Microchip Tech Debuts USB/AC Load-Sharing Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Battery Charger
Microchip Technology Inc. announced the MCP73871 charge-management controller – a Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charger with an intelligent charge management feature that enables simultaneous ac-dc adapter or USB-port charging and powering of devices. The single-chip charger features an integrated pass transistor, and numerous battery and termination-voltage options – making it suitable for complex, space-constrained portable applications.
By enabling electronic devices to be simultaneously powered and charged via either an ac-to-dc adapter or through a USB port, the MCP73871 charge-management controller is said to simplify the charging and powering of today’s portable electronic devices. With accurate voltage regulation of 0.5%, the new charger is said to extend battery life by allowing the battery to be charged closer to its optimal limit. Additionally, with its integrated pass transistor, the charger eliminates the need for an external FET, and only a few small passive components are necessary. This results in smaller, less complex and less expensive designs.
"Our customers have requested a compact, single-chip charger to meet the needs of today’s advanced portable consumer-electronic devices, many of which now offer traditional wall-plug charging, plus USB port charging and connectivity," said Bryan Liddiard, Vice President of Marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. "The MCP73871 charger meets these needs, head on. Microchip’s battery-charger offering now includes products that provide everything from simple, USB-based battery charging, to complex power-path solutions."
The MCP73871 charge-management controller is suitable for portable consumer electronic products, such as GPS units, phone chargers, toys, cameras, PDAs, Bluetooth® headsets, and many more.
Microchip also announced the MCP73871 Evaluation Board to help engineers get started using the new charger in their designs. The board is available for $20.
The MCP73871 charger is available in a 20-pin, 4 x 4 mm QFN package, for $1.28 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
