Texas Instruments (TI) has announced the launch of its next-generation battery fuel gauges, the BQ41Z90 and BQ41Z50, introducing adaptive Dynamic Z-Track™ technology for the first time in a single-chip solution. These innovative fuel gauges offer industry-leading state-of-charge and state-of-health accuracy within 1% error, helping extend battery runtime by up to 30% and setting a new benchmark in battery-powered device performance.
With the increasing demand for higher performance in battery-powered applications—including laptops, e-bikes, and portable medical devices—engineers face growing challenges in designing battery management systems (BMSs) that ensure real-time, reliable, and accurate battery monitoring. The BQ41Z90 and BQ41Z50 address this need with breakthrough predictive modeling algorithms that deliver precise capacity estimates even under unpredictable load conditions.
“Whether you’re finishing a project on your laptop or riding home on an e-bike, accurate battery capacity estimates and reliability are critical,” said Yevgen Barsukov, TI Fellow and Head of BMS Algorithm Development. “Traditional battery monitoring methods often struggle with accuracy under erratic use conditions, leading to unreliable predictions. However, our new Dynamic Z-Track™ technology is a predictive battery model that can self-update across dynamic load conditions—like those created by AI applications—ensuring the most accurate run-time prediction. Evolving from 20 years of reactive monitoring, this innovation enables dependable functionality, safer operation, and precise tracking of battery aging and capacity.”
Key Features and Benefits:
- Unmatched Accuracy: The BQ41Z90 and BQ41Z50 achieve less than 1% error in state-of-charge and state-of-health readings.
- Extended Runtime: Enables up to 30% longer battery life, providing users with more power when they need it most.
- Space-Saving Design: The BQ41Z90 is the industry’s first highly integrated fuel gauge, monitor, and protector for 3-to-16 lithium-ion cells in series, reducing board space by up to 25% compared to traditional discrete solutions.
- Scalability: The BQ41Z50 supports 2-to-4 cells in series, offering flexibility across a range of device types.
As battery-powered electronics become increasingly sophisticated, TI’s new fuel gauge solutions empower designers to optimize battery performance, reduce system complexity, and build more sustainable and reliable devices.
