Qorvo ACT88420-101T

Overview

ACT88420-101T from Qorvo is an advanced COT-based PMIC with four integrated buck converters (2×4A, 2×2A), two 400mA LDOs, load bypass switch capability on Buck1/LDO1/LDO2, and eight configurable GPIOs-including four 3-state pins-designed for solid-state drive power rails, FPGA core I/O, and computer vision SoC supply sequencing. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V input and supports output voltages as low as 0.5V via I²C.

For engineers reviewing the ACT88420-101T datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its 36-ball WLCSP package, configurable load-switch modes, COT control architecture for fast transient response, and support for system-level power sequencing without hardware changes.

Technical Context

The ACT88420-101T implements Constant-On-Time (COT) control across all four buck regulators, enabling sub-10µs load-step response and stable operation with 0.47µH inductors. Its I²C interface (address 0x58) provides full read/write access to voltage, slew rate, startup timing, sequencing order, and operating mode registers.

All six regulated outputs-including Buck4 reconfigurable as a 300mA LDO and LDO1/LDO2 usable as load switches (1A/400mA max)-are independently programmable. The 3-state GPIOs support dynamic signal routing, reset assertion, and status reporting in multi-rail systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ACT88420-101T uses a 36-ball Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Package (WLCSP) with 0.4mm pitch and 2.69mm × 2.69mm body size. Ball assignment follows Qorvo's standard CSP layout for thermal and signal integrity optimization.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PMIC applications.

Compared with ACT88420-101T, ACT88422 offers identical functionality with improved thermal specs and lifecycle support, while TPS650860 provides higher pin count and fixed-frequency control but sacrifices COT responsiveness and load-switch versatility-making ACT88420-101T optimal for compact, dynamically reconfigurable SSD and vision platforms.

Availability

ACT88420-101T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for solid-state drive controllers, FPGA power domains, computer vision SoCs, and portable audio/video processors requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for ACT88420-101T includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Qorvo is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in RF, power, and connectivity solutions for infrastructure, defense, automotive, and consumer markets.

The ACT88420-101T belongs to Qorvo's ActiveCiPS™ PMIC family, engineered specifically for high-density, thermally constrained storage and vision platforms requiring multi-rail sequencing, dynamic reconfiguration, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the I²C address of the ACT88420-101T?

The ACT88420-101T uses a fixed I²C slave address of 0x58 (7-bit format). This address is hardwired and non-configurable, ensuring deterministic communication in multi-PMIC systems. All voltage, sequencing, and fault registers of the ACT88420-101T are accessible via this interface, and the device supports standard repeated-start and clock-stretching protocols per the Qorvo ACT88420EVK1-101 Users Guide.

Can Buck4 on the ACT88420-101T operate as both a buck converter and an LDO?

Yes-the ACT88420-101T allows Buck4 to be dynamically reconfigured via I²C register write from a 2A buck converter into a 300mA LDO. This mode change does not require hardware modification or power cycle. When configured as an LDO, Buck4 retains its dedicated output pin (VOUT4) and supports programmable voltage (0.5V–3.3V) and current limit-providing design flexibility for mixed-signal subsystems where low-noise bias is needed alongside switching rails.

Does the ACT88420-101T support power sequencing across all six outputs?

Yes-the ACT88420-101T supports full system-level power sequencing across all six regulated outputs (VOUT1–VOUT4, VOUTL1, VOUTL2) via programmable start-up delay, ramp rate, and dependency mapping through its I²C interface. Sequencing parameters-including inter-rail delays up to 255ms, slew rates from 0.1V/ms to 10V/ms, and fault-triggered shutdown propagation-are stored in nonvolatile shadow registers and applied automatically at power-on reset, eliminating need for external sequencer ICs in ACT88420-101T-based designs.

What is the maximum continuous current rating for LDO1 when used as a load switch in the ACT88420-101T?

When configured as a load switch, LDO1 on the ACT88420-101T supports a maximum continuous current of 1A with internal current limiting and thermal foldback protection. This mode bypasses the LDO regulation path and uses the internal pass FET directly-enabling high-efficiency power domain enable/disable for peripherals such as USB PHYs or MIPI bridges. The ACT88420-101T datasheet specifies this 1A rating under conditions of ≤150°C junction temperature and adequate PCB copper area for heat dissipation.

Is the ACT88420-101T recommended for new designs?

No-the ACT88420-101T is marked "Not Recommended For New Designs" by Qorvo. While fully functional and supported for existing production, Qorvo recommends migrating to the pin-compatible ACT88422 for new projects. The ACT88422 offers identical electrical specifications and package, plus enhanced thermal performance and extended I²C timeout handling-ensuring longer product lifecycle and improved reliability in high-temperature deployments of the ACT88420-101T's target applications.