SLVAE87B December 2020 – June 2025 BQ79600-Q1 , BQ79612-Q1 , BQ79614-Q1 , BQ79616-Q1 , BQ79652-Q1 , BQ79654-Q1 , BQ79656-Q1
The BQ79616-Q1 can handle 240mA max at 105°C. If more current is needed, then the cell balancing pins are able to support an external FET as shown in Figure 4-5. Cell balancing current with external FET can be calculated using equation below. Details for that configuration can be found in the BQ79616-Q1, BQ79616H-Q1, BQ79614-Q1, BQ79612-Q1 Functional Safety-Compliant Automotive 16S/14S/12S Battery Monitor, Balancer and Integrated Hardware Protector data sheet.
There are a few things to keep in mind regarding external balancing. First, the series resistors between the FET and pin are there to protect the pins during hot plug and the capacitor is there to make sure that the FET does not turn on during hot plug. Be aware of the following conditions that need to be considered when selecting the FET.
Figure 4-5 External FET Cell
Balancing