Li-ion battery charger ICs are devices that regulate battery charging current and voltage, and are commonly used for portable devices, such as cellphones, laptops, and tablets. Compared to other battery chemistries, Li-ion batteries have one of the highest energy densities, provide a higher voltage per cell, can tolerate higher currents, and do not have to be trickle charged when the battery is fu...

In an era characterized by the internet of things (IoT), more connectivity means more outdoor devices are now battery-powered and constantly communicating. In particular, an increasing number of outdoor devices are being powered through solar panels. The charger should be suitable for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in outdoor designs with a solar panel. This article illustrates design tips fo...

Today’s consumers want to conveniently and quickly charge their portable devices anywhere, whether they are in a business center or shopping mall, or waiting for a flight or train. However, there are many different types of charging adapters and connectors, which can make determining which charger or chargers to have on hand confusing for the end user. If the consumer has to carry multiple d...

John B. Goodenough, considered the father of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, became the oldest Nobel Prize winner when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019 for his pioneering work. Nowadays, Li-ion batteries are utilized in all aspects of life for most consumers since they make electronic devices lightweight and long-lasting. For example, most mobile phones rely on a Li-ion battery ...

To achieve compact design for battery-powered devices, the battery is usually not removable and the capacity is limited by the space reserved for the battery. As a result, the operation time of the device is a major concern as devices are built with more and more power-consuming functions. To improve the portability of battery-powered devices, another auxiliary charging device with greater battery...

Reliable and affordable energy sources are required to power the economy and meet daily needs. Without these energy sources, economic growth and development stalls. Dependence on foreign sources for energy can also lead to vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts. With ongoing concerns regarding climate change, ensuring energy security has environmental implications as well, with efforts to increas...

In June 2022, the EU parliament approved a mandate that will require the next generation of portable devices to be compatible with USB Type-C charging connectors. Manufacturers have until fall 2024 to make their products compatible with USB Type-C cables by adding a USB Type-C connector. Affected industries include mobile phones, digital cameras, handheld video game consoles, portable speakers, ke...

The demand for fast charging has driven the unprecedented evolution of high-density adapters. In practical adapter designs, there are countless implementations of new switching power devices, topologies, and control schemes. With the introduction of these cutting-edge technologies, the power density of adapter products has significantly increased. 1W/cm3 is becoming the common density for high-de...

The increasing adoption of lithium-ion batteries is boosting growth in e-mobility, medical, and robotics markets. Moreover, current application requirements are driving the adoption of larger battery packs with an extended range, longer life, and superior power capabilities. To guarantee excellent performance, it is vital to address the challenge of estimating a battery’s internal state in ...

The MP2639A is a fully integrated and flexible battery charge management IC that can charge two cells in series from a 5V power supply. USB ports are widely used by portable devices due to their universal compatibility and reduced e-waste of in-box power supplies. Furthermore, with the increased proliferation of USB Type-C, it is now possible to draw up to 15W of power from a standard USB power su...