Linear Tech Introduces uModule Battery Chargers with Active Current Limit
Linear Technology announced the immediate availability of the LTM8061 and LTM8062, the first devices in a new family of complete system-in-a-package uModule® chargers, supporting an output charge current up to 2A. Both parts provide a complete, efficient 1MHz switching step-down charger solution with as few as just one input capacitor. The LTM8061 features active input-current management to protect against supply rail droop, while providing maximum charge current to the load.
The LTM8062 actively manages the output charge current to maximize the power sourced from a solar cell following Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) principles. The LTM8061 and LTM8062 operate from an input voltage range of 4.95 to 32V with support for preconditioning, constant-current and constant-voltage mode operation. A 0.5% and 0.75% accurate float voltage respectively ensures maximum energy storage at charge termination set by a minimum current threshold detection or adjustable internal timeout.
The LTM8061 is specifically targeted for charging Li-Ion or Li-polymer batteries with float voltages of 4.1, 4.2, 8.2 and 8.4V. An externally adjustable float voltage allows the LTM8062 to support charging of single-and multi-cell Li-Ion, Li-polymer, Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries up to 14.4V.
To maintain the battery at full charge, the LTM8061 and LTM8062 automatically initiate a recharge cycle once the battery voltage drops to 2.5% below the float voltage. Safety features include bad-battery detection and NTC resistor input with fault indicator suitable for use with a LED. An internal input reverse voltage blocking diode is available to prevent leakage current from the battery when the power source is not present. Packaged in a RoHS compliant 9 x 15 x 4.32mm LGA package, pricing for the LTM8061 and LTM8062 starts at $8.85 each and $9.85 each, respectively in 1,000-piece quantities.
