Texas Instruments BOOSTXL-TPS65218

Overview

BOOSTXL-TPS65218 from Texas Instruments is a BoosterPack-compatible evaluation module (EVM) designed to program and verify EEPROM-configurable parameters-including output voltages, power-up/power-down sequencing order, supervisor tolerances, and load switch current limits-of the TPS65218D0 power management IC (PMIC). It enables rapid prototyping for ARM® Cortex™-A8/A9 SoCs and Xilinx Zynq-7000 FPGAs by allowing engineers to validate rail timing and voltage settings before final PCB integration.

For engineers reviewing the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 datasheet, BOOSTXL-TPS65218 pinout, BOOSTXL-TPS65218 application, or BOOSTXL-TPS65218 equivalent, this EVM serves as a hardware-software interface between an MSP430F5529 LaunchPad and the TPS65218D0 PMIC, using TI's IPG-UI software to perform non-volatile register reprogramming via I²C.

Technical Context

The BOOSTXL-TPS65218 implements a socket-based test platform with 40-pin dual-header interface (J1–J4) for mechanical and electrical connection to the MSP430F5529 LaunchPad. It routes I²C signals (SCL/SDA), interrupt lines (nINT, nWAKEUP, nPFO), power-good outputs (PGOOD, PGOOD_BU), GPIOs (GPIO1, GPIO3, GPO2), and supply rails (3V3LP, 5VLP) per TI's defined net mapping.

It supports real-time register read/write and permanent EEPROM reprogramming of the TPS65218D0, including DCDC1–DCDC6, LDO1, LS1–LS3, CONFIG1/CONFIG2, SEQ3–SEQ7, and STATUS registers. All EEPROM-backed bits are visually highlighted in red within the IPG-UI Register Map tab, distinguishing them from volatile registers.

Key Specifications

Availability

BOOSTXL-TPS65218 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power management validation, PMIC configuration prototyping, and FPGA/SoC power sequencing verification requiring stable component supply across development cycles.

Supply support for BOOSTXL-TPS65218 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in high-reliability electronic components.

The BOOSTXL-TPS65218 belongs to TI's BoosterPack EVM product line, engineered specifically to accelerate power architecture validation for TI and third-party PMICs used in ARM- and FPGA-based embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the BOOSTXL-TPS65218?

The BOOSTXL-TPS65218 is a hardware evaluation module that enables engineers to reprogram and verify EEPROM-stored configuration parameters-including output voltages, sequencing order, supervisor tolerances, and load switch settings-of the TPS65218D0 PMIC. It interfaces with an MSP430F5529 LaunchPad and TI's IPG-UI software to perform non-volatile register writes, supporting rapid power architecture validation for SoCs and FPGAs before final board design.

Which PMIC does the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 support?

The BOOSTXL-TPS65218 supports only the TPS65218D0RSL-a 64-pin SOIC-packaged power management IC featuring three buck converters, one buck-boost converter, two low-I_Q buck converters, one LDO, and three programmable load switches. The module includes a socket for physical insertion and electrical connection of the TPS65218D0, and all documentation, register maps, and firmware references are specific to this exact PMIC variant.

What hardware is required to operate the BOOSTXL-TPS65218?

To operate the BOOSTXL-TPS65218, you must use the MSP430F5529 LaunchPad (MSP-EXP430F5529LP) with updated USB2ANY_2.7.0.0_LP.txt firmware, a USB A-to-micro B cable, and the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 itself. The LaunchPad provides both communication (I²C) and power (5 V via VBUS); no additional power supplies or adapters are needed for basic programming and measurement tasks involving the BOOSTXL-TPS65218.

How is EEPROM reprogramming performed on the BOOSTXL-TPS65218?

EEPROM reprogramming of the TPS65218D0 via the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 is performed using TI's IPG-UI software, which sends a precise three-byte password sequence to register 0x10 (PASSWORD) to unlock non-volatile write access. After unlocking, values for DCDCx, LDO1, SEQx, CONFIG1/CONFIG2, and other EEPROM-backed registers can be written permanently. The EE bit (bit 6) in the STATUS register (0x05) confirms successful EEPROM update.

Can the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 be used without the MSP430F5529 LaunchPad?

No-the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 is not a standalone module and requires the MSP430F5529 LaunchPad as its sole communication and power interface. The board lacks onboard microcontroller, USB interface, or independent power regulation. All I²C signaling, firmware execution, and host PC connectivity depend entirely on the LaunchPad; attempting to use the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 without it will result in no functional operation or programming capability.