How to Use TP4056 Charging Module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TP4056 Charging Module is a compact and efficient lithium battery charging module designed for single-cell lithium-ion batteries. It utilizes a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charging method to ensure safe and reliable charging. The module features overcharge protection, a micro USB input for convenience, and onboard LED indicators to display the charging status. Its small size and ease of use make it a popular choice for DIY electronics projects, portable devices, and battery-powered systems.

• Charging single-cell lithium-ion batteries (3.7V nominal, 4.2V fully charged)
• Power banks and portable chargers
• Wearable devices and IoT projects
• Battery-powered electronics and DIY projects

• Input Voltage: 4.5V to 5.5V (via micro USB or IN+ and IN- pins)
• Charging Voltage: 4.2V ± 1%
• Charging Current: Adjustable, default 1A (via onboard resistor)
• Battery Type: Single-cell lithium-ion battery
• Overcharge Protection: Yes (stops charging at 4.2V)
• Over-discharge Protection: Yes (disconnects load below 2.5V)
• Overcurrent Protection: Yes
• LED Indicators:
  • Red LED: Charging
  • Blue LED: Fully charged
• Module Dimensions: 25mm x 19mm x 10mm (approx.)

1. Connect the Power Source:

   • Use a micro USB cable to connect the module to a 5V power source (e.g., USB adapter, power bank, or computer).
   • Alternatively, connect a 4.5V to 5.5V DC power source to the IN+ and IN- pins.

2. Connect the Battery:

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

3. Monitor the Charging Status:

   • The red LED will light up during charging.
   • The blue LED will light up when the battery is fully charged.

4. Optional Load Connection:

   • If you want to power a load while charging the battery, connect the load to the OUT+ and OUT- pins. Note that the module includes over-discharge protection to prevent battery damage.

• Ensure the battery being charged is a single-cell lithium-ion battery with a nominal voltage of 3.7V.
• Do not exceed the module's input voltage range (4.5V to 5.5V) to avoid damage.
• The default charging current is 1A. If your battery has a lower maximum charging current, replace the onboard resistor (R3) to adjust the charging current accordingly.
• Avoid short-circuiting the BAT+ and BAT- pins, as this can damage the module and the battery.
• Ensure proper heat dissipation if the module is used for extended periods or with high charging currents.

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's analog input.

1. Connect the TP4056 module to a 3.7V lithium-ion battery.
2. Connect the OUT+ and OUT- pins of the TP4056 to the Arduino's VIN and GND pins, respectively.
3. Use a voltage divider circuit to scale the battery voltage to a range suitable for the Arduino's analog input (0-5V).

// Define the analog pin connected to the voltage divider
const int voltagePin = A0;

// Define the voltage divider ratio (e.g., R1 = 10k, R2 = 10k)
const float voltageDividerRatio = 2.0;

// Define the reference voltage of the Arduino (5V for most boards)
const float referenceVoltage = 5.0;

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

void loop() {
  // Read the analog value from the voltage divider
  int analogValue = analogRead(voltagePin);

  // Convert the analog value to the actual battery voltage
  float batteryVoltage = (analogValue * referenceVoltage / 1023.0) * 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
}

1. The module gets hot during operation:

   • This is normal for the TP4056 module, especially when charging at high currents. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid touching the module during operation.

2. The battery does not charge:

   • Verify the connections to the BAT+ and BAT- pins.
   • Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range (4.5V to 5.5V).
   • Check if the battery is damaged or has a protection circuit that prevents charging.

3. The red LED does not light up:

   • Ensure the power source is connected and providing sufficient voltage.
   • Check for loose or incorrect connections.

4. The blue LED does not light up after charging:

   • The battery may not be fully charged yet. Allow more time for charging.
   • Verify the battery's capacity and the charging current to estimate the charging time.

• Can I use the TP4056 module to charge multiple batteries in series?

  • No, the TP4056 is designed for single-cell lithium-ion batteries only. Charging multiple batteries in series requires a specialized balance charger.

• How do I adjust the charging current?

  • Replace the onboard resistor (R3) with a different value. Refer to the TP4056 datasheet for the resistor-to-current mapping.

• Can I use the module without a battery?

  • No, the TP4056 is designed to charge a battery and may not function correctly without one connected.

• Is it safe to leave the battery connected to the module after charging?

  • Yes, the module includes overcharge protection and will stop charging once the battery reaches 4.2V. However, it is good practice to disconnect the battery if not in use for extended periods.