December 3, 2013 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-goak) announced the launch of a synchronous buck-boost battery charge controller (product name: LT8490) for lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries. This product provides automatic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) functionality and temperature compensation features. The device operates at input voltages higher than, lower than, or equal to the regulated battery float voltage. LT8490's multi-function battery charger offers numerous selectable constant-current constant-voltage (CC-CV) charging profiles and is ideal for charging various lithium or lead-acid battery types including sealed lead acid, gel cell, and flooded cell. All charge termination algorithms are provided on-board, eliminating the need for separate software or firmware, thereby shortening design time.

LT8490 operates over a wide input voltage range from 6V to 80V and can generate battery float voltages from 1.3V to 80V using a single inductor with four-switch synchronous rectification. Depending on the selection of external FETs, this device can charge at high currents up to 10A. The LT8490's MPPT circuit enables sweeping across the entire operating range of a solar panel, allowing it to find the maximum power point even when local maximum points exist due to partial shading of the panel. Once the true maximum power point is found, LT8490 will operate at that point while using dithering techniques to rapidly track changes at local maximum power points. Using this methodology, LT8490 maximizes the power generated from the solar panel even in non-ideal operating environments.

LT8490 performs automatic temperature compensation of the battery charging voltage by sensing an external thermistor on the battery. The STATUS and FAULT pins can be used to drive LED indicator lamps. Charge current limiting can be adjusted with just one or two resistors, and the charge time range can be selected using an appropriate resistor divider. Other features of this device include input and charge current limiting pins, 3.3V regulated LDO output, status pins, and synchronizable fixed switching frequency.

LT8490 is available in a low-profile (0.75mm) 64-pin 7mm x 11mm QFN package. The device is offered in both E and I grades with guaranteed operation over the temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. Pricing for E-grade products starts at $10.35 per unit at 1,000-unit quantities. For detailed information, refer to www.linear.com/product/LT8490.