Abstract: A bidirectional current control circuit suitable for use in controlling the charging and discharging of rechargeable battery cells includes two serially connected metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) with respective body diodes, a resistor which is connected in series with the MOSFETs and develops a voltage based upon the current through such MOSFETs, and a control circuit. The control circuit monitors the voltage across the resistor and selectively switches the MOSFETs on or off individually. As long as the current through the MOSFETs is less than a maximum positive current and more than a minimum negative current, both MOSFETs are maintained in their respective on states. When the negative current becomes less than a minimum negative current, the first MOSFET is turned off while the second MOSFET is turned on, and when the positive current becomes greater than a maximum positive current, the second MOSFET is turned off while the first MOSFET is turned on.