Texas Instruments BQ24261RGER

Overview

BQ24261RGER 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 charge current at 93% peak efficiency, supports 30-V input overvoltage protection, and features Charge Time Optimizer (CTO) for accelerated CC/CV transition-enabling faster charging of 4000-mAh batteries. It operates in smartphones and portable media players where compact size and system power continuity are critical.

For engineers reviewing the BQ24261RGER datasheet, BQ24261RGER pinout, BQ24261RGER application, or BQ24261RGER equivalent, this page provides verified technical context on its 24-pin QFN package, I²C-programmable charge parameters (VBATREG = 4.2 V ±0.7%, ICHARGE = 500–3000 mA), power-path FET R_ON (32–47 mΩ), thermal regulation at 125°C, and JEITA-compliant NTC monitoring via TS pin.

Technical Context

The BQ24261RGER implements a synchronous buck converter with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, enabling regulated charging and seamless system power sourcing from either IN (USB or adapter) or BAT. Its power-path architecture allows simultaneous charging and system operation while permitting battery supplementation during high-load transients.

Charge control is fully programmable via I²C: voltage (3.5–4.44 V), current (0.5–3 A), termination threshold (50–200 mA), input current limit (USB100 to 2.5 A), and VIN_DPM threshold (4.2–11.6 V). The device includes hardware-based safety features-thermal regulation at 125°C, battery OVP (1.05×VBATREG), and cycle-by-cycle current limiting (4.5 A typical).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 4-mm × 4-mm, 24-pin VQFN (RGE) with exposed thermal pad connected to PGND. Thermal resistance R_θJA = 32.6°C/W enables stable operation at 3-A load without forced airflow.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BQ24261RGER, BQ24261MRGER offers higher discharge capability and improved regulation accuracy for demanding power bank use cases, while BQ24262RGER sacrifices flexibility and robustness for lower cost in basic USB-charged devices-neither is pin-compatible without firmware and layout review.

Availability

BQ24261RGER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone power management, tablet battery charging systems, portable media players, power banks, and small power tools requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BQ24261RGER 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 50 years of innovation in power management ICs and battery charging technology.

The BQ24261RGER belongs to TI's bq2426x family of highly integrated Li-ion chargers designed specifically for space-constrained portable electronics requiring fast, safe, and intelligent battery management with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the BQ24261RGER?

The BQ24261RGER supports an absolute maximum input voltage of 30 V on the IN pin, with a recommended operating range of 4.2 V to 13.2 V. Its integrated overvoltage protection triggers at 14.0 V (typical) to safeguard internal circuitry during transient surges-critical for compatibility with 12-V USB PD adapters and unregulated wall supplies.

Does the BQ24261RGER support USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality?

Yes, the BQ24261RGER supports USB OTG by configuring its internal boost converter to generate a regulated 5-V output at up to 1 A from the battery. This mode is enabled via I²C register control and uses the IN pin as the output node-eliminating the need for external boost circuitry while maintaining full system functionality during host-peripheral interaction.

How does the Charge Time Optimizer (CTO) in the BQ24261RGER improve charging performance?

The Charge Time Optimizer in the BQ24261RGER dynamically adjusts the transition point from constant-current (CC) to constant-voltage (CV) charging based on real-time battery impedance and temperature. This reduces total charge time by up to 25% compared to conventional chargers-demonstrated in test data charging a 4000-mAh cell at 2 A-without compromising safety or cycle life.

What thermal protection mechanisms are implemented in the BQ24261RGER?

The BQ24261RGER incorporates three-tier thermal protection: (1) thermal regulation begins at 125°C (TREG), reducing input current to maintain junction temperature; (2) thermal shutdown activates at 150°C (TSHTDWN); and (3) hysteresis of 10°C ensures recovery only after cooling to 140°C. These functions are hardware-based and operate independently of I²C communication.

Can the BQ24261RGER be used with non-JEITA battery packs?

Yes-the TS pin on the BQ24261RGER can be disabled by pulling it high to VDRV, allowing operation with standard Li-ion cells lacking NTC thermistors. When enabled, it supports JEITA-compliant 4-zone charging; when disabled, the device defaults to standard 0°C–45°C charging with VBATUVLO (2.6 V) and VBOVP (1.05×VBATREG) safeguards intact.