Battery-Charger IC Cuts Circuit Size In Half

Measuring only 5.6 cm², the LTC4008 4-A multicell, multichemistry battery-pack charger is 50% smaller than conventional battery charger designs. The IC drives external MOSFETs synchronously to achieve over 95% efficiency when operating from a high input voltage and delivers up to 4 A of charge current. It guarantees no audible noise operation with all types of output capacitors, including ceramic. Charging current is programmable to ±4% accuracy with external resistors. Also, the device includes I/O signals for simple reporting of the system status. The LTC4008, offered in a 20-pin SSOP, starts at $3.70 each in 1000-unit quantities.