Battery Fuel Gauge: A Crucial Element in Battery Management Systems

Rechargeable batteries are becoming ubiquitous in wide ranging applications including electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, communication devices, aerospace equipment, household equipment, and power tools. A battery management system (BMS) is an integral part of every battery pack, tasked with ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of its performance. When a battery is connected to a power supply for charging, it is the BMS that decides how much current is allowed into the battery according to various criteria, such as the reduced charging time and extended state of health (SOH). Li-ion rechargeable batteries are notorious for their susceptibility to over-voltage and undervoltages exposure; consequently, it is the responsibility of a BMS to protect the battery cell from exposure to extreme conditions, thus preserving its quality and reliability for longer time.