Having obtained the component, how would you go about programming it? Is
it possible to use a modified EEPROM programmer? Or would a simple
homebrew circuit to interface to a serial/parallel port do?

Would be nice if Robert could explain in detail how he did it.

I'm sure there are heaps of Dell adapters out there that have suffered
the same fate. It's very rare for an incorrect adapter to 'harm' a
battery anyway - the onboard charging circuitry knows how full the
battery is, and will apply the charge accordingly. Not to mention the
proprietary plug, which basically precludes the use of any other
adapter, so it's not a scheme to protect the battery - but rather a way
for Dell to screw the customers for more $$ when the adapters break.



'Ejay' (http://ejay.com.au)