ATLANTA, GA and TOKYO, Japan, Mar 19, 2025 – Renesas Electronics Corp. has introduced integrated solutions for managing lithium-ion battery packs in various battery-powered devices, including e-bikes, vacuum cleaners, robots, and drones. The R-BMS F (Ready Battery Management System with Fixed Firmware) includes pre-validated software that helps developers create safe and energy-efficient battery management systems in less time and effort.
Designed for lithium-ion batteries in both 2-4 and 3-10 cell series (S), R-BMS F solutions include Renesas’ industry-leading fuel gauge ICs (FGICs), an integrated microcontroller (MCU) and an analog battery front end, pre-programmed firmware, software, development tools, and full documentation – all available in complete evaluation kits that are now ready to ship.
Pre-programmed Firmware to Simplify Development
Firmware plays a key role in battery management systems. It tracks the battery’s state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), current, and temperature. It also balances the voltages of individual cells and detects faults. However, some consumer electronics developers may lack the specialized skills to create control algorithms. These algorithms are critical for maintaining safe operating temperatures and ensuring the battery lasts through many charge and discharge cycles.
Renesas’ R-BMS F solutions come with pre-tested firmware designed for compatibility with the FGIC’s built-in MCU. The firmware includes functions that help extend battery life and maintain safe operation. The functions cover cell balancing, current control, and voltage and temperature monitoring. The system also allows developers to customize settings to meet specific needs. Using a graphical user interface (GUI), developers can adjust parameters and adapt the solution for various cell chemistries without requiring a complete integrated development environment (IDE).
“One of the biggest bottlenecks for designing advanced power management solutions is the complex task of firmware development and validation,” said Chris Allexandre, senior vice president and general manager of power at Renesas. “Not everyone has the expertise or in-house resources to write their own algorithms. Our all-in-one R-BMS F battery management system eliminates this process and provides market-ready power solutions that work without requiring specialized technical knowledge of MCU programming or advanced battery management design.”
All-Inclusive Evaluation Kits Ready to Ship
Both R-BMS F solutions contain an evaluation kit with all the hardware, software, tools, and documentation required to start developing. The underlying hardware powering the R-BMS F is Renesas’ FGIC solution, which combines an analog battery front end and an ultra-low-power RL78 MCU into a single, small package. The analog portion provides cell voltage, current, and temperature measurements, controls the external MOSFETs, and converts analog data into digital signals. In the digital section, synchronous functions reside, including the main CPU, clocks, timers, and serial interfaces. Also included in the evaluation kits are pre-programmed firmware stored in embedded flash memory with the flexibility to set the battery pack and cell chemistry parameters; the USB System Management Bus (SMBus) interface; GUI-based software; cables to communicate with the host system; development tools for parameter setting; and complete documentation, including schematics and an engineering bill of materials (eBOM). These resources help developers design smart power management systems that monitor battery use, extend life, and minimize environmental harm. Renesas plans to include turn-key R-BMS F solutions in all future FGICs.
2-4 Cell Series Solution (RTK0EF0163DK0002BU)
The R-BMS F for 2 to 4S cell (~8V to 16V) solutions targets small vacuum cleaners, robotic vacuums, consumer and medical devices and runs on Renesas’ RAJ240055 Li-ion battery FGIC.
3-10 Cell Series Solution (RTK0EF0136DK0002BU)
The R-BMS F for 3 to 10S cell (~12V to 40V) solutions runs on Renesas RAJ240100 and RAJ240090 Li-ion battery FGICs, with target applications including e-bikes, e-mobility, vacuum cleaners, robotics, drones and industrial, consumer and medical systems.
Renesas integrates FGICs with other components from its portfolio to create solutions like the “Wall to Battery Low Power Energy Storage System” and the “USB-PD All-in-One Battery and Charging Solution”. These pre-designed system architectures use compatible devices to simplify development and reduce design risks. Renesas provides over 400 such solutions, drawing from its broad product lineup, to help customers streamline their design process and launch products faster.
Source: Renesas Electronics
About Renesas Electronics Corp.
Renesas Electronics Corp. is a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in research, development, design, manufacture, sale, and servicing semiconductor products. Renesas offers a portfolio that includes microcontrollers, analog products, power devices, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. The products serve various industries, notably automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors. As of Dec. 31, 2024, Renesas employs approximately 21,204 individuals worldwide. In the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Renesas reported revenue of approximately ¥1,348.5 billion, while the company’s operating profit for the same period was approximately ¥223.0 billion.