Analog Devices Inc. LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF
- Part No.:
- LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Battery Chargers
- Package:
- 20-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF.pdf
- Description:
- IC BAT CHG MULT-CHEM 1-4CL 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a synchronous buck battery charger controller optimized for Li-ion/polymer packs with 1–4 series cells. It delivers ±0.6% output voltage accuracy at 4.1V/cell, supports programmable charge current (±4% accuracy), and features PowerPath™ ideal diode control with 25mV forward regulation. Used in notebook computers and portable instruments where input current limiting and low-noise ceramic-capacitor operation are critical.
For engineers reviewing the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF datasheet, LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF pinout, LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF application, or LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF equivalent, key selection considerations include its pin-programmable 4.1V/cell float voltage, 550kHz quasi-constant-frequency PWM architecture, AC adapter current limiting via external sense resistor, and INFET-controlled ideal diode path for system power routing.
Technical Context
The LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF implements a current-mode synchronous buck topology with integrated gate drivers (TGATE/BGATE), internal 5V INTVDD regulator, and dual-loop control: peak inductor current sensing via CSP/CSN and voltage regulation via VFB (for LTC4012) or FVS0/FVS1 (for -1/-2 variants). Its PowerPath™ circuitry uses INFET to drive an external PMOS between DCIN and CLP, enabling <25mV forward drop and reverse-current blocking.
Unlike fully autonomous chargers, it lacks built-in termination logic and relies on host MCU coordination via CHRG, ICL, and ACP status outputs. Charge current is linearly monitored at PROG (11.67µA/mV scaling), while ITH serves as both compensation node and soft-start control point - enabling precise loop stability tuning without audible noise under ceramic capacitor loads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 4.1V per cell (pin-programmed via FVS0/FVS1); enables direct compatibility with standard 1–4S Li-ion packs without external divider. |
| Charge Current Accuracy | ±4% over temperature; ensures predictable C-rate delivery across operating range using RPROG and RIN. |
| Switching Frequency | 550kHz typical; allows compact 6.8µH inductor and ceramic bulk capacitors without audible switching noise. |
| Input Voltage Range | 6V to 28V on CLP; supports wide-range AC adapters and industrial DC inputs. |
| PowerPath Control | INFET output regulates PFET forward drop to ~25mV; eliminates Schottky losses and prevents reverse current flow. |
| Accuracy Thresholds | VFB = 1.2085V ±0.6%; VCL (input current limit) = 100mV ±3%; VC10 (C/10 detection) = 400mV ±60mV. |
| Package | 20-pin 4mm × 4mm QFN with exposed thermal pad; supports high-power dissipation in space-constrained designs. |
Pinout & Package
20-pin (4mm × 4mm × 0.75mm) plastic QFN package with exposed GND paddle (Pin 21), rated for 0°C to 85°C operation. Thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for proper electrical and thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CLN (1) | Adapter current limit negative input | Senses voltage drop across RSENSE; threshold is CLP – 100mV; requires RC filtering to reject PWM noise. |
| CLP (2) | Adapter input positive supply & current limit reference | Primary power source for IC; sets input current limit baseline and powers internal circuits up to 28V. |
| INFET (3) | PowerPath PMOS gate driver output | Drives external PFET gate to maintain ~25mV forward drop; clamped ~6V below CLP for safe turn-off. |
| DCIN (4) | DC adapter sense input | Used with CLP to detect AC presence and enable PowerPath; must exceed CLP by ≥60mV to activate charger. |
| ACP (5) | Active-low AC present indicator | Open-drain output pulled low when DCIN > BAT + 500mV; signals host MCU that adapter is valid. |
| SHDN (6) | Active-low shutdown control | Pulled down internally (40kΩ); drives <300mV to force full shutdown with µA-level battery leakage. |
| CHRG (7) | Active-low charge status indicator | Three-state output: strong pull-down (charging), weak 25µA pull-down (C/10), or high-Z (not charging). |
| ICL (8) | Active-low input current limit indicator | Pulled low when charge current reduced due to CLP–CLN reaching 100mV threshold. |
| FVS0 (9) | Battery voltage select LSB | Logic input (GND/INTVDD) selecting one of four preset voltages: 4.1V/cell for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF. |
