NXP has introduced the BMx7318, a new high-performance, cost-optimized BMS AFE chip. As NXP's first BMS chip fully defined, designed, and developed in China, it embodies the company's "In China, for China" localization strategy. The chip's highly integrated design enables OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to achieve approximately 30% reduction in overall BMS system cost without compromising safety.

The BMx7318 features a revolutionary per-channel independent ADC architecture for monitoring battery cells in EVs (BEV, PHEV, HEV) and energy storage systems. Key specifications include 18-channel cell voltage measurement, integrated current measurement, and up to 12-channel analog voltage measurement. It supports galvanic and capacitive isolated daisy-chain communication, SPI, and meets ISO 26262 ASIL C functional safety for automotive variants.

Performance highlights include 0.8mV typical cell voltage accuracy with minimal long-term drift, integrated current measurement with ±300mV range, and 300mA peak balancing current with multiple control methods. Pin-sharing for measurement and balancing significantly reduces BOM costs for external filtering networks.

The family includes variants for EV/HEV BMS, 48V BMS, and high-voltage ESS applications. Global shipments began in November 2025, with reference design kits available.

Avnet, a global authorized NXP distributor, offers comprehensive support including the BMx7318-EVB evaluation board and full-series BMS solutions from 12V to 800V systems.

ICgoodFind: NXP's BMx7318 represents a strategic shift in BMS semiconductor strategy. By localizing development in China, NXP delivers cost and performance precisely tuned to the world's largest EV market, enabling significant system-level savings for manufacturers racing to meet surging demand.