Linear Technology has introduced a versatile power manager and multi-chemistry battery charger.

The LTC4020 features ±0.5% charge voltage regulation and operates across a 4.5 to 55 V input voltage range, with output voltage up to 55 V. Coupled with three selectable termination algorithms, the controller can handle a variety of battery-stack voltages and chemistries. A step-up/step-down DC-DC controller enables operation with battery voltages above, below, or equal to the input voltage.

Linear’s PowerPath topology reduces the voltage range required by downstream system components to that of the expected battery-voltage range, and preferentially provides power to the system load when input power is limited. Instant-on operation ensures system load power with a fully discharged battery.

There are three pin-selectable charging profiles: a constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charge characteristic with C/10 or timed termination for lithium-based battery systems (Li-ion, Li-polymer, and LiFePO₄); constant-current (CC) characteristic with timed termination for charging supercapacitors or trickle-charging nickel-based batteries; and a four-step, three-stage charge profile for lead-acid batteries.

Packaging is a 38-pin, 5- by 7- by 0.75-mm QFN.

Source: Linear Technology via Electronic Design