Microcontroller Switch-Mode Battery Charger Circuit

Microcontroller Battery Charger Circuit

In applications where a microcontroller is available, the
MAX1640/MAX1641 can be used as a low-cost battery
charger (Figure 5). The controller takes over fast
charge, pulse-trickle charge, charge termination, and
other smart functions. By monitoring the output voltage
at VOUT, the controller initiates fast charge (set D0 and
D1 high), terminates fast charge and initiates top-off
(set D0 high and D1 low), enters trickle charge (set D0
low and D1 high), or shuts off and terminates current
flow (set D0 and D1 low).
more pdf


MAX846A Li+ charger with charge timer and LED-status

outputs, controlled by an 8-pin Microcontroller

In this example, a small external µP enhances the MAX846A,
forming a complete desktop-charger system that includes
user-interface functions such as the LEDs in Figure (to indicate
the charge process and status). The MAX846A is designed for
this type of operation. Its auxiliary linear regulator and µP-reset
circuit (to support the external µC) reduces the cost of a typical
desktop-charger application.

more

Switch-Mode Battery Charger Circuit

Fast, High Effi ciency, Standalone NiMH/NiCd Battery
Charging Circuit

Figure 1 shows a fast, 2A charger featuring the
high effi ciency LTC4011 550kHz synchronous buck
converter. The LTC4011 simplifi es charger design by
integrating all of the features needed to charge Ni-based
batteries, including constant current control circuitry,
charge termination, automatic trickle and top off
charge, automatic recharge, programmable timer,
PowerPath control and multiple status outputs. Such a
high level of integration lowers the component count,
enabling a complete charger to occupy less than 4cm2
of board area.

more


Battery Charger Delivers 2.5A With >96% Efficiency
Battery chargers are usually designed without regard for
efficiency, but the heat generated by low-efficiency
chargers can present a problem. For those applications,
the charger of Figure 1 delivers 2.5A with efficiency as
high as 96%. It can charge a battery of one to six cells
while operating from a car battery.

Figure 1. Modified feedback paths transform this switch-mode
power-supply circuit for notebook computers into a
high-efficiency battery charger.
more pdf