The bq24401 is a programmable, monolithic IC for fast-charge management of nickel cadmium (NiCd) and nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) in single or multi-cell applications.

The bq24401 provides these charge termination criteria:

• Rate of temperature rise (ΔT/Δt)
• Maximum temperature
• Maximum charge time

For safety, the bq24401 inhibits fast charge until the battery voltage and temperature are within user-defined limits. If the battery voltage is below the low-voltage threshold, the bq24401 uses trickle-charge to condition the battery. For NiMH batteries, the bq24401 provides an optional top-off charge to maximize the battery capacity.

The integrated high-speed comparator allows the bq24401 to be the basis for a complete, high-efficiency battery charger circuit for nickel-based chemistries.