AN1276

Design A Low-Cost Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)

Battery Charger With MCP73123
Author: Brian Chu Most LiFePO4 battery manufacturers have different
Microchip Technology Inc. charge and discharge specifications for their batteries.
However, all LiFePO4 share Constant Current-
Constant Voltage (CC-CV) algorithm with Li-Ion batter-
INTRODUCTION ies. The preferred charge voltage is typically 3.6V. The
termination current can be either fixed value or ratio of
Demand of fast-discharge rated energy storage fast charge current. Unlike Li-Ion chemistry, LiFePO4
sources for Electrical Vehicle (EV), Hybrid Electrical can be charged with higher C rate.
Vehicle HEV) or portable power tools have driven the
commercial development of Lithium Iron Phosphate Note: Please consult the battery manufacturer
(LiFePO4) batteries. The traditional LiFePO4 battery for the desired maximum charge rated.
systems usually require high voltages or large
capacities. However, the nature of its characters, such Microchip’s MCP73123 family is developed to simplify
as longer cycle life than typical Li-Ion (Lithium Iron) the design for mid to low range capacity LiFePO4
batteries, better resistance to thermal runaway and batteries or if the total charge time is not critical for
higher output and peak current rating make them ideal larger capacity applications.
candidates to RC (remote control) toys and backup This application note is intended to provide design
power applications. guidance for designers who are interested in taking
The typical capacity of LiFePO4 battery cells are advantage of using Microchip’s MCP73123 to charge
available in the ranged from 500 mAh to 2300 mAh. LiFePO4 batteries to reduce the product development
They are usually rated at 3.2V. There are systems or cycle, cost and time to market.
applications that do not require large capacity (multiple
cells in parallel) or high voltage (multiple cells in series)
battery packs. Figure 1 illustrates a charge cradle that
can range from one cell to ‘n’ cells batteries. Each
power path has one IC (Integrated Circuit) to manage
the charge profile and display the state of charge.

Status Status

MC P73123 MCP 73123

LiFeP O 4 LiFePO 4

FIGURE 1: LiFePO4 Charger Cradle Illustration of the MCP73123.

© 2009 Microchip Technology Inc. DS01276A-page 1

AN1276
MCP73123 DEVICE DESCRIPTION MCP73123 DEVICE FEATURES
The MCP73123 is a highly integrated Lithium Iron • Constant Current / Constant Voltage Operation
Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery charge management with Thermal Regulation
controller for use in space-limited and cost-sensitive • 4.15V Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO)
applications. The MCP73123 provides specific charge • 18V Absolute Maximum Input with OVP:
algorithms for LiFePO4 batteries to achieve optimal
- 6.5V - MCP73123
capacity and safety in the shortest charging time
possible. Along with its small physical size, the low • High Accuracy Preset Voltage Regulation
number of external components make the MCP73123 Through Full Temperature Range (-5°C to +55°C):
ideally suitable for various applications. The absolute - + 0.5%
maximum voltage, up to 18V, allows the use of • Battery Charge Voltage Options:
MCP73123 in harsh environments, such as low cost - 3.6V - MCP73123
wall wart or voltage spikes from plug/unplug.
• Resistor Programmable Fast Charge Current:
The MCP73123 employs a constant current-constant - 130 mA - 1100 mA
voltage charge algorithm. The 3.6V per cell factory
• Preconditioning of Deeply Depleted Cells:
preset reference voltage simplifies design with
2V preconditioning threshold. The fast charge, - Available Options: 10% or Disable
constant current value is set with one external resistor • Integrated Precondition Timer:
from 130 mA to 1100 mA. The MCP73123 also limits - 32 Minutes or Disable
the charge current based on die temperature during • Automatic End-of-Charge Control:
high power or high ambient conditions. This thermal - Selectable Minimum Current Ratio:
regulation optimizes the charge cycle time while 5%, 7.5%, 10% or 20%
maintaining device reliability.
- Elapse Safety Timer: 4 HR, 6 HR, 8 HR or
The PROG pin of the MCP73123 also serves as enable Disable
pin. When a high impedance is applied, the MCP73123 • Automatic Recharge:
will be in standby mode.
- Available Options: 95% or Disable
The MCP73123 is fully specified over the ambient • Two Charge Status Output Available - On or Flash
temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The MCP73123
• Soft Start
is available in a 10 lead, DFN package.
• Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
This Applications Note shows how to design a simple
• Packaging:
Lithium Iron Phosphate battery charge management
system with Microchip’s MCP73123 for cost-sensitive - DFN-10 (3 mm x 3 mm)
applications.
References to documents that treat these subjects in
more depth and breadth have been included in the
“References” section.

Note: MCP73223 is also available for dual cell

charger to charge two LiFePO4 in series.

DS01276A-page 2 © 2009 Microchip Technology Inc.

