Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ24074,
Hello,
I found that the BQ24074 is used in this Adafruit module as a solar charger: learn.adafruit.com/.../design-notes. Note that one of the main reasons they use this module is because of the IN-DPM feature, where the device automatically reduces the input current if the voltage falls below the V(IN-DPM) threshold. This is useful for solar charging, because this feature *sort of* works as an MPPT (where the current is reduced if the voltage from the panel is dropping).
So, I have 2 questions:
- I have previously used the BQ24090 in one of my projects, and checking the datasheet again I found that it also has an IN-DPM feature. Are these features identical between the BQ24090 and the BQ24074? Namely, does the BQ24090 also gradually reduce the input current so that the input voltage does not fall below V(IN-DPM)? Or is it more of an on-off feature?
- How does the BQ24090 work when we have a load connected in parallel to the battery? When there is no load and the battery is connected, I understand that the current is allowed to taper to the termination threshold and then the charge current terminates. But, if I also have a load connected, how is this handled? Should I ensure that my load does not consume more current than the termination current I(TERM) (which is typically 10% of the charge current)? Because, as far as I understand, if my load consumes more than I(TERM), then the BQ24090 would never terminate charge?
Thank you in advance.