SLUSG59 February 2026 BQ27Z855
ADVANCE INFORMATION
ZVCHG (0-V charging) is a special function that allows charging a severely depleted battery. The BQ27Z855 device has ZVCHG enabled with no inhibit. This means a severely depleted battery with a voltage as low as 0V can be charged.
With a voltage applied at the PACK+ terminal of the battery pack, the BQ27Z855 device conducts ZVCHG current within the device via an internal path from the PACK pin to the BAT pin. The resistor between the PACK+ terminal of the battery pack and the PACK pin of the device current limits the ZVCHG current (IZVCHG) through the device effectively setting what ZVCHG current the battery charges at or is used to wake a secondary protector. IZVCHG is limited to IZVCHG(MAX) as stated in the Zero-volt Charging Specifications table.
If VBAT is below the entry threshold set by device firmware to qualify the battery as being in a ZVCHG state, the BQ27Z855 device disables both the CHG and DSG FET and can start zero-volt charging once a voltage is applied at the PACK+ terminal of the battery pack. Once the battery is charged enough and VBAT reaches the exit threshold programmed in device firmware, the device stops conducting zero-volt charging and assesses if the FETs can be turned ON.
Both the CHG and DSG FETs are disabled while the device is in a ZVCHG state.
The ZVCHG path through the device is enabled when VBAT is below the device POR threshold (VPOR_TH - VPOR_HYS) or the device is in SHUTDOWN mode.
If the ZVCHG function is unused, a larger resistance value of RPACK can be used.
Some battery providers do not recommend charging a depleted (self-discharged) battery. Consult the battery supplier to determine whether to have the ZVCHG battery charger function.
For safety purposes, the BQ27Z855 is specifically designed to be used in battery systems with at least 1 additional protector unit with an inhibitied zero-volt charging feature. This prevents unwanted battery self-discharge to severely low voltage levels or initiating charging at very low battery voltages that can cause irreversible damage to the battery.