Tool/software:
Dear TI Applications Team,
I’m currently designing a charging circuit for a battery pack consisting of 4 × 18650 Li-ion cells connected in parallel (4P).
I’d like your advice on suitable ICs or reference solutions, as well as any available reference schematics, EVMs, and layout/thermal design notes if possible.
Technical Requirements
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Charging topology: CC–CV (constant current–constant voltage) for Li-ion cells.
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Cell configuration: 4 cells in parallel (4P) — each cell up to 1.5 A, for a total charging current of 6 A for the pack.
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Input source: Wide input range, up to 19.5 V (typical laptop adapter or similar).
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ENABLE / ON-OFF control: A hardware logic pin that allows the MCU to enable or disable charging directly (not only via SMBus/I²C).
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If the IC doesn’t include a dedicated EN pin, please suggest a safe hardware method (e.g., FET, switch) to perform enable/disable control.
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High efficiency (switch-mode) suitable for industrial applications — minimizing loss and thermal dissipation is a key requirement.
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Protection features: Integration or compatibility with overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal protection; or guidance on how to coordinate with an external BMS/protection circuit.
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PCB and thermal constraints: Prefer a design that uses external power MOSFETs and an inductor (switching charger), and I’d like to review any available reference schematic or EVM.
Information Requested from TI
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Recommended ICs / part numbers or reference solutions (charger controller + recommended external MOSFET / inductor) that meet the requirements above.
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For each suggested IC, please specify:
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Input voltage range (min/max).
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Programmable charge-current range and accuracy — must support ≥ 6 A total.
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Whether it has a hardware ENABLE pin, or if enable/disable is software-controlled (I²C/SMBus only). If no EN pin is available, please recommend a safe method to implement hardware on/off control.
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Reference schematic or EVM for a 4P @ 6 A configuration, or a typical application schematic. If an EVM board exists, please provide the part number and a link to its documentation.
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Layout and thermal guidelines: Recommended placement for MOSFETs and inductors, thermal management advice, and suggested footprints or development kits.
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Protection and safety recommendations: Coordination with external BMS (balancing not required for parallel pack), but any safety notes regarding parallel pack charging would be appreciated.
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If available, please share application notes / reference designs / evaluation boards suitable for wide-input (≥ 19.5 V) and total output ≥ 6 A applications.
System Context
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Application: Industrial / portable module powered by a 19.5 V adapter.
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Control system: The design includes an MCU capable of I²C/SMBus communication and GPIO control for ENABLE.
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Design priorities: Reliability, compact thermal footprint, and manufacturability.
Request
Please recommend at least two solution options:
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Simplified / integrated solution, and
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High-efficiency, higher-power solution using external MOSFETs.
If possible, kindly include a reference schematic, BOM suggestions, and recommended alternative components.
Thank you very much for your support and time.
Best regards,
Hieu Tran