Ever wanted to use a mouse with your laptop but always found carrying it separately too inconvenient?
Sydney based startup Bellpont just released its first product – Travel Pad. Like its name implies, it’s a travel mousepad with a side pouch that can hold accessories like mouses.
People love the notebook-like shape which fits snugly into backpacks while the zippable side pouch prevents anything from falling out. Most types of mouses, USB sticks and pens can now be conveniently carried with a laptop. It acts as a seamless addition to people’s laptops and brings the following design insights:
The non-slip Neoprene base grips to whatever surface you’re working on and prevents skidding.
The padded Nylon edges prevents fraying and drastically increases the pads lifespan.
“Carrying a laptop by itself was simple and convenient. But there were just times like doing graphic design or making PowerPoint presentations where the trackpad didn’t cut it” said the designers. “We thought – what if there was a way where people could carry a mouse with their laptop and be able to use it effectively”?
Travel Pad ships free to most major regions, including Australia, the US, Canada, UK, EU and East Asia. A 3 year global warranty is offered as well as 30 day no hassle returns.
ASUS today announced the new Zenfone 11 Ultra during a dedicated online launch event. The company unveiled all the details about this mighty device, the latest iteration in the company’s Zenfone flagship series, and showcased how it redefines expectations for powerful smartphones. Zenfone 11 Ultra marks an important switch to a larger form factor that provides more of everything, packing a better camera system, a stronger processor, and a bigger battery into a meticulously-designed chassis.
“With Zenfone 11 Ultra, ASUS provides users with premium design, a flagship camera, AI features, and a longer battery life,” said ASUS Co-CEO S.Y. Hsu, speaking at the launch event. “In short, Zenfone 11 Ultra is everything a flagship phone in 2024 should be and it will provide the greatest benefit to the end user.”
Zenfone 11 Ultra is available in a choice of four refreshing colors, all inspired by different landscapes around the world, and ready to fit the user’s style. Of course, ASUS also built the new Zenfone with sustainability in mind — incorporating recycled materials such as the 100% recycled aluminum used for its frame and an increased proportion of recyclable packaging.
Ultra-immersive display meets sustainable design
Zenfone 11 Ultra sports an immersive display that captivates the senses. With a 6.78-inch 144 Hz AMOLED display enhanced by Pixelworks® technology, users are treated to vibrant visuals that come to life with low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology for energy efficiency. The phone’s design is equally impressive, featuring a remarkable 94% screen-to-body ratio achieved through significantly smaller bezels.
Zenfone 11 Ultra comes in four colors inspired by landscapes from around the world. The popular classics Skyline Blue and Eternal Black reflect the blue day and black night skies of Scandinavia, while Misty Grey and Desert Sand are inspired by foggy mornings and breathtaking dunes, respectively. The phone’s back cover features a mirror-finish ASUS 30th anniversary logo on a matte finish for a premium feel and maximum holding comfort.
But Zenfone 11 Ultra is not just strong and stylish – it’s also a true champion of sustainability. Its eco-friendly phone frame is made of 100% recycled aluminum and its display is composed of over one-fifth recycled glass, bringing ASUS one step closer to a circular supply chain. We have also managed a 94% reduction in plastic use for the packaging by relying on wrapping paper for the phone and the cable.
Zenfone 11 – techbuzzireland
Ultra-performance backed by a more powerful battery
Showcasing powerhouse performance, Zenfone 11 Ultra is driven by the flagship Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. This cutting-edge platform enables seamless operation for any task, from intensive gaming sessions to multitasking with ease. With high-performance 16 GB RAM and 512 GB of internal storage, users can rely on a robust device capable of handling AI tasks effortlessly and offering smooth gameplay and immersive graphics.
Using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s remarkably power-efficient CPU and other components, as well as a bigger 5500 mAh battery capacity compared to its predecessor, ASUS improved Zenfone 11 Ultra’s battery life by 26.5%. This enhancement ensures that users can enjoy uninterrupted usage for extended periods. Supporting more than 26 hours of regular use, Zenfone 11 Ultra sets a new standard for endurance in the smartphone industry.
