Boldly and confidently provide features that linear chargers have not previously provided

Background Information

Switch-mode battery chargers offer a wide range of operating voltages due to the flexibility of the topology, which can charge a variety of chemically charged batteries, provide high charging efficiency to minimize heat and provide fast charging, so Many applications. However, switching chargers also have some drawbacks, including relatively high cost, complex inductor-based designs, possible noise generation, and a large solution footprint. On the other hand, traditional linear topology battery chargers are often valued for their compact footprint, simplicity, and low cost. Disadvantages of traditional linear chargers include: limited input and battery voltage range; relatively high current consumption; excessive power consumption; limited charge termination algorithms; and relatively low efficiency (efficiency is approximately [VOUT/VIN] x 100%). Due to these advantages, switch mode chargers have been used in the past to power new lead-acid (LA) batteries, wireless power supplies, energy harvesting, solar charging, remote sensors, and embedded automotive applications. However, there is now an opportunity for an ultra-low current consumption, high voltage linear battery charger that does not have the disadvantages associated with typical linear chargers.

Cutting-edge applications require more efficient linear chargers

Some of the cutting-edge applications that benefit from innovative, high-voltage and ultra-low quiescent current linear chargers include:

● Sealed lead acid (SLA) battery applications with low charging current. The wide temperature range of SLA batteries is beneficial for many remote sensor/control applications. These remote applications typically have very low power and do not require fast charging, so low charging currents can be used, and such applications only need to keep the battery charged.

● In the case of wireless power, charging is performed at very low power levels, typically less than 100 mW.

• In energy harvesting applications with any micropower supply, low quiescent current is necessary to avoid competing for current with downstream loads.

● Solar charging obtains voltage from solar panels and batteries, and the voltage varies widely. For low power applications, linear chargers work well.

• Remote sensors for monitoring or control are typically used in low power industrial applications where the battery is primarily used for backup. Therefore, the charging time is not important and varies depending on the application. The input/battery voltage varies widely. In this type of application, a low IQ linear charger is suitable.

● The input voltage of embedded automotive applications is 30V, some even higher. For example, a GPS positioning system that acts as a tamper-proof deterrent. The typical voltage of a linear charger is 12V to two series Li-Ion battery voltages (typically 7.4V), which provides enhanced protection for higher voltages and is therefore useful for this type of application.