Power Chip Converts DC Sources Into Battery Chargers

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Converting externally-compensated dc/dc power supplies into full-featured battery chargers, the LTC4000 high-voltage controller and power manager drives typical dc/dc converter topologies including buck, boost, buck-boost, SEPIC, and flyback. The device operates across a 3V to 60V input and output voltage range and is compatible with different input sources, battery stacks, and chemistries. It also features an intelligent PowerPath topology that preferentially provides power to the system load when input power is limited. External sense resistors and precision sensing allow the LTC4000 to operate with converters spanning power ranges from mW to kW. Available in a 28-pin QFN package measuring 4 mm x 5 mm or a 28-lead SSOP, price is $3.95 each/1,000. LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (800) 454-6327.