DESCRIPTION
The DS2715 is well suited for cost-sensitive charger applications where the battery pack is either internal or external to the application. It has been optimized for safe and reliable charging of 1 to 10 NiMH cells in series. The internal gain block can be selected as either a comparator or transconductance amplifier for charge current regulation. This makes the DS2715 configurable as a switched DC charger, a linear current regulator, or a switchmode current source. The DS2715 pre-conditions severely depleted cells before entering full charge mode. It terminates full charge using the dT/dt technique, which requires an external sensing thermistor. Over-temperature, under temperature, and over-voltage detection prevents charging under unsafe conditions. A user selectable charge timer allows charge rates from 0.167C to 2C. FAST-CHARGE, TOPOFF and DONE modes are included for highly reliable, safe charging of NiMH cells. Discharge mode allows the DS2715 to enter a low power sleep state while the cell pack is being discharged.

FEATURES
■ Charges 1 to 10 NiMH Cells
■ FAST-CHARGE at up to a 2C Rate
■ PRECHARGE and TOPOFF Charge Modes Help Cell Conditioning
■ Load Detection Allows the DS2715 to Enter Low Power Sleep Mode (Less than 10µA) while the Cell Pack is Discharged
■ dT/dt Charge Termination Eliminates Cell Charge Stress
■ Monitors Voltage, Temperature, and Time for Safety and Secondary Termination
■ Regulates Current through Either Linear Control or Switch-Mode Control
■ LED Output Displays Charge State
■ Small 16-Pin SO Package

APPLICATIONS
  Portable DVD Players
  Portable Television Sets
  Handheld Gaming
  Test Equipment
  Handheld POS Terminals