Toshiba Launches 2.0A USB Ready Li-Ion Battery Charger IC That Fast Charges Portable Devices

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today launched its first high-current USB ready Li-Ion battery charger integrated circuit (IC) with a fast charging current up to 2.0A. Toshiba's new TC7710WBG charger IC is manufactured in the company's advanced 0.13um mixed-signal process technology to achieve cost, power and form-factor efficiencies for optimum charging of batteries used in smartphones and mobile devices.

Today's rechargeable battery technology is lagging behind advancing processor technology. As such, current charger solutions require users to charge their smart phones and other mobile devices more frequently, or for longer periods of time. The Toshiba TC7710WBG charger IC solves this problem through its efficient switching regulator core that maximizes power efficiency, passive component sizes and thermal management for heat dissipation.

"The charging current capability, efficiency, and form factor of the TC7710WBG make it ideal for today's battery hungry mobile devices," said Andrew Burt, vice president of the Analog and Imaging Business Unit, System LSI Groupat TAEC. "Toshiba will continue to leverage its advanced process technology and engineering expertise to deliver a family of charger ICs that keep pace with the unique battery requirements of smartphones and mobile devices, so end users can experience longer, more productive use time with these products."

The TC7710WBG leverages the Toshiba 0.13um mixed-signal process to achieve one of the lowest Rdson*Qg characteristics in the industry making the device well suited for demanding DC-DC converter applications where high-power density is needed. The new charger IC is designed with a highly efficient DC/DC buck regulator that handles up to 2.0A of charging current in a compact WCSP25 2.5mm x 2.5mm package. The 3MHz switching frequency is set high to reduce the passive components value and therefore their form factors, saving board real estate. The device can reach peak efficiency above 90 percent, again leveraging the Toshiba 0.13um mixed-signal technology.

Toshiba has designed theTC7710WBG to protect system and battery circuitry.  The input current comes from a 5V USB adaptor and this voltage is delivered to the Li-Ion battery through the TC7710WBG switching regulator. It not only steps down the source voltage to the desirable voltage for the battery, but also controls the charging profiles dynamically to optimize the charging duration and operation reliability. The device has an I2C interface that allows various parameter settings such as charging current and profile selection. The TC7710WBG also supports the USB On-the-Go (OTG) standard to power a peripheral USB device, (such as a  pico projector), from the battery.

Pricing and Availability

The TC7710WBG will begin sampling in March 2013 with pricing at $0.50 in thousand piece quantity. Mass production is scheduled to begin May 2013. 

*About TAEC

Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, discrete devices, displays, advanced materials, medical tubes, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers and wireless components that make possible today's leading cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's third largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2011 WW Semiconductor Revenue, March 2012). Toshiba Corporation was founded in 1875 and today has over 554 subsidiaries and affiliates, with 210,000 employees worldwide. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm  

Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.  Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications.  In developing designs, please ensure that Toshiba products are used within specified operating ranges as set forth in the most recent Toshiba product specifications and the information set forth in Toshiba's "Handling Guide for Semiconductor Devices," or "Toshiba Semiconductor Reliability Handbook." This information is available at http://www.toshiba.com/taec/support/techquestions/index.jsp or from your TAEC representative.

SOURCE Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.