LP4056
Complete charge management IC with power path control for simultaneous charging and system operation
Product Overview
Description
The LP4056 is a complete power path management and battery charger IC for single-cell Li-ion and Li-Polymer batteries. It provides power path control that allows simultaneous charging of the battery while powering the system, with automatic power source selection.
The device can deliver up to 1A charge current while supporting system loads up to 2A. When input power is available, the system is powered directly from the input while charging the battery. If system load exceeds input capacity, the battery supplements the input power. When input is removed, the system seamlessly switches to battery power.
The LP4056 includes input current limiting, charge status indicators, thermal regulation, and safety timers. It supports USB charging with programmable input current limits (100mA/500mA for USB, or higher for adapter). Available in a compact QFN-16 package, it is ideal for smartphones, tablets, and portable media devices.
Product Series
LP
Primary Application
Smartphones
Key Features
- Complete power path management
- Simultaneous charge and system power
- Up to 1A charge current
- Up to 2A system current
- Automatic power source selection
- USB-compliant input current limits
- Dual charge status indicators
- 7-hour safety timer
Specifications
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V - 6.5V |
|---|---|
| Charge Voltage | 4.2V (±0.5% accuracy) |
| Charge Current | Up to 1A (programmable) |
| System Current | Up to 2A |
| Input Current Limit | 100mA/500mA/1A/1.5A (selectable) |
| Sleep Mode Current | <5μA |
| Charge Status Outputs | Dual open-drain indicators |
| Safety Timer | 7-hour charge termination |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Package | QFN-16 (3mm x 3mm) |
Applications
Smartphones
Electronic system design
Tablets
Electronic system design
Portable media players
Electronic system design
Handheld gaming devices
Electronic system design
Mobile internet devices
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The LP4056 is an excellent power path management IC that I have used in several smartphone and tablet designs. The key advantage is the power path architecture - the system can operate directly from input power while charging the battery, eliminating the charge/discharge cycling that reduces battery life. The automatic power source selection works seamlessly - when you unplug the charger, the system switches to battery power without any interruption. The input current limiting is crucial for USB compliance - you can set 100mA for unconfigured USB, 500mA for standard USB, or higher for AC adapters. I particularly like the dual status outputs that indicate charging and power good states separately. The 7-hour safety timer prevents overcharging in fault conditions. One implementation tip: the input and output capacitors should be sized based on your system load transients. I typically use 10μF ceramic on both input and output. The QFN package requires good PCB layout for thermal management - use thermal vias to spread heat. Overall, a feature-rich power management IC at a competitive price."
Power path charger with simultaneous charging and system operation for smartphones and tablets
— Li Ming, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is power path management?
Power path management allows the system to operate directly from input power while simultaneously charging the battery. The IC automatically manages power flow between input, battery, and system load. When input power is available, the system runs from input while charging. When input is removed, the system seamlessly switches to battery power.
Power path eliminates charge/discharge cycling, extending battery life; essential for devices used while charging.
What is the difference between LP4054 and LP4056?
LP4054 is a simple standalone charger that charges the battery which then powers the system. LP4056 includes power path management, allowing simultaneous charging and system operation with automatic power source selection. LP4056 is better for devices that need to operate while charging.
LP4054 for simple charging; LP4056 for devices requiring simultaneous operation and charging.
What input current limits does LP4056 support?
LP4056 supports programmable input current limits of 100mA, 500mA, 1A, and 1.5A. The 100mA and 500mA settings are USB-compliant for standard USB ports. Higher settings can be used with AC adapters. This allows the device to charge from various power sources without overloading them.
Select input current limit based on power source capability; 100mA/500mA for USB, higher for adapters.
Can LP4056 power the system while charging?
Yes, LP4056 is specifically designed to power the system while charging the battery. It can deliver up to 2A to the system while charging the battery at up to 1A. If the system load exceeds the input capacity, the battery automatically supplements the power.
Yes, simultaneous operation supported; battery supplements power if system load exceeds input capacity.
What happens when input power is removed?
When input power is removed, LP4056 automatically and seamlessly switches the system to battery power without interruption. The switchover happens in microseconds, ensuring continuous system operation. The charger enters sleep mode with less than 5μA current draw.
Automatic seamless switchover to battery; no system interruption when unplugging charger.
What safety features does LP4056 include?
LP4056 includes multiple safety features: input current limiting prevents overloading power sources, thermal regulation prevents overheating, a 7-hour safety timer prevents overcharging, and reverse current protection prevents battery drain. These features ensure safe and reliable charging.
Multiple safety features ensure reliable operation; safety timer prevents overcharging in fault conditions.
What do the status outputs indicate?
LP4056 provides dual open-drain status outputs. One indicates charging status (active low when charging), and the other indicates power good (active low when valid input power is present). These can drive LEDs or connect to a microcontroller for monitoring.
Dual status outputs for charging and power good; connect to LEDs or microcontroller for monitoring.