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BQ24010: Suitable for sub 0C charging?

Part Number: BQ24010
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ24210, BQ25170, BQ25171-Q1

Hi,

I found two quite similar chargers, but both have a different recommend operating temperature:
BQ24010: -40C to +125C
BQ24210: 0C to 125C

Because I require charging below -30C, I thought I needed to change the charger I already have (BQ24210) with the BQ24010. However, I got confused while looking in further detail at the datasheet. All the electrical characteristics for both chargers are valid over a temperature range of 0°C ≤ TJ ≤ 125°C.

What is the difference between the two provided the EC of both are only valid between 0°C ≤ TJ ≤ 125°C? Are both chargers okay to use below 0C?

The question is not really about whether the chargers will survive, it's more about whether I can trust their operation in terms of EC and it's tolerances at temperature below 0C. We don't want to risk getting a batch that suddenly has different ECs and therefore makes our device fail the requirements as a whole.

Kind regards,
Martin

  • Hi Martin,

    The EC table spec are tested 0°C ≤ TJ ≤ 125°C. Spec for operation outside this window cannot be warrant. Just curious, what is the application here? 

    I recommend to take a look at our latest linear charger BQ25170 or BQ25171-Q1 which EC table is tested TJ = -40°C to +125°C, and TJ = 25°C for typical values (unless otherwise noted).

     

  • Hi Jing,

    Thank you for the recommendations. The BQ25171-Q1 is indeed a good option. The charger is used for a vehicle tracker, so it has to be able to operate in very wide temperature ranges.

    However, all of this does cause quite some confusion. For example:

    1. How can the BQ24010 still be recommended for -40C in the datasheet, even though the EC is not valid below 0C?
    2. And why are the absolute maximum ratings used in the parametric search? If I understand correctly it's in now way recommended to use an IC outside that range. So searching for a suitable IC is much harder since you have to check each and every IC to determine its recommended operating temperature (and EC temperature range as well?).

    Regards,
    Martin

  • Hi Martin, 

    Thanks for the feedback. We will look into improving the parametric search with your feedback.

    The device had been stressed over the temperature for qualification purpose. That is how the temperature range is specified in the datasheet. The device can still operate down to -40C without any concern. However, the for electrical characteristics, the limits may become wider. The limits in the datasheet EC table were characterized with the more commonly used temperature range. Most of the venders may only characterize at room temp.