Analog Devices Inc. LT1510CN#PBF

Overview

LT1510CN#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a constant-voltage/constant-current switching battery charger IC for Li-ion, NiMH, and NiCd batteries. It integrates a 1.5A DC / 2A peak internal NPN switch, 0.1Ω onboard current-sense resistor, and 0.5% precision voltage reference. Designed for buck-mode operation, it supports 2V–20V battery ranges and delivers >87% efficiency at 1.3A in lithium charging applications.

For engineers reviewing the LT1510CN#PBF datasheet, LT1510CN#PBF pinout, LT1510CN#PBF application, or LT1510CN#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include its 200kHz switching frequency, thermal resistance of 125°C/W in PDIP package, ±1% OVP accuracy over temperature, soft-start control via VC pin, and ground-referenced current sensing capability without requiring battery-negative isolation.

Technical Context

The LT1510CN#PBF implements current-mode PWM control with dual amplifiers: CA1 converts battery current through an internal 0.1Ω sense path into a proportional 500µA/A IPROG signal at the PROG pin, while CA2 compares this against a programmed reference to regulate charging current. Its 200kHz oscillator drives a saturating NPN switch with boost-driven gate control for low on-resistance (0.3Ω typical).

Voltage regulation uses a dedicated 2.465V ±0.5% reference feeding amplifier VA, which monitors battery voltage via the OVP pin to transition from constant-current to constant-voltage mode. Shutdown is achieved by pulling the VC pin below 0.6V, reducing quiescent current to 3µA in sleep mode when VCC is absent.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LT1510CN#PBF is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package with fused corner pins connected to the die attach paddle for thermal conduction. Four corner pins (1, 4, 13, 16) must be soldered to expanded PCB copper lands to achieve rated θ_JA = 125°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar battery charger IC applications.

Compared with LTC4002EMS#PBF and TPS650230RSLR, the LT1510CN#PBF offers lowest BOM count for discrete CC/CV charging of 2V–20V batteries, with integrated switch and sense resistor eliminating four passive components - ideal for space-constrained, cost-sensitive industrial chargers where external FET control is unnecessary.

Availability

LT1510CN#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical portable monitors, industrial handheld scanners, cordless power tools, and consumer electronics requiring stable component supply with long lifecycle support.

Supply support for LT1510CN#PBF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices acquired Linear Technology in 2017 and maintains full technical and manufacturing continuity for legacy Linear parts including the LT1510 family.

The LT1510CN#PBF belongs to Linear's precision analog power management portfolio, designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-component-count battery charging in portable and industrial equipment where reliability and thermal robustness are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum battery voltage supported by the LT1510CN#PBF?

The LT1510CN#PBF supports battery voltages from 2V to 20V. Its internal switch and OVP amplifier are rated for operation up to 20V on the BAT pin, and the datasheet confirms stable constant-voltage regulation across this full range when paired with appropriate external components such as the R3/R4 divider network. Operation beyond 20V risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings and invalidating the ±1% OVP accuracy guarantee.

Can the LT1510CN#PBF charge lithium-ion batteries without external termination circuitry?

Yes, the LT1510CN#PBF can charge lithium-ion batteries without external termination circuitry. Its integrated 2.465V ±0.5% reference and OVP amplifier enable automatic transition from constant-current to constant-voltage mode at the precise float voltage (e.g., 4.2V via resistor divider), and charging current tapers naturally to zero. This is explicitly validated in Figure 2 of the datasheet for 1.3A Li-ion charging with no added termination components.

How does the LT1510CN#PBF achieve 3µA shutdown current?

The LT1510CN#PBF achieves 3µA shutdown current by entering sleep mode when VCC drops below the internal undervoltage lockout threshold (~7V). In this state, internal bias circuits deactivate while retaining minimal leakage paths - confirmed in Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. The 3µA value is measured with VCC disconnected and VBAT ≤20V at 25°C, and represents total device current draw from the battery, making it suitable for long-term storage applications.

What is the purpose of the BOOST pin on the LT1510CN#PBF?

The BOOST pin on the LT1510CN#PBF provides bootstrap drive voltage to the base of the internal NPN switch transistor, enabling saturation at low V_CE and minimizing conduction losses. During switch ON, V_BOOST ≈ V_CC + V_BAT, allowing the NPN to operate with <0.5Ω effective on-resistance. This architecture eliminates the need for an external gate driver and contributes directly to the >87% efficiency cited for the LT1510CN#PBF in lithium charging applications.

Is the LT1510CN#PBF pin-compatible with the LT1510-5 variant?

No, the LT1510CN#PBF is not pin-compatible with the LT1510-5 variant. While both share identical pinouts in the same package type (e.g., 16-pin PDIP), the LT1510-5 operates at 500kHz versus 200kHz and has different internal compensation and duty-cycle limits. The datasheet specifies separate test conditions and performance curves for each, and substituting one for the other without redesigning the LC filter and compensation network will result in instability or reduced efficiency. They are functionally related but not drop-in replacements.