Multicell charger chip boosts accuracy and safety

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jun 14, 2004

A novel multicell battery charger is claimed to produce new levels of performance and cost savings for notebook PCs and other portable devices that run on multicell Li-ion or Li-polymer battery packs.

The new ISL6253 multicell battery charger is claimed to lead the industry in raising the standards of performance and cost savings to the next level for notebook PCs and all other portable devices that run on multicell Li-ion or Li-polymer battery packs.

The superior battery performance, improved safety and reduced implementation costs resulting from the use of the ISL6253 are largely attributed to this charger's industry-leading accuracy over an extended temperature range of -10 to +100C.

Over this temperature range, the ISL6253's voltage regulation accuracy remains within +/-0.5%, charge current accuracy stays within +/-4% and source current monitoring accuracy resides in the narrow +/-3% range.

These combined levels of accuracy are unmatched by any other solution and provide the best handling of the battery under charge.

This results in faster, more complete charging under safer conditions.

Tighter source current monitoring accuracy insures that the maximum amount of current is available for charging when the system is operating near the limit.

This accuracy allows the designer the discretion of using a smaller and less costly AC adapter to complete the charging solution.

This may also allow the use of a less costly adapter that does not use power factor correction.

The ISL6253 contributes further to safety with its DC source power detection capability.

This charger is the only device on the market that is able to recognise the connection of a DC source - such as those available on commercial aircraft - and respond by signalling the host to halt charging for enhanced battery safety.

The ISL6253 automatically selects between AC/DC and battery power as needed.

The suggested resale price in 1000-unit quantities for the ISL6253HRZ (QFN) is $2.36 and is $2.26 for the ISL6253HAZ (QSOP).