In-circuit recharging?



I'm working on a project that I'd like to run off either batteries or
mains.

It'll be a small clock (2"x3"x3"). The electronics run at 5V and will
pull a max of 30mA.

My past projects I've powered through an LM7805 and either a 9V or a
bank of 8 AA's. This one will be too small for 8 AAs, and I need longer
battery life than I'll get off a 9V.

I'd thinking about using an ST619LB DC-DC regulated charge pump. This
takes an input voltage of between 1.8 and 3.6V and outputs a regulated 5V.
First, charge pumps are more efficient than voltage regulators, and
second, a pair of AAs hold a lot more mA-hours than an 9V.

That much, I'm pretty sure I know how to do.

Alternatively, I could power it from a wall-wart. With adequate caps, I
could use my familiar 7805.

What I would like to do - and what I don't know where to start - is to do
both. Run it off the wall-wart when it's plugged in, and off the AAs when
it's not. AND - have the wall-wart charge the AAs.

Electronic devices that run off mains when plugged in and off of
rechargeable batteries when not aren't at all unusual. But I've not had
any luck chasing down circuit designs on the web.

Any ideas?

--
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within
limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add
'within the limits of the law,' because law is often but the tyrant's
will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.
- Thomas Jefferson

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