The phone has also been upgraded to include 65 W HyperCharge capability for maximum charging performance, allowing users to power up their devices quickly and efficiently. For added convenience, Zenfone 11 Ultra supports wireless charging via any Qi-compatible wireless charger.
The epitome of ultra-imaging
The camera system in Zenfone 11 Ultra stands out as extraordinary, redefining smartphone photography and videography. The 50 MP camera is supported by advanced features like the 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0, Super HyperSteady video stabilization, and OZO Audio-powered 3D surround-sound recording. These elements combine to deliver unparalleled stabilization and audio quality, setting new standards in smartphone imaging technology. Stability takes precedence, thanks to the third-generation 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer. This innovative technology ensures that videos remain blur-free and shake-free — even when the phone is in motion — enabling users to capture professional-quality shots effortlessly.
Complementing the hardware advancements, Zenfone 11 Ultra introduces various software tweaks to further enhance its imaging capabilities. AI Portrait Video mode offers a depth of field effect, adding a professional aesthetic to videos, while manual focus adjustment grants users creative control over the visual narrative.
AI support further enhances the user experience, introducing features like HyperClarity and AI Object Sense, which help to take realistic images and capture every life moment. HyperClarity, activated during zooming, significantly increases image clarity through deep-learning models, reconstructing images and adding details based on AI recognition. Additionally, the 32 MP front camera boasts improved low-light performance and a wider angle, ensuring stunning selfies even in challenging environments.
The power of ultra-intelligence
Zenfone 11 Ultra offers advanced AI features and leverages the powerful on-device AI performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to redefine the way users engage with their devices. With AI Noise Cancellation capabilities, powered by machine learning computational techniques, the phone ensures crystal-clear audio quality in all scenarios, be it phone calls, instant messaging calls, or in-game communications.
Also, the device introduces AI Call Translator[i], enabling instant speech-to-text conversion and translation into the user’s preferred language. By leveraging sophisticated AI models, Zenfone 11 Ultra comprehends contextual nuances, facilitating seamless communication across language barriers. The translation is then converted into clear voice output, enhancing comprehension and connectivity for users worldwide.
The AI Wallpaper[ii] feature on Zenfone 11 Ultra empowers users to craft personalized wallpapers effortlessly based on 6 different style-directions. With just a few prompts and our advanced AI algorithm, users can create unique backgrounds that reflect their style and personality, adding a touch of individuality to their device.
Another revolutionary feature is the AI Transcript[iii] function, which offers real-time transcription while using the recorder app both while recording and from existing voice files, powered by advanced AI technology. With the help of the phone’s built-in recorder tool, it allows you to easily capture and save transcripts.
The Zenfone 11 Ultra transforms file management with Semantic Search. Users can search for photos in their gallery and installed apps using keywords, thanks to multimodal learning. This intuitive feature understands natural language commands, supporting multiple languages and offline functionality. Additionally, it’s integrated into phone settings for easy access, streamlining user experience while setting up the phone.
With ASUS GlideX, users can stream apps from phones to other devices like PC screens. The tool simplifies file transfers, enhances conference calls, and consolidates device control. Mirroring your phone screen on your PC allows you to enjoy media with family, friends, and colleagues. As another productivity-enhancing application, Phone Link enables file transfers via drag and drop, texting from PCs, call management, and notification customization, redefining the smartphone-to-PC experience for unparalleled convenience and efficiency.
The unveiling of Zenfone 11 Ultra marks a significant milestone in smartphone innovation, showcasing a device that embodies the perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and unparalleled performance. Through a meticulous blend of premium design elements, camera capabilities, AI-driven features, and extended battery life, Zenfone 11 Ultra sets a new standard for what users can expect from a flagship smartphone in 2024 and beyond.
