STBC02BJR Integrated Circuits (ICs)

Power Management ICs (PMICs) play a vital role in our everyday lives. They are used to store and manage power for virtually all electronic devices, from tiny mobile phones and tablets to large-scale industrial machinery. Battery chargers form a particular subcategory of the PMIC family, specializing in electric current regulation for device charging and powering. STBC02BJR, a single-channel synchronous buck-boost battery charger from STMicroelectronics, is a great example of this type of PMIC.

The STBC02BJR is designed to allow a single cell lithium-ion battery to charge with a voltage input range of 2.2V to 8V. Its flexible buck-boost operation can accommodate any input voltage, readjust the input and output currents continuously, and achieve a maximum output current of 2A. The various features of the STBC02BJR make it especially useful in a wide range of applications. For instance, it can be conveniently employed in portable devices such as smartphones and digital cameras, portable medical equipment, robotics and remote controls, as well as in motorized transport such as electric bikes and electric vehicles.

The STBC02BJR works by controlling the current into and out of the battery, thereby enabling a safe and efficient charging process. In buck mode, the device will reduce the input voltage to lower than the battery voltage, thereby ensuring maximum power transfer from the power source to the battery. In boost mode, the device increases the battery voltage to a level higher than the input voltage and maintains charge by supplying current from the battery back to the load. This open-loop current control algorithm also allows for continuous inrush current limit, reducing the peak stress on the battery when it is connected to the charger.

The STBC02BJR has an on-board temperature sensor and automatic thermal control to handle charging under extreme temperature conditions. The battery end is protected against any unexpected over-voltage or over-temperature conditions, while the system end is protected against voltage or current levels exceeding their safe ranges. Moreover, the device can be disabled using an external control pin, allowing the power to be shut off when not required. This pin can also be used to initiate end-of-charge notifications, which are used to alert the user when their device is about to run out of charge.

To summarize, the PMIC battery charger STBC02BJR from STMicroelectronics is an effective device for managing power in various portable and motorized applications. Its features include a wide input voltage range and adjustable input and output currents, flexible buck-boost operation, inrush current limit and thermal control, as well as protection against over-voltage and over-temperature conditions. It is a perfect example of the usage of power management ICs in modern technology.