For lithium battery charging AC/DC Power Adapter

Customer demand for AC adapters intended for charging applications is increasing. For example, various Products, such as cordless vacuum cleaners, are now equipped with charging functions and widely available on the market. As these Products require charging functions, demand is also increasing for AC adapters using constant-current/constant-voltage (CC-CV) output instead of the conventional constant-voltage (CV) output. To meet these needs, UNIFIVE can now provide designs compliant with IEC60335-1 and 60335-2-29 for the following Products, as well as other requested Products.

Applications of AC/DC Power Adapter for Charging Lithium Batteries

Our AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries supply power to charge devices with built-in lithium-ion batteries, including fan-equipped workwear, power tools, AGVs, and electric-assist bicycles. Our AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries support CC/CV (constant-current/constant-voltage) control and comply with IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-29. We offer standard AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries ranging from 12 W to 200 W. For voltages, currents, form factors, and standards not covered by our standard products, we can provide custom power supplies.

The main applications are as follows:

Fan-equipped workwear and heated clothing
Handheld terminals and measuring instruments
Cordless vacuum cleaners, cleaning equipment, and power tools
Electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters, and electric wheelchairs
AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and transport robots
Portable power stations

Illustration of rechargeable devices with built-in lithium-ion batteries (such as cordless vacuum cleaners)

This page covers the following topics.

Why CC/CV Control Is Necessary for Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

CC/CV control is necessary when charging lithium-ion batteries because a power supply that merely outputs voltage may lead to overcharging or reduced battery life. CC/CV charging is a charging method that first charges the battery at a constant current (CC) and then switches to a constant voltage (CV) once the battery reaches the charge termination voltage.

Our AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries support CC/CV control. For a detailed explanation of the charging method, see "What Is an MCU-Based Battery Charger?"

How to Select an AC/DC Power Adapter (Charger) for Charging Lithium Batteries: 4 Criteria

Before selecting an AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries, determine the following four factors: the battery's full-charge voltage, charging current, where charging is controlled, and the operating environment and applicable standards. Once these four factors have been determined, we can recommend suitable options from our standard products or custom power supplies.

Criteria to Determine	What Each Criterion Determines	Details to Check
1. Battery Type and Full-Charge Voltage	AC/DC Power Adapter Output Voltage	Battery type, battery pack full-charge voltage (charge termination voltage), and capacity
2. Charging Current	AC/DC Power Adapter Output Current and Power (Wattage)	Current value when charging at constant current (CC) and target charging time
3. Where Charging Is Controlled	Whether to select a standard product, multi-stage charger, or custom power supply	Whether the AC/DC Power Adapter charges using CC/CV, whether the charger handles switching between charging stages and displaying the charging status, or whether the charging circuit inside the device or battery pack controls charging
4. Operating Environment and Applicable Standards	Safety standards, AC plug shape, and operating temperature	Place of use, operating temperature, sales region, and desired safety standards

The Products to consider depends on where charging is controlled.

If the AC/DC Power Adapter performs CC/CV charging: Consider our standard products (12W-200W).
If the charger switches between charging stages, displays the charging status, and monitors the battery temperature: Consider our UNDM 200W series (battery temperature monitoring is optional) or an MCU-equipped charger developed as a custom power supply.
If the charging circuit is built into the device or battery pack: Please provide the device specifications. We will propose a power supply that meets your specifications.

Power supplies used to charge batteries may be required to comply with IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-29. Our AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries comply with both standards.

Comparison of Standard Product Series (12W-200W)

Our standard lithium battery charging AC/DC Power Adapter comprise eight series ranging from 12W to 200W. Depending on the model, the output voltage of our standard products ranges from 5.0V to 54.6V. Follow the series name links to view the Products list for each wattage or the relevant Products page.

