General Description
The low-cost MAX1873R/S/T provides all functions needed to simply and efficiently charge 2-, 3-, or 4- series lithium-ion cells at up to 4A or more. It provides a regulated charging current and voltage with less than ±0.75% total voltage error at the battery terminals. An external P-channel MOSFET operates in a step-down DC-DC configuration to efficiently charge batteries in low-cost designs.

Features
♦ Low-Cost and Simple Circuit
♦ Charges 2-, 3-, or 4-Series Lithium-Ion Cells
♦ AC Adapter Input-Current-Limit Loop
♦ Also Charges Ni-Based Batteries
♦ Analog Output Monitors Charge Current
♦ ±0.75% Battery-Regulation Voltage
♦ 5µA Shutdown Battery Current
♦ Input Voltage Up to 28V
♦ 200mV Dropout Voltage/100% Duty Cycle
♦ Adjustable Charging Current
♦ 300kHz PWM Oscillator Reduces Noise
♦ Space-Saving 16-Pin QSOP
♦ MAX1873 Evaluation Kit Available to Speed Designs

Applications
    Notebook Computers
    Portable Internet Tablets
    2-, 3-, or 4-cell Li+ Battery Pack Chargers
    6-, 9-, or 10-cell Ni Battery Pack Chargers
    Hand-Held Instruments
    Portable Desktop Assistants (PDAs)
    Desktop Cradle Chargers