 AN1276
TABLE 1: AVAILABLE FACTORY PRESET OPTIONS
Pre- Pre- End-of-
Charge Precondition Elapse Automatic Output
OVP conditioning conditioning Charge
Voltage Timer Timer Recharge Status
Charge Current Threshold Control
3.6V 6.5V Disable / 10% 2V Disable / Disable / 4 HR / 5% / 7.5% / No / Type 1 /
32 Minimum 6 HR / 8 HR 10% / 20% Yes Type 2
7.2V 13V Disable / 10% 4V Disable / Disable / 4 HR / 5% / 7.5% / No / Type 1 /
32 Minimum 6 HR / 8 HR 10% / 20% Yes Type 2

TABLE 2: STANDARD SAMPLE OPTIONS

Part VREG OVP IPREG/IREG Pre-charge Elapse ITERM/IREG VRTH/VREG VPTH/VREG Output
Number Timer Timer Status
MCP73123-22SI/MF 3.6V 6.5V 10% 32 Min. 6 HR 10% 95% 71.5% Type 1
MCP73223-C2SI/MF 7.2V 6.5V 10% 32 Min. 6 HR 10% 95% 71.5% Type 1
Note 1: IREG: Regulated fast charge current.
2: VREG: Regulated charge voltage.
3: IPREG/IREG: Preconditioning charge current; ratio of regulated fast charge current.
4: ITERM/IREG: End-of-Charge control; ratio of regulated fast charge current.
5: VRTH/VREG: Recharge threshold; ratio of regulated battery voltage.
6: VPTH/VREG: Preconditioning threshold voltage.
7: Type 1 Output Status - Open-drain.
8: Type 2 Output Status - Open-drain with 50% duty cycle on/off.
9: Customers should contact their distributor, representatives or field application engineer (FAE) for support and sample.
Local sales offices are also available to help customers. A listing of sales offices and locations is included in the back of
this document. Technical support is available through the web site at: http//[Link].

Note: Above information is available in the MCP73123/223 data sheet (DS22191).

MCP73123 Typical Application

1 3
Ac-dc-Adapter VDD VBAT

2 VDD 4
VBAT +
4.7 µF 4.7 µF
7 10 1-Cell
STAT PROG LiFePO4
1 kΩ Battery
5 NC 1.15 kΩ -
9
VSS
6 NC VSS 8

FIGURE 2: Typical MCP73123 Applications.

© 2009 Microchip Technology Inc. DS01276A-page 3

AN1276
LIFEPO4 CHARGER DESIGN GUIDE EXTERNAL CAPACITORS
Figure 2 depicts the typical application circuit. The MCP73123 is stable with or without a battery load.
Designing with the MCP73123 is easy with minimum In order to maintain good AC stability in the Constant-
four external components. The output status pin voltage mode, a minimum capacitance of 1 µF is
connects to either MCU or LED for different display recommended to bypass the VBAT pin to VSS. This
methods. Table 1 provides the available options of the capacitance provides compensation when there is no
MCP73123. The options in Table 2 are standard battery load. In addition, the battery and
samples and can be obtained quickly. The MCP73123 interconnections appear inductive at high frequencies.
is available in the 3 mm x 3 mm DFN package, These elements are in the control feedback loop during
as shown in Figure 3. Constant-voltage mode. Therefore, the bypass
capacitance may be necessary to compensate for the
inductive nature of the battery pack. A minimum of 16V
MCP73123/223 rated 1 µF, is recommended to apply for output
3x3 DFN * capacitor and a minimum of 25V rated 1 µF, is
recommended to apply for input capacitor for typical
VDD 1 10 PROG
applications.
VDD 2 9 VSS
EP
VBAT 3 11 8 VSS TABLE 3: MLCC CAPACITOR EXAMPLE
VBAT 4 7 STAT MLCC Temperature
Tolerance
NC 5 6 NC Capacitors Range
X7R -55°C to +125°C ±15%
* Includes Exposed Thermal Pad (EP); see DS22191.
X5R -55°C to +85°C ±15%
FIGURE 3: MCP73123/223 Package
Virtually any good quality output filter capacitor can be
For non-standard combinations of options, contact your
used, independent of the capacitor’s minimum
local Microchip representatives or distributors. This
Effective Series Resistance (ESR) value. The actual
section will offer detailed design guide to develop a
value of the capacitor (and its associated ESR)
LiFePO4 battery charger system.
depends on the output load current. A 1 µF ceramic,
tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor at the
Power Supply Input (VDD) output is usually sufficient to ensure stability.
The MCP73123 operates from 4.15V to 5.8V or 6.5V,
However, the MCP73123 can protect up to 18V abso- Fast Charge Current Set (PROG)
lute maximum voltage when the power supply is insta-
During the constant current mode, the programmed
ble or when the end user accidently plug in the wrong
charge current is supplied to the battery or load.
ac-dc adapter. The selected input capacitor needs to
meet the desired design specifications. The charge current is established using a single
resistor from PROG to VSS. The program resistor and
the charge current are calculated using the following
Battery Charger Output (VBAT)
equation:
The MCP73123 regulates VBAT pin to 3.6V when
charge begins. When 3.6V is detected, the algorithm EQUATION 1: CHARGE CURRENT
moves to constant voltage range until minimum current – 0.93
is satisfied or elapse timer is up for automatic I REG = 1104 × R
termination. The output capacitor will ensure the loop Where:
stability when the battery is disconnected.
RPROG = kilo-ohms (kΩ)
IREG = milliampere (mA)

EQUATION 2: SELECT RESISTOR

I REG ⎞ ⎞
⎛ log ⎛ -----------
- ⁄ ( – 0.93 )
⎝ ⎝ 1104⎠ ⎠
R PROG = 10
Where:
RPROG = kilo-ohms (kΩ)
IREG = milliampere (mA)

DS01276A-page 4 © 2009 Microchip Technology Inc.

