> I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out some things about lithium
based rechargeable batteries. Since these are known to be rather
unforgiving, I figure I best ask before I make a dangerous mistake.
/>

As others say LiPo is essentially just LiIon charge wise.
Max charge current allowed is C/1 =A0=3D 1 mA per mAh.
Note that modern NimH cells are now about as energy volume-dense as LiIon.
Not that NimH are marvellous - they are hard to charge well in limited
energy situations.
LiIon are very easy to charge reasonably well (even though the Max1811
doesn't manage to do so).
_______________

Max 1811 data sheet

=A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/MAX1811.pdf

It would work OK.
Assuming I understand the data sheet properly, iIt's a=A0rather limited cha=
rger*.
Bbut is hard strappable which may explain how something so limited can exis=
t.
100 or 500 mA charge only
4.1 or 4.2V Vend settable - USE 4.1V!

The implications of the "stop at Vmax" system, is that the cell will
only be at about 70% - 80% of capacity when it trips into hyper-low
charge mode BUT the cell will last a lot longer.
If you want maximum capacity from your cell the Max1811 is not the
charger for you.

* Doesn't seem to have a sensible end of charge termination - ie
battery current shutdown at 4.2V is 0.1 to 2 uA.
Graph at top left on page 4 is incorrectly labelled** =A0BUT suggests
there is NO current taper.
I have never before seen a LiIon cell charger with no taper.
What it does mean is that you can plug it in and out as often as you
wish or charge it for random periods and it does not overcharge.

** Should read "Charge current versus battery voltage".


=A0 =A0 =A0 =A0Russell McMahon


>

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