Analog Devices Inc. LTC1960CUHF#PBF

Overview

LTC1960CUHF#PBF from Analog Devices is a dual-battery charger and PowerPath selector IC for portable systems with two smart batteries. It integrates SPI-controlled charging, autonomous <10µs power-source switching, 95% efficient synchronous buck regulation, 11-bit VDAC (0.8% voltage accuracy), and 10-bit IDAC (5% current accuracy). It supports simultaneous dual-battery charging (up to 50% faster) and discharging (extending runtime by ~10%) in portable computers and instruments.

For engineers reviewing the LTC1960CUHF#PBF datasheet, LTC1960CUHF#PBF pinout, LTC1960CUHF#PBF application, or LTC1960CUHF#PBF equivalent, key selection considerations include its 38-pin QFN package, 0°C to 70°C operating range, dual-battery SBS-compliant architecture, PowerPath™ autonomous switching behavior, and SPI register-level control of charge voltage/current and source selection.

Technical Context

The LTC1960CUHF#PBF implements a proprietary PowerPath architecture using P-channel FET gate drivers (GB1I/GB1O, GB2I/GB2O, GDCI/GDCO) to enable seamless, sub-10µs switchover between DCIN, BAT1, and BAT2 without system interruption. Its dual-path control logic autonomously enters 3-diode mode upon LOPWR trip and latches off switches if DCDIV exceeds VCC + 1.8V.

Charging is managed via a current-mode PWM buck controller (BGATE/TGATE/SW/BOOST) with programmable VSET/ITH/ISET feedback, supported by a 11-bit ∆Σ VDAC (16mV step, 0.8V offset) and 10-bit ∆Σ IDAC (5% accuracy, normal/low-current modes). Input current limiting uses CLP/COMP1 with 5% accuracy and 100mV threshold referenced to DCIN.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 38-pin (5mm × 7mm) plastic QFN with exposed thermal pad (Pin 39 = GND). Requires soldering of exposed pad to PCB ground for θJA = 34°C/W thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-battery charger/selector applications.

Compared with LTC4155EUFD#PBF and BQ24725ARHRT, the LTC1960CUHF#PBF uniquely combines SPI-configurable dual-battery charging, <10µs hardware-autonomous PowerPath switching, and simultaneous discharge - making it the only solution that delivers both accelerated charge time and guaranteed zero-interruption operation without host CPU intervention.

Availability

LTC1960CUHF#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable computers, portable instruments, medical portable devices, and industrial data loggers requiring stable component supply, dual-battery SBS compliance, and autonomous power-source arbitration.

Supply support for LTC1960CUHF#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 is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and power management markets.

The LTC1960CUHF#PBF belongs to Analog Devices' Power Management product line, engineered specifically for intelligent dual-battery systems in portable computing and instrumentation where seamless power arbitration, fast charging, and robust fault protection are essential.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LTC1960CUHF#PBF in a dual-battery system?

The LTC1960CUHF#PBF serves as an integrated dual-battery charger and PowerPath selector IC. It manages simultaneous or sequential charging of two smart batteries, autonomously switches between DCIN, BAT1, and BAT2 in under 10µs to prevent power interruption, and regulates charging via a 95%-efficient synchronous buck converter. The LTC1960CUHF#PBF enables extended runtime and faster charging while providing full SPI-based host control and status monitoring.

Does the LTC1960CUHF#PBF support simultaneous discharge of both batteries?

Yes, the LTC1960CUHF#PBF supports simultaneous dual-battery discharge into the system load. By programming both batteries for discharge via SPI, the PowerPath controller activates the corresponding output switches (GB1O/GB2O), allowing current to share dynamically based on battery voltage and capacity. This configuration extends typical battery runtime by approximately 10% compared to sequential discharge, as confirmed in the datasheet's performance graphs (Figure G11–G14). The LTC1960CUHF#PBF handles reverse-current blocking and thermal management inherently.

What are the key differences between the LTC1960CUHF#PBF and the LTC1960CG#PBF?

The LTC1960CUHF#PBF and LTC1960CG#PBF share identical electrical functionality and SPI register mapping but differ in package and thermal performance. The LTC1960CUHF#PBF uses a 38-pin 5mm × 7mm QFN with exposed thermal pad (θJA = 34°C/W), while the LTC1960CG#PBF uses a 36-pin narrow SSOP (θJA = 70°C/W). Both operate from 0°C to 70°C, but the QFN variant offers superior power dissipation for high-current charging applications. Pin numbering differs - e.g., VPLUS is Pin 27 in UHF vs Pin 1 in CG - requiring layout revision for interchangeability. The LTC1960CUHF#PBF is optimized for space-constrained, thermally demanding portable designs.

How does the LTC1960CUHF#PBF achieve 5% accurate input current limiting?

The LTC1960CUHF#PBF achieves 5% accurate input current limiting using an internal amplifier (CL1) referenced to the DCIN pin, with a fixed 100mV threshold at CLP. When the voltage drop across the external sense resistor exceeds this threshold, COMP1 rises to 1V and the charger reduces duty cycle to maintain constant input current. Calibration is factory-trimmed and specified over temperature (0°C to 70°C); no external components are needed beyond the sense resistor and optional RC filter on CLP. This feature prevents wall adapter overload while maximizing charge rate - a core capability of the LTC1960CUHF#PBF.

Can the LTC1960CUHF#PBF operate without an external microcontroller?

The LTC1960CUHF#PBF requires an external microcontroller for full configuration and monitoring via its SPI interface, but retains critical autonomous functions without host intervention. These include <10µs PowerPath switching upon LOPWR trip, 3-diode mode fallback, short-circuit protection (SCP/SCN), UVLO, and fast turn-off during overvoltage events. However, initial setup (charge voltage/current, source selection, DAC values) and status polling must be performed via SPI. The LTC1960CUHF#PBF cannot self-configure or operate in a standalone mode - the microcontroller is mandatory for system-level control.