TPS22917: Utilize QOD to discharge output node of subsequent Boost Charger IC (BQ25505)

Part Number: TPS22917
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ25505, TPS22919, , TPS22992

Tool/software:

Hello, 

I am trying to find a solution to discharge a capacitor node of a battery boost charger IC prior to startup of my system and thought about utilizing a load switch with external QOD option.There is bi-directional energy transfer between a battery, the boost charger and the system load which would need to go through the load switch.

Specifically I am using the TI BQ25505 energy harvester which has an output node called VSTOR that needs to be at <100 mV prior to hot plugging a battery or the chip will not power the system. Unfortunately, it is quite hard to connect the battery without having a short disconnect (bounce) when inserting the battery mechanically or connecting a power jumper. Hence, the output node gets charged on the first connection and causes the chip to prevent power to the system after the bounce event. Only a full discharge and replugging the battery will eventually power the system up. 

I asked a previous question on the BQ25505 forum which led me here.

Specifically I identified TPS22992, TPS22917, TPS22919 to be suitable for this application (maybe there are other options as well). Combined with a simple delay RC circuit it could first discharge the VSTOR node through QOD and then close the load switch and power up the system. 

Please find a sketch of the application below. In a battery discharge scenario the energy goes from left to right.

I have a few questions about this application: 

  1. TPS22917 has a reverse current protection which triggers at 500 mA. The charger will not supply more than 500 mA peak to the battery. Nevertheless, it sounds like a bad idea to use the chip in reverse current mode. 
  2. TPS22919 and TPS22992 don't have the reverse current protection but draw more Iq (8 uA and 10 uA respectively) than TPS22917 (0.5 uA). I am trying to keep the Iq of the whole system <100 uA leaving these options as viable but not ideal. 
  3. TPS22917 datasheet does not specify leakage on QOD during normal operation (ON). I assume it is sufficiently high but I also don't want leakage during normal operation and discharge duration can be quite long. Hence an additional resistor to the internal 150 Ohm of 4.7kOhm was added.
  4. TPS22917 datasheet states that the recommended min turn on voltage for ON pin is V_IH = 1V. However, Figure 7-5. ON Pin Threshold gives me 0.65V. I will use that. 
  5. There is no internal connection between Vout and QOD pins as shown in 9.2 Functional Block Diagram right? I am asking because this would bypass the boost charger in my case. 
  6. Is there anything I am overlooking in "abusing" QOD for this type of discharge application?
  7. Is there a more suitable load switch or startup sequencer with integrated delay functionality instead of RC delay circuit by TI? I don't like that the RC circuit itself does not discharge itself automatically within reasonable time and a bleed resistor causes leakage. 

Thank you for looking into this

Best regards
Tom