Diagonal PCB Layout for Li-Ion BMS Heat and Current Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion battery management systems (BMS) face challenges in managing high temperatures due to limited space and cost constraints, particularly with MOSFETs and current sense resistors, which can lead to unequal current sharing and component failure when trying to fit components on a PCB with adequate heatsinking in compact batteries.
Innovation Solution
A diagonal arrangement of electronic components and heatsinking structures on the PCB, including diagonally oriented conductive plates and traces, allows for a compact design that maintains equal current sharing and enhances thermal management by distributing heat effectively across the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If MOSFETs and current sense resistors are arranged linearly on the PCB, then the components can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the heatsinking capability is insufficient and current sharing becomes unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging MOSFETs and current sense resistors in a diagonal pattern rather than a linear arrangement. This asymmetric diagonal layout optimizes the thermal paths and current distribution across the PCB, allowing each component to have adequate heatsinking capability while maintaining equal current sharing. The diagonal orientation creates asymmetric thermal zones that improve heat dissipation efficiency compared to traditional linear arrangements.
2Temperature
If additional MOSFETs are added to decrease temperature rise, then thermal management improves, but cost increases and space requirements exceed available volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heatsinking function directly into the PCB structure by creating integrated thermal zones that combine multiple functions. The diagonal arrangement allows shared thermal paths where adjacent MOSFETs and current sense resistors utilize common heatsinking areas on the PCB. This merging of thermal management functions into the existing PCB structure eliminates the need for additional discrete MOSFETs or external heatsinks, thereby reducing component count and saving battery internal space while maintaining effective thermal management.
3Power
If MOSFETs are arranged in parallel to handle large battery current, then current carrying capacity increases, but current sharing becomes unequal leading to component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct thermal zones around each MOSFET and current sense resistor in the diagonal arrangement. Each component has its own optimized thermal path and heatsinking area tailored to its specific power dissipation requirements. This localized thermal management ensures that each component operates within its thermal limits, promoting equal current sharing and preventing any single component from being overloaded, thereby improving reliability while maintaining high current carrying capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The diagonal arrangement enables efficient heat sinking and equal current sharing, reducing the risk of component failure and improving thermal performance within space and cost constraints, making it suitable for compact lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The diagonal arrangement provides orienting electronic components, for example, PCB components (e.g. conductive plates, fills, and/or traces), MOSFETs, and/or current sense resistors in a diagonal structure or arrangement to provide a compact structure and arrangement and/or a diagonal heating sinking structure and arrangement to maximize heat sinking capability of the PCB of the BMS.
Implementation Method 2
The diagonal arrangement provides orienting electronic components, for example, PCB components (e.g. conductive plates, fills, and/or traces), MOSFETs, and/or current sense resistors in a diagonal structure or arrangement to provide a compact structure and arrangement and/or a diagonal heating sinking structure and arrangement to maximize heat sinking capability of the PCB of the BMS.
Implementation Method 3
Since the BMS is arranged in series with the battery cells, the electronic components in the BMS must accommodate the full battery current. In some cases, for example, a vehicle starter battery, this can be a very high current which generates a significant temperature rise.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery management system (BMS) having a printed circuit board (RGB) with a diagonal arrangement for use in a Li-ion battery, a Li-ion battery having a battery management system (BMS) having a printed circuit board (RGB) with a diagonal arrangement, and a BMS having a printed circuit board with diagonal arrangement method.


