This application note describes a new multicharger concept which is fully compatible with Li-Ion, NiCd and NiMH. Moving from NiCd/NiMH to Li-Ion technology is easy when battery charging is monitored by a flexible industry standard 8-bit microcontroller.
The document presents a design for an intelligent one-hour multicharger capable of charging Li-Ion, NiCd, and NiMH battery types. The core of this system is the STMicroelectronics ST6220 8-bit microcontroller, which monitors battery voltage and temperature to ensure safe charging across different technologies.
| Charging Time (NiCd/NiMH) | One hour or less |
|---|---|
| Charging Time (Li-Ion 1Ah) | 2.5 hours (conventional method) |
| Charging Time (Li-Ion 1Ah) | One hour (constant current source method) |
| Li-Ion Full Charge Voltage | 4.2V |
Yes, the concept is fully compatible with Li-Ion, NiCd, and NiMH battery types.
It takes 2.5 hours to complete the charge of a corresponding 1Ah Li-Ion pack.