TP4056 Battery Charging Module: Working, Features, Pinout & Safe Usage Guide

Introduction

The TP4056 is a powerful yet compact linear lithium-ion battery charging module widely used for safely charging single-cell 3.7V Li-ion or Li-Po batteries via a 5V input source. Its built-in features like thermal regulation, overvoltage protection, and battery overcharge safety make it one of the most reliable charging ICs in the electronics world. This guide will help you understand everything about TP4056 — from pinout and specifications to working principles and example usage — without diving into IoT or cloud-based applications.

What is TP4056 Module?

The TP4056 is a constant-current/constant-voltage linear charger IC specifically designed for single-cell lithium-ion batteries. It comes in two main formats:

• TP4056 Module with Protection Circuit

• TP4056 Module without Protection Circuit

These modules include key safety features like overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuit protection when protection circuitry is present.

TP4056 Module Types

TP4056 Specifications

TP4056 Pinout Description

Note: CHRG and STDBY are internally connected to LEDs in most modules.

TP4056 Working Principle

TP4056 works on the linear charging principle using a CC-CV algorithm:

1. Constant Current (CC) Phase: Initially charges the battery with a constant current up to 1A (or as set by Rprog).

2. Constant Voltage (CV) Phase: As the battery reaches 4.2V, the current reduces gradually.

3. Charge Termination: Once current drops below 10% of set value, charging stops.

4. Trickle Charging: Maintains battery at full capacity without overcharging.

This process ensures safe and efficient charging without damaging lithium batteries.

Features of TP4056 Charging Module

• Built-in thermal regulation
• Overvoltage & overcurrent protection
• Short-circuit protection (in protected version)
• Low standby current
• Status indication LEDs
• Adjustable charging current
• Compact & easy-to-use form factor
• Suitable for DIY battery charging projects

Safety Tips & Usage Guidelines

• Always use a 5V regulated power supply.

• Do not exceed 1A current draw unless module supports it.

• Avoid reverse polarity connections (can damage the chip).

• Ensure proper heat dissipation in high current applications.

• Do not use without protection if your battery lacks a built-in BMS.

Example Circuit: TP4056 Lithium Battery Charger

Here’s how you can use the TP4056 module to safely charge a 3.7V lithium-ion cell.

Connections:

How It Works:

• When 5V is applied to IN+, the module starts charging the battery.
• Red LED indicates charging in progress.
• Once the battery reaches 4.2V, the Blue/Green LED turns ON — indicating full charge.
• You can connect a small load to OUT+ and OUT-, but avoid high current draws.

Where to Use TP4056?

The TP4056 module is ideal for:

• Power banks
• DIY lithium battery chargers
• Small portable devices
• Battery-powered tools
• LED flashlights
• RC toys
• Backup power solutions

Not recommended for direct use in high-power or medical-grade equipment.