July 20, 2004

By: Peter Latta
Website: http://www.1st-in-batteries.com

Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX8724, a highly integrated, accurate, and efficient battery-charger

Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX8724, a highly integrated, accurate, and efficient battery-charger IC for notebook and subnotebook computers.

The MAX8724 charges two to four lithium-ion (Li+) cells in series at charge currents greater than 5A. The high DC-to-DC conversion efficiency is achieved through a synchronous-buck topology. This IC can be hardwired or controlled by a microprocessor.

The MAX8724 provides 0.5% accurate battery-voltage regulation, which enhances battery capacity and minimizes charging time. The charge-current regulation accuracy is 5%. Analog inputs control the input-current limit, charge current, and voltage.

The device provides three monitoring outputs that simplify design, and save external device costs and board space: two analog monitor outputs for charge current and input current, and a digital output for detecting AC adapter presence.

The MAX8724 also provides AC-adapter current limiting. The IC monitors the current drawn from the adapter and adjusts the charge current to a level at which supplying system load and the charger simultaneously does not overload the adapter. This feature enables system operation with inexpensive AC adapters. For more information, see .

About The Author:

Peter Latta is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-batteries.com.  A great resource for batteries of all kinds including camcorder, laptop, cell phone and more.