace despite their relative youth in the battery industry. Electronics is no longer fashionable in the battery industry. In fact, today's demanding portable systems and new technologies have made integrated battery electronics an absolute requirement. To date, electronics makers have driven the architectures of battery electronics, but the increasing demands of battery applications and understanding of electronics options by battery makers will put them in the position to drive electronic product designs. This paper discusses future trends in battery architectures and the electronics options that will be available, with emphasis on the major applications likely to be seen in the near future. Tradeoffs and implications, technical and economic choices are made. Finally, a discussion of decision makers and their objectives throughout the market chain is presented.