TP4056 LiPo battery charger: high-resolution pinout, datasheet, and specs
The TP4056 integrated circuit is a complete constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) linear charger, designed specifically for single-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) and Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries.
Its popularity has exploded in the DIY electronics and maker communities due to its extremely low cost, ease of use, and wide availability in pre-assembled modules. Beyond hobbyist projects, the TP4056 is found in numerous commercial products such as power banks, portable devices, and digital cameras.
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However, it is crucial to establish a critical distinction from the outset: the difference between the TP4056 integrated circuit (IC) and the common breakout modules.
- The TP4056 IC: This is the base component, a chip in an SOP-8 package that contains the fundamental charging logic.
- The TP4056 Modules: These are small PCB boards that integrate the TP4056 IC with the necessary support components (resistors, capacitors, LEDs) and, vitally, often include a separate battery protection circuit. This additional protection is typically managed by a combination of the DW01A protection IC and an FS8205A dual MOSFET. This article will analyze both configurations in detail.
The wide availability of low-cost TP4056 modules has democratized the use of Li-Ion batteries in hobby projects, but it has also created a significant knowledge gap regarding their safe operation. The apparent simplicity of the module hides the complexity and potential dangers associated with Li-Ion battery chemistry.
Key Specifications and Electrical Characteristics
Absolute Maximum Ratings
The TP4056 datasheets specify absolute maximum ratings that, if exceeded, can cause permanent damage to the device. It is essential to operate within these limits. For example, the input supply voltage (VCC) must never exceed 8V, and only few modules support that voltage.
Recommended Operating Conditions
For optimal and safe operation, the recommended input voltage range is between 4.5V and 5.5V, making the TP4056 perfectly compatible with standard 5V USB power sources.
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The CC/CV Charging Algorithm
The TP4056 implements a multi-stage charging algorithm, which is fundamental to the health and safety of Li-Ion batteries.
- Trickle Charge: If a battery is deeply discharged (e.g., with a voltage below 2.9V), the chip applies a reduced current, typically 10% of the programmed current (e.g., 130mA for a 1A current setting), to safely bring the cell voltage to an acceptable level.
- Constant Current (CC) Phase: Once the battery exceeds the trickle charge threshold, the charger delivers the full programmed current (up to 1A). During this phase, the battery voltage rises steadily.
- Constant Voltage (CV) Phase: When the battery voltage reaches the regulation voltage, preset at 4.2V, the charger switches to CV mode. It maintains a fixed voltage of 4.2V, while the charging current gradually decreases as the battery becomes saturated.
Key Performance Parameters
- Preset Charge Voltage (VFLOAT): Fixed at 4.2V with high precision (typically ±1% or ±1.5%). This accuracy is vital for battery safety and longevity.
- Charge Termination: The charge cycle automatically terminates when the current drops to 1/10 (C/10) of the programmed value during the CV phase. This mechanism prevents overcharging.
- Automatic Recharge: If the battery remains connected and its voltage drops below a recharge threshold (typically around 4.0V, or 150mV below VFLOAT), the TP4056 automatically starts a new charge cycle.
- Soft-Start: Limits the inrush current at startup to prevent voltage spikes on the input supply.
- Thermal Regulation: An internal thermal feedback loop reduces the charge current if the die temperature exceeds a preset limit (around 145°C) to prevent overheating.
| Parameter | Typical Value | Notes |
| Input Voltage (VCC) | 4.5 – 5.5V | Recommended for USB power |
| Charge Voltage (VFLOAT) | 4.2V | ±1.5% Accuracy |
| Trickle Charge Threshold | 2.9V | |
| Trickle Charge Current | 130mA | With IBAT programmed to 1000mA |
| Current Termination Threshold | C/10 | 1/10 of the programmed current |
| Automatic Recharge Threshold | 4.0V | |
| Standby Current (Battery) | < 2µA | |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +85°C |
The Common TP4056 Breakout Module PINs
This section is for most users.
- IN+ / IN-: Input power connections. Usually connected to a Micro-USB or USB-C port on the board, but these pads allow for direct soldering of a 5V power source.
- B+ / B-: Battery connections. The positive and negative terminals of the single Li-Ion cell connect here.
- OUT+ / OUT-: Load connections. These are the protected outputs for powering an external circuit.
It is crucial to understand that the OUT+/- pads are not a simple pass-through from the battery. They represent a switched output, controlled by a separate protection IC (DW01A/FS8205A). This is a fundamental concept, often misunderstood, that causes many problems for users. Analysis of the circuits and datasheets of the protection components shows that the battery’s negative terminal (B-) is connected to the protection IC, while the output ground (OUT-) is provided by the protection circuit’s MOSFET switch itself. This means the connection between B- and OUT- can be interrupted by the protection IC in case of over-discharge or short-circuit. This architectural detail explains why some users experience no output voltage from their modules: the protection circuit has triggered (e.g., due to a deeply discharged battery) and needs to be reset, often by briefly applying the input power.
The Anatomy of Protection: Analyzing DW01A and FS8205A
While the TP4056 provides protection during charging, modules equipped with OUT+/- outputs add a crucial layer of protection during discharge and in case of failure, using a dedicated chipset.
- The DW01A IC – The “Brain”: This is a protection controller for Li-Ion batteries. Its sole job is to constantly monitor the battery voltage and the current flowing through it.
- The FS8205A – The “Muscle”: This component is a package containing two N-channel MOSFETs. It acts as a low-resistance switch controlled by the DW01A. The two MOSFETs are typically connected in a “back-to-back” series configuration to block current flow in both directions when turned off.
Important Safety Note: Be aware that some modules lack the built-in protection circuit. It is crucial to select a protected version for battery safety.
Detailed Protection Mechanisms
- Overcharge Protection: If the DW01A detects a battery voltage exceeding its threshold (e.g., 4.3V ±50mV), it commands the FS8205A to open the charging circuit, preventing further current from entering the battery. This acts as a second layer of safety to the TP4056’s termination.
- Over-discharge Protection: If the DW01A detects that the battery voltage drops below its threshold (e.g., 2.4V ±100mV), it opens the discharge circuit, disconnecting the battery from the OUT+/- terminals to prevent irreversible damage to the cell. The circuit is re-enabled once the voltage rises above the release threshold (e.g., 3.0V) and a charger is connected.
- Overcurrent and Short-Circuit Protection: The DW01A monitors the voltage drop across the internal resistance of the FS8205A MOSFETs. If this indicates a current draw exceeding the threshold (e.g., 3A), it quickly disconnects the battery from the load to prevent damage.
| Protection Parameter | Activation Voltage/Current | Release Voltage | Unit |
| Overcharge Detection | 4.3 ±0.05 | 4.1 ±0.05 | V |
| Over-discharge Detection | 2.4 ±0.1 | 3.0 ±0.1 | V |
| Overcurrent Threshold | 3 | – | A |
Datasheet
TP4056 datasheet
TP4056 schema
PCB
