You Should Know More about Lithium-ion Battery Charger Module

Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that come with high energy density and used commonly in consumer electronics. Instead of using metallic lithium as an electrode, these types of batteries use intercalated lithium compound. Generally, lithium-ion batteries are remarkably lighter than other types of rechargeable batteries of the same size. That’s why they are commonly found in portable electronics, like smartphones, laptops and so on.

When a lithium-ion battery is discharging, lithium-ions moves from negative to the positive electrode. When it is charging, lithium-ions moves in the opposite direction. If you also want to charge your lithium-ion battery, then you need a lithium-ion battery charging module. With the battery charging module, you can charge either single or multiple lithium-ion batteries and it generally depends on which type of battery charger module you’ve picked.

If you’re facing trouble while choosing a lithium-ion battery charger module, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, you will get to know different types of lithium-ion battery charger module, how to pick the right one and how to use the battery charger module properly.

Types of Lithium-ion Battery Charger Module

When you look for lithium-ion battery charger module online, you’ll surely end up finding so many. Isn’t it, right? Well, there is no doubt that this makes quite hard for you to pick the right one. But, if you know different types of battery charger module, then it will surely help you a lot.

So, let’s get to know about what are types of lithium-ion battery charger module-

· TP4056 1A Lithium-ion battery charging module with current protection - Mini USB

This is ideal for charging a single lithium-ion cell (3.7v 1 Ah) or higher lithium-ion cells like 16550s that don’t come with their own protection circuit. This module provides a 1A charge current.

· TP4056 1A Lithium-ion battery charging module - Mini USB

This battery charger module is 3.7v module that comes with onboard Mini USB interface. It uses a mini-USB onboard connector to connect to the system USB port for charging.

· TP4056 1A Lithium-ion battery charging module with current protection - Micro USB

This module is also perfect for charging single cell 3.7 v or above Li-ion cells like 16550s that doesn’t come with their own protection circuit. The only difference is here that it has a micro USB connector system instead of mini USB.

· TP4056 1A Lithium-ion battery charging module - Micro B USB

This module is 3.7v lithium-ion battery charger module comes with onboard micro USB interface. You can connect to the system USB port for charging with this interface. You can also adjust the charging current by simply modifying the circuit board’s fixes resistors. It can alter the output to the 100mA to 1000mA, quite easily.

These are common types of lithium-ion battery charger module you will come across when you look for them online. The TP4056 is a complete constant-voltage or constant-current linear charger for single-cell lithium-ion batteries. Plus, its SOP package, as well as low external component count, makes the TP4056 perfect for portable applications. Also, the TP4056 can work within the wall adapter and USB.

No blocking diode is needed because of the internal PMOSFET model. Thermal feedback maintains the charge current to restrict the die temperature during high ambient temperature or high power operation. The charge voltage is fixed at 4.2 V, but the charge current can be externally programmed with a single resistor. Other TP4056 features include automatic recharge, current monitor, under-voltage lockout and so on.

How to Choose a Good Lithium-ion Battery Charger Module?

When you have to face an accident related to the Lithium-ion batteries, that’s when you realize the importance of using a good charger module. Some smart people learn from other’s mistakes and instead of picking any charging module, they choose smartly. Nowadays, every Lithium-Ion battery pack comes with a safety board which is used for effectively controlling the improper conditions. From charging to discharging, everything is handled well by the modules.

So, when you are buying the Lithium-ion Battery Charger Module, look out for these specifications to ensure that you are making the right decision.

· Reverse Polarity protection must be available

· Overcharge protection so that the voltage never rises up more than it should, i.e. above 4.3 Volts.

· Over-discharge Protection to stop discharging when the voltage gets down below 2.3 Volts.

Some other things that you need to keep in mind about the charger modules include:

· Charge temperature should be kept ideal. Never use or keep the module in the temperature range below than 0 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius.

· Charge current must be kept below 0.7 C.

· If too much voltage is applied to the battery, the fuse opens up permanently and you have to replace it.

· Even temperature above 100 degree Celsius is harmful to the fuse.

So, apart from selecting a good quality charger module, you also have to take care of other things. A Lithium-ion battery operates safely when every aspect of the battery pack is taken into consideration. If the battery is charged inadvertently to a higher voltage, it becomes unstable no matter which module you are using.

How to Use a Lithium-ion Battery Charger Module Properly?

It’s better to take precautions when you are about to use Lithium batteries. The module operates at 5V and it is provided by a USB cable just like the ones used for smartphone charging. You need to remind the circuit board as it is common for the module. If the module doesn’t have reverse polarity protection, you need to be much more careful about the connection. The steps are explained below:

· Connect the cable with the power source.

· Connect the cells with the B+/B- pads usually on the RHS of the module.

· Now, connect the load to the Out+/ Out- pads. But disconnect the load when charging.

· The LED on the module indicates that the charging process. If the light is red, charging is going on and the green light indicates that charging is finished.

Keep in mind that you should never charge your Lithium-ion battery at a rate greater than 1C. We all have heard of some of these points under certain conditions. But you’ll never realize the importance of these points unless you face some critical situations. Generally, when the battery is charging or discharging unusually, it is the module which protects it from short-circuits. So, if you are looking for a module for your Lithium-ion battery, then TP4056 module is a good choice for you.