Linear launches high-voltage battery charger

Linear Technology has introduced the LT3652HV, a higher-voltage version of the LT3652 monolithic buck battery charger for applications including solar-powered systems and automotive equipment.

The LT3652HV offers a wider battery float voltage range than the LT3652 - up to 18V - and features the same input voltage regulation loop that controls charge current to hold the input voltage at a programmed level.

It is said to have the flexibility to charge many different battery configurations from various input supplies, and when it is connected to a solar panel, the input regulation loop maintains the panel at peak output power.

The LT3652HV accepts a range of inputs from 4.95V to 34V with a 40V absolute maximum rating for added system margin.

The input voltage regulation loop also allows optimised charging from poorly regulated sources where the input can collapse under over-current conditions.

It charges a variety of battery pack configurations, including one to four Li-ion/polymer cells in series, one to five LifePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells in series and sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries up to 18V.

Applications include solar-powered systems, 12V to 24V automotive equipment and battery chargers.

The LT3652HV's charge current is programmable up to 2A.

The standalone battery charger requires no external microcontroller and features user-selectable termination, including C/10 or an onboard timer.

The device's 1MHz fixed switching frequency enables small solution sizes.

Float voltage feedback accuracy is specified at +/-0.5 per cent, charge current accuracy is +/-5 per cent and C/10 detection accuracy is +/-2.5 per cent.

Once charging is terminated, the LT3652HV automatically enters a low-current standby mode, which reduces the input supply current to 85uA.

In shutdown, the input bias current is reduced to 15uA.

For autonomous charge control, an auto-recharge feature starts a new charging cycle if the battery voltage falls 2.5 per cent below the programmed float voltage.

The LT3652HV is available in thermally enhanced packages: a low-profile (0.75mm) 12-pin 3 x 3mm DFN package, and a 12-lead MSOP package.

Both are available in E- and I- grade versions, guaranteed from - 40C to 125C.

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