The bq24296/bq24297 are highly-integrated switch-mode battery charge management and system power path management devices for 1 cell Li-Ion and Li-polymer batteries in a wide range of smart phone and tablet applications.

Its low impedance power path optimizes switch-mode operation efficiency, reduces battery charge time and extends battery life during discharging phase. The I2C serial interface with charging and system settings makes the device a truly flexible solution.

The device supports 3.9-V to 6.2-V USB input sources, including standard USB host port and USB charging port with 6.4-V over-voltage protection. The device is compliant with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 power specifications with input current and voltage regulation. To set the default input current limit, the bq24296 takes the result from the detection circuit in the system, such as USB PHY device and the bq24297 detects the input source through D+/D– detection following the USB battery charging spec 1.2. In addition, the bq24297 detects non-standard 2-A/1-A adapters. The device also supports USB On-the-Go operation by providing fast startup and supplying adjustable voltage 4.55-V to 5.5-V (default 5 V) on the VBUS with an accurate current limit up to 1.5 A.

The power path management regulates the system slightly above battery voltage but does not drop below 3.5-V minimum system voltage (programmable). With this feature, the system keeps operating even when the battery is completely depleted or removed. When the input source current or voltage limit is reached, the power path management automatically reduces the charge current to zero and then starts discharges the battery until the system power requirement is met. This supplement mode operation keeps the input source from getting overloaded.

The device initiates and completes a charging cycle when host control is not available. It automatically charges the battery in three phases: pre-conditioning, constant current, and constant voltage. In the end, the charger automatically terminates when the charge current is below a preset limit in the constant voltage phase. Later on, when the battery voltage falls below the recharge threshold, the charger automatically starts another charging cycle.

The charge device provides various safety features for battery charging and system operation, including negative thermistor monitoring, charging safety timer, and over-voltage/over-current protections. The thermal regulation reduces charge current when the junction temperature exceeds 120°C (programmable).

The STAT output reports the charging status and any fault conditions. The INT immediately notifies the host when a fault occurs.

The bq24296 and bq24297 are available in a 24-pin, 4.00 × 4.00 mm2 thin VQFN package.

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