Battery charger IC accepts inputs from 4.95-32V

Linear Technology has introduced the LT3652, a solar power directed monolithic buck battery charger IC for modern battery chemistries.

The LT3652 features an input voltage regulation loop, which controls charge current to hold the input voltage at a programmed level.

When the LT3652 is connected to a solar panel, the input regulation loop maintains the panel at peak output power.

The charger accepts a wide range of inputs from 4.95V to 32V with a 40V absolute maximum rating for added system margin.

The input voltage regulation loop also allows optimised charging from poorly regulated sources where the input can collapse under over-current conditions.

It charges a variety of battery pack configurations, including 1-3 Li-ion/polymer cells in series, 1-4 LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells in series and sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries up to 14.4V.

Applications include solar-powered systems, 12V to 24V automotive equipment and battery chargers.

The LT3652's charge current is programmable up to 2A.

This standalone battery charger requires no external microcontroller, and features user-selectable termination, including C/10 or an onboard timer.

The device's 1MHz fixed switching frequency enables small solution sizes.

Float voltage feedback accuracy is specified at +/- 0.5 per cent, charge accuracy is +/- 5 per cent and C/10 detection accuracy is +/- 2.5 per cent.

Once charging is terminated, the LT3652 automatically enters a low-current standby mode, which reduces the input supply current to 85uA.

In shutdown, the input bias current is reduced to 15uA.

For autonomous charge control, an auto-recharge feature starts a new charging cycle if the battery voltage falls 2.5 per cent below the programmed float voltage.

The LT3652 is available in a low-profile (0.75mm) 12-pin 3 x 3mm DFN package, and is offered in both E and I grade versions, guaranteed from -40C to 125C.

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