Skip to main content

Overview

Description

The RRB96838 is a buck-boost battery charger supporting input voltages up to 23.4V and battery voltages up to 18.3V. It can operate in direct battery charging mode without a battery FET or in narrow-voltage DC (NVDC) charging mode with a battery FET. Featuring advanced Renesas R3™ technology, it ensures highly efficient light-load operation and fast transient response.

For direct battery charging, the RRB96838 supports 2- to 4-cell batteries, making it ideal for applications such as power tools, portable vacuums, drones, robots, and power banks. As an NVDC charger, it regulates system output to a narrow voltage range, ensuring stable system bus voltage. In NVDC operation, system power can be sourced from the adapter, battery, or a combination of both.

The RRB96838 is compatible with a wide range of DC power sources, including USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery (PD) adapters, and safely charges battery packs with up to four serially connected Li-ion cells. It also supports reverse buck, boost, and buck-boost operation, enabling power transfer from the battery to the input port. Additionally, the RRB96838 features SMBus and I2C serial communication, allowing programming of critical parameters for a fully customized solution.

Features

  • Buck-boost charger for 2-, 3-, or 4-cell Li-ion batteries
  • Input voltage range: 3.9V to 23.4V (no dead zone)
  • Battery output voltage: 2.4V to 18.304V
  • Autonomous charging option (with BFET configuration only)
  • Passthrough mode in the forward direction
  • Switching frequency up to 1MHz
  • Adapter current and battery current monitoring (AMON/BMON)
  • ALERT# open-drain output
  • Trickle charging support for depleted batteries
  • Reverse buck, boost, and buck-boost operation from the battery
  • Battery ship mode option
  • SMBus and auto-increment I2C compatibility
  • 4mm × 4mm 32-lead TQFN package

Comparison

Applications

Documentation

Type Title Date
Datasheet PDF 2.15 MB
1 item

Design & Development

Boards & Kits

Models

ECAD Models

Schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and 3D CAD models from SamacSys can be found by clicking on the CAD Model links in the Product Options table. If a symbol or model isn't available, it can be requested directly from SamacSys.

Diagram of ECAD Models

Product Options

Applied Filters:

Support

Support Communities

Support Communities

Get quick technical support online from Renesas Engineering Community technical staff.
Browse FAQs

FAQs

Browse our knowledge base of common questions and answers.
Submit a Ticket

Submit a Ticket

Need to ask a technical question or share confidential information?