Texas Instruments TPS2388RTQR

Overview

TPS2388RTQR from Texas Instruments is an IEEE 802.3at-compliant 8-channel Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power sourcing equipment (PSE) controller with external N-channel MOSFET gate drive, 14-bit per-port current/voltage monitoring, 2% current sensing accuracy, and –40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature. It enables enterprise-grade PoE switches supporting up to 30 W per port for IP cameras and VoIP phones.

For engineers reviewing the TPS2388RTQR datasheet, TPS2388RTQR pinout, TPS2388RTQR application, or TPS2388RTQR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 56-pin VQFN package, 0.255-Ω Kelvin-sense current measurement architecture, I²C watchdog for failsafe operation, and support for both semiauto and manual port control modes in high-density PoE systems.

Technical Context

The TPS2388RTQR implements a four-point PD detection algorithm that sinks two distinct currents via DRAINn pins while measuring VPWR-to-DRAINn voltage-rejecting capacitive loads and legacy devices. Its external FET architecture decouples thermal management from the IC, enabling scalable 8-port designs with independent current foldback per port using 0.255-Ω sense resistors.

It supports dual-mode classification (Type 1 and Type 2), programmable current limits with foldback, DC disconnect detection, and fast shutdown via OSS input with up to eight priority levels. The integrated 14-bit ADC provides 100-ms rolling current averaging and ±2% full-scale accuracy across all eight ports under real-time load conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TPS2388RTQR uses a 56-pin VQFN package (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) with exposed thermal pad requiring connection to both AGND and DGND planes 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 TPS2388RTQR, the TPS23861RGER offers reduced channel count and simpler control but sacrifices thermal performance and advanced features like port remapping; the MAX5988BETX+ integrates power FETs to shrink solution size but trades off design flexibility, accuracy, and thermal headroom in high-power deployments.

Availability

TPS2388RTQR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise switches, network video recorders, and PoE pass-through modules requiring stable component supply, long lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability for industrial and telecom deployments.

Supply support for TPS2388RTQR 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 broad industrial and communications portfolio coverage.

The TPS2388RTQR belongs to TI's Power-over-Ethernet PSE controller product line, engineered for high-density, thermally robust, standards-compliant midspan and endpoint PoE systems targeting enterprise infrastructure and security applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of powered devices the TPS2388RTQR can manage simultaneously?

The TPS2388RTQR manages exactly eight independent PoE ports, each capable of detecting, classifying, and delivering power to a single powered device (PD) per port. Its architecture supports concurrent multi-port classification without thermal penalty due to external FET handling of power dissipation, making it ideal for full 8-port PoE++ switch designs where all ports operate simultaneously under IEEE 802.3at.

Does the TPS2388RTQR support IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++)?

The TPS2388RTQR is explicitly designed and certified for IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) compliance, supporting up to 30 W per port. While it does not implement the full 4-pair negotiation or higher power classes defined in 802.3bt, its external FET architecture and programmable current foldback allow system-level extension beyond 30 W with careful thermal design-however, official 802.3bt compliance requires dedicated controllers such as the TPS23882. The TPS2388RTQR remains a foundational building block in hybrid PoE++ implementations where higher power is achieved via auxiliary circuitry.

How does the Kelvin sensing architecture improve current measurement accuracy in the TPS2388RTQR?

The TPS2388RTQR uses four Kelvin sense inputs (KSENSA–KSENSD), each shared between two adjacent SEN pins (e.g., KSENSA references both SEN1 and SEN2), enabling true differential voltage measurement across the 0.255-Ω sense resistor. This eliminates errors from PCB trace resistance and contact voltage drops, achieving ±2% current accuracy at 770 mA-critical for reliable power budgeting and fault detection. Layout guidelines emphasize minimizing trace resistance between KSENS and SEN pins to preserve this accuracy.

What is the role of the OSS pin on the TPS2388RTQR, and how is it implemented?

The OSS (Fast Shutdown) pin on the TPS2388RTQR is an active-high input supporting either 1-bit (immediate all-port shutdown) or 3-bit priority-encoded shutdown (up to eight priority levels). Internally pulled down to DGND, it includes a 1–5 µs deglitch filter. When asserted, it triggers port turn-off sequences identical to a software Reset command (0x1Ah register), allowing hardware-level emergency response without host processor intervention-essential for safety-critical PoE infrastructure where rapid fault containment is mandatory.

Can the TPS2388RTQR operate with non-standard or proprietary powered devices?

Yes-the TPS2388RTQR supports non-standard loads through its flexible operating modes (semiauto and manual) and external FET architecture. Its "Never Fooled" 4-point detection avoids false powering of legacy or capacitive devices, while manual mode allows direct control of gate drive and classification timing. The device also supports UPoE (Universal PoE) extensions via register configuration, enabling custom power profiles beyond IEEE-defined classes-making it suitable for proprietary PDs used in industrial automation or specialized medical equipment.