STMicroelectronics' new STC3105 battery monitor IC delivers high precision measurement of battery voltage and current in a 2x3x0.8-mm package. Targeting use in mobile phones, multimedia players, digital cameras, and other space-constrained portable gadgets, the device uses open-circuit voltage and coulomb counter methods to estimate the battery ca pacity and to supervise and track the battery's charge and discharge status. Accurate predic tions of battery state of charge and time to emp ty help avoid unneces sary recharging, extend operating time between charges, and lengthen the battery lifetime in portable systems. The STC3105 boasts typical supply currents of 60 uA and integrates a pro grammable alarm output to alert the system when the battery's state of charge is below a cer tain level. The device sells for $1 (1000).
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