USB Li-Ion Battery Chargers Reduce Heat

In addition to accelerated charging times, the FAN5400 family of USB-compliant, li-ion switching chargers with USB On-The-Go capabilities promise to overcome the thermal issues associated with current linear chargers. Viable for single- or parallel-cell charging, the switchmode chargers provide up to 94% efficiency. They integrate a 5V/300-mA boost regulator that uses the same inductor as the charger, thereby reducing external component count. Both the charger and boost circuit switch at 3 MHz. In 1.96 mm x 1.87 mm, 20-bump 0.4-mm pitch CSPs, pricing for the FAN5400 is $1.18 each/1,000. FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR, San Jose, CA. (800) 341-0392.