Summit Micro Introduces Flexible 4A Charger ICs for Smartphones and Tablets

Summit Microelectronics has introduced what it says is the industry’s first monolithic 4A Li-Ion battery charger integrated circuits (ICs). The SMB349 and SMB359 are fully configurable and can deliver up to 4A charging/system current while accepting a wide +3.6 to +16V input voltage range. The SMB349 incorporates CurrentPath™ technology with dual system/battery outputs (for instant-on with discharged or missing battery), while the SMB359 provides a single output. Both products include Summit’s FlexCharge™ automatic power source detection and patented FlexCharge+™ automatic input voltage detection technologies to support universal USB/AC battery charging and comply with industry standard like USB2.0/3.0/BC1.2. Also Summit’s patented TurboCharge™ high-efficiency switch-mode charger, TurboCharge+ automatic float voltage compensation and OptiCharge™ automatic input current limit technologies, combined with SafeCharge™ JEITA/IEEE1725 battery safety support, optimize the solution and provide the industry’s fastest, safest battery charging.

Key benefits include:

-- 4A output and TurboCharge to fast-charge high-capacity batteries

-- FlexCharge for universal input compatibility with USB/AC sources

-- I2C digital interface and non-volatile configuration for flexibility

-- CSP packaging and minimum external components for tiny solution size

-- Robust battery and system safety features built-in

Like all of Summit’s battery charging solutions, these devices are highly integrated and highly flexible. Digital I²C control and non-volatile configuration allow for host-based control while maintaining the simplicity of stand-alone operation. Parameters and functions are easily reconfigured for various applications or system modes. High integration keeps external components to a minimum while high-frequency operation and CSP packaging contribute to a tiny solution size.

The SMB349/359 are suitable charging and system power solutions for virtually any portable application that utilize high-capacity batteries, require reliable and fast charging and feature very compact industrial designs. Target portable devices include smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks, digital camcorders, portable media players, and portable game consoles/controllers.

The SMB349/359 incorporate the latest suite of Summit’s class-leading battery/system power management features, including industry standards as well as proprietary and patented ones. In addition to the general flexibility provided by the digital I²C interface and non-volatile configuration, these new products provide several features to make the battery charging solution more flexible.

Flexcharge supports industry-standard USB2.0/3.0/BC1.2 specifications and automatically adapts to virtually any +5V (nominal) USB host/hub or ac-dc power input while it presets input current limit to 100/150/500/900mA. Additionally proprietary patented FlexCharge+ adapts to a wide range of input voltages from +3.6 to +16V recognizing various ac-dc adapters and protecting the system from under/overvoltage or defective power sources. For ac-dc adapters from 500mA-3500mA the SMB349/359 employ patented OptiCharge technology to automatically detect and dynamically adjust the input current limit to maximize the charging current while staying safely below the adapter’s current rating. Together FlexCharge and OptiCharge deliver the combined benefit of universal, optimized and safe charging from practically any USB or ac-dc source.

The core charger is Summit’s proven, fourth-generation TurboCharge high-efficiency switch-mode dc-dc technology providing 30% to 50% faster charge time while reducing power dissipation by 70% over traditional charging solutions. New and patented TurboCharge+ technology further reduces charge time by compensating for internal parasitic losses within the battery. This yields faster charging without requiring increases in charge current. Embedded within the core charger is support for USB On-the-Go (OTG) and MHL/HDMI, up to 900mA, without additional components or cost.

The SMB349 and SMB359 are offered in tiny 2.96 x 3.16mm, 49-ball, lead-free chip-scale (CSP) and in 5 x 5mm 40-pin QFN packages. Both products have an operating temperature range of -30°C to +85C. Available now in production quantities, the SMB349 and SMB359 are priced at $1.62 and $1.82 for CSP and QFN respectively, each in quantities of 10,000 units.