Achieving nano I_Q in automotive BMS chargers

In 2018, the European Union mandated that all cars released in the European market be equipped with an emergency call (eCall) system, which will automatically contact emergency responders in the event of a serious road accident, send GPS coordinates to local emergency services, and wirelessly send airbag-deployment and impact-sensor information. The eCall system has its own battery, independent of the vehicle battery, which must have enough energy to make a 10- to 15-minute phone call, remain on the cellular network for 60 minutes after the initial call, and operate at any time. The BQ25171-Q1 charger IC plays an important role by charging the eCall battery when the vehicle is on. When the vehicle is off, this charger IC will go into sleep mode and consume only 350nA from the battery. Low I_Q helps extend eCall standby times for emergency readiness.