ASUS invites users to embark on a journey of innovation and sustainability with the Zenfone 11 Ultra, where every detail is crafted to enhance the user experience and make a positive impact on the world.
ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage will be available at £949.99 and with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage will be available at £869.99. ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra comes in Skyline Blue and Eternal Black colors in the United Kingdom.
The launch offer will run from March 14th to April 14th. Customers who purchase ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra in this period can save £80 on the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB version and save £50 on the 12 GB RAM and 256 GB version.
i] These features will be made available in a future software update
[ii] These features will be made available in a future software update
[iii] These features will be made available in a future software update
The Digital Hub has opened applications for its first-ever Designer-in-Residence programme, with an opportunity for a six-month residency commencing in May 2024. The residency will be based at The Digital Hub campus in Dublin 8 and will focus on engaging the ecosystem of technologists and creatives who are developing innovation in health, wellbeing, technology and content.
The residency includes a focus on exploration, collaboration and innovation, with the selected designer working with The Digital Hub, the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and surrounding organisations to develop and execute innovative design led engagements. The residency looks to develop and create innovative products or services that address real-life challenges in health and wellbeing.
The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to curate events as well as participating in research projects and programmes to enhance the profile and skill levels in design in The Digital Hub ecosystem.
Stephen Brennan, Head of Strategy and Partnerships at The Digital Hub said:
“Launching our first Designer-in-Residence programme gives forward-thinking designers the opportunity to collaborate with our extensive ecosystem and develop real-world projects that will have a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community. Exploring innovation through design and technology to advance the health of our surrounding community is a key focus for The Digital Hub, and our newest residency offers an ideal opportunity to expand this work.”
The Digital Hub has a track record in curating inspiring and game-changing creative technological solutions for its member companies and researchers. As the location of the Design Lab in partnership with NCAD and HSE Spark, The Digital Hub is making significant progress in placing design at the heart of the digital technology and content ecosystem.
The Digital Hub has played host to previous residency programmes over recent years including a Technologist-in-Residence and Artist-in-Residence, both of which have been successful at exploring the intersection of art and technology.
Award-winning artist Leon Butler brought his expertise in design and collaborative art projects to develop a digital model of the local liberties area of Dublin 8 and its ecosystems during his time as The Digital Hub’s most recent Artist-in-Residence. Leon’s work was built on data collected from sensors deployed by The Digital Hub’s former Technologist-in-Residence Patrick Lynch, who undertook a project focused on collating data on air quality, traffic levels and pollution in the area.
Speaking on his residency, Patrick Lynch said:
“During my time as the Tech-in-Residence, I was able to become ingrained in the local community through innovative projects monitoring the surrounding ecosystem. Beyond that, the programme enabled me to hone my skillset in areas of engineering and technical development, all while giving me access to connect with an incredible network of researchers and entrepreneurs located at The Digital Hub. I’m truly grateful for the time I spent as Technologist-in-Residence and would encourage anyone with an interest in areas such as product and UX/UI design to apply for this unique upcoming residency.”
The Designer-in-Residence programme aims to enable designers to engage in real-world projects, ground-breaking research and interdisciplinary collaborations between the thriving ecosystem of enterprise, research, innovation and creative organisations at The Digital Hub and its surrounding network.
Benefits of the programme include access to The Digital Hub facilities, an office/studio space on campus, networking opportunities with current member companies at The Digital Hub and access to a cutting-edge community in the field of innovation and technology. Total funding for the successful applicant will be in the region of €15,000 which will include fees and project costs.
Interested applicants should have direct experience in applying design methods to real-world challenges. Applicants must be a resident in Ireland or Europe and must be available to commence the residency from May2024 and have a regular presence on campus at The Digital Hub.
More information about the Designer-in-Residence programme and application process can be found here.
AlphaTheta Corporation announces the release of the euphonia from its AlphaTheta brand, a professional rotary mixer which creates an amazingly natural and smooth mixing experience.
