Develop Affordable Mixed-Signal Battery-Charger Designs

OPTIONAL FEATURES
Using a single microcontroller and multiple high-speed analog PWM modules makes it possible to add charger bays for multi-bay applications, as well as out-of-phase switching techniques and input power-budgeting features. Such firmware increases system precision because they enable the calibration of the Li-ion termination voltages and charge currents.

By using a mixed-signal approach to developing battery chargers, battery-charger designs can exploit the best of both the analog and digital worlds. A mixed-signal approach enables high-frequency operation (500 kHz) and high-speed protection (12-ns current sense to output), and it minimizes the size of filtering components. In addition, the system's programmable digital features allow appropriate determination of stage-of-charge and set charge current.

Because it facilitates the programming of settings and currents, firmware enhances new battery-charging methods. This approach differentiates one mixed-signal design from another. This type of design isn't limited to Li-ion and NiMH batteries, and it leaves the door open for the programming of future rechargeable technologies into the system.