Semtech Launches Highly Integrated, Low-Cost Li-Ion and Li-Polymer Battery Charger ICCost-saving and flexible features of new SC803 chip extend Semtech's leadership position in portable power management solutions Camarillo, California - May 28, 2003 Semtech Corp. (NASDAQ: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced availability of the SC803, a new and economical Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-polymer battery charger management system on a chip. The complete, fully programmable device packs a bounty of valuable features in a tiny, thermally efficient package.
"Portability inherently generates strict design constraints for engineers, not only in terms of board space, but also with regard to overall costs and time-to-market. Li-based batteries, which are growing as a preferred power source for many products, require precise charging control, both for safety and for prolonged battery life," says Eddie Yeow, Director of Portable Power Management at Semtech. "The economically-priced SC803 effectively deals with all of these challenges, offering accommodating and flexible functionality in an extremely small, environmentally friendly package." In a single chip, the highly integrated SC803 combines controller, thermally protected power MOSFET, reverse-blocking diode, and sense resistor-elements that comprise a complete charging management system. The only required external components are a few small capacitors for input/output filtering needs. The device's 4mm x 4mm footprint, 0.9mm height, lead-free, micro-leaded package (MLP) provides efficient heat dissipation to promote optimal system performance in a very small PCB area. This feature combination allows engineers to cut cost, board space, and design effort over competing solutions. Generous PerformanceThe SC803 delivers impressive cost versus performance metrics as well, including a fast charge current of up to 1.5A. An automatic current-limited precharge mode (10mA to 125mA for batteries under 2.87V) prevents overheating fully discharged batteries, only switching to fast-charge mode after a battery reaches a 2.8V threshold. The SC803 accepts input voltages from 4.2V to 7V, providing a selectable output at 4.1V or 4.2V, regulated to +/- one percent accuracy. The device's programmable precharge, fast-charge, and charge-termination current modes enable a range of custom charge patterns, for safe charging over the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). Advanced Protection and Monitoring FeaturesThe SC803 includes a battery-in-place monitor that senses and indicates whether a battery is present. If not, the device functions like a conventional low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator, providing the correct power for system operation. The device offers Kelvin sensor inputs for monitoring battery-terminal voltage, plus an output current mode monitor for direct connection to an analog-to-digital converter or microcontroller. The latter can be used to restart the charging process in the event of low battery voltage, inadequate charge rate, or charge interruption. Further, in monitor or shutdown mode, the SC803 draws only one microampere of power (0.1 microampere at 25°C, typically)-an important benefit for battery-powered systems. The SC803 offers dedicated current source outputs to directly drive indicator LEDs for overvoltage fault, charge (adapter) present, and charging or end-of-charge conditions. Overcurrent and overvoltage protection is supported for all charging modes. Soft-start operation is also available, a feature that is useful under conditions of step loading or step input, such as when a power adapter is connected. Key Features of the SC803
Pricing and AvailabilitySamples and production volumes of the fully integrated SC803 battery charging system-on-a-chip, in a thermally enhanced 4 x 4 mm MLP, are now available through authorized Semtech representatives and distributors. Prices start at $1.57 each in 1,000-unit quantities, and datasheets are available on the Web at www.semtech.com. About SemtechSemtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutons and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, test and measurement, and high-speed clock/logic products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com. Press ContactTerry Sears, Marketing Communications Manager, Telephone: 805.498.2111 |
The SC803 helps reduce the cost, design effort, and footprint for essential charge-management systems in cell phones, and other battery-based systems like portable digital assistants, handheld meters, handheld computers, digital cameras, and desktop battery charging stations. The device is well suited for USB charging needs and as a general purpose programmable current source.
