Microchip Introduces Li-Ion/Polymer Chargers w/Auto Power-Source Selection

Microchip Technology Introduces Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Chargers With

Auto USB or AC Power-Source Selection

New Devices Offer Best Combination Of Key Features, Performance, Safety And Package Options Of Any Dual-Input, Auto-Switching, Integrated Charger On The Market

CHANDLER, Ariz., Dec. 10, 2007 [NASDAQ: MCHP] ¡ª Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MCP73837and MCP73838 (MCP73837/8) dual-input, high-current Li-Ion/Polymer charge-management controllers with automatic USB or AC adapter power-source selection. The single-cell, fully integrated chargers enable charge currents of up to 1A from an AC power source; or 100 mA or 500 mA from a USB port. They have several on-chip safety features, and are available in 10-pin MSOP and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages, to enable smaller, faster and safer battery-charger designs.

Auto power-source selection from either a USB port or AC adapter means that MCP73837/8-based charger designs can automatically charge from a PC¡¯s USB port when no AC power is available. When powered from a USB port, the devices ensure compliance with USB power specifications and adjust outputs accordingly. The result is that one charger design can support multiple power sources. Additionally, with high charge currents up to 1A from an AC power source, the MCP73837/8 devices enable faster charging cycles and less recharging down time. On-chip safety features, such as thermal regulation, cell-temperature monitoring and charge-timers minimize charger-related system damage, resulting in safer and more efficient charger designs.

¡°The MCP73837/8 chargers offer the best combination of key features, performance, safety and package options of any dual-input, auto-switching integrated battery charger on the market,¡± said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing for Microchip¡¯s Analog and Interface Products Division.

¡°Additionally, with numerous key charging parameter combinations as standard, these devices are flexible enough for use in a broad range of applications.¡±

¡°Today¡¯s battery-powered applications require better combinations of features, performance and safety,¡± said Bill Barrett, product line marketing manager for Microchip¡¯s Analog and Interface Products Division. ¡°Moreover, due to the ubiquity of USB ports, more applications are utilizing USB-port charging. The MCP73837/8 chargers were designed with these trends in mind, along with designers¡¯ needs for safer, more efficient chargers in small packages.¡±

In addition to VREG output and safety timeout period, charging parameters available as standard options on the MCP73837/8 devices include preconditioning current threshold and current ratio, charge termination threshold and recharge threshold ratio. The devices are ideal for portable, battery-powered consumer electronic devices, such as PDAs, portable DVD players and personal media players (PMPs), among others.

Development Support

Microchip also announced the MCP73837/8 evaluation board, today (Part # MCP7383XEV-DIBC), to help designers evaluate the MCP73837/8 chargers in their designs. The board can be ordered now at www.microchipdirect.com, and is expected to ship in late December. It is priced at $40 each.

Pricing, Availability & Package Options

The MCP73837/8 chargers are available in 10-pin MSOP and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages, for $0.89 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples are available today at http://sample.microchip.com, and volume-production orders can be placed today at www.microchipdirect.com.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip¡¯s Web site at www.microchip.com/MCP73837.

Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.