The bq24278 highly integrated single cell Li-Ion battery charger and system power path management device targeted for space-limited, portable applications with high capacity batteries. The single cell charger operates from a dedicated charging source such as an AC adapter or Wireless Power.

The power path management feature allows the bq24278 to power the system from a high efficiency DC to DC converter while simultaneously and independently charging the battery. The charger monitors the battery current at all times and reduces the charge current when the system load requires current above the input current limit. This allows for proper charge termination and timer operation. The system voltage is regulated to the battery voltage but will not drop below 3.5V. This minimum system voltage support enables the system to run with a defective or absent battery pack and enables instant system turn-on even with a totally discharged battery or no battery. The power-path management architecture also permits the battery to supplement the system current requirements when the adapter cannot deliver the peak system currents. This enables the use of a smaller adapter.

The battery is charged in three phases: conditioning, constant current and constant voltage. In all charge phases, an internal control loop monitors the IC junction temperature and reduces the charge current if the internal temperature threshold is exceeded. Additionally, the bq24278 offers a voltage-based battery pack thermistor monitoring input (TS) that monitors battery temperature for safe charging .Read more