19-2099; Rev 0; 7/01
Simple Current-Limited Switch-Mode
Li+ Charger Controller
General Description
Features
The low-cost MAX1873R/S/T provides all functions
needed to simply and efficiently charge 2-, 3-, or 4-
series lithium-ion cells at up to 4A or more. It provides a
regulated charging current and voltage with less than
±±.7ꢀ5 total voltage error at the ꢁattery terminals. An
external P-channel MOSFET operates in a step-down
DC-DC configuration to efficiently charge ꢁatteries in
low-cost designs.
ꢀ Low-Cost and Simple Circuit
ꢀ Charges 2-, 3-, or 4-Series Lithium-Ion Cells
ꢀ AC Adapter Input-Current-Limit Loop
ꢀ Also Charges Ni-Based Batteries
ꢀ Analog Output Monitors Charge Current
ꢀ ±±0.75 Batterꢀ-ꢁegulation ꢂoltage
ꢀ 7µA Shutdown Batterꢀ Current
The MAX1873R/S/T regulates the ꢁattery voltage and
charging current using two control loops that work
together to transition smoothly ꢁetween voltage and
current regulation. An additional control loop limits cur-
rent drawn from the input source so that AC adapter
size and cost can ꢁe minimized. An analog voltage out-
put proportional to charging current is also supplied so
that an ADC or microcontroller can monitor charging
current.
ꢀ Input ꢂoltage Up to 28ꢂ
ꢀ 2±±mꢂ Dropout ꢂoltage/1±±5 Dutꢀ Cꢀcle
ꢀ Adjustable Charging Current
ꢀ 3±±kHz PWM Oscillator ꢁeduces Noise
ꢀ Space-Saving 16-Pin QSOP
The MAX1873 may also ꢁe used as an efficient current-
limited source to charge NiCd or NiMH ꢁatteries in mul-
tichemistry charger designs. The MAX1873R/S/T is
availaꢁle in a space-saving 16-pin QSOP package. Use
the evaluation kit (MAX1873EVKIT) to help reduce
design time.
ꢀ MAX18.3 Evaluation Kit Available to Speed
Designs
Ordering Information
PAꢁT
TEMP0 ꢁANGE
-4±°C to +8ꢀ°C
-4±°C to +8ꢀ°C
-4±°C to +8ꢀ°C
PIN-PACKAGE
16 QSOP
Applications
MAX1873REEE
MAX1873SEEE
MAX1873TEEE
Noteꢁook Computers
16 QSOP
Portaꢁle Internet Taꢁlets
16 QSOP
2-, 3-, or 4-cell Li+ Battery Pack Chargers
6-, 9-, or 1±-cell Ni Battery Pack Chargers
Hand-Held Instruments
Typical Operating Circuit
SYSTEM
LOAD
VIN 9V TO
28V
(9V MIN
FOR 2-
CELLS)
Portaꢁle Desktop Assistants (PDAs)
Desktop Cradle Chargers
VH VL
CSSP
CSSN
MAX1873
Selector Guide
DCIN
PAꢁT
SEꢁIES CELLS TO CHAꢁGE
2-Cell Li+ or 5- or 6-cell Ni Battery
3-Cell Li+ or 7- or 9-cell Ni Battery
4V OUT PER
MAX1873REEE
MAX1873SEEE
MAX1873TEEE
IOUT
200mV ON R
CS
EXT
ICHG/EN
REF
4-Cell Li+ 10-cell Ni Battery Packs
CSB
BATT
CCI
VADJ
GND
CCS
CCV
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
2- TO 4-CELL
Li+
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.