Versatile Li-Ion Battery Charger Chip from STMicroelectronics Saves Space for Compact Applications

Integrated programmable charger system is ideal for both sophisticated and low-cost portable products

Geneva, April 17,2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced an advanced new Li-Ion battery charger chip – the L6924D – which integrates all of the required power elements, plus other functions, into a very small 3 x 3mm package intended for use in mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras and MP3 players. All key charging system parameters are programmable, enabling the L6924D to be used across a full range of low cost as well as more sophisticated applications – the first battery charger chip to offer such flexibility.

The L6924D is a fully monolithic battery charger designed for single-cell Li-Ion and Li-Polymer battery packs. The ideal solution for space-limited portable products it is produced with ST’s robust BCD6 smart power technology and integrates the Power MOSFET, reverse blocking diode, sense resistor and thermal protection into a compact VFQFPN16 package.

Designers can choose between Linear and Quasi-Pulse charging modes, depending on the application’s requirements. Linear Mode suits applications with low-cost power adapters, such as an external voltage regulated adapter, when the L6924D can charge the battery in a Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) profile. Operation in Quasi-Pulse Mode can be used when a current-limited adapter is available, dramatically reducing the power dissipation. Closed loop thermal control protects the device against overheating in either mode.

The L6924D has an operating input voltage range of 2.5V to 12V, making it suitable for use with a wide range of AC adapters. It is also USB compatible, allowing use in popular USB-powered computer peripherals. All the key parameters are programmable, including pre-charge current, pre-charge voltage threshold, fast-charge current, the end-of-charge current threshold and the charging time.

In addition its default charging parameters allow easy use in compact applications, with few external components, when full flexibility is not required; until now, different devices were required to cover simple and sophisticated applications. The L6924D provides two open collector outputs for diagnostic purposes, such as driving external LEDs or communicating with a host microcontroller, plus flexible control of charge process termination, Gas Gauge capability, and battery presence and temperature monitoring.

These features are increasingly important as the performance expectations – including the lifespan of the battery itself as well as the time between charges – for batteries in portable applications increase, to ensure that optimum battery charge conditions are maintained.

The L6924D battery charger is in volume production now and is available in the VFQFPN16 package priced at $0.90 in quantities of 10,000 units.

Further information is available at www.st.com/powermanagement

About ST’s Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company’s net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Information last updated Jan 2006

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Michael Markowitz

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STMicroelectronics

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