Texas Instruments BQ294506DRVR

Overview

BQ294506DRVR from Texas Instruments is a secondary overvoltage protection IC for 2- or 3-series Li-ion battery packs, featuring fixed 4.38 V OVP threshold, ±7 mV accuracy at 25°C, 4 s fault detection delay, and ultra-low 1 µA supply current in normal operation. It independently monitors each cell voltage and drives an external N-channel FET to trigger fuse blow during overvoltage events in portable power tools and notebook computers.

For engineers reviewing the BQ294506DRVR datasheet, BQ294506DRVR pinout, BQ294506DRVR application, or BQ294506DRVR equivalent, key selection criteria include its factory-programmed 4.38 V OVP threshold, 4 s fixed delay, ±7 mV accuracy (25°C), 6-pin SON package with thermal pad, and independent per-cell sensing architecture for secondary battery pack protection.

Technical Context

The BQ294506DRVR implements independent analog voltage monitoring across three cell inputs (V1–VSS, V2–V1, V3–V2) using internal precision comparators referenced to a factory-trimmed 4.38 V threshold. Its fixed 4 s delay timer activates only upon sustained overvoltage exceeding VOV minus hysteresis (300 mV typical).

Operation relies on unregulated VDD supply (3–25 V), low-leakage (<100 nA per input) sensing nodes, and open-drain-compatible OUT pin capable of driving NMOS gate capacitance up to 1 nF with 5 µs rise time. Thermal pad (PWRPAD) must be connected to VSS for stable operation and thermal dissipation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 6-pin WSON (DRV), 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm body size with exposed thermal pad (PWRPAD) requiring PCB connection to VSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar overvoltage protection applications.

Compared with BQ294504DRVR and BQ294512DRVR, the BQ294506DRVR provides the optimal balance of moderate OVP threshold (4.38 V), fast 4 s response, and Level-1 MSL compatibility-making it ideal for mainstream 3.7 V Li-ion packs in cost-sensitive, high-volume portable equipment.

Availability

BQ294506DRVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, power tools, tablets, and portable medical instruments requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term sourcing for battery management systems.

Supply support for BQ294506DRVR 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in battery management, power conversion, and signal chain solutions.

The BQ2945xx family was designed specifically for secondary overvoltage protection in multi-cell Li-ion battery packs-delivering factory-trimmed precision, ultra-low power, and robust thermal performance in compact WSON packages.

FAQ

What is the exact overvoltage protection threshold of the BQ294506DRVR?

The BQ294506DRVR has a factory-programmed overvoltage protection threshold of 4.38 V with ±7 mV accuracy at 25°C. This value is fixed and cannot be adjusted externally-it is laser-trimmed during manufacturing to ensure consistency across units and eliminate calibration overhead in end equipment.

Does the BQ294506DRVR support both 2-cell and 3-cell Li-ion battery configurations?

Yes, the BQ294506DRVR supports both configurations: for 2-series stacks, V3 is shorted to V2; for 3-series, all three sense inputs (V1, V2, V3) are used independently. The device monitors differential voltages (V1–VSS, V2–V1, V3–V2) and triggers OUT if any exceeds 4.38 V for 4 s.

How does the thermal pad (PWRPAD) on the BQ294506DRVR affect performance?

The PWRPAD on the BQ294506DRVR must be connected to VSS on the PCB to ensure proper thermal dissipation and electrical stability. Without this connection, junction temperature rises significantly-degrading accuracy and potentially causing premature failure. The pad enables 110.7°C/W junction-to-board thermal resistance.

What is the purpose of Customer Test Mode (CTM) in the BQ294506DRVR?

Customer Test Mode (CTM) allows rapid verification of the 4 s delay timer during production testing by applying VDD ≥10 V above V3, reducing test time from seconds to milliseconds (15 ms typical). CTM is not intended for normal operation and requires strict adherence to absolute maximum ratings to avoid damage.

Can the BQ294506DRVR operate with a supply voltage lower than the battery cell voltage?

Yes-the BQ294506DRVR accepts VDD from 3 V to 25 V and functions correctly even when VDD is derived from a separate auxiliary rail or regulated source lower than the total pack voltage. Its sensing inputs (V1/V2/V3) operate independently of VDD, enabling flexible power architecture design.