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BQ24295: BQ charger chip TI supply problem

David Byrne
Prodigy 120 points
Part Number: BQ24295

Hi.

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this.

It appears the BQ24295RGET will be fit for purpose for a new cost sensitive design I am working on for a client right now. Most BQ chips in the VFQFN package are very scarce or not available. TI can only they offer a 35 weeks lead time on the BQ24295RGET. I could try the BQ24155RGYT, but it only offers a lower charge current, which is not so good for this application. For some reason the BQ24155RGYT has a shorter lead time of 26 weeks - still quite poor. Besides, the BQ24155RGYT could all disappear quickly like everything else.

The BQ24250RGET was also a possibility, but of course they are nil stock with 35 weeks lead time as well. Another client of mine has his product is now in production and he needs 3K now. TI can't supply any for 35 weeks. He now has to resort the grey market. Quite frankly, TI has lost my trust and confidence as reliable supplier of battery charging PMICs. 

An alternative is to use a BGA version of the BQ24295RGET which makes more difficult to work with, especially if debugging during R & D. But if I have to, I will use them at risk of ongoing supply problems. There are plenty around - for now. Who knows next month.

The BQ chip will much prefer to have I2C.

My questions are:

  1. What alternative chips from other manufacturers that would be good alternatives to the BQ chips? I have used ST before and they are good, but their ability to supply micro-controllers lately has damaged their reputation badly.(Ironically, I am using a MSP430 variant in this new design, as a replacement of a once common STM which is nil stock globally.) 
  2. Is there an alternative chip (non-TI) that has a fuel gauge built in, as well as the charger?. 
  3. Is TI going to expedite production of the BQ chips to do better than their quoted 35 weeks? It seems this common "35 weeks" seems to be a questionable default lead time. What are the chances of the chips being made available a lot sooner?
  4. Is there a QFIC or TSSOP type (eg: VFQFN) of the BQ charger chips that are in plentiful supply that could be used? If so, why are they plentiful - are they higher cost/performance, or near EOL?
  5. Why doesn't TI keep sample stock for engineers such as myself (eg: limit to 20 pcs per engineer) so they can at least build prototypes? 

Thanks!

regards,

David

 

  • 0
    TI__Guru** 102455 points

    Hello David,

    I wouldn't be able to offer advice for non-TI parts, you would need to contact them for that information.

    The supply issue is affecting all semiconductor companies, we are working hard to reduce the lead times, but whatever the lead time reported (35 weeks in your case) would be what I would expect, not sooner than that.

    I'm not sure if we would have an older or larger footprint charger that would work for your system specifications, it would be best just to check the major distributors if they are in stock. You can use this tool to check for other parts that may fit your needs: www.ti.com/.../products.html

    We do have limited sample stock, but with such high demand even that can become depleted.

    Sincerely,

    Wyatt Keller