TI launches industry's first 26-cell EIS-enabled battery monitor
Texas Instruments launched the BQ79826Z-Q1, the industry's first 26-cell battery monitor with integrated EIS technology, to improve safety and reduce costs in EVs and energy storage systems. The device offers best-in-class sensing accuracy and real-time diagnostics, with production quantities expected by the end of 2026.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced the industry's highest-cell-count battery monitor with an integrated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) engine, designed to enhance safety and performance in electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS). The BQ79826Z-Q1 battery monitor delivers predictive intelligence, comprehensive data, and real-time diagnostics by detecting potential failures from within battery cells. This innovation aims to reduce system costs and complexity while maintaining reliability for automotive and industrial applications.
Key Features and Specifications
The BQ79826Z-Q1 supports up to 26 cells in series per device, tracking up to 44% more channels than previous generations. This high cell count reduces the number of components required in a battery pack, leading to a lower bill of materials and simplified architecture. The device features a voltage accuracy of <2mV across a temperature range of –40°C to +125°C, enabling precise state-of-charge calculations to address range anxiety in EVs.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cell Count | Up to 26 cells in series |
| Voltage Accuracy | <2mV |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C |
| Safety Compliance | Automotive Safety Integrity Level D, ISO 26262 |
Enhanced Safety with EIS Technology
Integrated EIS technology functions similarly to an electrocardiogram for batteries, providing continuous, real-time insight into battery health. The BQ79826Z-Q1 can detect fault conditions earlier, such as thermal runaway, from inside the cells. This capability is critical for ensuring passenger safety in EVs and maintaining reliability in ESSs, which are increasingly vital for supporting the power demands of artificial intelligence data centers.
System Efficiency and Scalability
When paired with the BQ79881-Q1 pack monitor and optional TI communications bridge, the BQ79826Z-Q1 creates a scalable chipset that works across different module sizes, battery chemistries, and mechanical designs. This flexibility allows engineers to design once and deploy everywhere, reducing engineering overhead and accelerating time to market. The device also boasts an EIS measurement time that is five times faster than previous solutions, delivering the highest functional safety voltage reading per cell.
Availability and Support
Preproduction quantities of the BQ79826Z-Q1 are now available on TI.com, with production quantities expected by the end of 2026. Complete development support, including evaluation modules and reference designs, is available to assist designers. TI is showcasing the new battery monitor at the 2026 Power Conversion, Intelligent Motion Expo and Conference (PCIM) in Nuremberg, Germany, from June 9 to June 11.
How will the integration of EIS technology in battery monitors influence the adoption of new battery chemistries in the EV market?
What impact will the reduced component count have on the overall supply chain and manufacturing costs for battery pack producers?
Could this technology accelerate the standardization of battery management systems across different automotive and industrial platforms?
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