Nicd/nimh Battery Fast-charge Controllers Integrated Products

The MAX2003 MAX2003A are fast-charge battery charg- ers (with conditioning) for NiCd (nickel cadmium) or NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) rechargeable batteries. The MAX2003A has the same features as the MAX2003 with an additional pulsed trickle-charge mode to prevent den- drite formation in NiMH batteries. Each CAN be config- ured as a switch-mode current Regulator or as a gating controller for an external current source. Switch-mode current regulation provides efficient energy transfer, reducing power dissipation and the associated heating. Gating control of an external current source requires minimal components, saving space and cost. On-chip algorithms determine charge termination, so the MAX2003 MAX2003A CAN be used as stand-alone chargers. Fast-charge termination is accomplished by five methods: temperature slope, negative voltage change, maximum temperature, maximum time, and maximum voltage. As a safety feature, the start of fast- charge is inhibited until battery voltage and temperature are within safe limits. By selecting the appropriate charge-termination method, a single circuit CAN be built with the MAX2003 MAX2003A to fast-charge both NiMH and NiCd batteries. The MAX2003 MAX2003A provide a switch-activated discharge-before-charge option that allows for battery conditioning and more accurate capacity measure- ment. Other features include optional top-off charging and direct drivers for LED status lights. The MAX2003 in DIP and wide SO packages, is a direct plug-in replacement for the bq2003. The MAX2003 MAX2003A also come in a space-saving narrow SO package. The MAX2003A evaluation kit MAX2003A EVKIT-SO) is available to assist in designs. By Maxim Integrated Products