12.2 Micro Short-Circuit Detector Including S/H Circuit for 1hr Retention and 52dB Comparator Composed of C-Axis Aligned Crystalline IGZO FETs for Li-Ion Battery Protection IC

Li-ion batteries are primarily used as power sources in electronic devices and electric vehicles and offer substantial conveniences to consumers. However, fires have broken out likely due to micro short-circuit (also called internal or soft shortcircuit) in Li-ion batteries [1]. The micro short-circuit is a failure mode where Li metal first precipitates on a negative electrode and then reaches a positive electrode; eventually a short-circuit occurs between the negative and positive electrodes and the battery voltage slightly decreases. Repetitive occurrences of micro short-circuit will generate heat and lead to serious accidents with a fire or an explosion in the worst-case scenario. Micro short-circuit detection methods are still in the research phase, and applications of battery voltage monitoring systems with AI are expected [1], [2]. This situation demands urgent research and development of micro short-circuit detectors for battery protection ICs.