Denso Develops New Battery-Monitoring Integrated Circuit
Denso Corporation has developed a new generation integrated circuit (IC) for monitoring lithium-ion batteries. The new IC enhances the efficiency of electric and hybrid vehicles, improves fuel efficiency, and extends driving range.
KARIYA, JAPAN – October 13, 2020 – Denso Corporation has developed a new generation integrated circuit (IC) designed for monitoring lithium-ion batteries. This new component aims to increase the efficiency with which electric and hybrid vehicles utilize their batteries, thereby improving fuel efficiency and extending the vehicles' driving range.
The company stated that this is the world's first IC capable of accurately detecting battery voltage while simultaneously monitoring multiple cells, a capability not found in conventional ICs.
The newly developed IC is already incorporated in the Toyota Yaris, released in February 2020, and is slated for use in future electric vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries. Denso's ongoing commitment to sustainability and addressing environmental concerns drives its efforts to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
According to Denso, the new IC achieves three times greater voltage detection accuracy (within 3 mV) and can monitor 1.2 times more battery cells (25 channels per IC) compared to a previous IC developed by the company in 2015. The reduction in size and cost for battery electronic control units (ECUs) has been facilitated by advancements in deep sub-micron process technology and proprietary high breakdown voltage devices.
Denso continues to focus on developing cutting-edge technologies to make green transportation more efficient, affordable, and accessible, contributing to the global transition towards cleaner mobility.