World's smallest USB battery charger detectors?

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Maxim Integrated Products has announced what it claims to be the industry's smallest USB battery charger detectors compliant with the USB Battery Charging Specification.

The MAX14578E/MAX14578AE devices are designed to detect USB standard downstream ports, USB charging downstream ports, or dedicated charger ports, in addition to proprietary charger adapters from Apple and Sony. According to Maxim, when a charging port is detected, the devices will control an external lithium-ion (Li+) battery charger controller to optimise charge time and charging efficiency. By supporting a broad range of USB chargers, Maxim describes the detectors as 'virtually universal'. "The MAX14578E/MAX14578AE allow the consumer to charge from a wide variety of sources," said Andrew Baker, director, Business Management at Maxim Integrated Products. "With this level of flexibility, consumers may never have to own a device with a dedicated charger again." An on chip LDO provides a 5.3V output which can be used to power a USB transceiver, while esd protection on the USB data pins is extended up to ±15kV (Human Body Model) and ±8kV IEC 61000-4-2 Contact Discharge. These features are said to 'substantially reduce' system complexity, component cost, and board space for highly integrated consumer devices. The MAX14578E/MAX14578AE are available in a 12bump, 0.4mm pitch, 1.3 x 1.68mm WLP package for space critical applications and in a 16pin TQFN package for ease of manufacturing. They operate over the -40 to 85°C extended temperature range and an evaluation kit is available.