Building on over 30 years of audio technology and innovation while paying homage to rotary mixers and known for their unique sound quality and playability that enables deep immersion in music, this is the first mixer to bear the AlphaTheta name. It’s also the company’s first-ever rotary unit.
The all-new 4-channel euphonia provides a euphoric musical experience that combines the clarity of digital and the richness of analog – for the ultimate party experience. This holy grail of sound characteristics is made possible by the high-resolution, wide-ranging sound design and the inclusion of an analog transformer circuit – co-developed with Rupert Neve Designs. This enhances the harmonics in your music to create an energetic and polished sound that enables smooth mixing. The euphonia is perfect for any DJ wanting to truly deliver a sound like no other.
Yoshinori Kataoka, AlphaTheta’s President and CEO, said, “We’re so pleased to introduce the euphonia professional rotary mixer. Having watched the DJM Series evolve since I helped develop the first model in 1995, the DJM-500, I have a special feeling about the euphonia. It’s inspired by our customers’ love of music and our dream to create a new expression of the DJ mixer. We’re truly excited to witness the euphonia’s unique sound bringing excitement and inspiration to DJs and their audiences.”
Once you’ve fallen in love with the sound, you’ll notice the supreme feel of the uniquely developed rotary faders which have been carefully designed to make you feel a deeper connection with the euphonia. The 3Band Master Isolator was also custom designed so you can make dynamic changes to the music and have more sensory control over your sound. Going one step further, you can turn your spontaneous musical inspiration into impactful sound by using the 3Band Master Isolator in combination with the new Boost Send feature for powerful performances.
All this is just the tip of the euphonia’s “iceberg” as the mixer also features an Energy Visualizer, built-in Send FX, and multiple inputs and outputs to enable you to take your musical expression to the next level. The sound produced by the euphonia immer
Innit Audio is proud to have officially launched its groundbreaking experience, currently for PC users. Launched on Wednesday 14th February, following a successful open beta in Q4 2023, Innit Audio promises to redefine how gamers and media enthusiasts hear, feel, and experience sound through headphones and earphones.
Built on years of experience and innovation from state-of-the-art digital audio specialists Böhmer Audio, the Innit algorithm generates a virtual 3-dimensional 360×360 spatial sound field that can locate sound anywhere in 3D space around the listener. For the very first time, it’s possible to game wearing headphones without feeling that sounds are stuck inside your head, being able instead to feel that you are actually inside the game.
Mark Nichols, CEO of Innit Audio, explains “Soundwaves surround us, arriving from all directions in an infinite variety of patterns. Many are altered by their journey, bouncing off surfaces and acquiring unique distortions between the sound source and our ears. With their hyper-sensitive drums, our ears hear and translate sounds for our brains to interpret into what they understand and know to be real life. This is what we call Aural Reality.”
Nichols continues: “When using headphones, or earphones, we are pulled out of aural reality by the unnatural feeling of having these sound sources coming from right next to our ears, giving the effect of a much-reduced soundscape being heard inside your head, or maybe just a tiny bit outside. Innit solves this completely.”
All sounds played through Innit – be they from a competitive or immersive game such as Counter Strike 2 or Star Citizen, or a streamed music video – go through sophisticated audio processing by the Innit algorithm creating time domain coded sound vectors, adding missing time domain information not present in the sound stream which allows the sounds to be positioned anywhere in the 360×360 3D spatial sound field.
This achieves world-leading directional sound placement, your mind using the added information making the sound appear to be originating from a genuine, real-life environment rather than confined to two small locations on the sides of your head. In this groundbreaking move, Innit achieves for gaming audio what virtual reality headsets do for visuals — it enables you to lose yourself in the experience, seamlessly blurring the line between virtual and reality, making it feel entirely natural and fully immersive.