| FVS1 (10) | Battery voltage select MSB | Paired with FVS0 to configure float voltage; FVS1=0V, FVS0=0V selects 4.1V/cell mode. |
| BAT (11) | Battery pack connection | Direct connection to battery terminal; used for voltage feedback and current sensing reference. |
| ITH (12) | PWM current control & compensation node | Integrates error signal for cycle-by-cycle peak current control; external RC sets loop bandwidth and soft-start ramp. |
| PROG (13) | Charge current programming & monitoring | Linear voltage output (11.67µA/mV) proportional to actual charge current; also sets max current via RPROG. |
| CSN (14) | Current sense negative input | Connects to low-side of RSENSE; operates within (BAT – 50mV) to (BAT + 200mV) common-mode range. |
| CSP (15) | Current sense positive input | Connects to high-side of RSENSE; matched with CSN for accurate differential sensing. |
| BGATE (16) | Synchronous rectifier NMOS gate driver | Drives low-side FET in buck converter; improves efficiency vs. diode rectification. |
| INTVDD (17) | Internal 5V regulator output | Supplies gate drivers and internal logic; shuts down during SHDN; can power external circuitry if load ≤20mA. |
| SW (18) | Buck switch node | High dv/dt node connecting to inductor; requires tight layout and Kelvin connections to minimize EMI. |
| TGATE (19) | Top-side NMOS gate driver | Drives high-side FET; bootstrap supply referenced to SW via BOOST pin. |
| BOOST (20) | TGATE bootstrap supply input | Connects to bootstrap capacitor between SW and INTVDD; enables high-side NMOS drive above CLP. |
| GND (21) | Ground reference & thermal pad | Exposed paddle must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal management and stable reference. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pin-programmable 4.1V/cell output | Eliminates external resistor divider for Li-ion 1–4S packs; reduces BOM count and layout complexity. |
| 550kHz quasi-constant-frequency PWM | Enables use of small inductors and ceramic capacitors without audible noise - critical for quiet portable devices. |
| PowerPath™ ideal diode control | Reduces forward voltage drop to ~25mV and blocks reverse current, improving system efficiency and safety. |
| Analog charge current monitor | PROG pin provides linear 11.67µA/mV output directly usable by MCU ADC without signal conditioning. |
| AC adapter input current limiting | Programmable via RSENSE; maintains constant input power while dynamically adjusting charge rate. |
| Micropower shutdown | Reduces battery leakage to <1.5µA; extends shelf life and standby time in battery-backed systems. |
Applications
| Notebook Computers | Portable Instruments |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dual-power system requiring seamless transition between AC adapter and Li-ion battery during operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Charger controller managing 3S Li-ion pack with PowerPath™ routing system power from either source without interruption. Use Value: Enables hot-swap capability and eliminates brownouts during AC disconnect; 4.1V/cell setting matches OEM battery specifications. |
Use Scenario: Handheld test equipment powered by removable 2S Li-polymer battery with strict EMI and acoustic noise limits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck charger delivering up to 3A with 550kHz switching and ceramic capacitor filtering. Use Value: Achieves >90% efficiency at 2A load while eliminating audible coil whine - essential for lab-grade audio-sensitive instruments. |
| Battery Backup Systems | Industrial Portable Terminals |
Use Scenario: Rack-mounted UPS module maintaining 4S Li-ion backup during grid failure with precise state-of-charge monitoring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy current/voltage controller feeding analog data to host MCU for Coulomb counting and health estimation. Use Value: ±4% charge current and ±0.6% voltage accuracy ensure reliable capacity tracking over temperature and lifetime. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized warehouse scanner operating 12+ hours per charge with fast AC recharging between shifts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust charger supporting wide-input (9–24V) AC adapters and adaptive current limiting to avoid tripping shared facility circuits. Use Value: Input current limit programmability prevents nuisance breaker trips while maximizing recharge speed under variable line conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar battery charger controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTC4012CUF-2#TRPBF | 4.2V/cell float voltage instead of 4.1V/cell; identical pinout, package, and feature set. | Designed for standard 4.2V/cell Li-ion chemistries; not suitable for 4.1V-specific legacy or high-cycle-life cells. | Select only if battery specification requires 4.2V/cell; otherwise LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF ensures correct voltage compliance. |
