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Analog Devices Inc. LTC4012CUF-3#PBF
- Part No.:
- LTC4012CUF-3#PBF
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Battery Chargers
- Package:
- 20-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
LTC4012CUF-3#PBF.pdf
- Description:
- IC BATT CHG MULTI-CHEM 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,843
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Product details
Overview
LTC4012CUF-3#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a synchronous buck battery charger controller IC designed for multi-chemistry battery charging with PowerPath™ input control. It delivers ±0.5% float voltage accuracy, programmable charge current (4% accuracy), and 550kHz quasi-constant-frequency PWM operation - enabling high-efficiency, low-noise charging in notebook computers and portable instruments using ceramic output capacitors.
For engineers reviewing the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF datasheet, LTC4012CUF-3#PBF pinout, LTC4012CUF-3#PBF application, or LTC4012CUF-3#PBF equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed package mapping to 20-pin 4mm × 4mm QFN, real-world efficiency curves at 20V DCIN, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts with documented functional differences.
Technical Context
The LTC4012CUF-3#PBF implements a current-mode synchronous buck topology with integrated gate drivers for external N-channel MOSFETs (TGATE/BGATE), plus an ideal diode controller (INFET) for P-channel input FETs. Its error amplifier compares VFB (1.2085V reference) against a resistor-divided BAT voltage to regulate constant-voltage charge, while PROG monitors real-time charge current via RPROG and CSP/CSN sensing.
It features three independent regulation loops: charge current (via ITH-controlled peak inductor current), battery voltage (via VFB/FBDIV), and adapter input current limit (via CLP–CLN differential). Non-overlap timing (110ns) prevents shoot-through, and soft-start ensures controlled ITH ramp-up before PWM initiation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Topology | Synchronous buck PWM controller - requires external high-side and low-side N-MOSFETs and input P-MOSFET for full implementation. |
| Switching frequency | 550kHz typical - enables compact magnetics and ceramic output capacitors without audible noise. |
| VOUT accuracy | ±0.5% over temperature - achieved via 1.2085V internal reference and precision VFB feedback path. |
| Charge current accuracy | ±4% (C-grade) - determined by matched RIN, RPROG, and RSENSE network; PROG pin provides linear analog monitor output. |
| Input voltage range | 6V to 28V on CLP - supports wide-range AC adapters and industrial power supplies. |
| Output voltage range | 2V to 28V - programmable via external FBDIV–GND divider; compatible with Li-ion, LiFePO4, NiMH, and lead-acid chemistries. |
| PowerPath control | INFET-driven P-MOSFET gate with 25mV forward regulation and <6µs reverse turn-off - eliminates need for external ideal diode IC. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 20-lead 4mm × 4mm × 0.75mm plastic QFN (UF); exposed pad (Pin 21) is GND and must be soldered to PCB thermal pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CLN (1) | Adapter current limit negative input | Senses voltage drop across RIN; threshold = CLP – 100mV - used to enforce input current limit without microcontroller intervention. |
| CLP (2) | Adapter supply positive input | Main input power rail (6–28V); powers internal circuits and serves as reference for INFET and CLN. |
| INFET (3) | Input ideal diode gate driver | Drives gate of external P-MOSFET between DCIN and CLP; regulates forward drop to ~25mV and blocks reverse current. |
| DCIN (4) | DC input sense | Monitors presence of external DC source; enables charging when DCIN > BAT + 500mV. |
| GND (5) | Signal and power ground | Reference for all analog circuitry; internally tied to exposed pad (Pin 21). |
| SHDN (6) | Active-low shutdown control | Pulled down internally (40kΩ); drives <300mV to force shutdown and reduce battery leakage to <1.5µA. |
| CHRG (7) | Charge status indicator | Open-drain output with three states: strong pull-down (bulk charge), 25µA weak pull-down (C/10 detection), or high-Z (shutdown/reverse). |
| ICL (8) | Input current limit indicator | Active-low open-drain flag - asserts when charge current is reduced due to CLP–CLN limiting. |
| VFB (9) | Battery voltage feedback | Connects to center tap of FBDIV–GND divider; regulated to 1.2085V in CV mode - sets final float voltage. |
| FBDIV (10) | Feedback divider source | Open-drain PFET output tied to BAT during charge - completes resistor divider network for VFB. |
| BAT (11) | Battery pack connection | Primary battery voltage sensing node; used for PWM control, C/10 detection, and reverse current protection. |
| ITH (12) | PWM compensation node | Error amplifier output controlling peak inductor current; external RC network sets loop stability and soft-start time. |
| PROG (13) | Charge current programming/monitoring | Voltage proportional to actual charge current (ICHRG × RPROG); used for programming and real-time analog monitoring. |
