19-2061; Rev 0; 5/01
Simple, Efficient, 1-Cell Li+ Pulse Charger
General Description
Features
The MAX1879 single-cell lithium-ion (Li+) battery charger
utilizes an efficient pulse-charging architecture to minimize
power dissipation in portable devices. This architecture
combines the efficiency of switch-mode chargers with the
simplicity and low cost of linear chargers. This simple
device, in conjunction with a current-limited wall cube and
a PMOS transistor, allows safe and fast charging of a sin-
gle Li+ cell.
ꢀ Simple Design Minimizes Heat
ꢀ Low Component Count, No Inductor
ꢀ Battery-Full Indicator
ꢀ 0.75% Accurate Battery Regulation
ꢀ 1.5µA (max) Battery Current Drain with Wall Cube
Removed
The MAX1879 initiates charging in one of three ways: bat-
tery insertion, charger power-up, or toggling the THERM
pin. Key safety features include continuous voltage and
temperature monitoring, a preset charger time-out, and an
8mA precharge current mode to charge near-dead cells.
Automatic detection of input power removal shuts down
the device, minimizing current drain from the battery. An
overall system accuracy of 0.75% ensures that the cell
capacity is fully utilized without cycle life degradation.
ꢀ Restart Charging at 4.0V
ꢀ Continuous Overvoltage and Overtemperature
Protection
ꢀ Safely Precharges Near-Dead Cells
ꢀ Automatic Power-Down when Power Source is
Removed
ꢀ Charges 1 Cell from as Low as 4.5V
ꢀ Pin-Compatible Upgrade to MAX1679
The MAX1879 is offered in a space-saving 8-pin µMAX
package. An evaluation kit (MAX1879EVKIT) is available
to help reduce design time.
Applications
Ordering Information
Single-Cell Li+ Powered Portables
Self-Charging Battery Packs
PDAs
PART
TEMP. RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1879EUA
-40°C to +85°C
8-µMAX
Cell Phones
Cradle Chargers
Typical Operating Circuit
Pin Configuration
TOP VIEW
CURRENT-
LIMITED
AC WALL
ADAPTER
LED
IN
GATE
CHG
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
BATT
THERM
GND
GATE
BATT
IN
MAX1879
CHG
1-CELL
Li+
TSEL
ADJ
BATTERY
MAX1879
PULSE WIDTH
SELECT INPUT
TSEL
GND
µMAX
THERM
ADJ
THERMISTOR
________________________________________________________________ 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.