Understanding Li+ Battery Operation Lessens Charging Safety Concerns
by Alfredo Saab, Maxim Integrated Products, Vendor website, Mar 07 2008
Focus:
Because of their high energy density and high power density, lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries require certain safety precautions during charging and discharging to prevent--in the extreme cases--a battery from exploding or catching on fire. Although safety was always a concern with the use of Li-ion batteries in portable entertainment and computing devices (not to mention cell phones), safety concerns become even more critical with the recent introduction of Li-ion batteries capable of the high-discharge rates required by power tools and other motor-driven products. This article explains what safety concerns arise when designing products with Li-ion batteries, and what protection features are typically employed to address these concerns. The article explains the operating characteristics and charge/discharge requirements of Li-ion batteries (including the new high-power cells), and explains how errors in battery operation can trigger battery protection functions and/or damage the battery. With that as background, the common methods of Li-ion battery charging and the factors that influence charger design are discussed. Finally, some examples of linear and switched-mode charger circuits based on Maxim's charger ICs are presented. These examples include circuits that can accommodate the high-power Li-ion batteries
What you’ll learn:
- How to understand the charge and discharge requirements of Li-ion batteries including high-power types
- How to prevent damage to Li-ion batteries through use of proper charge and discharge techniques
- How to understand the charger circuit options when designing Li-ion battery chargers
Notes:
Maxim Integrated Products Application Note 4169
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