Renesas Introduces Comprehensive Lithium-Ion Battery Management Solution with Pre-Tested Firmware

Renesas Electronics Corporation has unveiled comprehensive all-in-one solutions for managing lithium-ion battery packs in a broad range of battery-powered consumer applications, including e-bikes, vacuum cleaners, robotics, and drones. Featuring pre-validated firmware, the R-BMS F (Ready Battery Management System with Fixed Firmware) streamlines development by significantly lowering the learning curve, enabling engineers to design safe and power-efficient battery management systems quickly.

Optimized for lithium-ion batteries in 2-4 and 3-10 cell series (S) configurations, the R-BMS F solutions integrate Renesas’ industry-leading fuel gauge ICs (FGICs), an embedded microcontroller (MCU), and an analog battery front end. These solutions come equipped with pre-programmed firmware, software, development tools, and extensive documentation—offered as part of complete evaluation kits that are now available for immediate shipment.

Renesas will showcase a live demonstration of its latest battery management system solutions at the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) in Atlanta, GA, from March 16-20, at Booth #2021.

Pre-Validated Firmware for Simplified Development The R-BMS F solutions feature built-in, pre-tested firmware tailored to operate seamlessly with the FGIC’s integrated MCU. This firmware includes essential pre-programmed functions designed to optimize battery life and ensure safe operation, such as cell balancing, current regulation, and real-time voltage and temperature monitoring. Additionally, the system provides developers with extensive configuration flexibility, allowing them to set critical parameters and adapt the solution for various battery cell chemistries via a graphical user interface (GUI), eliminating the need for a fully integrated development environment (IDE).

Comprehensive Evaluation Kits Ready for Deployment Each R-BMS F solution is bundled with a complete evaluation kit, containing all necessary hardware, software, tools, and documentation to facilitate seamless development. At the core of the R-BMS F system is Renesas’ FGIC solution, which integrates an analog battery front end with an ultra-low-power RL78 MCU in a compact package. The analog section ensures precise measurement of cell voltage, current, and temperature while managing external MOSFETs and converting analog data into digital signals.

Meanwhile, the digital processing unit houses essential synchronous functions, including the main CPU, clocks, timers, and serial interfaces. The evaluation kits also provide pre-programmed firmware stored in embedded flash memory, allowing users to fine-tune battery pack and cell chemistry parameters; a USB System Management Bus (SMBus) interface; GUI-based software for streamlined control; host system communication cables; specialized development tools for parameter customization; and comprehensive documentation, including schematics and an engineering bill of materials (eBOM).

With these resources, developers can confidently create intelligent power management systems that not only ensure reliable battery monitoring and extended lifespan but also contribute to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact. Moving forward, Renesas intends to incorporate turn-key R-BMS F solutions into all upcoming FGIC product offerings.