Microchip Technology Inc. (Chandler, AZ) introduced the MCP7382X family of three stand-alone lithium-ion battery chargers for single-cell battery applications, including portable and self-charging battery pack applications, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, and digital cameras. The ICs are able to maximize battery operating life and reduce PCB footprint, while minimizing overall system cost, according to the company.
The MCP73826 is housed in an SOT-23 package, while the MCP73827 has the ability to monitor charge current and to indicate a constant-current to constant-voltage transition by powering up an LED indicator. The MCP73828 has the ability to monitor temperature and prevent charging when the actual temperature is outside the operating range. The device also indicates when the charge process has been completed. All three ICs are available in both 4.1V and 4.2V options to accommodate lithium-ion batteries with coke or graphite anodes. The battery chargers feature a low shutdown of 1(mu)A and an operating current of 250(mu)A.
The ICs are available now in sample and volume quantities. In units of 1,000, the MCP73826 is $0.95 each, the MCP73827 is $1.02 each, and the MCP73828 is $1.05 each.
