Charge-Management Controllers Integrate Multiple Features

The MCP73833 and MCP73834 single-cell, high-current linear charge-management controllers integrate several key standard features on one chip for reliable charging of high-capacity Li-Ion and Li-Polymer batteries. The controllers incorporate a pass transistor, current-sense, and reverse-discharge protection, eliminating the need for external components. Safety features onboard the MCP73833/4 include charge timers, battery-temperature feedback, and thermal current regulation. Device-specific features include a power-good output on the MCP73833 and a timer-enable input on the MCP73834. The timer-enable input can disable the timer when the battery is charged at the same time that current is supplied to the system.

Both devices offer a low-dropout regulator test mode that enables application system test even in the absence of a battery. They also feature two status outputs to provide the user with additional information about the battery charger's state. The 1-A charging current and support for multiple regulated output voltages (4.2-, 4.35-, 4.4-, and 4.5 V) allows the devices to be used with early-generation batteries as well as newer batteries. To support circuit development, Microchip offers the MCP73833 Li-Ion Battery-Charger Evaluation Board (part number MCP73833EV) for $20. The controllers come in 10-pin MSOP or DFN (3- by 3-mm) packages.