Microchip announces the MCP73871 charge-management controller - a Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charger with an intelligent charge management feature that enables simultaneous AC-DC-adapter or USB-port charging and powering of devices. The single-chip charger features an integrated pass transistor and numerous battery and termination-voltage options, making it usefull for complex, space-constrained portable applications. With accurate voltage regulation of 0.5%, the charger extends battery life by allowing the battery to be charged closer to its optimal limit. Additionally, with its integrated pass transistor, the charger eliminates the need for an external FET, and only a few small passive components are necessary.

The MCP73871 charge-management controller is suited for portable consumer electronic products, such as GPS units, phone chargers, toys, cameras, PDAs, Bluetooth headsets, and many more. Microchip is also announcing the MCP73871 Evaluation Board to help engineers get started using the new charger in their designs. The board costs $20 (fob Arizona). The MCP73871 charger is available in a 20-pin, 4 mm x 4 mm QFN package.