Pulse-Width Modulator from Microchip

11th October 2007

ES Admin

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Microchip has announced the MCP1631 2.0 MHz, high-speed Pulse Width Modulator (PWM). The MCP1631 PWM provides a means to close the feedback loop in Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPSs) that use microcontrollers for general system intelligence and control. The integration of the SMPS input and output interfaces in the MCP1631, via its high-speed voltage comparator, battery-voltage and current-sense amplifiers, and its 1A MOSFET driver, enable designers to use this single device to perform many different functions in their designs.

The device also includes protection features, such as under-voltage lockout and over-temperature protection. The end result is a smaller design footprint and lower overall cost. Designs based on the MCP1631 are capable of charging multiple battery chemistries, including Li-Ion, NiMH, NiCd and Lead Acid.

Since the MCP1631 is controlled by a programmable microcontroller, exact charge profiles for a variety of system needs can be accurately met, while providing the speed and precision needed for safe charging and long battery life.

A high-voltage version of the MCP1631 PWM is available (part number MCP1631HV), which includes a Linear Regulator (LDO) that supports input voltages from 6V to 16V. The standard version of the device does not include the LDO, and operates directly from 3V to 5.5V. The wide range of possible applications for the new devices includes handheld medical, consumer and industrial electronic devices that require power management and SMPS technology, with a focus on battery charging.

The MCP1631 Battery Charger Reference Design (part number MCP1631RD-MCC1) is available to help designers evaluate the new MCP1631HV in their applications. The design includes a PIC16F883 microcontroller, which manages the charge algorithm and selects the battery type and number of cells for the application. It operates from a 12V supply and is capable of charging 1- or 2-cell Li-Ion, or 1 - 4 NiMH batteries in series.