Battery Charger IC Boasts High Integration

Introduced as a single-cell lithium-ion/polymer battery charger IC, the AAT3687 Battery Manager squeezes a charging device, reverse blocking diode, and current sensing circuit into a lead-free 3 mm x 3 mm TDFN package. The IC is expected to reduce component count in a wide range of portable, battery-powered products. The charger supports charging currents up to 1.5A across an input voltage range of 4.0V to 5.5V. In addition, an active thermal management system regulates fast charge while maintaining a constant current for all ambient temperatures and input vs. output voltage conditions. According to the company, innovative features such as an active thermal loop charge reduction circuit reduces charging time by allowing the charger to operate at whatever rate is accessible up to 1.5A. If the charging rate exceeds thermal dissipation, this function automatically adjusts the charger to a lower current, rather than turning it off, until sufficient heat is dissipated. Status monitor pins indicate battery charge states by directly driving two external LEDs. The device can also report up to twelve different charging status states to a microcontroller through an embedded serial interface. Other features include an adapter present indicator, automatic recharge sequencing, and full battery charge turn-off or sleep mode. Prices start at $1.64 each/1,000. ADVANCED ANALOGIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 737-4600.