Synchronous monolithic multi-chemistry PowerPath charger with telemetry and MPPT operation

Analog Devices announces the Power by Linear™ LTC4162, a highly integrated, high voltage multi-chemistry synchronous monolithic step-down battery charger and PowerPath™ manager with onboard telemetry functions and optional maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The LTC4162 efficiently transfers power from a variety of input sources, such as wall adapters, backplanes and solar panels, to charge a Li-Ion/Polymer, LiFePO₄ or lead-acid battery stack and provide power to a system load up to 35V. The device provides advanced system monitoring and PowerPath management, plus battery health monitoring. While a host microcontroller is required to access the most advanced features of the LTC4162, the use of the I²C port is optional. The main charging features of the product can be adjusted using pin-strap configurations and programming resistors. The device offers precision ±5% charge current regulation up to 3.2A, ±0.75% charge voltage regulation and operates over a 4.5V to 35V input voltage range. Applications include portable medical instruments, USB power delivery profile 1-5 devices, military equipment, industrial handhelds and ruggedized notebook/tablet computers.

The LTC4162 contains an accurate 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that continuously monitors numerous system parameters on command, including input voltage, input current, battery voltage, battery current, output voltage, battery temperature, die temperature and battery series resistance (BSR). All system parameters can be monitored via a 2-wire I²C interface, while programmable and maskable alerts ensure that only the information of interest causes an interrupt. The device’s active maximum power point tracking algorithm globally sweeps an input undervoltage control loop and selects an operating point to maximize power extraction from solar panels and other resistive sources. Further, the LTC4162’s PowerPath topology decouples the output voltage from the battery, thereby allowing a portable product to start-up instantly when a charging source is applied under very low battery voltage conditions.

The LTC4162’s onboard charging profiles are optimized for each of a variety of battery chemistries, including Li-Ion/Polymer, LiFePO₄ and lead acid. Both charge voltage and charge current can be automatically adjusted based on battery temperature to comply with JEITA guidelines, or custom settings.

The LTC4162 is housed in a 28-lead, 4mm x 5mm QFN package with an exposed metal pad for excellent thermal performance. E- and I-grade devices are guaranteed for operation from –40°C to 125°C. All devices are available from stock. For more information, visit http://www.analog.com/LTC4162.