Power	Series	Output Voltage/Output Current	Form Factor/AC Input	Number of Models	Main Applications
12W	UNVV 12W B Series	5.0V/2.0A 12.0V/1.0A 12.3V/0.7A 24.0V/0.5A	Wall-mount type AC plugs available in multiple configurations	5	Fan-equipped workwear, heated clothing, handheld terminals
24W	VV 24W B Series	8.4V/2.8A 14.3V/1.6A	Wall-mount type AC plugs available in multiple configurations	8	Fan-equipped workwear, handheld terminals, measuring instruments
36W	UNVU 36W B Series	14.3V/2.5A 16.8V/2.0A 25.2V/1.0A	Wall-mount type AC plugs available in multiple configurations	8	Power tools, cleaning equipment
60W	VN 60W B Series	14.3V/4.2A 16.8V/3.5A	Desktop type AC inlet (IEC 320 C8/C6/C14)	3	Power tools, commercial equipment, compact mobility devices
90W	UNDE 90W B Series	16.8V/5.3A 25.2V/3.5A 42.0V/2.0A	Desktop type AC inlet	2	Power tools, commercial cleaning equipment, material-handling equipment, electric wheelchairs
120W	UNDE 120W B Series	13.6V/8.8A 27.2V/4.4A 42.0V/3.0A 54.6V/2.2A	Desktop type AC inlet (IEC 320 C14/C18)	2	Electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters, AGVs
200W	UNDC 200W Series	42.0V/4.6A 50.4V/4.0A	Desktop type AC inlet (IEC 320 C6/C14)	2	Electric mobility devices, AGVs, transport robots, portable power stations
200W	UNDM 200W Series (Multi-Stage Charging)	42.0V/4.6A 50.4V/4.0A	Desktop type (stationary type) AC inlet	2	AGVs/AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), robots, electric wheelchairs, portable power stations

All series feature short-circuit protection, overvoltage protection, and overcurrent protection. The availability of overtemperature protection varies by series. Specifications for each model can be found in the datasheet on the Products page.

We can also provide custom power supplies with voltages, currents, form factors, and protection features not listed in the table. You can view all models in the "List of Products: AC/DC Power Adapter for Charging Lithium Batteries (12W-200W)."

When Multi-Stage Charging, Charging Status Indication, and Battery Temperature Monitoring Are Required

If you want the charger to handle multi-stage charging, charging status indication, and battery temperature monitoring, consider our UNDM 200W Series or an MCU-equipped charger developed as a custom power supply.

The UNDM 200W Series consists of stationary lithium-ion battery chargers that support seven-stage charging control using the CC/CV method. The UNDM 200W Series indicates standby, charging, fully charged, and error states through LED illumination, blinking, and shutoff. The UNDM 200W Series also features charging timer protection to prevent abnormally prolonged charging. The following features are available as options for the UNDM 200W Series.

Battery Temperature Sensing (BTS): Adjusts the charging current according to the battery temperature.
Battery Identification (ID): Determines whether the specifications of the connected battery are compatible.
UART Communication: Enables communication with external devices to control charging.

For more information, see "UNDM 200W Series Stationary Chargers for Lithium-Ion Batteries" and "Introduction to 200W Stationary Chargers for Lithium-Ion Batteries (UNDMC3200 and UNDMB3200)."

If you require these features at other voltages or power levels, we can develop an MCU-equipped charger as a custom power supply. With an MCU-equipped charger, the charge termination voltage and protection thresholds can be configured to match the battery specifications. For more information, see "What Is an MCU-Equipped Battery Charger?"

Features of AC/DC Power Adapter for Charging Lithium Batteries and What Custom Power Supplies Can Provide

We develop custom charging AC/DC Power Adapter with voltages, currents, shapes, and standards not available in standard products. Our AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries offer the following features.

Input voltage: AC 80 V-276 V
Applicable safety standards: IEC 60335-1, IEC 60335-2-29
PSE: Compliant models are available
For details on the standards applicable to each model, please contact our Sales Department.

CC/CV control provides charging tailored to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
The operating ambient temperature range is -10°C to 40°C.
Designed for applications such as cyclonic vacuum cleaners, these adapters comply with IEC 61000-4-2 (electrostatic discharge).
Electrostatic discharge immunity of at least ±20 kV for air discharge and ±10 kV for contact discharge is ensured.
Wires and plugs are selected with consideration for wire breakage and insulation damage.
C plugs and BF plugs are also available as AC plug options.
Materials are selected with safety in mind, including circuit board materials with a CTI of 600 V and materials with a UL94 V-0 flame-retardant rating.
Tracking resistance test: Complies with JWDS0028 Level 2.

We provide custom power supplies tailored to the following requirements.

We design the charging voltage, charging current, and charging profile according to the specifications of the battery and device.
We design communication functions and connector shapes to suit the device.
We offer both semi-custom solutions based on standard products and fully custom solutions designed from scratch, including the enclosure and DC plug.
We design products to comply with battery charger safety standards (IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-29).