| BQ24725ARHBT | TI part with integrated MOSFET drivers, SMBus interface, and built-in safety timers; no PowerPath™ ideal diode control. | Requires external PFET for input path control; adds communication overhead but offers autonomous charge termination. | Choose when SMBus host control and integrated safety timers are required; avoid if PowerPath™ simplicity and analog monitoring are preferred. |
Compared with LTC4012CUF-2#TRPBF, the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF provides tighter voltage matching for 4.1V/cell Li-ion cells, reducing stress and extending cycle life. Against BQ24725ARHBT, it trades digital interface and safety timers for lower component count, deterministic analog control, and superior PowerPath™ integration - ideal for MCU-managed systems prioritizing efficiency and layout simplicity.
Availability
LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, portable instruments, and battery backup systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF 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) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management semiconductors.
The LTC4012 family was designed as a flexible, high-efficiency building-block charger controller for multi-cell Li-ion systems where MCU-based algorithm control and PowerPath™ system power routing are essential design requirements.
FAQ
What battery chemistries does the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF support?
The LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF supports any rechargeable battery chemistry including Li-ion, Li-polymer, NiMH, and lead-acid. It lacks built-in termination logic and relies on external MCU control, making it adaptable to custom charge algorithms. Its 4.1V/cell output is specifically calibrated for Li-ion/polymer cells requiring that voltage threshold.
How is the 4.1V/cell output voltage selected on the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF?
The LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF uses pins FVS0 (Pin 9) and FVS1 (Pin 10) to select one of four preset output voltages. For 4.1V/cell operation, both FVS0 and FVS1 must be tied to GND. This configuration is hardwired into the device variant and cannot be changed dynamically during operation.
Does the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF include PowerPath™ functionality, and how does it work?
Yes, the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF integrates PowerPath™ control via the INFET pin (Pin 3), which drives an external PMOS transistor between DCIN and CLP. It regulates the forward voltage drop to ~25mV during charging and blocks reverse current within 6µs if DCIN falls below CLP by >25mV - ensuring seamless power handoff and system protection.
Can the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF operate without an external microcontroller?
No - the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF is a controller, not a standalone charger. It requires an external MCU to manage charge termination, temperature monitoring, preconditioning, and fault response. Its CHRG, ICL, and ACP outputs provide status signals, while PROG enables real-time current monitoring for closed-loop control.
What is the purpose of the ITH pin on the LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF?
The ITH pin (Pin 12) serves as the PWM current control node and loop compensation point. It integrates the error signal for cycle-by-cycle peak inductor current regulation. An external RC network on ITH sets loop bandwidth, determines soft-start ramp rate, and ensures stability - making it critical for noise-free, high-efficiency operation.
LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- PowerPath™
- Package/Case:
- 20-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Battery Chemistry:
- Multi-Chemistry
- Number of Cells:
- 1 ~ 4
- Current - Charging:
- Constant - Programmable
- Programmable Features:
- -
- Fault Protection:
- Over Voltage
- Charge Current - Max:
- -
- Battery Pack Voltage:
- 16.4V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 28V
- Interface:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-QFN (4x4)
LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF reliable?
The price and inventory of LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF?
LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF?
For technical support, including LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF?
All LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LTC4012CUF-1#TRPBF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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