Bernt Böhmer, the visionary inventor behind Böhmer Audio and Innit Audio, recalls: “I first realized how important this development would be for gamers when I added Innit to my sim racing setup. Before that, my chair vibrates, the steering wheel does its thing and so on, but the audio experience didn’t pull my senses into the game in the same way, it felt artificial. But with Innit enabled, it’s on a different level – you feel the masses moving in a real car, you get the G force, and you lose any awareness that what you’re hearing, what you’re experiencing, isn’t real. You’re really there, in the car, and the first time I felt that I knew we had something special. Innit completes the experience.”
Upon launch there will be two subscription options, priced at $9.99 / €8.99 / £8.49 per quarter or $29.99 / €26.99 / £24.99 for twelve months, with the annual option being a 25% discount.
They are also offering the option to instead purchase a one-time license, which as a special launch offer costs only $69.99 / €64.99 / £59.99, providing years of audio excellence for less than the price of three years subscribing.
Innit Audio invites gamers and audio enthusiasts to embark on a new era of sound immersion. Join us on this beautiful-sounding journey, where each moment is a revelation in aural reality.
Gamers, and film, tv, and music lovers, can sign-up and download Innit directly from https://innit.audio
Tech Industry Alliance has officially launched TechFest 2024 in the AIB offices 66 South Mall Cork with AIB being one of the main event sponsors. TechFest is its annual flagship technology conference which will be held in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, Cork from 9:30am on the 14th of May 2024. This year the focus is on “Tech for Good: Driving Deep Tech, Fostering Sustainability & Building a Better Tomorrow”and to complement the main event, a festival of supporting events will take place throughout the week of TechFest led by well known organisations and agencies throughout the South-West region. Tickets for the main conference are currently on sale at https://techindustryalliance.ie/event/techfest-2024/
The line up of expert speakers include global leader in promoting tech for good – Sarah Porter who is the founder and CEO of InspiredMinds, a global community of 220,000 high level experts in AI and emerging technology and an advisor to both the UN and to the EU AI council. TechFest 2024 will again this year be MC’d by award-winning industry broadcaster Jonathan McCrea and will feature panel discussions on AI, sustainability & diversity as well as having plenty of networking opportunities and an industry expo featuring leading companies from across Ireland.
Gerry Murphy, Tech Industry Alliance Chairperson commented: “We are delighted to be announcing TechFest 2024 which will feature rare content, rich dialogue and facilitate real connections and which would not be possible without the vital support of our sponsors, who all recognise the importance of our sector to the Munster region. Following on from a really successful TechFest last year, we are excited with this year’s amazing line up of speakers and even greater opportunities to network with colleagues and businesses across the south west region.”
“Our three key themes this year are Disrupt, Evolve and Ignite and we will hear from leaders of Industry and academia on how technology can contribute to sustainability, the threats and opportunities from the latest AI technology, how to ensure a vibrant and diverse talent pipeline as well as how tech can benefit society and the future of business.”
Approx. 450 people are expected to attend the event, network, connect and collaborate. Other expert speakers on the day include Denis Ryan Technology, Media & Telecoms AIB; Joanne Sheahan, Senior Advisor – Sustainability & Climate Action Enterprise Ireland; Robert McArdle, Director in Trend Micro’s Forward Looking Threat Research; Steve Fleming Founder and CEO Voxxify; Andy Bastick, Senior Director, Product & Partner Marketing, Digital Realty; Susie Harding Senior Manager Data, Analytics & AI at EY; Nikki Bradley Motivational Speaker, Amputee and Adventurer and Lynsey Monaghan, Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategist at NetApp.
TIA Vice Chair Donagh Kiernan added: “TechFest 2024 is a groundbreaking event dedicated to exploring the pivotal role of technology in addressing global challenges and fostering a sustainable future. The event will also showcase young innovative tech companies in the south west and provide attendees with an insight into technology aimed at addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. And we are delighted to acknowledge the invaluable support of our Skillnet again for TechFest 2024. Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet (TIAS) has been a consistent sponsor throughout the last 10 years.
