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BQ41Z90: BQ41Z90 Configuration and Use in 36V Battery Pack

Part Number: BQ41Z90
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ79616, BQSTUDIO, EV2400, BQ77216

Tool/software:

Dear Texas Instruments Support Team,

I am currently designing a 10S5P BMS for an industrial application, with plans to launch the pre-series in Q3 next year. I am considering the BQ41Z90 for battery gauging and monitoring and would like to confirm if it is the best choice for this use case or if you would recommend alternative solutions.

Since the device is currently in preview, I also have some additional questions to evaluate its suitability for my design:

Project and Technical Questions:

  1. Release Timeline:

    • What is the expected timeline for the full release of the BQ41Z90?
    • Are there any known limitations or issues in the preview version that could impact its use in a production environment?
  2. Long-Term Availability:

    • Can you confirm the planned longevity of the BQ41Z90 in TI’s product portfolio?
  3. Suitability for 10S5P Configuration:

    • For a 10S5P battery pack, does the BQ41Z90 provide sufficient monitoring, gauging, and protection, or would you recommend combining it with additional components (e.g., a monitor IC like the BQ79616)?

Technical Implementation:

  1. Programming and Microcontroller Integration:

    • After completing the initial configuration with BQStudio and EV2400, can I use a microcontroller (uC) to update parameters or manage the BQ41Z90 directly via SMBus/I²C?
    • Are there specific libraries or reference code available for this?
  2. Impedance Track Optimization:

    • Are there best practices or specific guidelines for optimizing Impedance TrackTm for a 36V (10S5P) pack?
    • How should SoC and SoH accuracy be validated periodically in real-world applications?
  3. Safety and Certifications:

    • Does the BQ41Z90 support functional safety standards like IEC 61508 or ISO 26262?
    • Would you recommend this IC for applications requiring SIL 1 or SIL 2, or should I integrate additional monitoring and protection components?

I am looking to confirm whether the BQ41Z90 is the optimal choice for my project and to ensure the design meets industry standards for safety, performance, and reliability. Any guidance, additional resources (e.g., application notes, reference designs, or videos), or alternative recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and support!

Please feel free to contact me directly if needed.

Best regards,

Marco Lasagni

  • Hi Marco,

    Unfortunately, I cannot answer all your questions on our public forum. My answers are below.

    1b) The current samples are APL unit, meaning this part is not in production, although prototype or experimental parts are available for purchase. This product may be subject to changes during engineering validation until it is released to production.

    3) 41z90 is a gauge, monitor and protector combined into 1 chip. A monitor would be redundant; however, a secondary protector IC could be added to increase safety, BQ77216 is the recommended IC.

    4a) Yes, once the FW is downloaded, you can communicate with the device over SMBus with an MCU.

    4b) Gauge Communication

    5a) This is difficult to answer, most importantly get a chemID match using the GPCHEM tool, configure critical parameters at the beginning of this document and complete a learning cycle. Achieving The Successful Learning Cycle

    5b) (+) [FAQ] How to Calculate State of Charge (SoC) Accuracy - Power management forum - Power management - TI E2E support forums

    Regards,

    Diego

  • Dear Diego,

    Thank you for your detailed answers. I greatly appreciate your time and support in addressing my questions regarding the BQ41Z90.

    I understand that you cannot provide full responses on a public forum, and I respect these constraints. However, given the importance of this component for my industrial application, I would like to discuss certain aspects in more detail if possible. Could we continue this discussion via email or another private channel?

    Specifically, I would like to clarify the following points:

    1. The expected timeline for the full release and any potential limitations in the preview version.

    2.  Recommendations for ensuring compliance with functional safety standards like IEC 61508 or ISO 26262 for SIL 1/2 applications.

    I am also open to discussing any alternative solutions you might recommend for my use case.

    Thank you again for your assistance, and I look forward to your response.

    Best regards,

    Marco Lasagni

  • Hi Marco,

    If you reach out to your supporting FAE or local TI office to get an FAE assigned to your company, they can provide this information for you privately.

    Regards,

    Diego