Need some help on selecting the best IC for NiMH battery pack. Ideally want to have a stand alone charger - no external control required, and seems that the LTC4013 is recommended for new designs, but LTC4020 also will work.
The following are the key requirements for the system:
1. Battery power 12V, 10 cells with thermistor
2. Need to also provide system power without a battery pack - when valid input is present like wall DC power
3. Customized Solar Panel is the main power source, 21.5V 0.75 Ah max
4. System is low power overall, and usually runs of the solar panel, and in some cases runs of 12V DC adapter
We have already SLA battery charger based on the LT3796 and are happy with it. Seem that IC can also be used for charging NiMh but not sure if we should explore that option at all?
Thanks.
Edit Notes
Added second viable option.[edited by: orgpalAI at 3:40 AM (GMT -4) on 9 Apr 2023]