Texas Instruments Inc. (TI, Dallas, TX) released its new bq24100, a synchronous, switch-mode, battery charge, integrated circuit (IC) with internal power FETs capable of supplying up to 2 A of charge current. The new battery management IC enables higher charge current while reducing the amount of heat generated, making it suitable for use in systems that incorporate one-, two- and three-series cell, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-P) battery packs, such as portable DVD and media players, smart handhelds, medical and industrial devices, and other portable equipment.
The bq24100 comes in a small 3.5 mm x 4.5 mm QFN package, and operates at a fixed frequency of 1.1 MHz from an input voltage up to 16 V. The IC delivers high-accuracy current and voltage regulation for precise battery charging, multiple charge status outputs for charge progress indication, and automatic battery full-charge detection and charge termination. Providing safe and reliable charging of Li-Ion or Li-P batteries, the bq24100 device charges in three phases: a low-current conditioning phase for deeply discharged batteries; a fast-charge, constant-current phase delivering up to 2 A; and a constant-voltage phase. In this final phase, the device terminates charge based on a minimum current level.
A programmable charge timer provides a safety backup for termination. Separate versions of the IC also allow the portable system's microcontroller to control the battery charging profile and termination with digital inputs to the IC. The bq24100 automatically re-starts the charge if the battery voltage falls below a specific threshold.
The bq24100 is currently shipping, and is available in a 20-pin, 3.5 mm x 4.5 mm, QFN package. Suggested resale price for the charge IC is $2.10 each per 1,000 units.
