Product Overview
The TP4056 1A Lithium Battery Charger Module is a compact, low-cost charging solution designed for single-cell lithium-ion and lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries. This version features a USB Type-C input for modern connectivity and leaves out the protection circuit, giving you direct access to the battery terminals for custom integration.
Based on the industry-standard TP4056 chip from Top Power ASIC, this module implements a Constant Current / Constant Voltage (CC/CV) charging algorithm—the correct method for safely charging lithium batteries . It automatically delivers the maximum preset current (1A by default) until the battery reaches 4.2V, then switches to constant voltage mode, gradually reducing the current until the battery is fully charged .
What “Unprotected” Means: Unlike the common version with a DW01 protection IC, this module exposes the battery terminals directly (B+/B-). The protection circuit (which provides over-discharge and over-current protection) is not present. This is ideal for applications where you are connecting a battery that already has its own built-in protection circuit, or when you need direct access to the battery for custom power management .
The Type-C connector supports modern cables, but users have reported that some Type-C to Type-C cables (especially those used for laptops) may not work due to missing USB-C PD (Power Delivery) negotiation resistors. For reliable power, it is recommended to use a standard 5V USB-A to Type-C cable or solder direct wires to the IN+ and IN- pads .
Whether you are building portable electronics, powering an Arduino project with battery backup, or maintaining 18650 cells, this TP4056 module offers a simple, ready-to-use charging solution at a fraction of the cost of dedicated chargers.
Key Features
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USB Type-C Input: Modern connector format, compatible with reversible plug orientation (Note: Use USB-A to Type-C cables or 5V adapters for best compatibility)
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No Protection Circuit: Exposes direct battery terminals (B+/B-), ideal for batteries with built-in protection or custom power management circuits
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1A Maximum Charge Current: Default charge current of 1000mA (1A), adjustable by changing the programming resistor (RPROG) for lower current applications
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CC/CV Charging Algorithm: Implements proper Constant Current / Constant Voltage charging method essential for lithium battery safety and longevity
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Dual-Color Status Indicator: Red LED indicates charging in progress; Green LED indicates fully charged or no battery connected
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Preset 4.2V Charge Voltage: ±1.5% accuracy ensures battery is charged to the correct full voltage without risk of overcharging
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Automatic Recharge: When a fully charged battery drops below 4.05V (approximately 80-90% capacity), a new charging cycle automatically begins
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Thermal Regulation: Automatically reduces charge current if internal die temperature exceeds safe limits, protecting the chip during high-current charging
Technical Specifications
Pinout & Interface Guide
The TP4056 board is clearly labeled with connection points:
Input Side (Power Source)
Battery Connection (Charging Output)
Status LEDs
Usage Guide
Basic Wiring Instructions
IMPORTANT: This module has NO reverse polarity protection. Connecting the battery backward will destroy the chip .
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Connect Power Input: Plug a USB cable into the Type-C port. For best compatibility, use a USB-A to USB-C cable with a standard 5V USB charger (1A or higher). Note that some USB-C to USB-C chargers may not work due to missing PD negotiation resistors .
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Connect Battery: Connect the positive terminal of your 3.7V Li-ion or LiPo battery to the B+ pad. Connect the negative terminal to the B- pad. Solder wires securely.
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Observe LEDs: When charging begins, the red LED (CHRG) will turn on. When the battery reaches 4.2V and charging completes, the green LED (STDBY) will turn on, and the red LED will turn off .
Setting the Charge Current
The default charge current on most modules is 1A (1000mA). This can be adjusted for smaller batteries by replacing the RPROG resistor (R3) :
Current Recommendation: It is better if the charging current is about 37% of the battery capacity. For a 1000mAh battery, a charging current of 400mA is sufficient .
Important Usage Notes
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Charge Time Calculation: For a fully discharged 2000mAh battery, charging at 1A will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
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Input Source Requirement: For reliable 1A charging, use a USB power supply rated for at least 1A. A weaker supply may cause voltage drop and reduce charge current.
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Heat Management: The module may become warm during charging. This is normal due to the linear charging method. Ensure adequate ventilation .
