Texas Instruments LM3243TME/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM3243TME/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Power Management - Specialized
- Package:
- 16-WFBGA, DSBGA
- Datasheet:
-
LM3243TME/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADJ BUCK RF PWR AMP 16DSBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:750
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Product details
Overview
LM3243TME/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a high-current, dynamically adjustable step-down DC-DC converter optimized for powering 2G/3G/4G RF power amplifiers (PAs) from a single Li-ion cell (2.7 V–5.5 V). It delivers up to 2.5 A output current with programmable output voltage (0.4 V–3.6 V), 2.7 MHz PWM switching, and integrated Active Current Assist + Analog Bypass (ACB) for transient response and inductor size reduction in cellular handset PA supply rails.
For engineers reviewing the LM3243TME/NOPB datasheet, LM3243TME/NOPB pinout, LM3243TME/NOPB application, or LM3243TME/NOPB equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, DSBGA-16 pin mapping, ACB-enabled efficiency trade-offs, PFM/PWM mode behavior, and validated alternatives for multi-mode RF PA power management designs.
Technical Context
The LM3243TME/NOPB operates in three functional modes: fixed-frequency PWM (MODE = LOW), automatic PFM↔PWM transition (MODE = HIGH), or forced analog bypass (BP = HIGH). Its control loop uses VCON as a 2.5× gain analog input to set output voltage, while internal synchronous rectification and ACB circuitry jointly manage peak current delivery-limiting switcher current to ≤1.45 A (steady-state) and supplementing via ACB path up to 2.5 A total load.
Thermal design relies on its 2.049 mm × 2.049 mm DSBGA package with RθJA = 50°C/W; operation requires external inductor (1.5 µH), input capacitor (10 µF), and output filter (10 µF + 4.7 µF + 1 µF ×3). The device lacks internal UVLO and must be held in shutdown (EN = LOW) until PVIN ≥ 2.7 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - supports full discharge curve of single Li-ion battery without external regulation. |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.4 V to 3.6 V (typical) - dynamically set via VCON analog input with 2.5× gain for precise PA bias control. |
| Max Output Current | 2.5 A - achieved via combined switcher + ACB current paths; enables compact inductor sizing (1.5 µH). |
| Switching Frequency | 2.7 MHz (average, PWM mode) - reduces passive component footprint and eases EMI filtering for cellular band compliance. |
| Bypass Dropout Resistance | 45 mΩ (typical) - enables low-headroom analog bypass operation, critical for maintaining PA linearity near battery dropout. |
| Control Modes | PWM-only (MODE = LOW) or auto PFM/PWM (MODE = HIGH) - balances efficiency at light loads vs. ripple performance at high loads. |
| Quiescent Current | 260 µA (PFM), 975 µA (PWM) - directly impacts standby battery life in always-on mobile RF subsystems. |
Pinout & Package
LM3243TME/NOPB is housed in a 16-pin DSBGA package (2.049 mm × 2.049 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) optimized for ultra-thin mobile handsets. Thermal performance relies on bottom-side thermal ball (BGND) and PGND/SGND separation for noise isolation between power and signal grounds.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A1, C1 | PGND | Power ground return for internal PFET/NFET switches; must connect to low-impedance PCB ground plane. |
| B1, D1 | SGND | Signal ground for analog control circuitry (VCON, FB, VDD); isolated from PGND to prevent switching noise coupling. |
| D2 | VDD | Analog supply input (2.7–5.5 V); powers internal error amp, comparators, and logic - decoupled with 1 µF ceramic. |
| A2, B2 | SW | Switching node connecting internal PFET drain and NFET source; drives external inductor - requires tight layout to minimize EMI. |
| C2 | EN | Enable input with 800 kΩ internal pulldown; asserts shutdown (<0.5 V) to reduce supply current to 0.02 µA. |
| D2 | VCON | Analog voltage control input; sets VOUT = 2.5 × VCON (0.16–1.44 V range yields 0.4–3.6 V output). |
| A3 | PVIN | Main power input to PFET switch and ACB circuit; rated 2.7–5.5 V with 6 V absolute max - connects to battery rail. |
| C3 | BP | Bypass mode control; HIGH forces analog bypass, LOW enables automatic ACB-assisted regulation. |
| D3 | MODE | Operation mode select; HIGH enables PFM/PWM auto-transition, LOW locks into constant-frequency PWM only. |
