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bq2005 not transitioning to Top-Off state

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ2005

I have been testing a charger PCB based on the bq2005 for a couple of weeks now and cannot solve this final problem. The bq2005 successfully conducts the Fast Charge state and on dT/dt, stops Fast Charge. The charger is then quiet for a few seconds, before resuming charge - I assume this is the start of the Top-Off state. However, it only remains charging for 450ms before dropping to the Trickle Charge state.

My configuration is thus:

  • V(tco) = 1.47
  • T(dt) threshold = 1.12 degC/min
  • Charge Rate = C/2
  • TM1, TM2 currently set High, High, but same behaviour at Low, High and the recommended High, Float.
  • Topology: as per "Application Example 3: P-Channel MOSFET Buck-Topology Switch-Mode Charger" in the UNITRODE U-507 "Using the bq2005 to Control Fast Charge" document.
  • R(sns) = 0R18 (ie. average charge current = 1.25A)

I have adjusted V(tco) to ensure V(temp) does not fall below it but it makes no difference.

I have disabled -dV detection for now.

I have confirmed that the Fast Charge state can be terminated by dT/dt (using a heat gun or waiting for the pack to heat up), or by timeout (since the TM1, TM2 = High, High setting only takes 23 mins to timeout).

I have studied the oscilloscope to ensure the difference between V(ts) and V(sns) (which gives V(temp)) does not go below V(tco). Certainly it does not during the fast charge, because the Fast Charge continues. And during the transitions between states, I cannot see anything that would indicate V(temp)<V(tco).

The V(temp) signal does have some short, high frequency switching noise on it, but I assume it's not causing a problem because Fast Charge continues just fine.

The V(bat) signal stays well below V(mcv) the whole time.

The FCC signal goes low when Fast Charge stops (due to dT/dt) and stays low.

I have tried two different bq2005 chips.

Why would the bq2005 not stay in the Top-Off state?

 

  • Do you have a battery installed in the other channel?  You might try installing a second pack and seeing if the behavior still occurs.  Top-off is also terminated by charge or discharge activity on the other channel.  What value did you use for R15 and R17?  If these are too large, the voltage divider to the pack may be pulling down the output and end up looking like discharge activity.  Do you have anything on either output besides the battery?

    Could you send a screenshot of MOD A, MOD B, BAT A, and CHG A?  Trigger on CHG A (when the charger goes from fast charge to top off) and make the timescale wide enough to see the end of fast charge, top-off, and a few cycles of trickle.

  • Thanks Chris. Your prompt about the second battery led me to revisit the BATb input. I have only been testing with one battery connected and remembered seeing some note about pulling BATb up to enable detection of an absent battery. When I rechecked the schematic I realised it would only be pulled up during charge, and that if the chip checked BATb without asserting MODb, it would get a false signal.

    I soldered a resistor on to pull BATb up and ran the test again and voila, it transitions to Top-Off just fine! Isn't it amazing how after days and days of frustration a little nudge in the right direction is all you need?

    Thank you very much for your reply.