Power
Tiny USB PowerPath Manager Withstands 60V Inputs
Linear Technology has introduced the LTC4090, an autonomous linear PowerPath manager, ideal diode controller and stand-alone high input voltage battery charger for portable USB devices. For high efficiency charging, the switching front-end topology accommodates various inputs, including high voltage power sources up to 38V (60V max withstand capability) such as 12V regulated/unregulated AC-DC wall adapters, FireWire ports or automotive power. In addition, the IC accepts low-voltage power sources such as 5V wall adapters, USB ports and single-cell Li-Ion/Polymer batteries.
The The LTC4090's front-end switching regulator features Bat-Track™ adaptive output control, greatly improving the efficiency of its 1.5A-capable battery charger as the internal switching regulator's output voltage automatically tracks the battery voltage by 300mV. Instant-on operation ensures system power is available as soon as the input supply is available, even with a dead or missing battery. The battery charger's float voltage is preset at 4.2V with guaranteed 1.0% accuracy from -40°C to 85°C. Charge current is easily programmed using a single resistor. For battery pre-conditioning and qualification, fully discharged cells are automatically trickle charged at 10% of the programmed current until the cell voltage exceeds 2.9V. Total charge time for charge termination is programmed by an external capacitor, and a C/10 charge current detection output is provided. Additional functions include 5x/1x USB current limiting, thermal regulation, an NTC thermistor input for temperature-qualified charging, automatic recharging of the battery, reverse current blocking, and under-voltage lockout.