TP4056 Lithium-Ion Battery Charger: Comprehensive Guide and Applications

The TP4056 is a high-performance standalone linear lithium-ion battery charger featuring a charging current capability of 1A and is available in an SOP-8 package. Its unique thermal regulation feature ensures charging safety. We provide comprehensive information including detailed datasheets for the TP4056 charger, battery characteristics, current parameters, circuit diagrams, and module applications. Additionally, we have a rich inventory of semiconductors, capacitors, resistors, and various integrated circuits, and we welcome your inquiries and quotations!

The Functions, Limitations, and More of TP4056 Explanation

What does the TP4056 represent?

Specifically made for single-cell lithium-ion batteries, the TP4056 is a linear charger integrated circuit that uses constant current/constant voltage charging modes. This module is ideal for portable devices as it simplifies the charging circuit, effectively controls the charging process, and ensures safe and efficient battery charging. The TP4056 has a set charging voltage of 4.2 volts.

TP4056 Pin Layout

Pinout for TP4056

TP4056 specifications

Technical details, characteristics, dimensions, and parts that are comparable to those of the TPOWER TP4056.

Packaging: An integrated circuit or semiconductor component is housed and covered in a semiconductor package, which is a carrier or shell. The shell may be made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal.

Main Features of the TP4056:

1. Charging Current: The module provides a default charging current of 1A, which can be adjusted by changing the resistor on the board.
2. Input Voltage: The module operates within an input voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V, making it easily compatible with common USB power adapters or other power interfaces.
3. Full Charge Voltage: The module automatically stops charging when the battery reaches 4.2V to prevent overcharging, which is the standard full charge voltage for most lithium batteries.
4. Protection Features: The TP4056 includes multiple protection mechanisms, including overcharge protection and over-discharge protection, ensuring safe battery usage. Additionally, the module features reverse polarity protection to prevent damage to the battery or module due to reverse battery connection.

Equivalent Products to TP4056:

There are several equivalent products on the market, such as MCP73831, BQ24250, TP4056A (charge only), and TP541, which are also linear chargers for lithium batteries.

Typical Applications of TP4056:

The TP4056 is a commonly used lithium battery charging management chip, featuring rectification, constant current, and constant voltage as its main charging stages, capable of safely and effectively charging lithium batteries.

1. Setting the Charging Current:
- The default charging current of the TP4056 module is 1A, suitable for most larger capacity lithium batteries. To adjust the charging current, the RPROG resistor (marked as R3) on the module can be changed. The relationship between resistor value and charging current is usually detailed in the datasheet. For example, increasing the resistor value reduces the charging current, suitable for smaller capacity batteries.
2. Charging Status Indication:
- During charging, the red LED on the TP4056 module lights up. When the battery is fully charged, the module automatically stops charging, the red LED turns off, and the green LED lights up, indicating the completion of charging. This is achieved by monitoring the battery voltage and current.
3. Battery Over-Discharge Protection:
- When the battery voltage falls below a certain threshold (e.g., 3.7V) to prevent over-discharge damage to the battery life, the TP4056 module automatically disconnects the battery from the load. This protection feature is very important for maintaining battery health.
4. Circuit Connection:
- After charging is complete, you can connect the circuit to the device powered by the battery (the load). Care should be taken to ensure that the voltage and current requirements of the circuit match the output of the battery.

Usage Scenarios for the TP4056:

The TP4056 is a linear charger IC for lithium-ion batteries, highly suitable for lightweight and efficient charging solutions. Here are several typical TP4056 application scenarios:
1. Solar chargers: The TP4056 can directly receive input from solar panels, commonly used in small solar projects such as solar-powered lights or small portable devices.
2. Digital cameras: Provides stable charging for lithium batteries in digital cameras, ensuring long-term battery health.
3. Portable home appliances: Such as portable fans, small wireless vacuum cleaners, etc., the TP4056 provides a convenient method for charging the lithium batteries of these devices.
4. Smartphones and tablets: Although many high-end devices now use more complex charging management systems, the TP4056 remains an economical and effective charging solution for some simple or older devices.
5. Lithium battery charging and discharging: The TP4056 can not only charge but also manage the discharge of lithium batteries through additional circuits, suitable for projects requiring battery management functions.
6. Commonly used for 18650 lithium-ion batteries: Due to their standardized size and high reliability, 18650 batteries are widely used in various portable devices, and the TP4056 provides an effective charging method for these batteries.
7. Mobile power supplies: When making DIY mobile power supplies, the TP4056 is a common choice because it is simple, cost-effective, and easy to implement.
8. Powering Arduino projects: Combined with a 5V boost converter, the TP4056 can provide stable power to microcontroller boards such as Arduino, suitable for DIY electronic projects requiring portable power.

