Low pin-count Li-Ion battery charger IC that needs no microprocessor

Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTC4006, a 2- to 4-cell Li-Ion battery charger with up to 4A charge capability that includes essential I/O status signals required for constructing a simple autonomous high power battery charger system.

The LTC4006 is housed in a narrow 16-pin SSOP package and offers output signals for end-of-charge and wall adapter detection, as well as charge current value indicator for gas-gauging. Its synchronous dc/dc step-down operation allows up to 96% operating efficiency from supplies from 6 to 28V supplies.

The device can operate at up to 98% duty factor, which permits 0.5V dropout operation and allows charging from low voltage wall adapters. To improve safety during charging, the IC features a battery temperature monitor as well as overvoltage and overcurrent protection.

End applications include memory backup systems, portable medical and automotive diagnostics, GPS, as well as notepad and notebook PCs. The LTC4006 also features a quasi-constant frequency, constant off-time architecture that does not generate audible noise even when using ceramic capacitors.

The LTC4006 is offered in three versions for 8.4V (2-cell), 12.6V (3-cell) and 16.8V (4-cell) float voltages with ±0.8% accuracy.

Linear Technology
Fax 65-6754-4113
www.linear.com