The MC33340 and MC33342 are monolithic control ICs that are specifically designed as fast charge controllers for Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. These devices feature negative slope voltage detection as the primary means for fast charge termination. Accurate detection is ensured by an output that momentarily interrupts the charge current for precise voltage sampling. An additional secondary backup termination method can be selected that consists of either a programmable time or temperature limit. Protective features include battery over and undervoltage detection, latched over temperature detection, and power supply input undervoltage lockout with hysteresis. Fast charge holdoff time is the only difference between the MC33340 and the MC33342. The MC33340 has a typical holdoff time of 177 seconds and the MC33342 has a typical holdoff time of 708 seconds.