New Industry Products

Microchip Technology Announces Single-Cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Chargers in SOT-23 Packages

March 26, 2007 by Jeff Shepard

Microchip Technology Inc. announced its MCP73811 and MCP73812 (MCP7381X) Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charge-management controllers. These simple, single-cell devices provide fully integrated charge-management functions, and selectable or programmable charge currents up to 500mA in a 5-pin SOT-23 package. They are USB compatible and come with integrated current sense, pass transistor and reverse battery protection onboard to enable smaller, more cost-effective designs.

Because they conform to USB output-power specifications, the MCP7381X charge-management controllers can be powered via the USB ports on most PCs. This eliminates the need for an external power adapter, and saves end users the trouble of finding an electrical outlet to charge their portable device. Additionally, the devices feature on-chip thermal regulation, which decreases charge current if the temperature rises above safe levels.

"As more and more applications are beginning to utilize Li-Ion and Li-Polymer batteries, small, low-cost battery-charging solutions are needed," said Bryan Liddiard, Vice President of Marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. "The MCP7381X chargers support this demand and provide the features necessary for a complete, yet cost-effective, charging solution."

Both MCP7381X devices are suitable for consumer electronic devices, such as rechargeable toys and low-cost MP3 players. With their charge-enable input, the MCP7381X charge-management controllers provide a very simple interface for designers to use. The MCP73811 has a digital input and selectable USB charge currents of either 85 or 450mA, meaning it provides charge currents without intervention from external components. The MCP73812 offers a user-programmable charge current via an external resistor, enabling designers to optimize charge currents for their particular application.

The MCP73811 charge-management controller is priced at $0.57 each, and the MCP73812 at $0.59 each, in 10,000-unit quantities.