Cirkit Designer LogoCirkit DesignerYour all-in-one circuit design IDE Launch Cirkit Designer App

How to Use TP4056: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of TP4056Design with TP4056 in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The TP4056, manufactured by Makers (Part ID: TP4036), is a lithium-ion battery charger IC designed for single-cell lithium-ion batteries. It provides a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charging profile, ensuring safe and efficient charging. The TP4056 is widely used in portable electronics, DIY projects, and battery-powered devices due to its simplicity, reliability, and built-in safety features.

Explore Projects Built with TP4056

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!

Common Applications

Technical Specifications

The TP4056 is a versatile and compact IC with the following key specifications:

Parameter Value
Input Voltage Range 4.0V to 8.0V
Charging Voltage 4.2V ± 1%
Maximum Charging Current 1A (adjustable via external resistor)
Charging Method Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV)
Thermal Regulation Automatically reduces charge current to prevent overheating
Overvoltage Protection Yes
Battery Connection Single-cell lithium-ion battery
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to +85°C
Package Type SOP-8

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The TP4056 comes in an 8-pin SOP package. Below is the pin configuration and description:

Pin Number Pin Name Description
1 TEMP Temperature sense input. Connect to an NTC thermistor for battery temperature monitoring.
2 PROG Programs the charging current. Connect a resistor to ground to set the charge current.
3 GND Ground connection.
4 VCC Input supply voltage (4.0V to 8.0V).
5 BAT Battery connection pin. Connect directly to the positive terminal of the battery.
6 STDBY Status indicator pin. Low when charging is complete.
7 CHRG Status indicator pin. Low when charging is in progress.
8 CE Chip enable pin. Active low to enable charging.

Usage Instructions

How to Use the TP4056 in a Circuit

  1. Power Supply: Connect a DC power source (4.0V to 8.0V) to the VCC pin. Ensure the power source can supply sufficient current for the charging process.
  2. Battery Connection: Connect the positive terminal of the lithium-ion battery to the BAT pin and the negative terminal to GND.
  3. Set Charging Current: Use a resistor (RPROG) between the PROG pin and GND to set the desired charging current. The charging current can be calculated using the formula: [ I_{CHG} = \frac{1200}{R_{PROG}} ] where ( R_{PROG} ) is in kΩ and ( I_{CHG} ) is in mA.
  4. Status Indicators: Connect LEDs to the CHRG and STDBY pins for visual charging status. Use appropriate current-limiting resistors for the LEDs.
  5. Temperature Monitoring: Optionally, connect an NTC thermistor to the TEMP pin for battery temperature monitoring. If unused, connect TEMP to GND.

Important Considerations

Example: Using TP4056 with Arduino UNO

The TP4056 can be used to charge a lithium-ion battery that powers an Arduino UNO. Below is an example code to monitor the charging status using the CHRG and STDBY pins:

// TP4056 Charging Status Monitoring with Arduino UNO
// Connect CHRG pin to Arduino pin 2 and STDBY pin to Arduino pin 3

const int chrgPin = 2;  // CHRG pin of TP4056 connected to Arduino pin 2
const int stdbyPin = 3; // STDBY pin of TP4056 connected to Arduino pin 3

void setup() {
  pinMode(chrgPin, INPUT);  // Set CHRG pin as input
  pinMode(stdbyPin, INPUT); // Set STDBY pin as input
  Serial.begin(9600);       // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  int chrgStatus = digitalRead(chrgPin);  // Read CHRG pin status
  int stdbyStatus = digitalRead(stdbyPin); // Read STDBY pin status

  if (chrgStatus == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Charging in progress...");
  } else if (stdbyStatus == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Charging complete.");
  } else {
    Serial.println("No battery connected or idle state.");
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before checking again
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. No Charging Current

    • Cause: Incorrect RPROG resistor value or damaged IC.
    • Solution: Verify the RPROG resistor value and ensure it matches the desired charging current. Check the IC for physical damage.

  2. Overheating

    • Cause: High input voltage or insufficient heat dissipation.
    • Solution: Reduce the input voltage or improve heat dissipation using a heat sink or proper PCB design.

  3. Battery Not Charging

    • Cause: Reverse battery connection or faulty battery.
    • Solution: Ensure the battery is connected with the correct polarity. Test the battery with a multimeter.

  4. Status LEDs Not Working

    • Cause: Incorrect LED connections or missing current-limiting resistors.
    • Solution: Verify the LED connections and use appropriate resistors.

FAQs

  1. Can the TP4056 charge multiple batteries in series?

    • No, the TP4056 is designed for single-cell lithium-ion batteries only.

  2. What happens if the input voltage exceeds 8.0V?

    • The IC may be permanently damaged. Always ensure the input voltage is within the specified range.

  3. Can I use the TP4056 without the TEMP pin?

    • Yes, you can connect the TEMP pin to GND if temperature monitoring is not required.

  4. How do I adjust the charging current?

    • Use the formula ( I_{CHG} = \frac{1200}{R_{PROG}} ) to calculate the required RPROG resistor value.

By following this documentation, you can safely and effectively use the TP4056 in your projects.