Li-ion/polymer battery chargers load up to 500mA

Microchip Technology Inc. has announced the MCP73811 and MCP73812 (MCP7381X) Li-ion/Li-polymer charge-management controllers. These simple, single-cell devices provide fully integrated charge-management functions, and selectable or programmable charge currents up to 500mA in a 5-pin SOT-23 package. They are USB compatible and come with integrated current sense, pass transistor and reverse battery protection onboard to enable smaller, more cost-effective designs.

Because they conform to USB output-power specifications, the MCP7381X charge-management controllers can be powered via the USB ports on most PCs. This eliminates the need for an external power adapter, and saves end users the trouble of finding an electrical outlet to charge their portable device. Additionally, the devices feature on-chip thermal regulation, which decreases charge current if the temperature rises above safe levels. The remaining feature set of the family is minimized, in order to provide a very cost-effective charging solution.

"As more and more applications are beginning to utilize Li-ion and Li-polymer batteries, small, low-cost battery-charging solutions are needed," said Bryan Liddiard, VP of marketing with Microchip's analog and interface products division. "The MCP7381X chargers support this demand and provide the features necessary for a complete, yet cost-effective, charging solution."

Both MCP7381X devices are suitable for CE devices, such as rechargeable toys, and low-cost MP3 players.

Samples and production volumes of the MCP73811 charge-management controller are available today.