BQ25601RTWR Guide: 3A I2C Buck Battery Charger Specs, Pinout, and Design

Quick Answers

The BQ25601RTWR is a 3A I2C-controlled single-cell buck battery charger from Texas Instruments with NVDC power path management. It accepts an input voltage from 3.9V to 14V, supports a programmable charge current up to 3A, and is available in a 24-pin WQFN (4x4 mm) package. As of 2026-08-26, the part is active, has 99,999 units in stock at XAIPART, and is priced at $0.62 per unit at 1,000-piece quantity. This guide explains how to select, compare, and design with the BQ25601RTWR, including verified pinout and availability data.

Designers choose the BQ25601RTWR because it integrates a synchronous buck converter, an I2C interface, and power-path management in a compact 4x4-mm package. The device handles single-cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer batteries with a charge voltage range of 3.856V to 4.624V, and it operates from -40°C to +85°C.

Technical Guide

The BQ25601RTWR is a highly integrated charger, but you need to configure it correctly to get 3A charging and reliable power-path operation.

Select the Correct Input Supply

The device accepts an input range of 3.9V to 14V. Use a supply that can deliver the programmed input current. For maximum charge current of 3A, choose a 5V/2A or higher adapter for USB applications, or a 9V/2A adapter if you use high-voltage charging. The NVDC power path maintains the system voltage in a narrow range, so the system keeps running even when the battery is deeply discharged.

Program Charge Parameters over I2C

The I2C interface lets you set charge current, charge voltage, and input current limits. The charge voltage can be programmed from 3.856V to 4.624V. Use the I2C bus (SDA and SCL pins) with pull-up resistors to the same logic rail as the host controller. With a 3A current setting, a 3,000-mAh cell charges in roughly one hour in the constant-current phase, then enters constant-voltage taper.

Power Path and Battery Connection

Connect the input source to VBUS, the system load to PMID, and the battery to BAT. The integrated power path allows the adapter to power the system while charging the battery, which reduces battery cycling and supports instant-on functionality.

Protection Features

The BQ25601RTWR includes input OVP, battery OVP, and thermal shutdown. This protects the circuit against overvoltage and overtemperature conditions. Keep the thermal pad (if present) connected to GND for heat dissipation.

Key Pinout

Key pins in the WQFN-24 package include VBUS (pin 1), PMID (pin 2), BAT (pin 3), SDA (pin 4), SCL (pin 5), TS (pin 6), and GND (pin 7). Use the SDA and SCL pins for I2C communication and the TS pin for battery temperature sensing when your design requires it.

Layout Guidelines

For 3A operation, use wide traces for VBUS, PMID, and BAT, and place a low-ESR ceramic capacitor close to each pin. Add thermal vias beneath the WQFN package to keep the junction temperature within the -40°C to +85°C operating range.

Alternatives & Comparison

The BQ25601RTWR has two drop-in alternatives in the XAIPART database: the BQ25601RTWT and the BQ25892RTWT.

Both alternatives are pin-compatible. For production, choose BQ25601RTWT if you want the same die with a different tape-and-reel code. Choose BQ25892RTWT only after verifying the higher discharge current and I2C register settings for your system.

Industry Insight

Texas Instruments lists the BQ25601RTWR as an active product. The part is available in high volume—99,999 units at XAIPART—and the 1,000-piece price is $0.62 as of 2026-08-26. This suggests stable supply for mid-volume production. The WQFN-24 package is commonly used in portable electronics.

Because the BQ25601RTWR is a current-generation I2C charger, it competes in the high-volume smartphone, tablet, and portable-speaker segment. The active lifecycle status indicates that TI continues to support the device in new designs.

Trends & Outlook

Buyers should watch for continued demand for I2C-programmable chargers that support high input voltages. The BQ25601RTWR's 14V input capability allows it to work with newer fast-charging adapters without requiring external DC-DC conversion.

Efficiency up to 92% is increasingly important as portable devices push for faster charging in smaller enclosures. The NVDC power-path architecture is also becoming standard for features like instant-on and operate-while-charging.

For new designs, verify the charge voltage range (3.856V to 4.624V) against your battery's specification. The device's -40°C to +85°C range makes it suitable for industrial and medical handheld products, but confirm the thermal footprint before high-volume assembly.

For more information, visit the BQ25601RTWR product page, explore our battery management ICs, or read the XAIPART technical blog.