Battery Charger Requires No External Components

Measuring 9 mm2, the LTC4058 linear, single-cell Li-Ion battery charger requires no external components and operates independently of charge monitoring, charge termination, and protection firmware. The device employs a patented thermal regulator that promises maximum charge current, regardless of ambient temperature and without the aid of a heatsink. Three pins are included for reporting charge-current levels for gas gauging, the presence of input power, and charge status. The device operates from a supply voltage from 4.25V to 6.5V (10V maximum) and charges 4.5V batteries in both constant-current and-voltage modes. Price is $1.70 each/1,000. LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (800) 454-6327.