Unitrode Announces the bq2000 Chemistry-Independent Low-Cost Switching Charge-Control IC.DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 1998--Unitrode (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :UTR UTR Untranslated Region (genetics) UTR Unicode Technical Report UTR Unique Taxpayer Reference (UK Inland Revenue) UTR Unable to Reach UTR Unable to Reproduce UTR University Technical Representative ) today announces its BENCHMARQ bq2000 8-pin low-cost switching charge-control IC for chemistry-independent and high-accuracy charge-management solutions. This latest Unitrode battery management IC is designed for portable applications that use both lithium-based (Li-Ion) and nickel-based (NiCd and NiMH) rechargeable batteries A rechargeable battery, also known as a storage battery, is a group of two or more secondary cells. These batteries can be restored to full charge by the application of electrical energy. . Applications include cellular telephones, portable PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and other types of consumer electronics. The bq2000 simplifies charging of Li-Ion, NiCd, and NiMH batteries by combining the necessary power-conversion and charge-control algorithms for both lithium- and nickel-based chemistries into a single integrated circuit integrated circuit (IC), electronic circuit built on a semiconductor substrate, usually one of single-crystal silicon. The circuit, often called a chip, is packaged in a hermetically sealed case or a nonhermetic plastic capsule, with leads extending from it for . The bq2000 automatically detects the battery chemistry by monitoring the battery's voltage profile during the initial stage of the charge. After determining the chemistry, the bq2000 completes the fast charge with the appropriate algorithm. This process eliminates undercharged or overcharged conditions and allows accurate and chemistry-friendly charge termination. The primary charge termination methods are peak voltage for NiCd/NiMH and minimum current for Li-Ion. The bq2000 also offers an integrated user-programmable charge timer. For safety, the bq2000 inhibits fast charge until the battery voltage and temperature are within predetermined pre·de·ter·mine v. pre·de·ter·mined, pre·de·ter·min·ing, pre·de·ter·mines v.tr. 1. To determine, decide, or establish in advance: and user-defined thresholds. If the battery voltage is below the low-voltage threshold, the bq2000 uses trickle charge trickle charge n. An electric charge supplied to a storage battery at a continuous low rate to keep it fully charged. to condition the battery. For NiMH batteries, the bq2000 provides an optional top-off charge to maximize the battery capacity. "Bulky, complex, and expensive charger CHARGER, Scotch law. He in whose favor a decree suspended is pronounced; vet a decree may be suspended before a charge is given on it. Ersk. Pr. L. Scot. 4, 3, 7. solutions for dual-chemistry applications are not acceptable in cost-sensitive and high-performance portable products," said Masoud Beheshti, Product Marketing Manager. "The bq2000 provides the designer with all the building blocks and the flexibility needed to implement a complete and safe dual-chemistry charger." The bq2000 integrated high-frequency power conversion controller can be used for switch-mode designs with more than 90% efficiency. This feature and the precision internal reference make the bq2000 ideal for low power dissipation Dissipation See also Debauchery. Breitmann, Hans lax indulger. [Am. Lit.: Hans Breitmann’s Ballads] Burley, John wasteful ne’er-do-well. [Br. Lit. and high-accuracy charger applications. The bq2000 is available in 8-pin narrow DIP or SOIC (Small Outline IC) A small-dimension, plastic, rectangular, surface mount chip package that uses gull-wing pins extending outward. See gull-wing lead, SOJ and chip package. packages. Unique features include: -- Sleep mode for low power consumption (less than 5-micronA typical) -- Built-in battery removal and insertion detection -- High-accuracy internal reference -- Continuous temperature monitoring and fault detection -- User-programmable charge current and voltage Pricing and Availability Samples are available now from Unitrode with production quantities anticipated in the first quarter of 1999. Pricing starts at $1.50 for the bq2000 8-pin narrow SOIC and $1.45 for the 8-pin DIP in 25K quantities. Evaluation modules are also available. About Unitrode Unitrode (NYSE:UTR) designs and manufactures analog/linear and mixed-signal integrated circuits A mixed-signal integrated circuit combines analog circuits with digital signal processing (DSP) circuits on a single semiconductor die. An integrated circuit that includes both analog and digital circuitry (but no DSP), like a 555 timer, is generally not considered a mixed-signal , modules, and nonvolatile products, principally to perform power management, portable power, and interface functions. The BENCHMARQ line of portable products includes a broad range of ICs and modules that provide "gas gauge" capacity monitoring, fast charge control, and power conversion for battery-operated systems. Further information about Unitrode may be found at the Company's homepage site: http://www.unitrode.com. For further information about the bq2000, see http://www.benchmarq.com/prod/bq2000.html. |
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