The BQ76972 device is a highly integrated, accurate battery monitor and protector for 3-series to 16-series Li-ion, Li-polymer, and LiFePO₄ battery packs. A high-accuracy voltage, current, and temperature measurement provides data for host-based algorithms and control. A feature-rich and highly configurable protection subsystem provides a wide set of protections that can be triggered and recovered completely autonomously by the device or under full control of a host processor. The integrated charge pump with high-side protection NFET drivers enables host communication with the device even when FETs are off by preserving the ground connection to the pack. Dual programmable LDOs are included for external system use, with each independently programmable to voltages of 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.0 V, 3.3 V, and 5.0 V, capable of providing up to 45 mA each.

The BQ76972 device includes one-time-programmable (OTP) memory for customers to set up device operation on their own production line. Multiple communications interfaces are supported, including 400-kHz I²C, SPI, and HDQ one-wire standards. Multiple digital control and status data are available through several multifunction pins on the device, including an interrupt to the host processor, and independent controls for host override of each high-side protection NFET. Three dedicated pins enable temperature measurements using external thermistors, and multifunction pins can be programmed to use for additional thermistors, supporting a total of up to nine thermistors, in addition to an internal die temperature measurement.