Portable devices require high-performance battery chargers

Introduction

The proliferation of portable devices in recent years has underlined the need for small, efficient batteries and battery chargers. Great advances in battery technology have resulted, with lithium-ion (Li+) and lithium-polymer now among the more popular battery chemistries. To get the most performance from such batteries, designers have focused on the battery charger. In turn, chargers are keeping pace with battery technology, enabling the fullest use of a battery's capacity.

For notebook computers in which size, weight, and battery life are critical, the standard battery is a Li+ type. A recent offshoot of the Li+ chemistry uses polymers, which allow the battery to be molded into complex shapes. Lithium-polymer batteries are also popular for cell phones, handheld computers, and other small applications. Because Li+ and lithium-polymer chemistries are similar, their charging methods are nearly identical. Methods differ mainly in their termination voltage and charging current.