July 15, 2015 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-gwak) announced the launch of the LTC4015, a highly integrated, high-voltage multichemistry synchronous step-down battery charger controller with onboard telemetry functionality. This device efficiently transfers power from various input sources such as wall adapters and solar panels to lithium-ion/polymer, LiFePO4, lead-acid battery stacks, and system loads up to 35V. The product provides advanced system monitoring and management capabilities including coulomb counting and health monitoring functions. While a host microcontroller is required to access the LTC4015's most advanced features, the I2C port option is optional. The product's primary charging functions can be adjusted using pin strap configuration and programming resistors.

The device provides precision charge current regulation up to ±5% at 20A maximum, ±0.5% charge voltage regulation, and operates over an input voltage range of 4.5V to 35V. Applications include portable medical devices, military equipment, battery backup applications, industrial handheld devices, industrial lighting, notebook/tablet computers, remote telemetry and telecommunications systems.

The LTC4015 includes precise 14-bit ADC (analog-to-digital converter) as well as high-precision coulomb counting. The ADC continuously monitors numerous system parameters on command, including input voltage, input current, battery voltage, and battery current, and reports battery temperature and BSR (battery series resistance). By monitoring these parameters, the LTC4015 can report both the state of charge and health status of the battery. All system parameters can be monitored through a 2-wire I2C interface, while programmable and maskable alarms ensure notification of critical information.

The LTC4015's onboard charge profile is optimized for various battery chemistries including lithium-ion/polymer, LiFePO4, and lead-acid. Through configuration pins, users can select from multiple predefined charging algorithms for each battery chemistry, as well as multiple algorithms with parameters that can be adjusted via I2C. Charge voltage and charge current can be automatically adjusted based on battery temperature to comply with JEITA guidelines or customer-specific settings.

The LTC4015 is packaged in a 5mm x 7mm QFN package with an external metal pad for superior thermal performance. Devices in E and I grades are guaranteed to operate over the temperature range of –40°C to 125°C. Based on a quantity of 1,000 units, the E-grade device starts at $5.95 and is available for immediate delivery. For more information, refer to www.linear.com/product/LTC4015.

35VIN/35VOUT Step-Down Power Manager Charger Controller

Product Features: LTC4015

· Multichemistry lithium-ion/polymer, LiFePO4, lead-acid charger

· High-efficiency synchronous step-down controller charger

· 14-bit ADC for VBAT, IBAT, VIN, IIN, VSYSTEM monitoring & die temperature

· Battery capacity & battery health monitor

o Precision coulomb counting

o 14-bit ADC for BSR & battery temperature monitoring

· Wide charge input voltage range: 4.5V to 35V

· Wide battery voltage range up to 35V

· Advanced maximum power point tracking algorithm

· Optional I2C serial port control

· Ship/storage features to maximize battery shelf life

· Low-loss PowerPath™ providing input & output ideal diode

· 38-pin 5mm x 7mm QFN package with enhanced thermal performance