New Battery Charger IC (Integrated Circuit) Reduces Charge Time
Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated (don’t say that to quick) has announced the AAT3663. This chip is in a new line of 1A linear battery charger integrated circuits that are capable of charging 2 Lithium-ion cells in series. It has been designed to work through an AC adapter or through a USB port. It uses their “Digital Thermal Loop” circuit that monitors and adjusts the charge current to avoid thermal shutdown. More and more of our gadgets are going to requiring lithium-ion batteries in series. This new chip will support voltages up to 13.2V allowing the designers the chance to replace larger, more expensive solutions with an integrated and more cost effective alternative. The chip operates from 4.0 to 13.2V and 100mA to 1A of programmable current using an external resistor.