| A4, B4 | ACB | Analog Current Bypass output; connects directly to output capacitor to provide parallel current path during transients or dropout. |
| C4 | BGND | ACB ground return; high-current path for ACB FET - must tie to PGND via shortest possible trace or thermal via. |
| D4 | FB | Feedback input; monitors output voltage at COUT node - used with internal 0.4 V reference for closed-loop regulation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Active Current Assist + Analog Bypass (ACB) | Provides parallel current path to limit inductor peak current to ≤1.45 A while delivering up to 2.5 A total - enabling 1.5 µH inductor use without sacrificing transient response. |
| Dynamically Adjustable Output Voltage | VOUT = 2.5 × VCON allows real-time PA supply scaling across 2G/3G/4G modulation schemes - reducing PA power dissipation and extending battery runtime. |
| Low-Dropout Analog Bypass Mode | 45 mΩ typical dropout resistance maintains regulation down to battery voltages as low as 3.1 V at 2.5 A - critical for edge-of-coverage operation. |
| High-Efficiency PFM & PWM Operation | PFM mode draws only 260 µA quiescent current at light loads; PWM mode achieves >92% efficiency at 2.5 V/250 mA - balancing idle and active PA power states. |
| 2.7 MHz Fixed-Frequency PWM | Enables use of tiny 0402/0201 MLCCs and 1.5 µH shielded inductors - minimizing solution footprint in space-constrained smartphone front-end modules. |
Applications
| Cellular Handset PA Supply | Multi-Mode RF Transceiver Power |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering LTE/UMTS/GSM RF power amplifiers in smartphones during voice calls, data transmission, and handover events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dynamically regulated PA supply rail with sub-µs VCON response and 2.5 A peak current capability. Use Value: Enables adaptive PA voltage scaling per air interface standard - reducing average PA power by up to 30% versus fixed-voltage supplies. |
Use Scenario: Providing clean, low-noise bias to dual-band RFICs in portable radios supporting both 2G and 4G protocols. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency step-down regulator with PFM-to-PWM seamless transition during protocol switching. Use Value: Maintains spectral purity in Rx bands during Tx bursts by limiting output ripple to <3 mVpp in PWM mode. |
| Battery-Powered IoT Cellular Module | Hand-Held TETRA Radio PA |
|
Use Scenario: Supplying PA in NB-IoT or LTE-M modules operating from single-cell Li-ion batteries with deep discharge profiles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ACB-enabled buck converter sustaining 2.5 A load down to 3.1 V input - avoiding brownout during transmit peaks. Use Value: Eliminates need for larger inductors or secondary LDOs - reducing BOM count and PCB area in compact modem designs. |
Use Scenario: Delivering regulated 3.3 V/2 A supply to TETRA PA stages in ruggedized handheld radios with wide temperature range (-30°C to +90°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Thermally robust DSBGA converter with internal current/thermal protection and 125°C junction rating. Use Value: Ensures reliable PA operation under sustained high-power transmission without derating or forced cooling. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF power amplifier supply applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS62260DRVR | Fixed-output (1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V); no VCON analog control; 2.25 MHz switching; max 600 mA output. | Lacks dynamic PA voltage scaling; suitable only for fixed-bias RFICs or baseband supplies - not for multi-mode PA rails. | Select when output voltage is static and load current ≤600 mA; avoid for GSM/EDGE/LTE PA where VCON-driven efficiency gains are required. |
| LM3242TME/NOPB | Same DSBGA-16 package and ACB architecture; lower 1.8 A max output; 2.5 MHz switching; identical VCON interface and pinout. | Direct drop-in replacement for lower-current PA stages (e.g., diversity receivers, low-power UMTS bands); shares layout and firmware. | Choose for cost-sensitive or thermally constrained designs where 1.8 A suffices - retains all LM3243TME/NOPB control features and layout compatibility. |
Compared with TPS62260DRVR and LM3242TME/NOPB, LM3243TME/NOPB uniquely combines 2.5 A output, analog VCON control, and ACB-assisted transient response - making it the only option among the three capable of full-spectrum 2G/3G/4G PA supply with adaptive voltage scaling.
