Batteries often serve as the main energy source for
portable electronic devices. Although they depend on
batteries, portable consumer electronic products,
such as GPS devices and multi-media players, often
consume energy directly from an ac-dc wall adapter or
accessory power adapter (or “Auto Adapter”) when the
battery is low or the device is in a stationary mode.
Due to their cost effectiveness over their useful life,
rechargeable batteries are often used for the power
source of the portable elec tronic device. Attributes
such as “relatively high energy density” and “mainte-
nance free” make Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries popular
in the portable consumer electronic products. Refer to
the application note, AN1088, "Selecting the Right Bat-
tery System For cost Sensitive Portable Applications
While maintaining Excellent Quality" (DS01088) for
characteristics of Li-Ion batteries. Some examples of
how to properly design with Li-Ion batteries will be
discussed in this application note.
Depending on the product design or local government
regulations, rechargeable batteries are often charged
from inside the handheld devices or from battery charg-
ing cradles. Due to the safety concerns or design
concepts in certain regions, some batteries are
required to be removed from the portable device prior
charging activities are initiated. AN1149
Designing A Li-Ion Battery Charger and Load Sharing System With
Microchip’s Stand-Alone Li-Ion Battery Charge Management Controller
Author: Brian Chu However, most of the time, batteries are designed to be
Microchip Technology Inc. recharged while the devices are still in the operational
mode. An end user can extend the run time while refill-
ing the energy back to the battery for the next mobile
INTRODUCTION action. The power source now has to supply the devic……
