Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Charger ICs can be powered via USB port.
Press Release Summary:
Supporting charge currents up to 500 mA, MCP73811 and MCP73812 are single-cell devices that provide fully integrated charge-management functions. Both come with integrated current sense, pass transistor, and reverse battery protection as well as on-chip thermal regulation safety feature. While MCP73811 provides charge currents without intervention from external components, MCP73812 offers user-programmable charge current via external resistor.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Announces Simple, Single-Cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Chargers in SOT-23 Packages
Cost-Effective Devices are USB-Compatible and Enable Charge Currents up to 500 mA
CHANDLER, Ariz., March 26, 2007 [NASDAQ: MCHP] - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MCP73811 and MCP73812 (MCP7381X) Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charge-management controllers. These simple, single-cell devices provide fully integrated charge-management functions, and selectable or programmable charge currents up to 500 mA in a 5-pin SOT-23 package. They are USB compatible and come with integrated current sense, pass transistor and reverse battery protection onboard to enable smaller, more cost-effective designs.
Because they conform to USB output-power specifications, the MCP7381X charge-management controllers can be powered via the USB ports on most PCs. This eliminates the need for an external power adapter, and saves end users the trouble of finding an electrical outlet to charge their portable device. Additionally, the devices feature on-chip thermal regulation, which decreases charge current if the temperature rises above safe levels. The remaining feature set of the family is minimized, in order to provide a very cost-effective charging solution.
"As more and more applications are beginning to utilize Li-Ion and Li-Polymer batteries, small, low-cost battery-charging solutions are needed," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "The MCP7381X chargers support this demand and provide the features necessary for a complete, yet cost-effective, charging solution."
Both MCP7381X devices are ideal for consumer electronic devices, such as rechargeable toys and low-cost MP3 players.
Other Key Features
With their charge-enable input, the MCP7381X charge-management controllers provide a very simple interface for designers to use. The MCP73811 has a digital input and selectable USB charge currents of either 85 mA or 450 mA, meaning it provides charge currents without intervention from external components. The MCP73812 offers a user-programmable charge current via an external resistor, enabling designers to optimize charge currents for their particular application.
Pricing & Availability
The MCP73811 charge-management controller is priced at $0.57 each, and the MCP73812 at $0.59 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples are available today at sample.microchip.com. Volume production orders can be placed today at www.microchipdirect.com.
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About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
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