Charging IC is an integrated circuit (IC) specifically designed to manage and control the battery charging process. It is responsible for safely and efficiently transferring power from external sources such as adapters, USB ports, and wireless chargers to the battery, while ensuring the battery's lifespan and safety. The following is a detailed explanation of the core functions and application scenarios of charging chips:
Core functions
Charging control
Constant Current (CC): Fast charging with a constant current when the battery is low.
Constant Voltage (CV): When the battery approaches full charge, it switches to constant voltage mode to prevent overcharging.
Trickle current charging: After the battery is fully charged, it supplements the battery with a small current to maintain its state.
Security protection
Overvoltage/overcurrent protection: prevents damage to the battery caused by excessive input voltage or current.
Over temperature protection: Monitor the temperature of the chip or battery to avoid the risk of overheating.
Short circuit protection: detect abnormal short circuits and cut off the circuit.
Reverse current protection: prevents battery current from flowing back and damaging external devices.
Compatibility and Protocol Support
Support fast charging protocols such as USB PD, QC, VOOC, PPS, etc., and negotiate the optimal charging power with different power adapters.
Compatible with multiple battery types (lithium-ion, lithium polymer, nickel hydrogen, etc.).
Energy efficiency optimization
Reduce energy loss and improve charging efficiency through switch circuits such as DCDC conversion.
Dynamically adjust input power to adapt to the power supply capabilities of different power sources.
Main types
Linear charging chip
Simple structure, low cost, suitable for low current scenarios (such as wearable devices).
Disadvantages: Low efficiency (converting electrical energy into heat), not suitable for high-power charging.
Switch type charging chip
Adopting DCDC buck/boost circuit, with high efficiency (up to 95% or more), supporting fast charging and high-power devices (such as mobile phones and laptops).
Representative technologies: Buck, Boost, BuckBoost.
Wireless charging chip
Wireless energy transmission is achieved through electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance, which requires collaboration with the transmitting end (such as Qi standard).
Integrated communication module ensures charging efficiency and safety.
Multi cell battery management chip
Used for managing the balanced charging of multiple series connected battery packs in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, etc., to prevent overcharging/overdischarging of individual cells.
Application scenarios
Consumer electronics: mobile phones, tablets, TWS earphones, smartwatches.
Portable devices: laptops, drones, cameras.
Electric tools: high current equipment such as drills and lawn mowers.
New energy: electric vehicles (BMS battery management system), solar energy storage devices.
Industrial equipment: Backup power management for medical instruments and security equipment.
Technology Trends
Higher power: Supports fast charging of over 100W (such as USB PD 3.1), reducing charging time.
Intelligence: Optimizing charging strategies through AI algorithms to extend battery life.
Integration: Integrating charging management, power path management, and protection circuits into a single chip to reduce device size.
Wireless: Promote long-distance wireless charging technology and break free from cable constraints.
Common brands and models
Texas Instruments (TI): BQ series (such as BQ25601).
Qualcomm: Quick Charge protocol supporting chip.
Richtek: RT9466, RT9485, etc.
Southern Semiconductor: SC8886 (supports 140W fast charging).
Charging chips are essential core components of modern electronic devices, and their performance directly affects user experience and battery safety. With the popularization of fast charging and wireless charging technologies, the design of charging chips is rapidly developing towards higher efficiency and intelligence.