Summit Expands Family of Tiny, Programmable Switch-mode Battery Chargers Featuring Fast and Efficient "Green" Technology

(Product News, 8 Jun 2009)

Summit Microelectronics has expanded its third-generation programmable battery charger integrated circuit (IC) family with the introduction of the SMB329. Based on the award winning, highly-integrated SMB339 family, the SMB329 integrates additional features, such as "instant-on", even with a dead battery, and real-time charge current monitoring. Like its predecessors, the SMB329's parameters are programmable in non-volatile memory for power-up configuration, and in volatile memory for in-system adjustments via the I2C host interface. In addition, high-efficiency switch-mode operation and TurboCharge mode allow for thirty to fifty percent shorter charging times, while reducing thermal dissipation and wasted power by 80%. The SMB329 supports all relevant interface (USB2.0, USB OTG, USB charging, etc.) and safety (IEEE1725, JICS8714, etc.) standards, resulting in reduced development time and cost associated with system compliancy efforts. Additionally, the SMB329 supports the industry's environmental and Green efforts by enabling universal USB charging, eliminating electronic waste while dramatically reducing energy usage.

The SMB329 is based on a 3MHz, switch-mode architecture, with minimal external components, which allows for very efficient power delivery and extremely compact solution size. High-efficiency operation enables fast charging due to higher output/charge currents, while reduced thermal dissipation improves user comfort and system reliability. Furthermore, Summit's proprietary TurboCharge patent-pending technology enables high charge current, even from relatively low-power sources (example: up to 750mA output from 500mA USB source). As consumer devices continue to employ larger batteries, the SMB329 reduces charge time for consumer convenience.

The SMB329, like all products in the SMB339 family, provides the means to accomplish true, universal USB charging and to meet the various USB industry standards, without the need for additional hardware and software support. In addition, the SMB329 provides instant-on power from the input source to critical system components, allowing them to wake-up and perform system functions, even with a deeply discharged (dead), or missing battery.

The SMB329 provides integrated instant-on operation, improving consumer convenience without the cost and size penalty of alternate implementations.

The SMB329 also allows the host to directly measure charge current in real-time, thereby allowing the system to recognize the operating mode it is in, and making necessary adjustments for increasing battery life, monitoring for safety and communicating information to the user. The SMB329's Power Source Detection and Automatic Input Current Limit (patent pending) ensure that the charge current is safely and dynamically optimized regardless of power source capability (USB or AC/DC). The resulting improved user experience translates into fewer service calls, fewer merchandise returns and increased subscriber revenue for wireless carriers.

The SMB329 is ideal for any portable device, such as mobile phones, smartphones/PDAs, portable media/MP3 players (PMP), portable GPS navigation, portable game consoles, and digital cameras/camcorders (DSC/DCC). The features and integration of the SMB329 make it especially suited for portable devices that require compliancy with USB battery charging specifications, utilize higher-capacity batteries and feature very compact industrial designs.

The SMB329 operates with an input range from +3.5V to +6.2V input and safely withstands continuous input over-voltage up to +18V (non-operating), while protecting downstream circuitry. The SMB329 is offered in a tiny 2.3mm x 2.0mm, 20-ball, lead-free chip-scale (CSP) and in a 4x4 QFN-24 package with an operating temperature range of -30C to +85C.