Texas Instruments TPS2231MRGPT-3

Overview

TPS2231MRGPT-3 from Texas Instruments is a single-slot ExpressCard™ power interface switch IC that distributes and regulates 3.3 V, 1.5 V, and AUX power rails to ExpressCard|34/|54 sockets with integrated current limiting, thermal shutdown, and undervoltage lockout. It supports notebook computers and desktop systems requiring compliant hot-plug power sequencing and card-present detection via CPPE/CPUSB inputs.

For engineers reviewing the TPS2231MRGPT-3 datasheet, TPS2231MRGPT-3 pinout, TPS2231MRGPT-3 application, or TPS2231MRGPT-3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24-pin PowerPAD™ HTSSOP package, 1.3 A 3.3VOUT continuous current capability, dual-channel overcurrent protection with deglitch timing, PERST/RCLKEN timing coordination per ExpressCard specification, and -40°C to 85°C ambient operation.

Technical Context

The TPS2231MRGPT-3 implements three independent MOSFET-based power switches (3.3VIN→3.3VOUT, 1.5VIN→1.5VOUT, AUXIN→AUXOUT) with integrated current-sense circuitry, thermal foldback, and UVLO thresholds per rail. Its control logic interprets CPPE/CPUSB, SHDN, STBY, and SYSRST to manage power states including Off, Shutdown, No Card, Standby, and Card Inserted.

It features synchronized PERST assertion/deassertion tied to output voltage stability and RCLKEN release, with programmable delay behavior for ExpressCard compliance. All outputs include discharge FETs activated during card removal or shutdown, and OC open-drain status flags per channel with 6–20 ms deglitching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS2231MRGPT-3 uses a 24-pin PowerPAD™ HTSSOP (PWP) package with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation. Pin 1 is located at top-left corner (marking dot adjacent), and pin numbering proceeds counterclockwise.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ExpressCard power interface applications.

Compared with TPS2231PW, the TPS2231MRGPT-3 delivers 4.5× higher thermal power rating due to its PowerPAD™ HTSSOP package, enabling sustained 1.3 A 3.3VOUT operation in compact notebooks. Compared with TPS2236DAP, it provides optimized single-slot functionality without redundant channels, reducing complexity and cost in mainstream ExpressCard implementations.

Availability

TPS2231MRGPT-3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and digital cameras requiring stable component supply and ExpressCard™-compliant power management.

Supply support for TPS2231MRGPT-3 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 technologies with decades of automotive, industrial, and computing design expertise.

The TPS2231MRGPT-3 belongs to TI's ExpressCard™ power interface product line, engineered specifically to replace discrete MOSFETs, timers, and supervisors in host systems implementing ExpressCard|34 or ExpressCard|54 slots.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TPS2231MRGPT-3 in an ExpressCard system?

The TPS2231MRGPT-3 serves as the dedicated power interface switch for single-slot ExpressCard|34 or ExpressCard|54 hosts. It manages distribution of 3.3 V, 1.5 V, and AUX power rails to the card socket, enforces ExpressCard-compliant sequencing via PERST and RCLKEN signals, detects card presence through CPPE/CPUSB inputs, and provides overcurrent and thermal protection. The TPS2231MRGPT-3 integrates all required functions into one IC, eliminating discrete power management components.

How does the TPS2231MRGPT-3 handle card insertion and removal events?

Upon card insertion, the TPS2231MRGPT-3 detects low states on CPPE or CPUSB (pulled up to AUXIN), transitions to Card Inserted mode, and enables 3.3VOUT, 1.5VOUT, and AUXOUT with controlled rise times. During removal, it disables power switches and activates output discharge FETs to safely drain residual charge from card capacitance. The TPS2231MRGPT-3 also asserts PERST when any rail falls out of tolerance, satisfying ExpressCard hot-swap requirements.

What are the key timing relationships between RCLKEN and PERST in the TPS2231MRGPT-3?

In the TPS2231MRGPT-3, RCLKEN releases from low to high only after all output rails (3.3VOUT, 1.5VOUT, AUXOUT) stabilize within tolerance. This RCLKEN transition initiates an internal timer, after which PERST is de-asserted (high) with a 4–10 ms delay. This sequence ensures PERST remains asserted until both rail stability and RCLKEN readiness are confirmed - a mandatory timing requirement defined in the ExpressCard specification. The TPS2231MRGPT-3 implements this coordination entirely in hardware.

Does the TPS2231MRGPT-3 support standby mode, and how is it activated?

Yes, the TPS2231MRGPT-3 supports standby mode via the STBY input. When STBY is asserted (logic low) after card insertion, the IC disables 3.3VOUT and 1.5VOUT while keeping AUXOUT active - reducing system power consumption while maintaining card presence detection. If STBY is asserted before card insertion, the device enters OFF mode instead. The TPS2231MRGPT-3 uses internal AUXIN pullups on STBY, requiring only a simple host GPIO connection.

What protection features does the TPS2231MRGPT-3 provide against electrical faults?

The TPS2231MRGPT-3 integrates multiple protection mechanisms: per-rail current limiting with 2.5 A (3.3V), 1.3 A (1.5V), and 600 mA (AUX) steady-state short-circuit limits; thermal shutdown at 155–165°C with 10°C hysteresis; undervoltage lockout on all inputs (e.g., 2.6–2.9 V for 3.3VIN); and open-drain OC outputs with 6–20 ms deglitching to prevent false trips. These features ensure robust operation during card misinsertion, ESD events, or power supply anomalies - critical for field-reliable ExpressCard implementations.