Microchip Unveils MCP73831 Fully-integrated, Single-cell, Li-Ion/Polymer Battery Charger
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Microchip Technology Expands Analog Power Management Family with
New SOT-23, Fully-integrated Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Battery Charger
Small, single-cell charger is offered in miniature, 2 mm x 3 mm, thermally enhanced DFN package and enables highly accurate output-voltage regulation
CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 15, 2005 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the expansion of its analog power-management family with the MCP73831 battery charger – a fully-integrated, single-cell, Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charge-management controller. Equipped with a pass transistor, current sense and reverse-discharge protection, the MCP73831 charger reduces the number of components needed for battery-charger designs. Its highly accurate, pre-set voltage regulation (maximum accuracy 0.5 percent to 0.75 percent) results in more fully charged batteries and extended battery life. The device’s SOT-23 5-pin and miniature 2 mm x 3 mm 8-pin, thermally enhanced DFN packages enable smaller, smarter charger designs for a wide variety of portable consumer devices such as wireless Bluetooth® headsets, MP3 players and digital cameras.
Because the MCP73831 charge-management controller includes a pass transistor, current sense and reverse-discharge protection on a single chip, it reduces the number of system components needed for battery-charger designs, thereby lowering overall system costs. The integrated charger provides highly accurate output-voltage regulation, with a maximum accuracy of 0.5 percent to 0.75 percent, resulting in more effectively charged batteries with longer life. Its thermally efficient DFN package option allows high charging currents of up to 500 mA for faster charging. The controller also features on-chip thermal regulation that decreases charge current when temperatures become too hot, thus preventing damage to the integrated circuit. Further, the MCP73831’s charge current is user-programmable, enabling designers to customize charging currents for specific applications.
“The MCP73831 charge management controller offers the best combination of features, output-voltage regulation, and thermally-efficient packaging on the market for small, Li-Ion and Li-Polymer-powered applications,” said Keith Pazul, marketing manager with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. “This new charger supports market trends toward consumer devices that deliver higher performance and longer battery life in miniature packages. We are pleased to be a part of this trend with this latest addition to our analog power management family.”
Another key feature of the MCP73831 charger is its simple status output pin that directly drives single or multi-color light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The charger also supports multiple regulation voltage outputs, making it an effective charging solution for many types of Li-Ion battery technologies. The MCP73831 is ideal for battery-powered consumer applications requiring small size and thermal regulation, such as wireless headsets, MP3 players, and digital cameras.
Microchip offers the MCP73831EV Evaluation Board for $45 to support the development of battery charger applications using the MCP73831 charger. The board will be available on December 1 at http://buy.microchip.com/.
Pricing and Availability
The MCP73831 fully integrated, single-cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charger is offered in a 5-pin SOT-23 package for $0.70 each in 10K-unit quantities. The charger is also offered in the thermally enhanced, 2 mm x 3 mm, 8-pin DFN package for $0.77 each in 10K-unit quantities.
The MCP73831 is available today for sampling and volume production. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at www.microchip.com/MCP73831.
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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Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the USA and other countries. The Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
**Photo and block diagram available through editorial contact**
Keywords:
Semiconductor Applications: Wireless Communications; Cordless/Mobile Terminals
Semiconductor Applications: Consumer; Audio; Portable Audio/MP3
Semiconductor Applications: Consumer; Cameras/Electronic Imaging; Still
Semiconductor Applications: Consumer; Cameras/Electronic Imaging; Movie (Camcorders)