Rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Po) cells have a higher energy density and greater nominal voltage than conventional, onetime use batteries. Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries are the ideal power source for many portable electronic devices. In order to maximize their life-cycle and increase safety, both Li-Ion and Li-Po cells require the use of a Protection Circuit Model(PCM) when assembled together to form a battery. The PCM will generally provide the battery with overcharge/discharge protection, short circuit protection, current limitation, and voltage and current balancing in each cell. All of these factors are important in obtaining the maximum output and longest life-cycle from a rechargeable lithium battery. These notes will discuss the need for and configuration of a PCM, the advantages and disadvantages of these configurations, and step-by-step instructions for the construction of a rechargeable lithium battery with an onboard PCM.
Comments are closed.
