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TIDA-010042: LMG2100R026 burned

Adrien Boissy
Prodigy 20 points
Part Number: TIDA-010042
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LMG2100R026

Tool/software:

Hi,

I ordered two TIDA-010042 MPPT boards through JLCPCB and began testing them with an electronic load using the latest firmware. Initial results were promising: Constant Voltage (CV) mode and MPPT mode both worked, though I encountered some minor MPPT-related issues.

My goal is to use the board with a 6S LiPo battery (1.5 Ah, 120C, 22.7 V nominal) capable of delivering up to 180 A. On the input side, I use a solar panel that can provide around 30 V at 4 A at its maximum power point. The idea is to use solar energy to power a load, and direct the remaining power to charge the battery.

My first question is: can the battery supply current to the load through the MPPT board when the solar power is insufficient? If so, what is the maximum allowed reverse current through the board from the battery to the output/load? Does the board have any built-in protection against this reverse current, or are external components required?

While testing the first board, I placed it on an ESD mat, which unfortunately came into contact with the LMG2100R026. I was using the same battery, without a fuse, and the board was powered via the debugger, meaning the logic power was on before connecting the main power. I performed several charging tests without issue. However, one time when I connected the battery, the LMG2100R026 burned instantly. I assumed this was caused either by a short due to contact with the ESD mat, or by the PWM being active exactly when the battery was connected. To prevent this to happen again I added a 5 A fuse between the battery and the MPPT, and used a proper PCB holder for mechanical safety.

Then I started testing the second MPPT. This time I connected the battery first, with the board powered off, allowing the battery to power it up. However, I noticed a significant spark and current spike when connecting the battery, and the fuse blew immediately. I suspected inrush current charging the input capacitors as the cause. Since the LiPo battery can supply very high current, the peak may have been too much. To limit this, I added a resistor in series to soften the inrush current, which resolved the issue: no spark, and the fuse remained intact during startup.

I was then able to run tests for about an hour. Then, I observed that after a few minutes, the fuse would blow, even when the board remained in Wait_state (performing periodic MPPT attempts every 4 seconds). Eventually, after a successful soft-start with the resistor, I left the board idle in Wait_state for about 2 minutes. Suddenly, the LMG2100R026 failed again, this time with visible flames until I blew on them. I suspect that during one of the MPPT attempts, the PWM was briefly enabled and a high current flowed through the FET, causing the damage. But I’m not sure whether this was due to unexpected PWM behavior, a hardware design limitation, or an issue with my test setup.

My questions are the following:

  1. Is the TIDA-010042 designed to handle reverse current from the battery to the load? If so, what is the safe current limit for this scenario?

  2. Is it safe to connect a high-current LiPo battery directly to the MPPT output? Should a pre-charge circuit always be used to prevent inrush current? Are there recommended components (e.g., reverse-blocking FETs or inrush limiters) for such use cases?

  3. What might explain the repeated failures of the LMG2100R026? Are there known weaknesses, limitations, or recommended handling procedures?

  4. What is the best way to safely power up the MPPT when connecting a large LiPo battery at the output?

Thank you very much for your time and support.

Best regards,
Adrien