Battery charger IC features host controller options

Linear Technology Corp. has introduced the LTC4100, a precision smart battery charger ontroller that operates with or without a host microcontroller. The product operates independent of a host IC and reduces design time and complexity by eliminating the need for writing and debugging firmware.

Compliant with Rev. 1.1 SMBus specifications, the device also meets the requirements of Smart Battery System (SBS) Level 2 charging functions. It charges 6.4V to 26V multiple-cell Li-ion and nickel-chemistry batteries at up to 4A with 0.8 percent voltage accuracy and 5 percent current accuracy, respectively. Synchronous switching operation provides high efficiency constant-current/constant-voltage charging from an input supply voltage range of 6V to 28V. And to minimize SMBus timing errors due to bus capacitance and noise, the product features an SMBus Accelerator and a high-noise immunity SafetySignal sensor.

Housed in a 24-pin SSOP, the LTC4100 integrates both 10-bit DACs for charge current and an 11-bit DAC for charge voltage programming, respectively. With the charger's input current limit function, maximum charge rate is achieved without overloading the input supply such as a wall adapter.

Available for $5 each in 1,000-piece quantities, the IC is rated for operation between the -40°C to 85°C temperature range.