A microprocessor-based charge control architecture which provides individual battery cell charge control in order to insure an equality of charge among all cells in a rechargeable battery cell array during a single charge cycle. The array is arranged in parallel strings with an identical number of cells in series in each string. The microprocessor controls the amount of charge current in each battery cell via a shunt element for each battery cell, and adjusts the shunt element to bypass a portion of the string current for each battery cell. The invention also permits charge control algorithms to be conveniently updated, provides individual cell coulometry, and autonomously monitors and corrects conditions which can result in battery failure. Any type of rechargeable battery cell and array size can be accommodated. The array size can be set to accommodate the specific voltage and load current requirements of each application.