Texas Instruments TPS23880RTQR

Overview

TPS23880RTQR from Texas Instruments is an IEEE 802.3bt-compliant Type-4 4-pair Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) controller with eight independent PoE channels, ±3% programmable port power limiting, 14-bit per-port integrating current ADCs, and 16 kB I²C-programmable SRAM for field firmware updates. It supports up to 90 W per port using 4-pair allocation and operates from –40°C to +125°C in video recorder (NVR/DVR) and enterprise switch applications.

For engineers reviewing the TPS23880RTQR datasheet, TPS23880RTQR pinout, TPS23880RTQR application, or TPS23880RTQR equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 compliance, real-world port power allocation options (15.4 W to 90 W), and accurate alternative selection guidance for PoE 2 PSE system design.

Technical Context

The TPS23880RTQR implements a dedicated 14-bit integrating ADC per channel for noise-immune current sensing with 2% accuracy and 100-ms rolling averaging, enabling parallel classification measurements and fast port turn-on. Its 4-point detection logic prevents false powering by verifying valid PD signatures before applying power.

It uses external N-channel MOSFETs controlled via eight GATx outputs and monitors port voltage via DRAINx pins, supporting both 2-pair (single-channel) and 4-pair (dual-channel) port configurations. Programmable SRAM allows runtime firmware upgrades over 8-/16-bit I²C, ensuring interoperability with evolving IEEE 802.3bt-compliant PDs without hardware changes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-56 (RTQ) package, 8.00 mm × 8.00 mm body size with exposed thermal pad; requires connection of AGND and DGND to PCB ground plane via thermal pad for proper thermal and electrical performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PoE 2 PSE controller applications.

Compared with TPS23881RTQR and TPS23882RTQR, the TPS23880RTQR uniquely delivers full IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 4-pair support with ±3% 90+ W power limiting and retains backward compatibility with TPS2388-series layouts-making it the optimal choice for new 90 W PoE infrastructure designs requiring field-upgradable firmware.

Availability

TPS23880RTQR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video surveillance infrastructure, enterprise network switches, and industrial Ethernet gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS23880RTQR 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, with decades of leadership in power management and industrial communications ICs.

The TPS23880RTQR belongs to TI's PoE PSE controller product line, engineered specifically for IEEE 802.3bt-compliant infrastructure equipment requiring high-density, high-power, and field-upgradable PoE control in demanding thermal and electromagnetic environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum per-port power supported by the TPS23880RTQR?

The TPS23880RTQR supports up to 90 W per port when configured in 4-pair mode per IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 specifications. This is achieved using programmable power limiting with ±3% accuracy and external N-channel MOSFETs. The device does not internally regulate power but controls external FETs to deliver precise power within defined limits, making the actual delivered power dependent on external component selection and thermal design. The TPS23880RTQR itself is rated for operation up to 125°C junction temperature.

Does the TPS23880RTQR support both 2-pair and 4-pair PoE port configurations?

Yes, the TPS23880RTQR supports flexible port mapping: each of its eight channels can be independently configured as either a 2-pair (single-channel) or 4-pair (dual-channel) PoE port. This allows system designers to mix port types-for example, deploying four 4-pair 90 W ports and four 2-pair 30 W ports on a single device. Configuration is done via I²C registers, and the hardware supports simultaneous operation of both modes without reconfiguration delay. The TPS23880RTQR datasheet confirms this in Section 3 and Table 5.

How does the TPS23880RTQR perform PD detection without false triggering?

The TPS23880RTQR implements "Never Fooled" 4-point detection: it applies two distinct current levels at two voltage points and verifies the resulting resistance falls within the IEEE-specified 19–26.5 kΩ window. It rejects loads below 0.86 kΩ (short) or above 33 kΩ (open), and enforces a 400-ms backoff if residual port voltage exceeds 2.5 V. This multi-stage validation-combined with dedicated per-port ADCs and Kelvin-sense architecture-ensures reliable discrimination against capacitive transients, ESD events, or non-compliant devices. The TPS23880RTQR achieves this without host processor intervention.

Can the TPS23880RTQR firmware be updated in the field?

Yes, the TPS23880RTQR includes 16 kB of I²C-programmable SRAM that enables full firmware updates in the field without hardware modification. Updates are performed over the standard 8-bit or 16-bit I²C interface using separate SDAI (input) and SDAO (output) lines, supporting opto-isolated implementations. This capability ensures continued IEEE 802.3bt compliance as new PD classes emerge and allows bug fixes or feature enhancements post-deployment. The TPS23880RTQR documentation confirms SRAM is accessible via I²C register maps starting at address 0x1000.

What thermal considerations apply to the TPS23880RTQR in high-power designs?

The TPS23880RTQR uses a VQFN-56 (RTQ) package with an exposed thermal pad requiring low-resistance connection to both AGND and DGND planes. Its junction-to-board thermal resistance (RθJB) is 3.7 °C/W, and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) is 25.3 °C/W-meaning board-level copper area and airflow are critical for sustained 90 W/port operation. TI recommends ≥4 cm² of 2-oz copper connected to the thermal pad and derating power above 85°C ambient. The TPS23880RTQR integrates thermal shutdown and foldback protection, but thermal design must ensure TJ stays ≤125°C under worst-case load conditions.