I am making a Battery Management System for a 7 to optional 10 cell LiPo battery, now 7S4P. 75 Amp max output. I'm a bit scared by seeing the post "BQ78PL114 + BQ76PL102 fail randomly" on this site, but the BQ78PL116 looks like my only choice, hoping that the '116 upgrade was the solution to said problem. My main requirement is Fuel Gauge, I don't plan on using the power-pump balancing - we use a balancing charger.
I have these questions:
1. Is the '116 a reliable product?
2. Is it OK to not use the power pump, but still use the '116 for secondary protection and State of Health?
3. Is the '116 the reccommended part for this application?
4. Can I get a passive balance (no inductors) out of the '116, for shelf life?
5. Is there a better multi-cell Fuel Gauge?
Thanks,
Bob