Li-Ion Pulse Charger Dissipates Little Heat

Boasting of 94% less heat dissipation than comparable devices, the LTC4052 standalone, pulse charger for single-cell Li-Ion/Li-Pol batteries dissipates approximately 280 mW while fast charging at 0.8A from a 5.2V input source. Similar chargers dissipate up to 1.8W typical, the company says. The device features an inductor-less design and comes in a 10-lead MSOP measuring 70 mm2 and less than 1.7 mm in height. It includes overcurrent protection and requires a current-limited wall adapter to control the level of charge current. Fully integrated, the device requires no external MOSFET or blocking diode and operates from a 4.5V to 12V input source with a 1% float voltage accuracy. Other integrated features include a 0.35‡ NMOS switch, sense resistor, and a programmable charge-termination timer. Price starts at $1.85 each/1,000. For further information, contact LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (800) 454-6327.