USB/AC Load-Sharing Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Battery Charger
Portable Design News, Thursday August 07, 2008
Microchip Technology Inc. has 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 ideal 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 simplifies the charging and powering of today’s portable electronic devices. With highly accurate voltage regulation of 0.5%, the new charger extends 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. 
The MCP73871 charge-management controller is ideal for portable consumer electronic products, such as GPS units, phone chargers, toys, cameras, PDAs, Bluetooth headsets, and many more.
The MCP73871 charger is available in a 20-pin, 4 mm x 4 mm QFN package, for $1.28 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler, AZ (480) 792-7200 [www.microchip.com]
