How to Use TP4056 lithium ion battery charging module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TP4056 is a linear battery charger IC designed for charging single-cell lithium-ion batteries. It operates using constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) charging modes, ensuring efficient and safe charging. The module is equipped with built-in overcharge protection, thermal regulation, and reverse polarity protection, making it a reliable choice for battery-powered applications.

• Charging single-cell lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries
• Power banks and portable chargers
• DIY electronics projects
• Wearable devices
• IoT devices and embedded systems

The TP4056 module is designed to provide a simple and efficient solution for charging lithium-ion batteries. Below are its key technical details:

The TP4056 module typically has six pins. Below is the pinout and description:

Note: Some TP4056 modules include additional pins for status LEDs (e.g., CHRG and STDBY) to indicate charging and standby states.

1. Connect the Input Voltage:

   • Connect a 5V DC power source (e.g., USB power) to the IN+ and IN- pins.
   • Ensure the input voltage is within the range of 4.5V to 5.5V to avoid damaging the module.

2. Connect the Battery:

   • Attach the positive terminal of the lithium-ion battery to the BAT+ pin.
   • Attach the negative terminal of the battery to the BAT- pin.

3. Optional Load Connection:

   • If you want to power a load while charging the battery, connect the load to the OUT+ and OUT- pins.

4. Monitor Charging Status:

   • Use the onboard LEDs (if available) to monitor the charging process:
     • Red LED: Charging in progress.
     • Blue/Green LED: Charging complete or standby mode.

• Adjusting the Charging Current:

  • The default charging current is 1A. To adjust it, replace the onboard resistor connected to the PROG pin. Use the formula: [ I_{CHG} = \frac{1200}{R_{PROG}} ] where ( R_{PROG} ) is in kΩ and ( I_{CHG} ) is in mA.

• Thermal Management:

  • Ensure proper ventilation or heat dissipation if the module gets warm during operation.

• Battery Safety:

  • Only use the TP4056 module with single-cell lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries rated at 4.2V.
  • Do not connect batteries with a voltage below 2.5V, as this may damage the battery.

• Reverse Polarity Protection:

  • Verify the polarity of the battery and input connections before powering the module.

The TP4056 module can be used to charge a battery that powers an Arduino UNO. Below is an example of how to monitor the battery voltage using the Arduino:

// Example: Monitor battery voltage using Arduino UNO
const int batteryPin = A0; // Analog pin connected to BAT+ via a voltage divider
const float voltageDividerRatio = 2.0; // Adjust based on your resistor values
const float referenceVoltage = 5.0; // Arduino reference voltage (5V for UNO)

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  int analogValue = analogRead(batteryPin); // Read the analog value
  float batteryVoltage = (analogValue / 1023.0) * referenceVoltage * voltageDividerRatio;

  // Print the battery voltage to the Serial Monitor
  Serial.print("Battery Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(batteryVoltage);
  Serial.println(" V");

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

Note: Use a voltage divider circuit to ensure the battery voltage does not exceed the Arduino's input voltage range (0-5V).

1. Module Overheating:

   • Cause: High charging current or insufficient ventilation.
   • Solution: Reduce the charging current by increasing the PROG resistor value or improve heat dissipation.

2. Battery Not Charging:

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or damaged battery.
   • Solution: Verify all connections and ensure the battery is functional.

3. LEDs Not Working:

   • Cause: Faulty LEDs or incorrect input voltage.
   • Solution: Check the input voltage and replace the LEDs if necessary.

4. Output Voltage Too Low:

   • Cause: Battery is deeply discharged or damaged.
   • Solution: Replace the battery or pre-charge it to at least 2.5V before using the TP4056 module.

Q: Can I use the TP4056 module to charge multiple batteries in series?
A: No, the TP4056 is designed for single-cell lithium-ion batteries only. Charging multiple batteries in series requires a specialized balancing charger.

Q: What happens if the input voltage exceeds 5.5V?
A: The module may overheat or get damaged. Always ensure the input voltage is within the specified range (4.5V to 5.5V).

Q: Can I use the TP4056 module without a battery?
A: While possible, it is not recommended. The module is designed to charge batteries, and operating it without a battery may lead to unstable output voltage.

Q: How do I know when the battery is fully charged?
A: The onboard status LED will change from red (charging) to blue/green (fully charged or standby).