The theme of TechFest this year fits perfectly with our Skillnet services, fostering innovation in talent strategies for tech, through subsidised support with up- and cross- skilling programmes. In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, the significance of talent development and upskilling cannot be overstated. Our TIAS Team will be available at TechFest 24 to chat with attendees on how they can further support their organisation’s growth and development.”
Mitipi, the manufacturer of the KEVIN anti-intrusion device, partners with Foncia and joins the marketplace of France’s leading property management and rental company.This collaboration aims to improve home security through innovative technologies in France. KEVIN has proven to reduce the probability of burglaries by up to 100%.
A lot of burglaries in France
According to the Service statistique ministériel de la sécurité intérieure (SSMSI), in France (excluding Mayotte), 211,400 burglaries or attempted burglaries were recorded by the national police and gendarmerie services in 2022. This represents an average of 5.8 burglaries per 1,000 homes, one of the highest burglary rates in the world. According to initial, as yet unofficial estimates, these figures have risen again in 2023[1].
Improving home security in France
KEVIN, developed by Swiss company Mitipi, is a pioneering solution for deterring burglars. The device simulates human behavior using cutting-edge technology, making it harder for burglars to tell the difference between an empty and an inhabited house. Inspired by the “Home Alone” films, KEVIN® offers a series of patented functions, including the adjustment of light and shadow effects and the reproduction of pre-recorded authentic sounds. In addition, users can record and simulate their own noises, such as dog barking, domestic activities, TV viewing, and conversations between residents.
Mitipi has obtained US and EU patents for the “method, device and system for simulating human presence” and the “device and method for simulating a person’s shadow and/or noise”. Field research in collaboration with the police, burglars, and universities has shown that the presence of people is the best protection against burglary. In the thousands of homes where KEVIN® is already in use, no break-ins have been recorded, and the user recommendation rate has reached an impressive 92%.
“We are delighted to welcome Mitipi as a new partner to the Foncia Marketplace.Mitipi’s innovative home security solution enhances the range of products and services selected by our teams.This new collaboration reinforces our commitment to our customers to offer innovative and accessible technological solutions that enhance the experience of living better at home,” explains Arnaud Dufour, Foncia’s Director of Marketing, Digital and Customer Experience.
Patrick Cotting, Director of Mitipi, emphasized the importance of this partnership for home security in France: “French tenants and landlords suffer from a huge number of burglaries.We are all the more grateful that Foncia offers its customers a simple and affordable solution against burglaries.“
Mixx, known for its premium yet affordable audio solutions, is pleased to introduce the Mixx StreamBuds Solo True Wireless Earbuds range. Mixing a blend of functionality and stylish design, they offer up to 18 hours of playtime, hands-free calling, changeable ear cushions, and touch sensor controls, providing the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The StreamBuds Solo range are available from MIXX in a choice of capsule, hybrid or silicon fit with four colour options including black, white, champagne and blue metal. The range will also be available soon in PC World and HMV. Music lovers can now find the ideal, comfortable fit for all day wearability whilst still looking stylish. All for an incredibly affordable £25!
The Solo earbud range offers 4.5 hours of playtime on a single charge with the magnetic flip top case adding another 13.5 hours of charge totalling an impressive 18 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop. Ideal for long commutes, for holiday travel or to keep the tunes coming all day long.
Offering a truly hassle free experience, once initially paired, the earbuds offer automatic dual pairing and will reconnect every time they are taken out of the case. The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling the music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch.
A common complaint from wearers of earbuds is they do not fit well and are even prone to falling out completely. MIXX aims to address this issue with a choice of capsule [C1], hybrid [C2] or silicon [C3] fit so sure to be a comfortable and snug option for everyone.
MIXX is fully committed to less plastic use in the future and all its packaging is FSC certified and made with paper from sustainable sources. Any plastic used is made from 30% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable.
The StreamBuds Solo range truly is the go to choice for a stylish and functional audio experience at an accessible and affordable price.
