February 8, 2012, Seoul — STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor company in various electronic device applications and a leader in standard ICs, today launched a new battery monitoring “gas gauge” for portable device applications. ST’s STC3105 features both excellent measurement accuracy and ultra-low power capabilities combined with the industry’s smallest footprint to extend battery operating time and life in mobile phones, multimedia players, digital cameras, and portable devices where size is critical.

ST's latest battery monitor IC is a miniature device in its class that implements high-precision battery voltage and current measurement in a 2x3x0.8mm package. The new IC uses open-circuit voltage and Coulomb counter methods to measure battery capacity and verify charge/discharge status. By accurately predicting the battery charge state and the remaining time until discharge, it can prevent unnecessary recharging during portable device applications and extend operating time between charges and battery life.

The STC3105 operates even at a low supply current of 60 µA to extend battery operating time and life. The device's power saving mode not only reduces the IC's current consumption but also maintains the standby power of the end application at a low level.

The STC3105, equipped with an integrated alarm output, sends an alert to the system when the battery charge level drops below a certain threshold. This built-in intelligence takes appropriate power management measures without intervening the system microcontroller when battery discharge is near. Therefore, the microcontroller can last longer in standby mode and reduce overall power consumption.

The STC3105 standalone battery monitoring IC with alarm output function is currently available for bulk purchase and is priced at $1 per unit for orders of 1,000.