| CSN (14) | Current sense negative | Connects to low side of RSENSE; operates within (BAT – 50mV) to (BAT + 200mV) - enables high-side or low-side sensing. |
| CSP (15) | Current sense positive | Connects to high side of RSENSE; same voltage range as CSN - differential input rejects common-mode noise. |
| BGATE (16) | Bottom FET gate driver | Drives synchronous rectifier N-MOSFET; 0–5V swing relative to GND - improves efficiency vs. diode rectification. |
| INTVDD (17) | Internal 5V regulator output | Supplies gate drivers; shuts down in SHDN; max load 20mA - can power external bias circuits if needed. |
| SW (18) | Switch node | Connection point between external inductor and both MOSFETs; critical for EMI layout - must minimize trace inductance. |
| TGATE (19) | Top FET gate driver | Drives high-side N-MOSFET; bootstrapped from BOOST - requires external bootstrap capacitor and diode. |
| BOOST (20) | Bootstrap supply input | Connects to bootstrap capacitor between SW and INTVDD - enables high-side gate drive above CLP voltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No-audible-noise PWM | Quasi-constant 550kHz frequency with ceramic-capacitor compatibility - eliminates piezoelectric whine in portable devices. |
| Programmable input current limit | 3% accuracy via CLP–CLN differential sensing - maximizes charge rate under fixed AC adapter power without overloading. |
| PowerPath™ ideal diode control | INFET output regulates forward drop to 25mV and disables reverse current in <6µs - replaces discrete ideal diode solutions. |
| Analog charge current monitor | PROG pin outputs voltage linearly proportional to ICHRG - enables real-time current readback without ADC or shunt amplifier. |
| Micropower shutdown | Battery leakage <1.5µA in shutdown - extends shelf life and standby time in battery-backed systems. |
Applications
| Notebook Computers | Portable Instruments |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dual-input (AC adapter + battery) power management in ultraportable laptops with Li-ion packs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary battery charger controller managing bulk/constant-voltage phases and seamless PowerPath handoff between AC and battery. Use Value: Enables 95% peak efficiency at 2A charge current and eliminates audible noise - critical for user-facing consumer devices. |
Use Scenario: Field-deployable handheld test equipment requiring long runtime and hot-swap battery capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multi-chemistry charger supporting Li-ion and NiMH packs, with programmable termination logic handled externally by MCU. Use Value: Wide 2–28V output range and ±0.5% voltage accuracy ensure precise cell balancing and extended cycle life. |
| Battery Backup Systems | Industrial Portable Terminals |
Use Scenario: UPS modules for POS terminals and medical edge devices needing failover between line power and sealed lead-acid batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current/constant-voltage charger with input current limiting to prevent AC adapter overload during simultaneous system operation. Use Value: CLP–CLN current limiting and ICL status pin allow adaptive charge rate adjustment - maintains system uptime under variable loads. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized warehouse scanners and inventory tablets operating in wide ambient temperatures (–20°C to 60°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Battery management controller with robust thermal performance (125°C junction rating) and reverse current protection. Use Value: Exposed-pad QFN package and micropower shutdown (<1.5µA) extend battery life in intermittent-use applications. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar battery charger controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTC4015IUFD#PBF | Integrated dual-input PowerPath with built-in MOSFET drivers and coulomb counting; higher pin count (28-pin QFN); no external RPROG required. | Targeted at fully autonomous chargers needing fuel gauging and USB PD compliance - not drop-in replaceable. | Select LTC4015IUFD#PBF only if coulomb counting, USB-C support, or integrated gate drivers are required - adds complexity and cost. |
| BQ24725ARHRT | TI part with similar 500kHz switching, but uses different feedback architecture (VREF = 0.6V); lacks INFET ideal diode control - requires external PFET driver. | Designed for server/enterprise battery backup where input current limiting is less critical than fast transient response. | Choose BQ24725ARHRT when leveraging TI's bqStudio ecosystem or needing lower VREF tolerance (±0.5%) at 0.6V reference - but expect added BOM for ideal diode. |
Compared with LTC4012CUF-3#PBF, LTC4015IUFD#PBF integrates more functions at the cost of flexibility and pin count, while BQ24725ARHRT trades PowerPath integration for broader industry tool support - neither is pin-compatible, but both serve overlapping multi-chemistry charger use cases with distinct trade-offs in autonomy and external component count.