Availability
LM3243TME/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular handset design, RF module integration, and battery-powered wireless infrastructure requiring stable component supply with full lifecycle support.
Supply support for LM3243TME/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 connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
LM3243TME/NOPB belongs to TI's RF Power Management IC portfolio, engineered specifically for dynamic, high-efficiency power delivery to multi-mode cellular RF power amplifiers in space- and battery-constrained mobile devices.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the LM3243TME/NOPB in RF systems?
The LM3243TME/NOPB serves as a high-current, dynamically adjustable step-down DC-DC converter dedicated to powering 2G/3G/4G RF power amplifiers. Its core function is to deliver up to 2.5 A at a VCON-programmable output voltage (0.4 V–3.6 V) from a single Li-ion cell, using Active Current Assist and Analog Bypass (ACB) to maintain regulation during fast PA load transients while minimizing inductor size. This makes LM3243TME/NOPB essential for efficient, compact PA supply rails in modern cellular handsets.
How does the ACB feature of the LM3243TME/NOPB improve system performance?
The ACB (Analog Current Bypass) feature in LM3243TME/NOPB provides a parallel current path that activates when the main switcher reaches its steady-state current limit (~1.45 A), allowing total output current to reach 2.5 A without increasing inductor saturation current rating. This reduces required inductor size (e.g., 1.5 µH instead of ≥2.2 µH), improves transient response during PA burst events, and lowers dropout voltage - all while maintaining tight output regulation. LM3243TME/NOPB thus achieves smaller solution size and better efficiency than conventional buck converters in RF PA applications.
Can the LM3243TME/NOPB operate without an external inductor?
No, the LM3243TME/NOPB requires an external power inductor (typically 1.5 µH with ≥1.4 A saturation current) as part of its synchronous buck topology. It does not integrate the power inductor. The ACB feature reduces the peak current demand on the inductor but does not eliminate the need for it - the inductor remains essential for energy storage and ripple control in both PWM and PFM modes. Omitting the inductor would prevent proper operation and likely damage LM3243TME/NOPB due to uncontrolled current flow.
What are the key differences between PWM and PFM modes on the LM3243TME/NOPB?
In PWM mode (MODE = LOW), LM3243TME/NOPB operates at fixed 2.7 MHz frequency with consistent ripple and high efficiency above ~95 mA load. In PFM mode (MODE = HIGH, light loads), switching frequency drops (down to ~34 kHz) and quiescent current falls to 260 µA - maximizing battery life during idle or low-power Rx states. PFM mode introduces higher output ripple but is automatically entered below threshold load; PWM ensures predictable EMI profile during high-power Tx. Both modes retain full VCON programmability and ACB functionality in LM3243TME/NOPB.
Is the LM3243TME/NOPB pin-compatible with other members of the LM324x family?
Yes, LM3243TME/NOPB shares identical 16-pin DSBGA (TMD) package, pinout, and VCON-based control interface with LM3242TME/NOPB and LM3244TME/NOPB. This enables direct PCB layout reuse across variants - for example, LM3242TME/NOPB (1.8 A) can be substituted without changes for lower-current PA stages, while LM3244TME/NOPB (3 A) supports higher-power applications. All share common EN, MODE, BP, FB, and ACB signal behavior, ensuring firmware and schematic compatibility within the LM324x family.
LM3243TME/NOPB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFBGA, DSBGA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Cellular
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -30°C ~ 90°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-DSBGA
LM3243TME/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3243TME/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3243TME/NOPB on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LM3243TME/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3243TME/NOPB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3243TME/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3243TME/NOPB?
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4.How is shipping managed for LM3243TME/NOPB?
LM3243TME/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3243TME/NOPB order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM3243TME/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM3243TME/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3243TME/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3243TME/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3243TME/NOPB products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LM3243TME/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3243TME/NOPB?
All LM3243TME/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3243TME/NOPB, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LM3243TME/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3243TME/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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