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Zener diodes in bq76PL536 reference schematic?

Aaron Bonnell-Kangas
Prodigy 170 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ76PL536

Hi all,

I'm working on a BMS design based on the bq76PL536. We have been using the reference schematic, which has been helpful. 

The reference design includes several 5.1 V Zener diodes for each bq76PL536: Z1 - Z12. Some of these diodes go across each cell. Others go between the cell balance outputs (CBn) and the lower cell voltage (VCn-1).

What is the purpose of these diodes, and are they necessary? Right now we're assuming that the diodes between voltage lines are safety measures in case of a cell over voltage situation- they should never be conducting under normal conditions. But why the diodes on the cell balance outputs?

Thanks for your help!

-a