SLUAAH5 November   2022 BQ25171-Q1

 

  1.   Abstract
  2.   Trademarks
  3. 1 Introduction
  4. 2 Li-Ion Overview
  5. 3 Li-Ion Applications
  6. 4 LiFePO4 Overview
  7. 5 LiFePO4 Applications
  8. 6 NiMH Overview
  9. 7 NiMH Applications
  10. 8 Super Capacitors
  11. 9 Super Capacitor Applications
  12. 10Summary
  13. 11References

Introduction

This application note focuses on four types of battery chemistries that are commonly used in low power applications and readily available:

  1. Li-Ion – widely used, light weight and high energy density, good fit for portable applications.
  2. LFP (LiFePO4)- relatively new technology, long life, high peak currents.
  3. NiMH – Mature technology, good availability, wide temp range, high peak current fast charge options.
  4. Super capacitors – new option for power storage. High C value with low ESR, high peak currents, wide temp range.

The previos list shows benefits and liabilities that make them an excellent choice for low power applications. We have a number of charger options available in both linear and switching. For low power applications, linear battery chargers are a common choice due to ease of implementation and low parts count.