Texas Instruments BQ24160ARGER

Overview

BQ24160ARGER from Texas Instruments is a 2.5-A dual-input switched-mode Li-ion battery charger with integrated power path management and I²C programmability. It supports simultaneous system power delivery and battery charging, delivers ±1% battery voltage regulation accuracy, enables instant system startup from zero-battery or deeply discharged states, and operates from either USB (≤6.5 V/1.5 A) or IN (≤10.5 V/2.5 A) inputs in portable media players.

For engineers reviewing the BQ24160ARGER datasheet, BQ24160ARGER pinout, BQ24160ARGER application, or BQ24160ARGER equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions for the VQFN-24 package, JEITA-compliant NTC monitoring, real-world power path behavior, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional differences.

Technical Context

The BQ24160ARGER implements a synchronous buck converter with dual independent input paths (USB and IN), each with dedicated overvoltage protection (6.5 V and 10.5 V respectively) and programmable current limiting via I²C. Its power path architecture uses separate internal FETs to decouple SYS output regulation from battery charge state, enabling system operation even with absent or faulty batteries.

It integrates JEITA-compatible thermal monitoring via the TS pin with four thresholds (VHOT, VWARM, VCOOL, VCOLD), supports MaxLife™ fast-charging coordination with BQ27530, and features hardware-based safety timers, battery short-circuit detection (VBATSHRT = 3.0 V), and thermal regulation at 120 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-24 package with exposed thermal pad (internally connected to PGND); requires soldering thermal pad to PCB ground plane for thermal compliance and electrical stability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Li-ion battery charger applications.

Compared with BQ24160ARGER, BQ24161ARGR trades JEITA compliance and safety timer for simpler USB detection, while BQ24163ARGR extends low-battery operability at the expense of higher minimum system voltage tolerance-both retain identical footprint and I²C register compatibility.

Availability

BQ24160ARGER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, industrial handheld terminals, and medical patient monitors requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for BQ24160ARGER includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies with over 90 years of innovation in energy-efficient electronics.

The BQ24160AGER belongs to TI's battery management IC portfolio, designed specifically for space-constrained portable devices needing dual-input charging, power path independence, and JEITA-compliant thermal safety.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous input current supported by the BQ24160ARGER on the IN pin?

The BQ24160ARGER supports up to 2.5 A continuous input current on the IN pin under recommended operating conditions (VIN = 4.2–10.5 V). Absolute maximum rating is 2.75 A, but sustained operation above 2.5 A requires careful thermal design due to junction temperature limits and package derating. The device implements input current limiting via I²C-programmable registers to prevent overcurrent stress.

Does the BQ24160ARGER support JEITA-compliant charging, and which pins enable this function?

Yes, the BQ24160ARGER supports JEITA-compliant charging using its TS pin (Pin 9), which monitors an NTC thermistor via a resistor divider referenced to DRV. It implements four temperature thresholds-VHOT, VWARM, VCOOL, and VCOLD-with hysteresis, all compliant with JEITA-EIAJ RC-9501A. This functionality is confirmed in the device comparison table and electrical characteristics section of the official datasheet.

What is the purpose of the CD pin on the BQ24160ARGER, and how should it be used?

The CD (Chip Disable) pin (Pin 24) places the BQ24160ARGER into high-impedance mode when driven high, disabling all internal regulators, FETs, and status outputs. It must not be left floating-TI specifies tying it to logic low for normal operation or controlling it via a GPIO. In high-Z mode, BAT, SYS, and SW become high-impedance, isolating battery and system rails for maintenance or safety-critical shutdown.

Can the BQ24160ARGER operate without a battery connected, and what system behavior results?

Yes, the BQ24160ARGER can power the system directly from USB or IN inputs with no battery installed. Its power path architecture regulates SYS independently, enabling instant system turn-on and stable 3.7-V operation. When no battery is present, the charger remains idle, BGATE stays low, and SYS is sourced solely from the active input through internal FETs-verified in the Functional Block Diagram and Description sections.

What package type and thermal characteristics apply to the BQ24160ARGER?

The BQ24160ARGER uses the VQFN-24 package (4.0 mm × 4.0 mm) with an exposed thermal pad internally connected to PGND. Its junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) is 32.6 °C/W, and junction-to-board (θJB) is 3.3 °C/W. TI recommends soldering the thermal pad to a solid copper ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias for reliable operation at full 2.5-A charge current.