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No Protection Circuit: This module lacks the DW01 protection IC. If your battery does not have its own built-in protection, consider adding an external protection board or monitor the battery voltage manually to prevent over-discharge .
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Type-C Compatibility: If the module does not work with a USB-C to USB-C charger, try using a standard USB-A to USB-C cable instead .
Q: What types of batteries can I charge with this module?
This module is designed specifically for single-cell (1S) 3.7V lithium-ion and lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries. This includes common form factors like 18650, 14500, 16340, and pouch cells. It does NOT support 3.2V LiFePO4 batteries, multiple cells in series (2S, 3S, etc.), or NiMH/NiCd batteries .
Q: What does "unprotected" mean?
This version does NOT include the DW01 battery protection IC. The battery terminals (B+/B-) are connected directly to the TP4056 output. This means there is no over-discharge protection, no over-current protection, and no short-circuit protection. Use this version only with batteries that have their own built-in protection circuit, or when you need direct battery access for custom power management .
Q: Why doesn't my USB-C to USB-C charger work with this module?
Many cheap TP4056 modules lack the necessary 5.1kΩ pull-down resistors on the CC (Configuration Channel) pins required for USB-C Power Delivery negotiation. As a result, USB-C chargers (especially laptop chargers) do not recognize the module and will not supply power. Solution: Use a standard USB-A to USB-C cable with a 5V USB charger, or solder wires directly to the IN+ and IN- pads .
Q: Can I use this module while it is charging the battery?
Yes, but with caution. You can draw power directly from the battery terminals (B+/B-) while charging. However, this module lacks load sharing/power path management, so the load will be powered directly from the battery. It is generally recommended to disconnect the load when charging for optimal battery health .
Q: Is reverse polarity protection included?
NO. This module does NOT have reverse polarity protection. Connecting the battery backward will instantly destroy the TP4056 chip. Always double-check polarity before connecting .
Q: How do I change the charging current from 1A to a lower value?
The charge current is set by the resistor RPROG (typically labeled R3 on the module). Replace this resistor with a higher value to reduce current. Refer to the resistor table in the “Setting the Charge Current” section .
Q: The module gets very hot during charging. Is this normal?
Some warmth is normal due to the linear charging method—excess voltage (5V input – 4.2V battery) is dissipated as heat. For 1A charging, power dissipation is approximately 0.8W, which will make the chip warm. The TP4056 has built-in thermal regulation that reduces current if the temperature exceeds safe limits .
Q: Why is my battery not reaching 4.2V or charging very slowly?
Check the following:
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Input power: Ensure your USB power supply can deliver at least 1A. A weak supply will reduce the charge current .
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Input voltage: If the input voltage is too high (e.g., 5.2V), the current will be automatically reduced as a protection feature .
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Battery health: Old or damaged batteries may not reach full voltage.
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Connections: Poor solder joints can create resistance, reducing effective charge current.
Q: Can I use a 12V power supply as input?
No. The maximum input voltage is 5.5V DC. Applying 12V will destroy the TP4056 chip. Use a 5V USB charger or a 5V regulator (e.g., LM7805) if you only have a higher voltage supply available .
Q: What happens when both red and green LEDs are on or flashing?
The red and green LEDs should never be on simultaneously during normal operation. If both are on or the red LED flashes, it may indicate:
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No battery connected (green on, red flashing 1-4Hz)
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Battery connection problem (poor solder joint)
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Battery voltage is too low (below 2.9V, module may be in trickle charge mode)
Q: What can I build with this TP4056 charging module?
Popular applications include:
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18650 battery chargers for DIY power banks
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Arduino/ESP32 portable power supplies with battery backup
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DIY Bluetooth speakers with rechargeable batteries
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Smart home sensors running on battery power (using batteries with built-in protection)
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Replacement for dead charger circuits in consumer electronics
Q: Can I charge multiple batteries in parallel with one module?
Generally not recommended. Connecting batteries in parallel requires them to be perfectly matched in voltage, capacity, and internal resistance. If you must, only connect batteries that are at identical voltage (within 0.1V) and use a separate protection board for each cell. It is safer to use a dedicated multi-cell charger .
