General Description

The low-cost MAX1873R/S/T provides all functions needed to simply and efficiently charge 2-, 3-, or 4- series lithium-ion cells at up to 4A or more. It provides a regulated charging current and voltage with less than ±0.75 total voltage error at the battery terminals. An external P-channel MOSFET operates in a step-down DC-DC configuration to efficiently charge batteries in low-cost designs.

Features

♦ Low-Cost and Simple Circuit

♦ Charges 2-, 3-, or 4-Series Lithium-Ion Cells

♦ AC Adapter Input-Current-Limit Loop

♦ Also Charges Ni-Based Batteries

♦ Analog Output Monitors Charge Current

♦ ±0.75 Battery-Regulation Voltage

♦ 5µA Shutdown Battery Current

♦ Input Voltage Up to 28V

♦ 200mV Dropout Voltage/100 Duty Cycle

♦ Adjustable Charging Current

♦ 300kHz PWM Oscillator Reduces Noise

♦ Space-Saving 16-Pin QSOP

♦ MAX1873 Evaluation Kit Available to Speed Designs

Applications

Notebook Computers

Portable Internet Tablets

2-, 3-, or 4-cell Li+ Battery Pack Chargers

6-, 9-, or 10-cell Ni Battery Pack Chargers

Hand-Held Instruments

Portable Desktop Assistants (PDAs)

Desktop Cradle Chargers