The MAX14920ECB+ from Maxim Integrated is a multi-chemistry battery monitor IC that handles 1 to 12 series cells via an SPI interface. It integrates over-temperature and over/under-voltage fault protection, making it a fit for battery-pack monitoring in industrial, telecom, and energy-storage systems. The industrial temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) suits outdoor enclosures and factory-floor equipment.
Cell-count flexibility and fault protection
The 1-to-12 cell range covers common lithium-ion, LiFePO4, and lead-acid pack configurations without needing a different IC for each stack height. The on-chip fault protection (over-temperature, over/under-voltage) reduces external supervisor circuitry — one less BOM line to qualify. For a 12-cell lithium-ion pack, the monitor reads each cell voltage through the SPI bus; the host MCU decides when to trigger a disconnect or alarm.
Package and mounting
Housed in a 64-TQFP Exposed Pad (10x10 mm) package, surface-mount soldered. The exposed pad needs a thermal via pattern under the IC for heat sinking — standard practice for a monitor that may sit near series-pass FETs.