Analog Devices, Inc. introduced the LT8491 buck-boost battery charging controller that features Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), temperature compensation, and an I²C interface for telemetry and control. The device operates from input voltages above, below, or equal to the regulated battery float voltage. The LT8491 offers three selectable Constant Current Constant Voltage (CC-CV) charging profiles, making it ideal for charging a variety of battery chemistry types including sealed lead acid, gel, and flooded cells, and Li-Ion. All charge termination algorithms are provided onboard, eliminating the need for software or firmware, and thus reducing design cycle time.

The LT8491 operates over a 6V to 80V input range and can produce a 1.3V to 80V battery float voltage output using a single inductor with 4-switch synchronous rectification. The device is capable of charging currents as high as 10A depending on the choice of external components. The LT8491 may be paralleled with multiple LT8705 (80V buck-boost controller) devices for higher power operation.

The LT8491 can do a sweep of the full operating range of a solar panel, finding the true maximum power point, even in the presence of local maxima points caused by partial shading of the panel. Once the true maximum power point is found, the LT8491 will operate at that point while using a dithering technique to track slow changes in the maximum point.  By using these methods, the LT8491 can fully utilize nearly all the power generated by a solar panel even in non-ideal operating environments.

The LT8491 can perform automatic temperature compensation by sensing an external thermistor thermally coupled to the battery. The I²C interface provides complete control of the charger as well as input/output voltage, current, and power values. The LT8491 is available in a low profile (0.75mm) 64-pin 7mm x 11mm QFN package and is guaranteed for operation from -40°C to 125°C.

LT8491 Key Features include: V_IN Range: 6V to 80V; V_BAT Range: 1.3V to 80V; Single Inductor Allows V_IN Above, Below, or Equal to V_BAT; Automatic MPPT for Solar Powered Charging; Automatic Temperature Compensation; I²C Telemetry and Configuration; Internal EEPROM for Configuration Storage; Operation from Solar Panel or DC Supply; Four Integrated Feedback Loops

The LT8491 is available now for $10.35 per 1000 units