IC Maximizes Charge Rate Without Overheating

With internal thermal regulation, the LTC1733 Li-ion battery charger allows users to set the charge current at the maximum rate allowed by the battery without the risk of overheating. The chip automatically reduces charging current under high ambient temperature conditions. Features include a programmable charge-termination timer, C/10 indicator, automatic recharge trickle charging, thermistor input, wall-adapter detection, and a charge-current monitor for gas gauging. Either 4.1V or 4.2V battery chemistries with 1% float-voltage accuracy can be charged and charge current can be programmed up to 1.5A with an accuracy of 7%. Available in a 10-pin MSOP, price starts at $2.35 each/1,000. LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (408) 432-1900.