LiPo Charger Module (TP4056) Symbol
Definition: The LiPo Charger Module (TP4056) symbol represents a lithium-ion/lithium-polymer battery charging module—drawn as a rectangular block with four terminals labelled VCC (USB/input power), GND (ground), BAT+ (battery positive), and BAT− (battery negative)—that implements a complete constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging algorithm for single-cell 3.7 V Li-ion or LiPo batteries up to 1000 mA, based on the TP4056 IC.
Also known as: TP4056 module, LiPo charger, lithium battery charger module, USB Li-ion charger, 1A Li-ion charger module, lithium polymer charger.
What the LiPo Charger Module (TP4056) symbol means
The LiPo Charger Module (TP4056) symbol denotes a pre-built PCB module that provides a safe, complete CC/CV charging cycle for a single-cell lithium-ion or lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery from a USB 5 V or equivalent DC input. The module accepts 5 V USB power at VCC, manages the charging algorithm internally, and delivers the regulated charging current and voltage to the connected battery via BAT+ and BAT− terminals.
In circuit diagrams for battery-powered projects, the TP4056 module symbol is used wherever a portable device includes a rechargeable single-cell Li-ion or LiPo battery and requires USB charging capability. The GND terminal is the common ground shared between the input supply and the battery circuit.
How to identify the LiPo Charger Module (TP4056) symbol
The TP4056 charger module symbol is drawn as a rectangle (representing the PCB module) with four terminals: VCC at the top-left (5 V input from USB micro-B, USB-C, or pad), GND at the top-right (input ground and battery negative reference), BAT+ at the bottom-left (to positive battery terminal), and BAT− at the bottom-right (to negative battery terminal). Module illustrations may also show LED indicator positions (CHRG = charging, STDBY = charge complete) and a programming resistor pad for setting the charge current (PROG pin, connected via a resistor to GND to set current: 1.2 kΩ = 1000 mA, 2 kΩ = 600 mA, 10 kΩ = 130 mA).
Function in a circuit
The TP4056 IC implements a linear constant-current / constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging profile: it first charges the battery at a constant programmed current (up to 1 A) until the cell voltage reaches the regulation voltage of 4.2 V (±1 %), then transitions to constant-voltage mode where current tapers off. Charging terminates when the current drops to 1/10 of the programmed charge current (C/10 termination). The IC also includes automatic recharge (if cell voltage drops below 4.05 V after full charge), a 10-hour safety timer, soft-start, and protection against input undervoltage. The TP4056 does not include battery over-discharge protection; modules intended for standalone use typically pair the TP4056 with a DW01A protection IC and FS8205 dual MOSFET for full battery protection.
Standards: IEC vs ANSI
| IEC 60617 | The TP4056 module is a proprietary Chinese IC (manufacturer: NanJing TopPower Application) and is not individually standardised by IEC. Lithium battery charging parameters (4.2 V regulation, CC/CV algorithm, C/10 termination) follow the general requirements of IEC 62133 (secondary lithium cells for portable applications). The circuit symbol follows IEC 60617 block/module conventions. |
|---|---|
| ANSI/IEEE 315 | No dedicated ANSI standard governs the TP4056 IC specifically. UL 2054 (Household and Commercial Batteries) and UL 1642 (Lithium Batteries) govern battery safety requirements relevant to systems using the TP4056 charger. ANSI/IEEE 315 defines the general module block symbol. |
| Key difference | There is no dedicated IEC or ANSI schematic symbol for the TP4056 module — both use a generic rectangular module block with labelled terminals. The module's behaviour is defined by the TP4056 IC datasheet. Safety-critical lithium charger design requirements are governed by IEC 62133 for the complete battery system. |
Terminals / pins
| Pin | Name |
|---|---|
| vcc | VCC |
| gnd | GND |
| bat_pos | BAT+ |
| bat_neg | BAT- |
Typical values
Input voltage (VCC): 4.0–8.0 V (typical USB 5 V). Charge voltage regulation: 4.2 V ± 1 %. Maximum charge current: 1000 mA (set by PROG resistor: R_PROG = 1200/I_CHRG(mA) kΩ). Termination current: 1/10 of programmed charge current. Safety timer: 10 hours. Operating temperature: 0 °C to +85 °C. Package: SOP-8. Quiescent battery drain (charge complete): <2 µA.
