Texas Instruments BQ25012RHLR

Overview

BQ25012RHLR from Texas Instruments is a single-chip Li-ion/Li-polymer battery charger and synchronous DC-DC converter IC optimized for 1.8 V fixed-output portable systems. It integrates autonomous AC/USB power source selection, programmable 100/500 mA USB charge control, reverse leakage protection, and a 150 mA, 1.8 V DC-DC converter with forced PWM or power-save mode - enabling compact Bluetooth headset power management.

For engineers reviewing the BQ25012RHLR datasheet, BQ25012RHLR pinout, BQ25012RHLR application, or BQ25012RHLR equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 1.8 V DC-DC output, dual-input (AC/USB) charge arbitration, ISET1/ISET2 current programming interface, thermal shutdown at 165°C, and 20-pin QFN (RHL) package with exposed thermal pad.

Technical Context

The BQ25012RHLR implements a three-phase linear charging algorithm (preconditioning, constant-current, constant-voltage) with taper-based and timer-backed termination, plus automatic recharge at 4.115 V. Its integrated DC-DC converter uses voltage-mode control with input feedforward, operates at 1 MHz nominal switching frequency, and transitions between forced PWM and power-save (PFM) modes based on load current and skip-current detection.

Charge enable (CE, active-low) and DC-DC enable (EN, active-high) provide independent digital control, while FPWM selects between fixed-frequency operation (for EMI-sensitive designs) and efficiency-optimized PFM mode. Status outputs STAT1/STAT2 and open-drain PG deliver real-time charge state and input presence indication without external logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The BQ25012RHLR is housed in a 20-pin QFN package (RHL) with an exposed thermal pad connected internally to VSS. All VSS pins (3, 9, 18) must be soldered to a common ground plane; the thermal pad must be electrically tied to the same ground potential but not used as the primary ground path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar battery charge and DC-DC conversion applications.

Compared with BQ25012RHLR, BQ25011RHLR delivers higher output voltage for general-purpose logic but lacks 1.8 V optimization for Bluetooth RF stages, while BQ25010RHLR adds design flexibility at the cost of BOM complexity and calibration effort - making BQ25012RHLR the optimal choice for cost-sensitive, volume Bluetooth headset production.

Availability

BQ25012RHLR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Bluetooth headsets, wireless audio accessories, and low-power handheld devices requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for BQ25012RHLR 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 50 years of innovation in energy-efficient electronics.

The BQ25012RHLR belongs to TI's bq2501x family of highly integrated battery charge and DC-DC converters designed specifically for space-constrained portable electronics - emphasizing minimal external components, autonomous operation, and Bluetooth headset power architecture.

FAQ

What is the fixed DC-DC output voltage of the BQ25012RHLR?

The BQ25012RHLR provides a fixed 1.8 V DC-DC output voltage with ±3% accuracy across temperature and load. This output is optimized for powering Bluetooth baseband ICs, low-voltage DSPs, and RF front-ends directly from a single-cell Li-ion battery. Unlike the adjustable BQ25010RHLR or 3.3 V BQ25011RHLR, the BQ25012RHLR requires no external feedback resistors - simplifying layout and reducing BOM count in 1.8 V–targeted designs.

How does the BQ25012RHLR handle automatic power source selection between AC and USB inputs?

The BQ25012RHLR autonomously selects AC input over USB when both are present, eliminating the need for host MCU intervention. If AC is absent, it seamlessly switches to USB charging - supporting 100 mA or 500 mA rates based on the ISET2 pin state. This behavior is hardwired into the IC's charge logic and requires no firmware configuration, ensuring robust operation even in resource-constrained Bluetooth headset MCUs.

Can the BQ25012RHLR charge a battery while simultaneously powering a system load?

Yes, the BQ25012RHLR supports concurrent charging and system operation via its dual BAT/OUT pins: Pin 16 delivers charge current to the battery, while Pin 17 supplies battery voltage to the integrated 1.8 V DC-DC converter. This architecture enables "charge-through" operation - powering the Bluetooth system from the battery while replenishing it from AC or USB - critical for uninterrupted audio playback during charging.

What thermal protection features does the BQ25012RHLR include?

The BQ25012RHLR incorporates junction temperature monitoring with thermal shutdown at 165°C and 15°C hysteresis. When temperature exceeds the threshold, charging is suspended until the die cools sufficiently. This protection is fully internal - no external thermistor or sensing circuitry is required. The exposed thermal pad in the RHL package enhances heat transfer to the PCB, enabling reliable operation in sealed plastic enclosures typical of consumer audio wearables.

Is the BQ25012RHLR compatible with standard USB 2.0 port current limits?

Yes, the BQ25012RHLR complies with USB 2.0 specifications through its ISET2 pin: a logic-low signal configures 100 mA draw (standard downstream port limit), while logic-high enables 500 mA (high-power port limit). The device also supports high-impedance (Hi-Z) ISET2 to disable USB charging entirely - allowing safe connection to unenumerated or current-limited hosts without risk of overcurrent or bus reset.