This IC protects lithium ion batteries in the event of overcharge, overdischarge and overcurrent. It has the following two functions: an overcurrent detection function that turns the external FET-SW off when a problem occurs during charging, etc. and excess voltage is impressed on each battery for longer than a certain time, and an overdischarge detection function that turns the external FET-SW off when battery voltage drops below a certain voltage during discharge, in order to prevent battery overdischarge. When these functions operate, the IC is put into low consumption current mode. It also has an overcurrent detection function that turns the FET-SW off when excess current flows due to a short or the like.