Integrated electronics for battery sensors

Abstract

The electrical sub-system of modern vehicles is essential regarding the economical mobility and safety. The key component is the battery as an energy store ensuring the start ability of the combustion engine and other standby functionality. Since years the number of components dissipating electrical energy is still increasing and a battery management system became necessary. The battery sensor is an important part of the battery management system that monitors the conditions of the lead-acid battery. Monitoring the battery conditions comprises the precise measurement of voltage and current at the terminals and processing the measured data. Based on that measurement data the charging level is calculated by using a parameterized battery model that is part of the firmware and executed by an embedded microcontroller (μC). Furthermore the battery management system enables start/stop operations and energy recuperation in the car that yields to a significant reduction of fuel consumption.