Benchmarq bq2902 expands its offering of fast charge ICs for RENEWAL rechargeable alkaline batteries from Rayovac.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 26, 1996--The bq2902 Rechargeable Alkaline Charge IC expands Benchmarq's (NASDAQ/NMS:BMRQ) offering of rechargeable alkaline ICs by providing cost-effective battery management for two cells with minimal external components.

Benchmarq's bq2903 IC introduced in the fall of 1995 was the first integrated circuit to allow in-system charging of three or four cells of rechargeable alkaline batteries such as RENEWAL(R) batteries from Rayovac(R).

The 8-pin bq2902 manages charge and discharge cycles by monitoring each cell individually to ensure full-charge detection without damaging overcharge, and to extend cycle life by not allowing deep discharges.

It uses a current-limited supply to generate the proper charge pulses for the RENEWAL cell. An LED status output is also provided to indicate charge in progress, charge complete, and fault condition. The bq2902 also offers:

-- Three selectable end-of-discharge voltages

-- Internal discharge and charge control FETs

-- Precharge qualification -- indicating fault conditions

-- Small 8-pin 150-mil SOIC or 300-mil DIP

The bq2902 manages two AAA, AA, C or D size cells of rechargeable alkaline batteries such as Rayovac's RENEWAL. It is designed for applications such as subnotebook computers, personal digital assistants, cordless telephones, personal audio, flashlights, small appliances, games, and bridge-battery standby applications in notebook computers.

"With the bq2902, Benchmarq's offering of rechargeable alkaline ICs is expanded to now provide solutions for managing two, three, or four cells," said Paul Nossaman, Benchmarq product marketing manager. "Using the bq2902/3 increases system flexibility; systems can be upgraded for Renewal use and still be compatible for primary alkalines."

"With the bq2902 integrated into a device's structure, the charging and smart-discharge control of Renewal batteries is assured," said Rayovac's Market Development Director Steven Ruth.

Pricing and Availability

Samples are available now from Benchmarq with production quantities anticipated in the second quarter of 1996. Pricing for the bq2902 8-pin narrow SOIC is $1.86 and for the 8-pin DIP is $1.75 in 5K quantities. An integrated module solution, the bq2192 board, will also be available for quick implementation and in-system evaluation for upgrading to rechargeable alkaline technology. The board includes connection to an LED output to display charge cycle status.

About Benchmarq

Benchmarq provides integrated circuits and modules for portable applications and applications sensitive to the loss of system power. Product lines include battery-management ICs, real-time clock ICs and modules, nonvolatile controller ICs and modules, and non-volatile static RAMs and PSRAMs.

Benchmarq's products address the system designers' increasing requirements for high-performance solutions that are easy to use. In North America, Benchmarq products are marketed through independent manufacturers' representatives and are distributed by Arrow Electronics, Marshall Industries, Wyle Laboratories, Nu Horizons, and Vantage Components. Distributors market and sell Benchmarq products internationally. -0-

TRADEMARKS: Benchmarq is a trademark of BENCHMARQ Microelectronics Inc. Rayovac and Renewal are registered trademarks of Rayovac Corp. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please refer all reader inquiries to:

Benchmarq Microelectronics Inc. Paul Nossaman, product marketing manager 17919 Waterview Parkway Dallas, TX 75252 U.S.A. Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone] WWW: http://www.benchmarq.com E-Mail: [e-mail]

Rayovac Corp. Steven Ruth, director of market development 601 Rayovac Dr. Madison, WI 53711 Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]

CONTACT: Benchmarq Microelectronics Inc., Dallas

Paul Nossaman or Patricia H. Smith, 214/437-9195;

Fax: [phone]