Flexible 4A Charger ICs Offer Universal Input, Ultra-fast Charging, Safety and Tiny Solution Size in Smartphones and Tablets

The SMB349 incorporates CurrentPath technology with dual system/battery outputs (for instant-on with discharged or missing battery), while the SMB359 provides a single output.

Both products include Summit’s FlexCharge automatic power source detection and patented FlexCharge+ automatic input voltage detection technologies to support universal USB/AC battery charging and comply with industry standard like USB2.0/3.0/BC1.2. Also Summit’s patented TurboCharge high-efficiency switch-mode charger, TurboCharge+ automatic float voltage compensation and OptiCharge automatic input current limit technologies, combined with SafeCharge JEITA/IEEE1725 battery safety support, optimize the solution and provide the industry’s fastest, safest battery charging.

Like all of Summit’s battery charging solutions, these devices are highly integrated and highly flexible. Digital I2C control and non-volatile configuration allow for host-based control while maintaining the simplicity of stand-alone operation. Parameters and functions are easily reconfigured for various applications or system modes. High integration keeps external components to a minimum while high-frequency operation and CSP packaging contribute to a tiny solution size.

The SMB349/359 are the ideal charging and system power solutions for virtually any portable application that utilize high-capacity batteries, require reliable and fast charging and feature very compact industrial designs. Target portable devices include smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks, digital camcorders, portable media players, and portable game consoles/controllers.

The SMB349/359 incorporate the latest suite of Summit’s class-leading battery/system power management features, including industry standards as well as proprietary and patented ones. In addition to the general flexibility provided by the digital I2C interface and non-volatile configuration, these new products provide several features to make the battery charging solution more flexible.

Flexcharge supports industry-standard USB2.0/3.0/BC1.2 specifications and automatically adapts to virtually any +5V (nominal) USB host/hub or AC/DC power input while it presets input current limit to 100/150/500/900mA. Additionally proprietary patented FlexCharge+ adapts to a wide range of input voltages from +3.6V to +16V recognizing various AC/DC adapters and protecting the system from under/overvoltage or defective power sources. For AC/DC adapters from 500mA-3500mA the SMB349/359 employ patented OptiCharge technology to automatically detect and dynamically adjust the input current limit to maximize the charging current while staying safely below the adapter’s current rating. Together FlexCharge and OptiCharge deliver the combined benefit of universal, optimized and safe charging from practically any USB or AC/DC source.

The core charger is Summit’s proven, fourth-generation TurboCharge high-efficiency switch-mode DC-DC technology providing 30% to 50% faster charge time while reducing power dissipation by 70% over traditional charging solutions. New and patented TurboCharge+ technology further reduces charge time by compensating for internal parasitic losses within the battery. This yields faster charging without requiring increases in charge current. Embedded within the core charger is support for USB On-the-Go and MHL/HDMI, up to 900mA, without additional components or cost.

The ultimate result of this powerful suite of features is improved user experience in the form of simple, safe, reliable and fast battery charging. This translates into fewer service calls, fewer merchandise returns and thus lower costs and greater subscriber revenue for wireless carriers and a better quality reputation for OEMs.

“The SMB349 and SMB359 introduce the industry’s first true fast charging solutions for high-capacity batteries in tablet and smartphone applications. Only Summit provides fast charging in conjunction with proprietary features for universal input flexibility, battery safety and ultra-compact low-profile designs,” stated George Paparrizos, Summit marketing director. “Like Summit’s entire battery charger family the SMB349 and SMB359 incorporate digital programmability with non-volatile configuration for the most flexible system designs.”

The SMB349/359 operate with an input range from +3.6V to +16V input and safely withstand continuous input over-voltage up to +20V (non-operating), while protecting downstream circuitry.

The SMB349 and SMB359 are offered in tiny 2.96mm x 3.16mm, 49-ball, lead-free chip-scale and in 5mm x 5mm 40-pin QFN packages. Both products have an operating temperature range of –30C to +85C. Available now in production quantities, the SMB349 and SMB359 are priced at $1.62 and $1.82 for CSP and QFN respectively, each in quantities of 10,000 units.