Battery Management System (BMS) is an important electronic control unit for single or multi-cell battery pack operated systems from both a safety and performance perspective. The main objectives of the BMS are to protect the battery cells from abuse and damage, prevent overheating, provide vital information of the battery pack, and extend the battery life.
Battery packs are made-up of individual battery cells and no two battery cells are identical, they vary in cell capacity, self-discharge, impedance, temperature performance and cell aging. These differences in general increase over time and can damage the batteries if not optimized. Within the battery pack it is critical during charging and discharging the BMS accurately monitors current, voltage and temperature of the individual battery cells and the overall battery pack. Not only does the BMS need to monitor and balance the individual cells, but it also must monitor the overall system. Key functions include control, state of health of the system, state of charge and energy management during use.
Vishay has a broad portfolio of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components to help optimize design and ensure long-term operation and reliability of the battery management system.
