Texas Instruments LM20136MHE/NOPB

Overview

LM20136MHE/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 6A synchronous buck regulator IC with peak current mode control, operating from 2.95V–5.5V input and delivering adjustable output down to 0.8V. It integrates 16mΩ low-side and 20mΩ high-side MOSFETs, supports frequency synchronization up to 1.5 MHz, and features pre-bias startup-enabling reliable power delivery to FPGAs and DSPs in multi-rail systems.

For engineers reviewing the LM20136MHE/NOPB datasheet, LM20136MHE/NOPB pinout, LM20136MHE/NOPB application, or LM20136MHE/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its 410 kHz default switching frequency, ±12 mV FB voltage accuracy, 66 mV EN hysteresis, integrated OVP/UVLO/thermal shutdown, and HTSSOP-16EP package with exposed thermal pad.

Technical Context

The LM20136MHE/NOPB implements peak current mode control with nonlinear parabolic slope compensation-dynamically adjusting ramp gain versus output voltage to ensure stability across 0.8V–5.5V VOUT without external tuning. Its error amplifier delivers 510 µmho transconductance and 2000 V/V DC gain for precise loop response.

Internal protection includes overvoltage protection (108% of VFB, 3% hysteresis), precision enable with 1.18V turn-on threshold, and thermal shutdown at 160°C with 10°C hysteresis. The SYNC pin accepts 500 kHz–1.5 MHz external clocks, while SS/TRK enables either 1ms internal soft-start or external capacitor-controlled ramping and voltage tracking.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM20136MHE/NOPB uses a 16-pin HTSSOP package with exposed thermal pad (EP), optimized for PCB heat dissipation without heatsinks. Pin assignments are validated per TI SNVS564B Rev. April 2013.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck regulator applications.

Compared with TPS54620RGYT and RT6220HGQW, LM20136MHE/NOPB uniquely combines 2.95V–5.5V input compatibility, pre-bias startup, SS/TRK-based voltage tracking, and integrated OVP-making it the only option qualified for tightly sequenced, low-voltage FPGA/ASIC core rails without added components.

Availability

LM20136MHE/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power delivery, broadband infrastructure power conversion, and DSP core regulation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LM20136MHE/NOPB 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of expertise in high-efficiency DC-DC conversion.

The LM20136MHE/NOPB belongs to TI's high-current synchronous buck regulator product line, engineered specifically for low-voltage, high-precision point-of-load applications in FPGA, ASIC, and communications infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the minimum output voltage supported by the LM20136MHE/NOPB?

The LM20136MHE/NOPB supports an adjustable output voltage down to 0.8V, set by the feedback resistor divider connected to the FB pin. This 0.8V reference is internally trimmed to ±12 mV accuracy across temperature, enabling reliable regulation for modern low-voltage digital loads such as FPGA core rails and ARM processor cores. The LM20136MHE/NOPB maintains this specification across its full operating junction temperature range of −40°C to +125°C.

Does the LM20136MHE/NOPB support startup into a pre-biased output?

Yes, the LM20136MHE/NOPB supports pre-biased startup: when the output voltage is non-zero at power-on, the device will not sink current from the rail until the SS/TRK voltage exceeds the FB voltage. This behavior prevents disruptive discharge through parasitic load paths-critical in multi-rail systems powering FPGAs or ASICs. The LM20136MHE/NOPB achieves this via internal control logic that disables low-side FET conduction during initial soft-start ramp.

What is the function of the SS/TRK pin on the LM20136MHE/NOPB?

The SS/TRK pin on the LM20136MHE/NOPB serves dual functions: soft-start control and voltage tracking. When used for soft-start, an external capacitor sets the ramp rate via a 5 µA internal current source; if left unconnected, the device defaults to a 1ms internal ramp. For tracking, the pin accepts an external voltage (e.g., from another regulator's output) to force the LM20136MHE/NOPB output to follow that rail-enabling coordinated power-up sequences in complex systems.

Can the LM20136MHE/NOPB be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes, the LM20136MHE/NOPB can be synchronized to an external clock via its SYNC pin, which accepts input frequencies from 500 kHz to 1.5 MHz with logic-high ≥2.0V and logic-low ≤0.8V. When SYNC is grounded, the device operates at its internal oscillator frequency of approximately 410 kHz. Synchronization enables phase interleaving across multiple converters to reduce input ripple and simplify EMI filtering-particularly valuable in dense power modules and telecom equipment.

What thermal management provisions does the LM20136MHE/NOPB include?

The LM20136MHE/NOPB incorporates thermal shutdown at 160°C (with 10°C hysteresis) and features a thermally enhanced 16-pin HTSSOP package with an exposed pad (EP) electrically tied to ground. The EP must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to achieve the specified θ_JA of 25°C/W. Internal thermal protection tri-states both FETs and resets soft-start upon activation; recovery occurs automatically once junction temperature falls to ~150°C, ensuring robust operation under sustained overload or poor airflow conditions.