**LTC3350IUHF#TRPBF: A 20V, 20A Supercapacitor Charger and Backup Controller with Autonomous Cell Balancing**
In the realm of mission-critical systems, from industrial computing and telecom infrastructure to medical devices, **uninterruptible power backup is paramount**. Supercapacitors (supercaps) have emerged as a superior alternative to batteries in many applications, offering **extremely high cycle life, rapid charging, and reliable performance across a wide temperature range**. Managing these powerful storage elements, however, presents unique challenges: they require precise charging, voltage balancing, and seamless transition to backup mode. Addressing these needs comprehensively, Analog Devices' LTC3350IUHF#TRPBF stands out as a highly integrated, monolithic solution.
This IC is a **fully integrated supercapacitor charger and backup controller** designed to manage one to four supercapacitor cells in series. Its capability to handle up to **20V and 20A of charge current** makes it exceptionally powerful, suitable for high-energy storage applications that demand a robust and swift recharge capability. The core of its functionality lies in a **synchronous step-down (buck) converter**, which efficiently regulates the charging current and voltage from the input supply to the supercap stack.
A critical challenge in multi-cell supercapacitor arrays is ensuring that no single cell is overcharged, which can lead to premature failure. The LTC3350 elegantly solves this with its **autonomous cell balancing** feature. It incorporates individual linear regulators for each cell, which actively shunt excess current to prevent any cell from exceeding its safe voltage limit. This balancing occurs not only during the charging process but also while the supercapacitors are in standby, **significantly enhancing system reliability and longevity** without requiring complex external circuitry or microcontroller intervention.
Beyond charging, the LTC3350 excels in its role as a backup controller. It continuously monitors the input supply (VIN). Upon detecting a main power failure, it **automatically and seamlessly switches the load to the supercapacitor bank**. The device includes built-in protection features such as overvoltage and undervoltage monitoring for both the input and the supercap stack, ensuring safe operation under all conditions. Furthermore, its **programmable timer and current limit** allow for precise customization of the backup power duration and charging parameters.
For system diagnostics and data logging, the IC includes an **I²C interface**. This allows a host microcontroller to read vital parameters such as input voltage, supercapacitor voltage, charge current, and even the status of the built-in backup power timer, providing valuable insights for predictive maintenance.
**ICGOODFIND Summary**: The LTC3350IUHF#TRPBF is a powerhouse of integration, combining a high-current charger, a robust backup switchover controller, and autonomous balancing in a single package. It eliminates the design complexity associated with supercapacitor-based backup systems, offering a **complete, high-performance, and reliable solution** for applications where power integrity cannot be compromised.
**Keywords**: Supercapacitor Charger, Backup Power Controller, Autonomous Cell Balancing, 20A Buck Converter, Power Backup IC.
