Texas Instruments BQ24204DGNR

Overview

BQ24204DGNR from Texas Instruments is a single-chip Li-ion/Li-polymer linear charge management IC for current-limited applications, featuring 4.1 V fixed regulation voltage, integrated 500 mA powerFET, ±0.5% voltage accuracy, battery insertion/removal detection, and pre-charge conditioning with 2,065 s safety timer - deployed in portable medical monitors and handheld test equipment requiring compact, low-cost charging.

For engineers reviewing the BQ24204DGNR datasheet, BQ24204DGNR pinout, BQ24204DGNR application, or BQ24204DGNR equivalent, key selection considerations include absence of temperature sensing (TS pin not connected), lack of STAT output (no charge status indication), fixed 4.1 V regulation for graphite-anode cells, and compatibility with current-limited wall adapters rather than constant-current supplies.

Technical Context

The BQ24204DGNR implements a linear charging architecture with internal P-channel powerFET, BAT-sensed voltage regulation loop, and dual-stage termination: taper-current detection (25.5 mA typ.) followed by minimum-current cutoff (1.1 mA typ.). It relies entirely on external current limiting and provides no input current regulation.

Its operational flow includes automatic pre-conditioning below 2.95 V (13.5 mA typ.), transition to constant-voltage phase at 4.1 V, and charge termination via either taper timer (2,065 s) or current threshold - with fault reporting disabled due to missing STAT functionality and no TS monitoring circuitry enabled.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin MSOP-PowerPAD (DGN), 3 mm × 3 mm body with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 1, rated for –40°C to 125°C junction temperature.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Li-ion linear charge management applications.

Compared with BQ24202DGNR, BQ24204DGNR removes STAT and TS functions to reduce cost and simplify layout, while retaining identical regulation accuracy and safety timers; versus BQ24205DGNR, it substitutes 4.1 V for 4.2 V to match graphite-anode electrochemistry - making it non-interchangeable without battery chemistry verification.

Availability

BQ24204DGNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical monitors, handheld test equipment, and industrial data loggers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for BQ24204DGNR 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with over 90 years of innovation in power management ICs and battery interface technology.

The bq2420x product line was designed specifically for low-cost, space-constrained Li-ion charging in consumer and industrial portable devices - prioritizing integration, reliability, and compatibility with current-limited wall adapters over programmability or advanced telemetry.

FAQ

What is the regulation voltage of the BQ24204DGNR and why is it fixed at that value?

The BQ24204DGNR has a fixed 4.1 V regulation voltage, specified with ±0.5% accuracy across temperature and load. This value is optimized for lithium-ion cells with graphite anodes, which require precise upper-voltage limits to prevent electrolyte decomposition and capacity loss. The fixed setting eliminates configuration overhead and ensures consistent performance without external resistor networks or digital programming.

Does the BQ24204DGNR support temperature monitoring or battery status indication?

No, the BQ24204DGNR does not support temperature monitoring or battery status indication. Its TS pin is internally disconnected, and it lacks the STAT output pin present in variants like BQ24202DGNR. These omissions reflect its role as a minimal-feature variant for cost-sensitive applications where thermal qualification and visual feedback are not required.

How does the BQ24204DGNR handle deeply discharged batteries?

The BQ24204DGNR initiates pre-charge mode when the BAT pin voltage falls below 2.95 V, delivering a controlled 13.5 mA (typical) current to safely recover deeply discharged cells. A 2,065 s safety timer prevents indefinite pre-charge; if the battery fails to reach the low-voltage threshold within that window, the IC disables charging and enters fault state until power-cycled or battery replaced.

Can the BQ24204DGNR be used with a standard 5 V USB power source?

Yes, but only if the 5 V source is current-limited to ≤500 mA and exhibits sufficient dropout margin. The BQ24204DGNR requires ≥13.5 V on VCC per datasheet operating conditions - meaning direct 5 V connection violates specification. A boost converter or higher-voltage wall adapter (e.g., 12 V) is required to meet VCC minimum; USB must be stepped up first.

What happens when the battery voltage drops after full charge completion in the BQ24204DGNR?

After charge termination, the BQ24204DGNR automatically resumes charging when the BAT pin voltage falls to 4.015 V - a 100 mV hysteresis below its 4.1 V regulation point. This recharge threshold prevents excessive cycling while maintaining battery readiness, and is implemented entirely in hardware without host intervention or external components.