How to Use the TP4056:

When using the TP4056 module, first set the charging current according to battery specifications by adjusting the resistor on the PROG pin. Connect the power source, battery, and monitoring interface correctly. The TP4056 can be powered through a mini USB cable or via the IN+ and IN- pads with a 5V power supply. Connect B+ and B- to the battery for charging, requiring at least 1A of current to ensure charging efficiency. Simultaneously, the battery can power an external load through the OUT+ and OUT- pads. When charging the battery, ensure any loads connected to these two pads are disconnected to avoid interference with the charging process.

Schematic for Connection TP4056

TP4056 dimensions

TP4056 dimensions

Manufacturer of TP4056:

The TP4056 is a commonly used linear charger integrated circuit for lithium-ion battery charging, produced by several semiconductor manufacturers, including NanJing Top Power ASIC Corp. This chip is widely used in various small electronic devices due to its cost efficiency and ease of use.

Appendix

1. Advanced Usage Scenarios: Integrating with Microcontroller Units for Smart Charging Systems

The TP4056 linear charger can be integrated with microcontroller units (MCUs) to develop smart charging systems. This integration allows for the creation of customizable charging profiles tailored to specific battery requirements, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the charging process.
An MCU, for example, has the ability to continuously measure the voltage and temperature of the battery and modify the charging current as necessary. If the battery temperature rises above a safe threshold, the MCU can reduce the current or temporarily halt charging to prevent thermal runaway. Additionally, an MCU can implement more complex charging algorithms, like multi-stage charging, to optimize battery health and lifespan.
This setup typically involves connecting the MCU's GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) pins to control and monitor circuits within the TP4056 module. Programming the MCU to handle various charging states and errors (such as detecting a battery reversal or failure to charge) can make the system more robust and adaptable to different power conditions and battery types.

2. Troubleshooting Common Issues: Solutions to Typical Problems

Common issues with the TP4056 include slow charging, excessive heat during charging, and unresponsive LED indicators. Here are detailed solutions for these issues:
- Slow Charging: This can be caused by insufficient input power or a high resistance in the charging path. Also, check the connections between the TP4056, the power source, and the battery for any loose or corroded contacts, and use thicker wires if necessary to reduce resistance.
- Excessive Heat: While the TP4056 includes thermal regulation, excessive heat can still occur due to overcurrent or ambient temperature conditions. To mitigate this, improve the cooling around the TP4056 module by adding a small heatsink or enhancing air circulation in the enclosure. Also, ensure that the charging current is not set higher than the battery's specification.
- Unresponsive LED Indicators: If the LEDs on the TP4056 are not functioning as expected, it could indicate a fault in the module or incorrect connections. Verify that the LEDs are properly soldered and that the battery is correctly connected with the correct polarity. If the LEDs still do not respond, consider testing the module with another battery to rule out a defective battery or module.

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my TP4056 module is faulty?
- A faulty TP4056 typically won't change the LED indicator from red to blue when the battery is fully charged, indicating a problem with either the charging process or LED function.
2. What should I do if my TP4056 is overheating?
- Overheating can occur due to improper handling or faulty components. Ensure that the battery and the input voltage are correctly connected and within specifications. If overheating persists, consider replacing the module.
3. Why won't my TP4056 charge the battery?
- Verify that everything is connected correctly, that the input voltage is adequate, and that the battery is attached. Also, verify the charge current settings by adjusting the RPROG resistor according to the battery's charge current requirements.
4. Can the TP4056 charge and provide power to a load simultaneously?
- The TP4056 can charge a battery and supply power to a load simultaneously, but any external load greater than C/10 of the charge rate might prevent the charger from terminating the charge cycle properly, which can lead to battery life degradation.
5. How can I adjust the charging current of my TP4056?
- By adjusting the value of the RPROG resistor attached to the TP4056, the charging current can be changed. This value determines the charge rate, and it's important to choose a resistor that matches the battery's capacity.
6. What does the LED indicator on the TP4056 module mean?
- The LED on the TP4056 indicates charging status: red means the battery is charging, and blue indicates the battery is fully charged.