STMicroelectronics has introduced the L9962, a battery-management integrated circuit (IC) designed to improve the performance, safety and lifespan of lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery packs comprising up to 10 cells connected in series.

The device combines battery monitoring, balancing and protection functions in a single chip. Central to its design is an integrated 12-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) and a cell-balancing current of up to 70mA, enabling rapid voltage correction between cells to support battery health and maintain consistent performance.

The L9962 is aimed at a broad range of applications, including cordless power tools, medical equipment, light electric vehicles such as e-bikes and scooters, and backup power systems including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The IC also features low power consumption, with standby and deep-sleep modes drawing just 5µA and 2µA respectively, helping to extend operating life and minimise energy use during storage or transport.

The IC continuously measures individual cell voltages using a programmable monitoring cycle. When overvoltage or undervoltage conditions are detected, the device can activate cell balancing and protection mechanisms. It also performs plausibility checks by comparing the total battery-stack voltage against the number of cells in the pack.