 AN1276
Table 4 provides commonly seen E96 (1%) and E24 Battery Charge Status Outputs (STAT)
(5%) resistors for various charge current to reduce
design time. The charge status outputs are open-drain outputs with
two different states: Low (L), and High Impedance
(Hi-Z). The charge status outputs can be used to
TABLE 4: RESISTOR LOOKUP TABLE
illuminate LEDs. Optionally, the charge status outputs
Charge Recommended Recommended can be used as an interface to a host microcontroller.
Current (mA) E96 Resistor (Ω) E24 Resistor (Ω) Table 5 summarize the state of the status outputs
130 10k 10k during a charge cycle.
150 8.45k 8.20k TABLE 5: STATUS OUTPUTS
200 6.20k 6.20k
CHARGE CYCLE STATE STAT
250 4.99k 5.10k
300 4.02k 3.90k Shutdown Hi-Z
350 3.40k 3.30k Standby Hi-Z
400 3.00k 3.00k Preconditioning L
450 2.61k 2.70k Constant Current Fast L
500 2.32k 2.37k Charge
550 2.10k 2.20k Constant Voltage L
600 1.91k 2.00k Charge Complete - Standby Hi-Z
650 1.78k 1.80k Temperature Fault 1.6 second 50% D.C.
700 1.62k 1.60k Flashing (Type 2)
750 1.50k 1.50k Hi-Z (Type 1)
800 1.40k 1.50k Timer Fault 1.6 second 50% D.C.
850 1.33k 1.30k
Flashing (Type 2)
Hi-Z (Type 1)
900 1.24k 1.20k
Preconditioning Timer Fault 1.6 second 50% D.C.
950 1.18k 1.20k
Flashing (Type 2)
1000 1.10k 1.10k Hi-Z (Type 1)
1100 1.00k 1.00k

Constant current mode is maintained until the voltage

at the VBAT pin reaches the regulation voltage, VREG.
When constant current mode is invoked, the internal
timer is reset.
PROG pin also serves as charge control enable. When
a typical 200 kΩ impedance is applied to PROG pin,
the MCP73123 is disabled until the high impedance is
removed.

© 2009 Microchip Technology Inc. DS01276A-page 5

AN1276
SUMMARY Figure 5 shows half of top layer of the
MCP73X23EV-LFP evaluation board. There are two
The MCP73123 helps designers to reduce design independent circuits on the MCP73X23EV-LFP for
complexities and minimize external components for single-cell and dual-cell applications. The user’s guide
LiFePO4 charger cradles or chargers. Integrated input and Gerber file for the MCP73X23EV-LFP are available
overvoltage protection and battery short protection on Microchip’s website.
allow seamless switching between different input/
output voltage conditions. The MCP73123 also offers
built-in preconditioning timer and overall elapse timer to
prevent overcharge of a bad battery.
Due to the power dissipations in the linear charger
design, the thermal foldback provides better heat
management that prevents the system temperature
from increasing and prolong the life of the products.
Figure 4 depicts the complete charge cycle of a
1100 mAh rated LiFePO4 battery. The charge current is
set at 1A. At the beginning of charge cycle, the battery
voltage is 2V when input voltage is 5V. The 3 watts
power dissipation triggers the thermal foldback to
begin. Unlike Li-Ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries can
MCP73X23EV-LFP
restore energy back faster if battery capacity and fast
charge current speed are equal. A typical Li-Ion battery
may require 2-3 hours when charge with 1C rate. FIGURE 5: MCP73X23 Evaluation
Board.
Note: “C” Rate Definition: The theoretical
capacity of a battery is determined by the
amount of active materials in the battery.
REFERENCES
It is expressed as the total quantity of [1] MCP73123/223 Data Sheet, “Lithium Iron
electricity involved in the electrochemical Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery Charge
reaction and is defined in terms of Management Controller with Input Overvoltage
coulombs or ampere-hours. Protection”, Microchip Technology Inc.,
DS22191, ©2009.

7.0 1
[2] “Lithium Batteries”, Gholam-Abbas Nazri and
Thermal Regulation
0.9 Gianfranco Pistoia Eds.; Kluwer Academic
6.0
0.8 Publishers, ©2004.
Battery Voltage (V)

Supply Current (A)

5.0 0.7
4.0 0.6
0.5
3.0 0.4
2.0 0.3
VDD = 5V 0.2
1.0 RPROG = 1 kΩ 0.1
0.0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Time (Minutes)

FIGURE 4: Typical MCP73123 Charge

Profile (1100 mAh LiFePO4 Battery Cell).

DS01276A-page 6 © 2009 Microchip Technology Inc.

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