Provider of advanced semiconductor solutions Renesas has launched its new R-BMS F (Ready Battery Management System with Fixed Firmware), designed to simplify the development of lithium-ion battery packs for a wide range of battery-powered consumer applications including e-bikes, vacuum cleaners, robotics, and drones. The R-BMS F integrates Renesas’ advanced Fuel Gauge ICs (FGICs), a low-power RL78 microcontroller, an analog front-end for batteries, and pre-programmed firmware—all bundled with software tools and documentation in ready-to-ship evaluation kits. By offering fixed, pre-validated firmware, the solution significantly reduces development complexity and time-to-market for developers without deep expertise in battery management algorithms. Two system variants are available: one supporting 2–4 cells in series (~8V to 16V), ideal for smaller consumer products; another one for 3–10 cells (~12V to 40V), suited for e-mobility, industrial, and higher-capacity devices. Each includes advanced features such as cell balancing, current control, and real-time monitoring of voltage and temperature to ensure battery longevity and safety. The fixed firmware can be configured through a graphical user interface without the need for a full integrated development environment (IDE), allowing developers to adapt the system to different battery chemistries and usage scenarios. All necessary hardware and software, including USB interfaces, communication cables, and detailed engineering documentation, are included in the evaluation kits.
