NXP Unveils Its Next-Generation 18-Channel BMx7318/7518 Battery Control Chips

NXP Semiconductors has announced a new family of battery control chips, taking aim at everything from 48V systems to electric vehicles and industrial energy storage: the BMx7318/7518 range.

"The BMx7318/7518 IC [Integrated Circuit] family represents another step forward in battery management innovation. By integrating advanced ADC [Analog to Digital Converter] architecture, high-current balancing, and robust EMI [Electromagnetic Interference] immunity, we enable our customers to design more efficient and scalable energy systems," says NXP's Naomi Smit of the new product line. "This solution reduces system complexity and meets the required safety standards for both automotive and industrial applications. We are proud to support the growing demand for sustainable energy with technology that delivers performance, flexibility, and reliability."

The BMx7318/7518 family represents an all-new design, NXP says, which supports up to 18 cells with all-channel parallel balancing at up to 150mA at up to a 125°C (257°F) operating temperature, or up to 300mA in a single channel. Dedicated per-channel analog-to-digital converters are included as standard, with NXP claiming the parts can take on the roles of analog front-end, battery junction box, and gateway — while cutting the bill of materials (BOM) in half by reducing the need for external components.

NXP is targeting a range of markets with the new part family, including 48V battery management systems, industrial energy storage systems, and the automotive sector with support for use in electric vehicle high-voltage battery management systems (HVBMS) — the latter aided by the promise that the parts meet ASIL-C and SIL-2 functional safety requirements. Finally, the chips include an integrated SPI2TPL communications bridge, which offers an isolated communications channel with a 2Mb/s throughput.

More information on the parts is available on the NXP website; the company had not confirmed pricing at the time of writing, but plans to hit general availability this November.