Linear Technology’s LTC4015 is a highly integrated, high-voltage, multi-chemistry synchronous step-down battery charger controller with onboard telemetry functions. It efficiently transfers power from a variety of input sources, such as wall adaptors and solar panels, to a Li-Ion/polymer, LiFePO4 or lead-acid battery stack and system load up to 35 V.
The device provides advanced system monitoring and management functionality, including battery coulomb counting and health monitoring. While a host microcontroller is required to access its most advanced features, the use of an I²C port is optional. The main charging features of the product can be adjusted using pin-strap configurations and programming resistors.
The LTC4015 offers precision ±5% charge current regulation up to 20 A, ±0,5% charge voltage regulation and operation over a 4,5 V to 35 V input voltage range. Applications include portable medical instruments, military equipment, battery backup applications, industrial handhelds, industrial lighting, ruggedised notebooks/tablet computers, and remote powered communication and telemetry systems.
An accurate 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is integrated, as well as a high-precision coulomb counter. The ADC continuously monitors numerous system parameters, including input voltage, input current, battery voltage and battery current, and reports battery temperature and battery series resistance (BSR) on command. By monitoring these parameters, the chip can report on the state of health of the battery, as well as its state of charge. All system parameters can be monitored via a 2-wire I²C interface, while programmable and maskable alerts ensure that only the information of interest causes an interrupt.
The LTC4015’s onboard charging profiles are optimised for each of a variety of battery chemistries including Li-Ion/polymer, LiFePO4 and lead-acid. Configuration pins allow the user to select between several predefined charge algorithms for each battery chemistry, as well as several algorithms whose parameters can be adjusted via I²C. Both charge voltage and charge current can be automatically adjusted based on battery temperature to comply with JEITA guidelines, or custom settings.
The device is housed in a 5 x 7 mm QFN package with an exposed metal pad for thermal performance. E- and I-grade devices are guaranteed for operation from -40°C to 125°C.
For more information contact Conrad Coetzee, Arrow Altech Distribution, +27 (0)11 923 9600, [email protected], www.arrow.altech.co.za
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| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.altronarrow.com |
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