About UsLT Introduces New 2A Solar Battery Charger IC
With the New LT3652 connected to a solar panel, the input regulation loop maintains the output at peak power
The LT3652 from Linear Technology (now part of Analog Devices), is a solar power directed monolithic buck battery charger IC for modern battery types. The LT3652 features an innovative input voltage regulation loop, which controls charge current to hold the input voltage at a programmed level. When the LT3652 is connected to a solar panel, the input regulation loop maintains the panel at peak output power.
According to Steve Pietkiewicz, Vice President and General Manager of Power Products, “The LT3652’s simple but unique input voltage regulation loop circuitry delivers virtually the same charging efficiency as more complex and expensive Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) techniques.”
The LT3652 accepts a wide range of inputs from 4.95V to 32V with a 40V absolute maximum rating for added system margin. The input voltage regulation loop also allows optimized charging from poorly regulated sources where the input can collapse under overcurrent conditions. It charges a variety of battery pack configurations, including 1 to 3 Li-Ion / Polymer cells in series, 1 to 4 LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells in series and sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries up to 14.4V. Applications include solar powered systems, 12V to 24V automotive equipment and battery chargers.
The LT3652’s charge current is programmable up to 2A. This stand-alone battery charger requires no external microcontroller, and features user-selectable termination, including C/10 or an onboard timer. The device's 1MHz fixed switching frequency enables small solution sizes. Float voltage feedback accuracy is specified at ±0.5%, charge current accuracy is ±5% and C/10 detection accuracy is ±2.5%. Once charging is terminated, the LT3652 automatically enters a low current standby mode, which reduces the input supply current to 85uA. In shutdown, the input bias current is reduced to 15uA. For autonomous charge control, an auto-recharge feature starts a new charging cycle if the battery voltage falls 2.5% below the programmed float voltage.
Features of the LT3652 include:
- Solar Power Supply Voltage Regulation Loop for Peak Tracking in Solar Applications
- Wide Input Voltage Range: 4.95V to 32V (40V Absolute Maximum Rated)
- Programmable Charge Current up to 2A
- Multi-Chemistry: Resistor Programmable Float Voltage Up to 14.4V Accommodates Li-Ion/Polymer, LiFePO4, SLA, NiMH / NiCd Chemistries
- User-Selectable Termination: C/10 or Onboard Termination Timer
- Draws <1uA from the Battery During Non-Charging Periods
- 1MHz Switching Frequency Enables Small External Components
- 0.5% Float Voltage Feedback Reference Accuracy
- ±5% Charge Current Accuracy
- NTC Resistor Temperature Monitor
- Bad Battery Detection with Auto-Reset
- Compact, Low-Profile (0.75mm) 3mm x 3mm DFN-12 Package
For more information on the LT3652 Solar Battery Charger IC, visit the Analog Devices website at Linear Technology LT3652 product page
The Analog Devices website address is www.analog.com
[Reprinted with kind permission from Linear Technology]