Availability
LTC4012CUF-3#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, portable instruments, and battery backup systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed C-grade (0°C to 85°C) performance.
Supply support for LTC4012CUF-3#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, Inc. (ADI) is a global semiconductor leader specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies - acquired Linear Technology in 2017 to strengthen its power management portfolio.
The LTC4012CUF-3#PBF belongs to ADI's Linear Technology legacy battery management IC family, engineered for flexible, high-efficiency multi-chemistry charging in space-constrained portable and industrial applications - emphasizing precision regulation, low-noise operation, and robust PowerPath control.
FAQ
What battery chemistries does the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF support?
The LTC4012CUF-3#PBF supports Li-ion, LiFePO4, NiMH, and lead-acid batteries through fully programmable charge voltage (2V–28V) and current. It has no built-in termination logic - all chemistry-specific algorithms must be implemented externally, making it adaptable to custom or evolving battery requirements. The LTC4012CUF-3#PBF relies on host MCU supervision for full charge management.
Does the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF include integrated MOSFETs?
No, the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF is a controller-only IC and requires external high-side (TGATE), low-side (BGATE), and input P-MOSFETs (INFET). This architecture allows designers to optimize FET selection for voltage, current, and thermal requirements - unlike monolithic chargers, the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF offers scalability across 1A to 5A+ designs using discrete power stages.
How does the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF implement PowerPath control?
The LTC4012CUF-3#PBF implements PowerPath control via the INFET pin, which drives the gate of an external P-channel MOSFET between DCIN and CLP. It regulates forward voltage drop to ~25mV during charging and disables reverse current in under 6µs if DCIN falls below CLP - eliminating need for separate ideal diode ICs. This function is intrinsic to the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF and requires no configuration.
What is the purpose of the FBDIV pin on the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF?
The FBDIV pin on the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF serves as the high-side connection for the external resistor divider that sets battery float voltage. During charging, FBDIV is actively pulled to BAT by an internal PFET, completing the divider network referenced to VFB (1.2085V). This architecture avoids loading errors from divider current and enables accurate voltage programming independent of BAT leakage.
Can the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF operate without an external microcontroller?
The LTC4012CUF-3#PBF can perform basic constant-current/constant-voltage charging autonomously, but cannot terminate charge or manage complex algorithms (e.g., CC/CV/timer cutoff, temperature-based safety) without external supervision. Its CHRG and ICL pins provide status signals, and SHDN enables simple on/off control - however, full battery safety compliance requires MCU or dedicated state machine interfacing with the LTC4012CUF-3#PBF.
LTC4012CUF-3#PBF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- PowerPath™
- Package/Case:
- 20-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Battery Chemistry:
- Multi-Chemistry
- Number of Cells:
- -
- Current - Charging:
- Constant - Programmable
- Programmable Features:
- -
- Fault Protection:
- Over Voltage, Reverse Current
- Charge Current - Max:
- -
- Battery Pack Voltage:
- -
- 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-3#PBF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LTC4012CUF-3#PBF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LTC4012CUF-3#PBF 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-3#PBF reliable?
The price and inventory of LTC4012CUF-3#PBF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LTC4012CUF-3#PBF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LTC4012CUF-3#PBF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LTC4012CUF-3#PBF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LTC4012CUF-3#PBF?
LTC4012CUF-3#PBF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LTC4012CUF-3#PBF 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-3#PBF?
For technical support, including LTC4012CUF-3#PBF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LTC4012CUF-3#PBF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LTC4012CUF-3#PBF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LTC4012CUF-3#PBF 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-3#PBF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LTC4012CUF-3#PBF?
All LTC4012CUF-3#PBF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LTC4012CUF-3#PBF, 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-3#PBF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LTC4012CUF-3#PBF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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