Includes lead-acid and lithium-ion charging algorithms for charging currents up to 20A

Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced the release of a highly integrated, high-voltage synchronous step-down battery charger controller (product name: LTC4013) for various battery types.

The LTC4013 offers a wide input range up to 60V and can efficiently charge 12V and 24V lead-acid batteries using a temperature-compensated 3/4-stage charging algorithm. The LTC4013 can also charge series-connected lithium-based battery stacks with a float voltage close to the input supply voltage. The mode pin defines the float voltage and the charging algorithm. The charging current is precisely regulated to ±5% and can be programmed up to 20A with a single resistor (depending on external component selection).

The LTC4013 features a user-adjustable maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit, which allows for simpler power optimization for power-limited sources such as solar panels. The open-circuit MPPT method enables correction for panel temperature changes without the need for additional solar panel temperature sensors.

This product can be utilized in applications such as portable medical equipment, monitoring equipment, battery backup systems, industrial handhelds, industrial lighting, military equipment, ruggedized laptops/tablet computers, and remote power supply communication and telemetry systems.

The LTC4013 uses N-channel MOSFETs for high-efficiency charging and features a wide battery charging voltage range of 0V to 60V. Since key charging functions can be controlled using pinstrap configurations and programmable resistors, users can select from several predefined charging algorithms depending on the battery type.

For lead-acid batteries, such as exhaust-plate type, lead-acid, and gel batteries, the LTC4013 supports multi-stage charging functions, including float, time-programmable absorption, and equalization. For lithium-ion/polymer cells, it provides constant current/constant voltage charging algorithms. The SYNC input allows the switching frequency to be synchronized with an external clock to avoid noise in a specific frequency range or to target a noise filter at a specific frequency.

In addition, it includes an external input MOSFET driver (INFET) to prevent battery discharge during input supply voltage short circuits, two open-drain status pins, and an ISMON pin that provides analog information about the charging current.

The LTC4013 is available in a compact 28-pin 4mm x 5mm QFN package and features exposed metal pads for superior thermal performance. Class E and I devices can operate over a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. Pricing for Class E starts at $3.95 per unit for 1,000-piece orders, and the product is currently in stock.