The DS2434 Battery Identification Chip provides a convenient method of tagging and identifying battery packs by manufacturer, chemistry, or other identifying parameters. The DS2434 allows the battery pack to be coded with a unique identification number, and also store information regarding the battery life and charge/discharge characteristics in its nonvolatile memory. The DS2434 also performs the essential function of monitoring battery temperature, without the need for a thermistor in the battery pack. Information is sent to/from the DS2434 over a 1-Wire interface, so that battery packs need only have three output connectors; power, ground, and the 1-Wire interface.