Texas Instruments TPS23881RTQR

Overview

TPS23881RTQR from Texas Instruments is an IEEE 802.3bt-compliant 8-channel Type-4 Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) controller supporting 4-pair PoE up to 90 W per port, featuring 200 mΩ current sense resistors, ±2.5% programmable power limiting accuracy, and dedicated 14-bit integrating ADCs per channel for real-time current telemetry in network switches and NVRs.

For engineers reviewing the TPS23881RTQR datasheet, TPS23881RTQR pinout, TPS23881RTQR application, or TPS23881RTQR equivalent, this device delivers precise per-port power measurement, fast DC disconnect detection, legacy PD capacitance measurement, and I²C-programmable SRAM firmware upgradability - critical for scalable, interoperable PoE 2 infrastructure design.

Technical Context

The TPS23881RTQR implements independent 4-point detection per port using DRAINn pins to sink dual-current test signals while measuring VPWR-to-DRAINn voltage, enabling reliable PD signature validation and avoiding invalid load powering. Its Kelvin-sense architecture (KSENSA–D with SEN1–8) eliminates PCB trace resistance error for ±2% current sensing accuracy across 100 mA–1.4 A full-scale range.

Each channel integrates a dedicated 14-bit integrating ADC with configurable integration times (82–122 ms for current, 3.25–4.9 ms for voltage), supporting parallel classification measurements and noise-immune MPS-based DC disconnect. The device operates over –40°C to +125°C with 54 V VPWR supply and supports auto, semi-auto, and manual operating modes via I²C or discrete control inputs (OSS, RESET).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-56 package (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) with exposed thermal pad requiring connection to AGND/DGND plane for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS23880RTQR and TPS23882RTQR, the TPS23881RTQR uniquely combines 4-pair PoE 2 Type 4 support, ±2.5% high-accuracy power limiting, and field-upgradable SRAM - making it the sole option for scalable, future-proof 90 W+ infrastructure requiring interoperability with evolving PD standards.

Availability

TPS23881RTQR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video surveillance NVRs, small business switches, and campus/branch Ethernet infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed IEEE 802.3bt compliance.

Supply support for TPS23881RTQR 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The TPS23881RTQR belongs to TI's PoE PSE controller product line, engineered specifically for high-density, multi-port IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 infrastructure where precision power metering, thermal efficiency, and firmware adaptability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum per-port power capability of the TPS23881RTQR?

The TPS23881RTQR supports up to 90 W per port in 4-pair configuration per IEEE 802.3bt Type 4. Its ±2.5% programmable power limiting accuracy enables safe operation beyond 90 W-verified up to ~125 W with appropriate thermal design and external FET selection. This headroom is enabled by the 200 mΩ RSENSE and dedicated per-port ADC telemetry in the TPS23881RTQR.

Does the TPS23881RTQR support legacy PoE devices compliant with 802.3af or 802.3at?

Yes, the TPS23881RTQR supports single and dual signature PDs, ensuring full backward compatibility with 802.3af (Type 1) and 802.3at (Type 2) powered devices. Its capacitance measurement range (1 µF–12 µF) validates legacy PD presence prior to power application, and its programmable 2-pair allocation covers 15.4 W and 30 W profiles. This dual-mode capability is built into the TPS23881RTQR's detection engine.

How does the TPS23881RTQR achieve ±2% current sensing accuracy?

The TPS23881RTQR achieves ±2% current sensing accuracy through a Kelvin-sense architecture: each pair of SEN pins (SEN1–8) connects differentially to a shared KSENS pin (KSENSA–D), eliminating PCB trace resistance error. Combined with a precision 0.200 Ω external current sense resistor and dedicated 14-bit integrating ADC per channel, this architecture maintains accuracy across temperature (–40°C to +125°C) and current range (100 mA–1.4 A) in the TPS23881RTQR.

Can the TPS23881RTQR firmware be updated in the field?

Yes, the TPS23881RTQR includes 16 kB of I²C-accessible SRAM that supports in-field firmware upgrades. This enables IEEE compliance updates, interoperability patches for new PD types, and feature enhancements without hardware revision. The SRAM is programmable over standard I²C (400 kHz), and TI's FirmPSE system firmware leverages this capability for coordinated multi-device deployments - a core differentiator of the TPS23881RTQR.

What thermal management provisions does the TPS23881RTQR include?

The TPS23881RTQR uses a VQFN-56 package with an exposed thermal pad requiring low-resistance connection to AGND/DGND planes. Its thermal metrics include RθJB = 3.7°C/W and RθJC(bot) = 0.5°C/W, enabling efficient heat transfer to the PCB. The device also integrates per-port foldback protection and fast (<1 µs) short-circuit shutdown to minimize MOSFET power dissipation. These features collectively ensure reliable operation at +125°C junction temperature in the TPS23881RTQR.