New Semtech 1.5 Amp Battery Charger Supports Battery Pack, Power Adapter Flexibility to Lower Portable Device Design Costs

Business Wire, Jan 17, 2006

CAMARILLO, Calif. -- Fully Integrated SC804 Includes Cold Temperature Offset for Programmable Temperature Range, and a Low under Voltage Lockout Level for Adapter Flexibility

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SC804, a linear, single-cell Lithium-Ion battery charger with battery pack and adapter flexibility features to support lower design costs for portable devices.

The SC804 is the newest member of Semtech's complete line of portable device battery chargers. The SC804 integrates a cold temperature offset (CTO) pin that allows designers to adjust the charging temperature range with a simple external resistor divider. With this capability, a single board design can be used in multiple applications that require different temperature range limitations for charging.

The SC804 has an input voltage range of 3-14V. The maximum voltage level better protects portable systems from transients introduced from 12V adapter overshoots, or from the use of improper third-party adapters. Under-voltage lock-out (UVLO) has been lowered to 3V in the SC804 so it will work well with current-limited adapters.

"The SC804 builds on the solid foundation of Semtech's charger technology with the addition of features like the CTO pin and the wide voltage input range that provide the flexibility needed for next-generation devices," said Larry King, Semtech Vice President of Power Management for Handheld Products. "With the SC804, manufacturers can take an additional step toward offering product variations that meet customers' needs and maximize the profitability of their systems."

As a fully integrated device, the SC804 features a FET pass transistor, reverse-blocking diode, sense resistor and thermal protection. Other features of the device include an integrated timer and programmable pre-charge, fast-charge and termination current settings. It can also be configured as general-purpose current source for charging nickel-cadmium (niCd) or nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Two variants of the device are available supporting different output voltages. The SC804 base device features a 4.2V output and the SC804A features a 4.357V output.

The SC804 is packaged in a 4 x 4 mm MLPQ package that is lead-free and complies with the European Union's Restriction on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) directive to meet worldwide environmental and regulatory requirements.

Key Features of the SC804

--Input voltage range 3.0 - 14.0 volts

--Up to 1.5A continuous charge current

--Voltage output: 4.2V or 4.357V (SC804A)

--Programmable pre-charge, fast-charge, and termination current

--Battery voltage accuracy of 1%

--Over-current and over-voltage protection

--Programmable 2-6 hour charge timer

Pricing and Availability

The SC804 is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $1.43 each in 1,000-piece lots. Ordering code is SC804IMLTRT or SC804AMLTRT for the 4.357V output option. Evaluation boards for both versions are also available. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, test & measurement, and wireless connectivity products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com.

Semtech and the Semtech logo are marks of Semtech Corporation.