O2Micro's multi-cell battery monitoring invention receives patent from Japanese patent office

O2Micro, a leader in the design, development and marketing of high-performance integrated circuits and solutions, announced a patent grant from the Japanese Patent Office for its Multi-cell Battery Pack Monitoring systems and methods. O2Micro was issued 8 claims under Japanese Patent number 5,324,483. Similar to the United States version issued under patent number 8,253,383, this invention provides a current-mode, voltage detection circuit and methodology to protect a multi-cell, rechargeable battery pack from over-voltage or under-voltage fault conditions. "This invention protects battery packs and extends battery life for handheld devices, desktop and notebook computers, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid EVs (HEVs)," said Bill Densham, strategic marketing director, O2Micro. O2Micro