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Acroview, a leader in chip programming, has officially announced the further expansion of its compatible device coverage with the release of its latest programming software. The company’s core product – the universal programming platform AP8000 – now fully supports the MP3718DFN, a high-precision battery monitor and protector from Monolithic Power Systems (MPS).

The MP3718DFN is a robust battery management device that provides a complete analog front-end (AFE) monitoring and protection solution. Designed for multi-cell battery management systems (BMS), it supports I2C or SPI communication. It accommodates connections for 4-cell to 24-cell series battery packs, with absolute voltage on specific pins exceeding 140V.

The MP3718DFN integrates two independent analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The first ADC measures differential battery voltage on each channel (up to 24 channels), chip temperature, and 10-channel temperature via external negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. The second ADC measures charge/discharge current through an external current-sense (CS) resistor (RCS). When used with the MPF4278x fuel gauge, the MP3718DFN achieves a state-of-charge (SOC) error within 2%.

The MP3718DFN features high-side (HS) drivers and robust protection functions. For the two discharge MOSFET drivers, the CDSG pin provides discharge fault protection for charging circuits in shunt-port applications, and the DSG pin provides fault protection for discharge circuits. In addition to MOSFET-based protection, it also includes secondary protection to blow a three-terminal fuse.

The device can operate in standalone mode without an MCU. It also integrates balancing MOSFETs to equalize mismatched cells and offers the option to drive external balancing MOSFETs. It features optimized baseline current consumption depending on the operating mode.

For applications requiring compliance with IPC 2221B or UL 60950-1 standards, conformal coating may be necessary depending on the battery pack voltage.

The MP3718DFN is available in a LQFP-64 (7x7mm) package.

Product Features and Benefits

• Supports 4-series to 24-series cell configurations
• I2C or SPI with 8-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC)
• Analog front-end (AFE) monitoring
– Two independent ADCs provide battery and pack voltages strictly synchronized with current
– 15-bit ADC with total battery measurement error ≤5mV at 25°C
– 16-bit ADC with ±0.3% measurement error at 25°C via SRP-RN (pack current and coulomb counting)
• Hardware-configurable protection
– Charge/discharge overcurrent protection (OCP) and short-circuit protection (SCP)
– Cell undervoltage protection (UVP) and overvoltage protection (OVP)
– Pack UVP and OVP
– Cell low-temperature/high-temperature protection
– Chip overtemperature protection
• Integrated high-side MOSFET (HS-FET) drivers
– Capable of driving multiple parallel N-channel MOSFETs
– Current-loop regulation during DSG MOSFET soft-start
– GPIO or register-controlled MOSFETs
– CDSG driver for charge port
• Automatic and manual cell balancing
• Standalone mode without a microcontroller (MCU)
• Additional features
– Low-current standby mode
– 5V and 3.3V low-dropout (LDO) regulators
– Load/charger insertion detection
– Broken-wire detection
– Permanent battery failure flag
– Lockable configurable memory for protection settings
• Supports random battery connection
• Available in LQFP-64 (7x7mm) package

Internal Block Diagram

The AP8000 universal programmer, independently developed by Acroview, has become a benchmark professional programming solution in the industry. The system supports flexible one-to-one and one-to-eight configurations, and offers both online and offline operating modes. It features dedicated programming solutions for memory chips such as eMMC and UFS, and fully covers the programming needs of MPS’s entire chip family, including both bare-chip offline programming and on-board programming. The AP8000 adopts an innovative modular design based on three core modules – mainframe, baseboard, and adapter – endowing the device with exceptional compatibility and expandability. As a universal programming platform, it not only adapts to various programmable chips on the market, but also delivers stable and efficient performance, serving as the core component of Acroview’s automated batch programming system IPS5800S, which efficiently handles large-scale chip programming tasks to meet mass production requirements.

The AP8000 mainframe offers flexible connectivity options, equipped with both USB and NET interfaces for convenient networking of multiple programmers. Through networking, users can easily achieve synchronized control of multiple programmers and carry out parallel programming operations efficiently. In terms of security, the mainframe incorporates intelligent safety protection circuitry that monitors chip placement status and circuit connections in real time. Upon detecting abnormal conditions such as reverse insertion or short circuits, it immediately triggers a power-off protection mechanism, safeguarding both the chip and the programmer. The mainframe is powered by a high-speed FPGA chip, significantly enhancing data transmission and processing efficiency to ensure smooth and efficient programming. For added convenience, an SD card slot is provided on the rear panel. Users can store engineering files generated on a PC to an SD card, insert it into the slot, and then use the physical buttons on the programmer to select, load, and execute programming operations, enabling standalone operation without a PC. This design not only reduces dependency on computer hardware but also simplifies workspace setup, greatly improving operational flexibility.

In terms of expandability and compatibility, the AP8000 adopts a modular baseboard and adapter board combination, effectively extending the mainframe’s functionality. The device currently supports products from all major semiconductor manufacturers, covering well-known brands such as SK hynix, Micron, SANDISK, ASR, and Kingston. Its supported device types are extensive, including NAND, NOR, MCU, CPLD, FPGA, EMMC, and more, and it is fully compatible with multiple industry-standard file formats such as Intel Hex, Motorola S, Binary, and POF, providing users with a one-stop, full-scenario chip programming solution.

Company Profiles

About MPS: Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a globally renowned high-performance analog semiconductor company headquartered in San Jose, California, USA. Founded in 1997, MPS possesses proprietary process technologies and focuses on designing and defining high-performance power management solutions as an analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company. It has independently developed over 4,000 power management products, widely used in industrial, communications infrastructure, cloud computing, automotive, and consumer electronics applications.

About Acroview: Acroview is a national-level "Little Giant" enterprise specializing in R&D, production, and sales of semiconductor chip testing and programming equipment. The company is committed to empowering the entire industry chain – including Fabless, IDM, OSAT, wafer fabs, and end-device manufacturers – through innovative semiconductor testing technologies and solutions. Acroview’s pioneering Auto Burn-In (ABI) system greatly enhances customer chip burn-in efficiency and reduces per-DUT testing costs. The company also provides equipment and solutions across all stages, including PSV, CP, FT, ABI, SLT, and programming. By seamlessly integrating technological leadership, system-level expertise, and a globally deployed R&D and sales service network, Acroview creates value for customers to gain a competitive edge in the market