We have developed a new AC/DC Power Adapter for charging batteries used in fan-equipped workwear. In this case, we designed a new enclosure and DC plug to match the shape of the third-party charger previously used by the customer and obtained new PSE certification. For details, see "Fully Custom AC/DC Power Adapter Development for Fan-Equipped Workwear." For other examples, see "Custom Power Supply Case Studies."

Specifications to Provide When Contacting Us

If you provide the following specifications, we will recommend suitable options from our standard or custom power supplies. You can also consult us even if the specifications have not yet been finalized.

Battery type, fully charged battery pack voltage, and capacity
Charging current (CC) and charging termination conditions
Location of the charging control (on the AC/DC Power Adapter side or the device side)
Operating location and temperature
Sales regions and applicable safety standards
AC plug or AC inlet type, DC plug or connector type, and cable length
Required features (charging status indication, battery temperature monitoring, communication, etc.)

Consult Us About a Charging AC/DC Power Adapter

Frequently Asked Questions About AC/DC Power Adapter for Charging Lithium Batteries

Can lithium-ion batteries be charged with a standard constant-voltage (CV) AC/DC Power Adapter?

We do not recommend charging lithium-ion batteries directly with a standard AC/DC Power Adapter that merely outputs voltage. Charging lithium-ion batteries requires CC/CV (constant-current/constant-voltage) control. A power supply without CC/CV control may cause overcharging or shorten battery life. We offer a standard lineup of AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries that support CC/CV control, ranging from 12 W to 200 W.

Which safety standards apply to lithium-ion battery chargers (AC/DC Power Adapter)?

Our AC/DC Power Adapter for charging lithium batteries comply with IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-29, the particular standard for battery chargers. Power supplies used to charge batteries may be required to comply with IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-29 rather than IEC 62368-1, which applies to information technology and AV equipment. IEC 60335-2-29 and IEC 62368-1 differ in their required test items and structural restrictions. Determine the applicable standards before beginning the charger design. For Products intended for Japan, we have development examples that apply Appendix 12 (J60335-1 and J60335-2-29) as the PSE technical standards. Please contact our sales department for the certification status of each model.

How should I select the output voltage and output current of a lithium-ion battery charger?

Select the output voltage to match the battery pack's full-charge voltage (charge termination voltage). Select the output current to match the current used for constant-current (CC) charging. Follow the battery manufacturer's recommended charging voltage and charging current. You can check the output voltages and output currents of our standard products in the "Comparison of Standard Product Series (12 W to 200 W)" table on this page. If you provide our sales department with the full-charge voltage and charging current, we will recommend suitable options from our standard or custom power supplies.

What output power ratings and voltages are available for standard lithium battery charging AC/DC Power Adapter?

We offer standard lithium battery charging AC/DC Power Adapter ranging from 12 W to 200 W. Depending on the model, standard output voltages range from 5.0 V to 54.6 V. The 12 W, 24 W, and 36 W models are wall-mount types that plug directly into an electrical outlet. The 60 W, 90 W, 120 W, and 200 W models are desktop types with AC inlets. For power ratings, voltages, or currents not available in our standard product lineup, we can provide custom power supplies.

Can you customize a charger for a battery pack with voltage and current specifications unavailable in standard products?

Yes, we can meet your requirements with a custom power supply. We customize the charging voltage, charging current, and charging profile to match the specifications of the battery and equipment. Communication functions and connector shapes can also be designed to meet your specifications. We offer both semi-custom solutions based on standard products and fully custom solutions newly designed from the enclosure and DC plug. Our custom power supply experience covers outputs ranging from 3 W to over 1 kW. Please provide our sales department with the battery type, full-charge voltage, and charging current.

Can we switch from our current third-party charger without changing the equipment design?

Yes, we can meet your requirements with a custom power supply. We have developed replacements for third-party chargers that allowed customers to switch to our products without changing their equipment designs. In one such case, we newly designed an enclosure and DC plug to match the existing charger and obtained PSE certification. When switching chargers, the nameplate (label) information must also be checked in addition to the physical and electrical specifications. For details, please see "Fully Custom AC/DC Power Adapter Development Case Study for Fan-Equipped Workwear." Please provide our sales department with the specifications of the charger you are currently using.

Detailed specifications for our Products are available in the "AC/DC Power Adapter Products List for Charging Lithium Batteries (12W-200W)" and the "General Products Catalog."