Hardware, software, electronics

Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4098, an autonomous high efficiency power manager, battery charger and ideal diode controller for portable USB powered devices such as digital cameras, media players, smart phones, PDAs and personal navigators. The LTC4098’s switching topology features PowerPath™ control which seamlessly manages power flow between a wall adapter or USB port and the device’s Li-Ion/Polymer battery while preferentially providing power to the system load. For automotive, Firewire, or other high-voltage applications, the LTC4098 provides Bat-Track™ control of a Linear Technology companion switching regulator up to 38V operating input (60V transient), maximizing battery charger efficiency, minimizing heat dissipation, and providing for a seamless transition between USB and higher voltage power sources.

The LTC4098 provides an over-voltage protection (OVP) circuit up to 66V on the USB input – requiring only an external NFET/resistor combination – preventing damage caused by accidental application of high voltage. The LTC4098’s “instant-ON” operation ensures system load power at plug-in even with a dead battery. Its onboard ideal diode guarantees that ample power is always available to VOUT even if there is insufficient power at the LTC4098’s two input pins. The IC’s ideal diode controller can be used to drive the gate of an optional PFET, reducing the impedance to the battery to 30mΩ or less.

The LTC4098’s full-featured single-cell Li-Ion/Polymer battery charger allows the load current to exceed the current drawn from the USB port while conforming to USB load specifications. For fast charging, the IC’s switching input stage converts nearly all of the 2.5W available from the USB port to system current, enabling up to 700mA from a 500mA limited USB port. There is also 1.5A charge current available when wall powered. Further, the charger includes automatic recharge, thermal limiting, stand-alone operation with automatic charge termination and fixed duration safety timer, low voltage trickle charging, bad battery cell detection and a thermistor input for temperature-qualified charging. An additional feature of the IC is a suspend LDO that prevents battery drain when a device is connected to a suspended USB port.

The LTC4098 is housed in an ultra-thin (0.55mm) 20-pin 3mm x 4mm QFN package and is guaranteed for operation from -40°C to 85°C. 1,000-piece pricing starts at TBD each. 1,000-piece pricing starts at $2.50 each.

Summary of Features

• Bat-Track External Step-Down Switching Regulator Control Maximizes Efficiency from Automotive, Firewire and Other High Voltage Sources (up to 38V Continuous, 60V Transient)
• Overvoltage Protection Guards Against Damage (up to 66V)
• Full Featured Li-Ion/Polymer Battery Charger
• 180mΩ Internal Ideal Diode Plus External Ideal Diode Controller Seamlessly Provide Low Loss PowerPathwhen Input Power is Limited or Unavailable
• 700mA Maximum Current Available to System Load from a 500mA USB Port
• Ultra-Thin (0.55mm) 20-Lead 3mm × 4mm QFN Package
• 1.5A Maximum Charge Current with Thermal Limiting from Wall Adapter
• Slew Control Reduces Switching EMI
• Switching Regulator with Bat-Track Adaptive Output Control Makes Optimal Use of Limited Power Available from USB Port to Charge Battery and Power Application

Typical application

USB Switching Regulator Efficiency to System Load (P_VOUT/P_VBUS)

Pin configuration

Block diagram