Microchip Intros MCP7384x Series Controllers
Microchip Technology Inc. (Chandler, AZ) announced a family of single-cell and dual-cell, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-P), charge-management controllers. The devices offer a voltage regulation accuracy of ±0.5%, enabling maximum cell utilization and enhancing the cycle life of the battery. Additionally, the controllers provide safety features for low-cost, simple charging solutions. The new battery chargers are suitable for applications such as wireless handsets, PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players, self-charging battery packs and other Li-Ion and Li-P battery-powered equipment.
The MCP7384x Series combine high-accuracy, constant-voltage/constant-current regulation, cell preconditioning, cell-temperature monitoring, advanced safety timers, automatic charge termination and charge status indication in space-saving MSOP packages. The cell preconditioning supports deeply depleted batteries. The cell-temperature monitoring continuously measures the cell temperature and prevents charging when the temperature is outside the recommended temperature window. The temperature range for the battery chargers is -40°C to +85°C.
The devices can withstand voltages as high as 12V from loosely regulated wall adapters, reducing total system cost. The MCP7384x are available in 4.1V, 4.2V, 8.2V and 8.4V preset voltage options to accommodate single and dual series cell Li-Ion and Li-P battery packs with coke or graphite anodes.
Pricing in quantities of 1,000 for the MCP73841 is $1.06 each; the MCP73842 is $1.12; the MCP73843 is $1.01; and the MCP73844 is $1.08. The devices are available in eight-pin and 10-pin MSOP packages. Samples and volume quantities are available now.
