Is it necessary to use independent overcurrent protection ICs in energy storage?

Is it necessary to use independent overcurrent protection ICs in energy storage?

The working principle of this chip is relatively simple. Usually, the overcurrent protection IC has a preset current threshold. When the current in the circuit exceeds this safe value, the overcurrent protection IC will activate the protection mechanism. There are usually two types of protection methods, current limiting or disconnection.
After the overcurrent situation is resolved, some overcurrent protection ICs have automatic recovery function, which can reconnect the circuit without external intervention. And the overcurrent protection IC usually provides a fault indication signal to notify the system of an overcurrent event, facilitating the system to take corresponding measures.
In energy storage products, overcurrent protection ICs can prevent battery damage due to excessive current, thereby avoiding safety risks such as overheating and fire. Some portable power sources, electric vehicles, etc., have overcurrent protection ICs that help maintain stable system operation and prevent performance degradation or system failures caused by abnormal current.
Some overcurrent protection ICs integrate MOSFETs internally to directly control the charging and discharging paths of batteries. Some advanced products allow users to program overcurrent protection thresholds to meet different application requirements. In addition, some ICs provide communication interfaces, such as I2C or SPI, allowing microcontrollers or other system components to interact with them, dynamically monitor and configure protection settings.
However, as energy storage products, especially portable energy storage, require efficient, compact, and safe power solutions, including overcurrent protection ICs, overvoltage protection ICs, undervoltage protection ICs, and other products, are beginning to be integrated into PMICs, it seems to have become a trend in development.
With the development of technology, the integration of PMICs is becoming increasingly high, and many have integrated multiple protection functions, including overcurrent protection. For applications that have cost and space limitations, integrated protection functions in PMICs may be more cost-effective and space saving.
Especially in portable devices, consumer electronics, and certain specific application areas, such as portable energy storage, the use of PMIC can simplify design, reduce circuit board area, lower costs, and improve system integration. For example, specialized portable energy storage PMICs like IP5389 integrate various protection functions such as overcharging, over discharging, overcurrent, short circuit, temperature monitoring, etc.
However, there are still independent overcurrent protection ICs in the market, because for certain applications that require special protection thresholds, response speed, reset behavior, or specific functions (such as programmable protection points, fault recording, self recovery, etc.), independent protection ICs provide more flexible design choices.

Is it necessary to install a separate overcurrent protection IC in energy storage?

 In large systems or complex equipment, there may be multiple locations that require independent overcurrent protection. In this case, the use of dedicated chips can disperse the protection points, enhance the local protection and fault isolation capabilities of the system.
For cost sensitive applications with relatively simple protection requirements, independent protection ICs may be more cost-effective than protection functions integrated into high-end PMICs. For example, in some devices, if only overcurrent protection is needed without the need for other functions, choosing a dedicated IC is actually more economical.
Some industries or applications may have specific safety standards or certification requirements, and using independent, certified protective ICs can simplify the compliance process.
For example, protection functions may be integrated in BMS, but in multiple battery packs, independent protection ICs may also be used between each battery or battery pack to enhance safety. In some industrial environments that require extremely high reliability and safety, independent protection ICs are often used for critical power paths and load lines to provide more stringent and targeted protection.

Summary

Although overcurrent protection functions are increasingly integrated into PMIC advanced power management chips, especially in portable energy storage and other devices, independent protection ICs still occupy a place in the market, meeting the needs of customization, scalability, cost control, and specific standards in different application fields. Two forms coexist, and the specific choice depends on factors such as the design goals, cost budget, performance requirements, and system architecture of the specific application.