Texas Instruments BQ78PL116RGZR

Overview

BQ78PL116RGZR from Texas Instruments is a PowerLAN™ master gateway battery management controller for 3–16-series Li-ion battery packs, featuring 18-bit delta-sigma coulomb counting, PowerPump™ active cell balancing, and dual-level safety (first-level MOSFET control + second-level SPROT fuse activation). It supports SMBus 1.1/Smart Battery System 1.1 and operates across –40°C to 85°C in portable medical instruments, e-bikes, and UPS systems.

For engineers reviewing the BQ78PL116RGZR datasheet, BQ78PL116RGZR pinout, BQ78PL116RGZR application, or BQ78PL116RGZR equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context on simultaneous cell voltage/current measurement, programmable protection thresholds, PowerPump gate-drive timing, thermal sensor integration (up to 4 external + 1 internal), and PowerLAN™ master-to-bq76PL102 communication architecture.

Technical Context

The BQ78PL116RGZR implements synchronized, per-cell voltage acquisition using dedicated Δ-Σ ADCs - one per monitored cell (V1–V4) - with <1 mV resolution and ±3 mV accuracy at 25°C. It pairs with bq76PL102 dual-cell monitors via isolated PowerLAN™ to scale beyond four cells, enabling full-stack monitoring of up to 16 series cells.

Its safety architecture separates first-level protection (CHG/DSG/PRE outputs controlling up to three MOSFETs) from second-level fault response (SPROT active-high fuse trigger), with SmartSafety algorithms detecting impedance rise, temperature rate-of-change, and cell imbalance precursors. PowerPump™ operates at 204.8 kHz with configurable 33%/67% duty cycles on P1N–P4S pins for efficient inter-cell charge transfer during charge, discharge, and rest.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: QFN-48 (7 mm × 7 mm, RGZ), thermally enhanced with exposed pad connected to VSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar battery management controller applications.

Compared with BQ78PL116RGZR, BQ76PL102RGZR serves only as a scalable slave monitor and cannot replace its master functions, while BQ78350-R1-R2 offers simplified integration but omits PowerPump balancing, SPROT fuse control, and full SmartSafety diagnostics - making BQ78PL116RGZR uniquely suited for high-reliability, large-series-cell systems demanding layered safety and precision gauging.

Availability

BQ78PL116RGZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical instruments, e-bike battery packs, uninterruptible power supplies, and industrial hand-held tools requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical designs.

Supply support for BQ78PL116RGZR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of expertise in battery management and industrial-grade reliability.

The BQ78PL116RGZR belongs to TI's PowerLAN™ BMS product line, designed specifically for high-voltage, multi-cell Li-ion systems requiring synchronized measurement, active balancing, and dual-level safety - targeting medical, mobility, and backup power applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of series cells supported by the BQ78PL116RGZR?

The BQ78PL116RGZR directly monitors up to four series cells (V1–V4) and serves as the master controller for PowerLAN™ networks that integrate multiple bq76PL102 dual-cell monitors. This architecture scales to support battery packs with up to 16 series-connected Li-ion cells, with each bq76PL102 handling two additional cells. The BQ78PL116RGZR manages communication, synchronization, and system-level decisions across the entire stack.

How does PowerPump™ technology in the BQ78PL116RGZR differ from passive balancing?

PowerPump™ in the BQ78PL116RGZR enables active, bidirectional charge transfer between cells using dedicated gate-drive outputs (P1N–P4S), operating at 204.8 kHz with configurable duty cycles. Unlike passive balancing - which dissipates excess energy as heat - PowerPump™ recovers and redistributes energy, achieving >95% efficiency during charge, discharge, and rest states. This preserves pack capacity, extends runtime, and improves cycle life, especially in high-cell-count configurations where voltage divergence is pronounced.

Does the BQ78PL116RGZR support Smart Battery System (SBS) compliance?

Yes, the BQ78PL116RGZR is fully compliant with Smart Battery System Specification 1.1 and SMBus 2.0. It implements all required SBS data registers (voltage, current, temperature, remaining capacity, full charge capacity, cycle count, etc.) and supports standard SMBus commands including block read/write, alert response, and manufacturer access. The device reports target charging voltage/current to compatible smart chargers and enables host systems to monitor and manage battery health via standardized protocols.

What safety protections are implemented in the BQ78PL116RGZR?

The BQ78PL116RGZR implements dual-layer safety: first-level protection uses CHG, DSG, and PRE outputs to control up to three external MOSFETs for over/undervoltage, overcurrent, short-circuit, and thermal faults; second-level protection activates the SPROT pin to trigger an external chemical fuse upon detection of critical anomalies - including impedance rise, rapid temperature change, cell imbalance exceeding limits, or measurement failures. Both layers operate independently with dedicated hardware paths and firmware supervision.

Can the BQ78PL116RGZR drive displays directly without external components?

Yes, the BQ78PL116RGZR integrates native display drivers for LED, LCD, and electronic paper displays (EPDs). Pins LED1–LED5/SEG1–SEG5 provide open-drain, active-low outputs capable of sinking up to 10 mA each; FIELD, PSH/BP/TP support EPD field segmentation and LCD backplane control. Configuration is handled entirely in firmware - no external display controller IC or level-shifting circuitry is required, reducing bill-of-materials and PCB complexity.