Battery charger ICs ensure your batteries charge safely and work reliably, whether you’re powering phones or factory equipment.
You must choose the charger that best suits your needs. Selecting the correct industrial battery charger Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) can be difficult with so many available options.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the key considerations for choosing the perfect solution for your application. We will focus on key factors like battery chemistry, input voltage range, the charging current, and how the system manages the power path.
Understand your battery chemistry
Different batteries need different kinds of charging to work their best. To ensure safe and efficient operation, select a charger IC compatible with your battery chemistry.
- Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries: Known for their high energy density (150–250 Wh/kg) and low self-discharge, Li-Ion batteries provide 3.6V per cell (4.2V when fully charged). Lightweight and efficient, they are ideal for portable devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems, offering durability through multiple charge cycles.
- Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries: With a moderate energy density (100–120 Wh/kg) and a nominal voltage 1.2V per cell, NiMH batteries are reliable for hybrid vehicles and consumer electronics. They feature temperature-based charging termination and deliver consistent power, although they have a higher self-discharge rate compared to Li-Ion batteries.
- Lead-Acid batteries: Operating at 2V per cell with an energy density of 30–50 Wh/kg, lead-acid batteries are cost-effective and widely used in automotive and backup power systems. They provide high surge currents for engine starts but have a shorter lifespan and higher weight compared to other types.
Evaluate input voltage and power requirements
The input voltage range of a battery charger IC must be compatible with various power sources, particularly with evolving USB standards like USB Type-C, which supports voltages from 5V up to 20V and up to 48V with Extended Power Range (EPR) specifications.
A wide input range enables the charger IC to handle diverse power requirements, ensuring seamless operation across devices with single- or multi-cell batteries. For USB applications, backward compatibility with 5V is essential but may require complex topologies such as buck-boost converters, especially for systems exceeding 15W or using multiple cells.
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