Tool/software:
We are looking at the referenced IC for our application. That application is a 2S, LiFePO4 battery pack, subjected to extreme ambient thermal conditions. Most of our management comes from another TI charger product where we will monitor total pack voltage, current, temps, and make charge decisions from our MCU.
Basically the only last requirement is cell balance, in which our needs are small as our pack is large compared to the loads, and charge source is also large, so will not take much to top off. With all that said, we are looking for a nearly 'balance only' solution that is simple, or otherwise economical. It might be nice to have I2C onboard, but honestly just retrieving the 2 cell voltages are probably all we could need. The 29209 is not I2C, and we are open to it, but would like to consider other options in that space.
We have not yet profiled the sync needs for any bleed resistors but pack capacity is 30Wh, and charging is 5W peak, and daily use est is 2Wh.