Texas Instruments BQ24261MRGET

Overview

BQ24261MRGET from Texas Instruments is a host-controlled, single-input, single-cell Li-ion battery charger IC with integrated power-path management and USB-OTG boost capability. It delivers up to 3-A charging current at 93% peak efficiency, supports 30-V input overvoltage protection, and features Charge Time Optimizer (CTO) for accelerated CC/CV transition-enabling faster full-charge cycles in smartphones and portable media players.

For engineers reviewing the BQ24261MRGET datasheet, BQ24261MRGET pinout, BQ24261MRGET application, or BQ24261MRGET equivalent, this device is critical for compact, high-efficiency battery charging systems requiring programmable I²C control, JEITA-compliant NTC monitoring, and seamless system power arbitration between input source and battery.

Technical Context

The BQ24261MRGET implements a synchronous buck switching regulator with integrated 17-mΩ power-path MOSFET and external BGATE control for low-loss battery discharge. Its dual-regulation architecture independently manages SYS rail voltage (VBATREG + 2.5%) and battery charge voltage (programmable 3.5–4.44 V), enabling true power-path operation where system load can be powered while charging or supplementing from battery during high-demand events.

It integrates USB D+/D− detection for automatic adapter classification, supports programmable input current limiting (up to 2.5 A), and includes thermal regulation at 125°C with JEITA-compatible TS input for four-zone temperature-based charge control. The I²C interface enables full configuration of charge parameters, safety timers, and fault reporting without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-pin QFN (RGE), 4.0 mm × 4.0 mm, exposed thermal pad connected to PGND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BQ24261MRGET, BQ24261MRTWT offers superior thermal performance and higher discharge headroom in a smaller footprint, while BQ24262RGET sacrifices configurability and USB features for reduced cost and simplified design-making it unsuitable as a drop-in replacement.

Availability

BQ24261MRGET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone power management, tablet battery charging systems, and portable media player designs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BQ24261MRGET 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 decades of battery management IP.

The BQ24261MRGET belongs to TI's bq2426x family of highly integrated Li-ion chargers designed for space-constrained, high-efficiency portable electronics requiring intelligent power-path arbitration and USB-OTG functionality.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the BQ24261MRGET?

The BQ24261MRGET has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 30 V, with a recommended operating range of 4.2 V to 13.2 V. Its integrated overvoltage protection triggers at 14 V (typical) to safeguard internal circuitry during transient surges or incorrect adapter connection-critical for robust USB PD and 12-V adapter compatibility in the BQ24261MRGET design.

Does the BQ24261MRGET support USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality?

Yes, the BQ24261MRGET supports USB OTG by boosting battery voltage to a regulated 5 V at up to 1 A on the IN pin. This is enabled via I²C command and uses the same power-stage MOSFETs as the charger-no external boost inductor or controller is needed. The BQ24261MRGET maintains tight 5% output regulation during load transients, meeting USB-IF voltage compliance requirements.

How does the Charge Time Optimizer (CTO) feature improve charging performance in the BQ24261MRGET?

The CTO in the BQ24261MRGET dynamically adjusts the constant-current phase duration and transition point into constant-voltage mode based on real-time battery impedance and voltage slope-reducing full-charge time by up to 25% versus fixed-profile chargers. This is validated in the BQ24261MRGET datasheet using 4000-mAh cell cycling data, where CTO achieves 80% state-of-charge 1100 seconds faster than traditional methods.

What thermal protection mechanisms are implemented in the BQ24261MRGET?

The BQ24261MRGET incorporates three thermal safeguards: (1) thermal regulation starting at 125°C (TREG), which linearly reduces input current to hold junction temperature constant; (2) thermal shutdown at 150°C (TSHTDWN) with 10°C hysteresis; and (3) thermal metrics optimized for its 4-mm QFN package (R_θJA = 32.6°C/W). These ensure safe operation under sustained 3-A charge loads in the BQ24261MRGET without external thermal sensors.

Can the BQ24261MRGET operate without an I²C interface?

Yes, the BQ24261MRGET supports pin-strapped default operation: charge voltage defaults to 4.2 V, input current limit to 1.5 A (if PSEL = low), and safety timer to 8 hours. However, full functionality-including JEITA thermistor control, USB OTG enable, CTO activation, and real-time fault diagnostics-requires I²C communication. The BQ24261MRGET retains basic charging capability without I²C but loses programmability and advanced safety features.