Overview
Features and Benefits
- 5.5V to 26V Input Voltage Range
 - Tight Current-Regulation Accuracy:
- 2% (MAX1641)
 - 5% (MAX1640)
 
 - Up to 1.5A Fast-Charge Current
 - Up to 500kHz PWM Operation
 - Pulse-Trickle Charge Current
 - 100% Maximum Duty Cycle (low dropout)
 - Synchronous Rectifier
 - Surface-Mount Components
 - Fully Assembled and Tested
 
Product Details
The MAX1640 evaluation kit (EV kit) is an adjustable switch-mode current source that operates from a 5.5V to 26V input. It is intended for microprocessor-controlled battery chargers. The charging current, maximum voltage, and pulse-trickle charge are programmed with external resistors. The EV kit is shipped configured for a maximum charge voltage (6 cells). It is configured as a step-down pulse-width modulator (PWM) with synchronous rectification, allowing fast-charge currents up to 1.5A with greater than 90% efficiency. The MAX1640 uses high-side current sense; this allows the load to connect directly to ground, eliminating ground potential errors. The MAX1641 uses low-side current sense.
The MAX1640 EV kit is a fully assembled and tested surface-mount printed circuit board. It can also be used to evaluate the MAX1641.
Applications
- Backup Battery Charger
 - Battery-Powered Applications
 - Cell Phones
 - Cordless Phones
 - Handy Terminals
 - Laptop, Notebook, and Palmtop Computers
 - PCS Phones
 - Portable Consumer Products