These ICs reduce voltage monitoring board size, provide the industry’s highest level of accuracy and contribute to improved safety
ABLIC a group company of MinebeaMitsumi Inc., has launched the S-82K5B/M5B Series secondary protection ICs for 3 to 5 serially connected cells, which are ABLIC’s first secondary protection ICs with an integrated cascade function that can reduce the number of components required for monitoring of batteries with 6 or more serially connected cells by approximately 30% compared to conventional products.
Secondary protection ICs are used in a wide range of applications which require high voltage such as power tools, vacuum cleaners, and e-bikes, and applications that require a high degree of safety.
Secondary protection ICs are used in combination with protection fuses which blow when an external signal is received. When an overcharge occurs, a signal from the secondary protection IC causes the fuse to blow and break the charging current path to protect connected devices. Conventional secondary protection ICs could monitor batteries with up to 5 serially connected cells but required a large number of external components to monitor larger numbers of serially connected cells.
The new S-82K5B/M5B Series launched today is a secondary protection IC for 3 to 5 serially connected cells with the following features: (1) A cascade function (a function which enables connection protection of more batteries than the maximum number of batteries that a single protection IC can protect) which makes it possible to carry out voltage monitoring of rechargeable batteries with 6 or more serially connected cells using far fewer components than conventional products; (2) an open detection circuit (*1) which detects communication failures between ICs to enable safer voltage monitoring; (3) a lineup of two products to ensure that we can flexibly respond to customer needs: the S-82K5B Series with ±20mV overcharge detection voltage accuracy, and the S-82M5B with the industry’s highest (*2) accuracy of ±15mV.
Going forward, ABLIC will continue to leverage our technology and knowhow to develop lithium-ion battery protection ICs with even greater accuracy and higher performance and to release products for applications in a wide range of fields.
(*1) An open detection circuit is a circuit which can detect failures such as component damage, poor pin contact, or disconnection caused by poor mounting.
(*2) Based on our research as of March 2024
Example protection circuit for 10 serially connected cells using the S-82K5B/M5B Series
[Major Features]
1.Ability to monitor voltage for 6 or more serially connected cells using 30% fewer parts than conventional products thanks to the integrated cascade function
A cascade function is provided to enable voltage monitoring for 6 or more serially connected cells. This function makes it possible to reduce the number of parts by 30% compared to conventional products to reduce board size and device size.
2. Circuit for detecting open failures in communication between ICs
An open failure in the wiring used to communicate between ICs is a potential failure mode when using the cascade function. The S-82K5B and the S-82M5B Series are equipped with an open failure detection circuit to detect open failures in communication circuits. This function helps improve the safety of used devices.
3. A lineup of two devices which provide the industry’s highest level of voltage detection accuracy
We offer a lineup of two devices: the S-82K5B Series with an extremely high overcharge detection voltage accuracy of ±20mV and the S-82M5B Series with an ultra-high detection voltage accuracy of ±15mV; to enable customers to select products with detection voltage accuracy that best suits their needs. In addition, both devices offer excellent temperature characteristics between -10°C to 60°C, and the S-82K5B Series’ ±25mV and S-82M5B Series’ ±20mV are the industry’s highest (*3) temperature characteristics and have helped to further improve both device safety and charging efficiency.
(*3) Based on our research as of March 2024
[Major Specifications]
A cascade function that allows for monitoring of 6 or more serially connected cells
Overcharge detection voltage: 3.50 to 4.70V,
S-82K5B Series: ±20mV (25°C), ±25mV (-10 to 60°C)
S-82M5B Series: ±15mV (25°C), ±20mV (-10 to 60°C)
Current consumption during operation: 5μA max.
The CO pin output voltage is 7.5V max. so a low gate withstand voltage FET can be used
Maximum rating: 28V
Operating temperature: -40 to +85°C
Packages: TMSOP-8, SNT-8A
