General Description

The MAX846A is a cost-saving multichemistry battery charger system that comes in a space-saving 16-pin QSOP. This integrated system allows different battery chemistries (Li-Ion, NiMH or NiCd cells) to be charged using one circuit.

In its simplest application, the MAX846A is a stand alone, current-limited float voltage source that charges Li-Ion cells. It can also be paired up with a low-cost microcontroller (µC) to build a universal charger capable of charging Li-Ion, NiMH, and NiCd cells.

Features

♦ Multichemistry Charger System (Li-Ion, NiMH, NiCd)

♦ Independent Voltage and Current Loops

♦ ±0.5 Internal Reference for Li-Ion Cells

♦ Lowers Cost:

   —Stands Alone or Uses Low-Cost µC

   —Built-In 1 Linear Regulator Powers µC

   —Linear Regulator Provides Reference to µC ADCs

   —Built-In µC Reset

   —Controls Low-Cost External PNP Transistor or

      P-Channel MOSFET

♦ Space-Saving 16-Pin QSOP

♦ Charging-Current-Monitor Output

♦

Applications

   Li-Ion Battery Packs

   Desktop Cradle Chargers

   Li-Ion/NiMH/NiCd Multichemistry Battery Chargers

   Cellular Phones

   Notebook Computers

   Hand-Held Instruments