Where the LiPo Charger Module (TP4056) symbol is used
- DIY battery-powered Arduino and ESP8266/ESP32 projects — TP4056 module charges a LiPo cell via USB while an LDO regulator (or boost converter) supplies the MCU
- Wearable electronics and portable gadgets — compact TP4056 module fits on small PCBs for fitness trackers, LED badges, and wearable sensors
- Power bank DIY builds — TP4056 module for charging the internal cell, combined with a boost converter for 5 V USB output
- Solar-charged sensor nodes — TP4056 module accepting 5 V from a small solar panel to top up a LiPo cell for remote IoT sensors
- RC hobby battery chargers — single-cell LiPo balance charging from USB for small drone and RC model batteries
- LED lantern and camping light projects — TP4056 module with LiPo cell providing rechargeable battery management
Example
In a solar-powered ESP8266 weather station, a 5 V solar panel output connects to the VCC and GND terminals of the TP4056 module; a 1000 mAh LiPo cell connects to BAT+ and BAT−. The BAT+ output also connects through a DW01A protection circuit to the input of a 3.3 V LDO regulator supplying the ESP8266 module, allowing the ESP to run from battery while the TP4056 manages solar charging whenever input voltage is available.
Key facts
- The LiPo Charger Module (TP4056) symbol is a four-terminal block: VCC (5 V USB input), GND (common ground), BAT+ (battery positive output), and BAT− (battery negative output).
- The TP4056 IC implements a constant-current / constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging algorithm, charging at up to 1 A constant current until the battery reaches 4.2 V, then tapering to constant-voltage mode until current drops to C/10.
- Charge current is set by a single resistor (PROG) between the PROG pin and GND: R_PROG (kΩ) = 1200 / I_CHRG (mA); the default 1.2 kΩ onboard resistor sets 1000 mA.
- The TP4056 does not include battery over-discharge or over-current protection; production-ready designs must add a dedicated lithium battery protection IC (such as DW01A) or use a module with integrated protection.
- The module has two LED indicators: CHRG (red/orange) = charging in progress, STDBY (green/blue) = charge complete or no battery connected.
- The 10-hour safety timer terminates charging if the battery does not reach full charge within 10 hours, protecting against charging damaged cells.
- The charging regulation voltage of 4.200 V ± 1 % meets the standard lithium-ion cell maximum charge voltage; exceeding 4.25 V can cause lithium plating, venting, or fire.
- Lithium battery charging system safety in portable applications is governed by IEC 62133; the TP4056 is a component within such a system and must be used within its rated parameters.
Frequently asked questions
What does the TP4056 module symbol look like in a circuit diagram?
The TP4056 LiPo charger module symbol is a rectangle representing the PCB module with four terminals: VCC (5 V USB power input, top-left), GND (ground, top-right), BAT+ (battery positive, bottom-left), and BAT− (battery negative, bottom-right). The module body may also show a PROG pad for the charge-current setting resistor and two LED indicator dots for charging status.
What battery type is the TP4056 designed to charge?
The TP4056 is designed to charge single-cell (3.7 V nominal) lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries to a regulation voltage of 4.200 V ± 1 %. It is not suitable for charging multi-cell batteries in series without a separate balancing circuit, nor for charging LiFePO4 cells (which require a lower regulation voltage of 3.65 V).
How do I set the charging current on a TP4056 module?
The charge current is set by the value of the resistor connected between the PROG pin and GND. The formula is: R_PROG (kΩ) = 1200 / I_CHRG (mA). A 1.2 kΩ resistor sets 1000 mA (1 A); a 2 kΩ resistor sets 600 mA; a 10 kΩ resistor sets 130 mA. Pre-built modules come with a 1.2 kΩ resistor (1 A default), which is appropriate for batteries ≥1000 mAh. Use a lower current for smaller cells (charge at ≤1C rate).
Does the TP4056 module include battery protection?
The basic TP4056 IC does not include over-discharge or short-circuit protection for the battery. Modules labelled 'TP4056 with protection' add a DW01A battery protection IC and an FS8205A dual MOSFET in the battery output path, providing over-discharge cutoff (~2.4 V), over-charge protection (built into TP4056 itself at 4.2 V), and short-circuit protection. Always use the protected version when the battery output is directly accessible to the load.
What do the LED indicators on a TP4056 module mean?
The TP4056 module has two LED indicators: a CHRG LED (typically red or orange) that lights while the battery is charging (charging in progress), and a STDBY LED (typically green or blue) that lights when charging is complete or when no battery is connected. When both LEDs are off, no input power is applied.
Can I use a TP4056 module while the battery is discharging (load-sharing)?
Powering a load from the BAT+ pin while simultaneously charging through the TP4056 (load-sharing or power-path management) is technically possible but not recommended without careful design. The combined charge + load current can exceed the IC's output rating, cause thermal issues in the linear regulator, and confuse the termination algorithm. For robust load-sharing, a dedicated power-path management IC (such as the BQ24073) with a separate load output is the correct approach.
What input voltage does the TP4056 module require?
The TP4056 input voltage range is 4.0 V to 8.0 V. Standard USB 5 V (from a USB-A port, USB micro-B cable, or USB-C source) is the most common input. The module can also accept input from a 5 V solar panel or bench supply within that range. Inputs below 4.0 V will not initiate charging; inputs above 8.0 V risk damaging the IC.
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