The IC's synchronous dc-dc step-down operation allows up to 96% operating efficiency from supplies from 6V to 28V supplies.
Also, the LTC4006 operates at up to 98% duty factor, which permits 0.5V dropout operation and allows charging from low voltage wall adapters. To improve safety during charging, the LTC4006 features a battery temperature monitor as well as overvoltage and overcurrent protection. End applications include memory backup systems, portable medical and automotive diagnostics, GPS, as well as notepad and notebook PCs.
The LTC4006 features a quasi-constant frequency, constant off-time architecture that doesn’t generate audible noise even when using ceramic capacitors. The IC is offered in three versions for 8.4V (2-cell), 12.6V (3-cell), and 16.8V (4-cell) float voltages with ±0.8% accuracy. Charging current is programmable with a resistor to ±4% typical accuracy. For gas gauging, a proprietary feature represents the charging current as a voltage to a microcontroller or an A/D converter. A resistor sets total charge time from 1 hr to 3 hr. The LTC4006 includes automatic recharge and trickle charging. It operates from -40°C to 85°C.
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