Texas Instruments TPS2550DBVR

Overview

TPS2550DBVR from Texas Instruments is a 94-mΩ N-channel high-side power-distribution switch with adjustable current limiting (100 mA–1.1 A), fast 2-μs overcurrent response, and reverse-input-output voltage protection. It operates from 2.5 V to 6.5 V, features built-in soft-start and deglitched fault reporting, and is designed for USB port protection in laptops and cell phones where heavy capacitive loads or short-circuits may occur.

For engineers reviewing the TPS2550DBVR datasheet, TPS2550DBVR pinout, TPS2550DBVR application, or TPS2550DBVR equivalent, key selection considerations include its active-low enable logic, 1-μA standby supply current, –40°C to 125°C junction temperature range, and SOT-23-6 package with PowerPAD™ thermal enhancement.

Technical Context

The TPS2550DBVR integrates an internal charge pump to drive the N-channel MOSFET gate above the source, enabling full enhancement down to 2.5 V input. Its current-limit threshold is set externally via R_ILIM (14.3 kΩ–80.6 kΩ), yielding programmable IOC (overcurrent) and IOS (short-circuit) thresholds governed by process- and temperature-dependent equations.

It implements dual thermal shutdown thresholds-135°C (in current-limit mode) and 155°C (absolute)-with 15°C hysteresis, and uses independent 4-ms (reverse-voltage) and 7.5-ms (overcurrent) deglitch timers on the open-drain FAULT output to suppress false assertions during capacitive inrush or transient events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-6 package with exposed PowerPAD™ thermally connected to GND; 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body size; requires PCB copper pour under PowerPAD™ for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side current-limited power switch applications.

Compared with TPS2550DBVR, TPS2551DBVR offers identical protection and thermal performance but requires no enable inversion, while AP22653WU-7 trades adjustability and reverse-voltage blocking for lower on-resistance and reduced BOM count in fixed-current designs.

Availability

TPS2550DBVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB port protection, laptop power management, and industrial USB hub applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS2550DBVR 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management ICs and industrial-grade interface solutions.

The TPS255x family was designed specifically for robust, programmable power-switching in USB-compliant and high-capacitance-load applications, emphasizing fast fault response, thermal resilience, and system-level safety certification.

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum current-limit threshold achievable with TPS2550DBVR?

The TPS2550DBVR supports an adjustable current-limit threshold from 100 mA to 1.1 A using an external resistor (R_ILIM) between 14.3 kΩ and 80.6 kΩ. At R_ILIM = 80.6 kΩ, IOC is ~340–390 mA and IOS is ~160–350 mA; at R_ILIM = 14.3 kΩ, IOC reaches ~1.6–1.8 A and IOS ~1.1–1.7 A. These values are confirmed in TI's SLVS736C datasheet Section 7.5.

Does TPS2550DBVR provide reverse-voltage protection, and how does it behave?

Yes, TPS2550DBVR provides reverse-voltage protection by disabling the internal N-MOSFET when V_OUT exceeds V_IN by 95–190 mV for ≥4 ms. This prevents backfeed current from damaging upstream sources. The FAULT pin asserts low during this condition, and the MOSFET re-enables only after V_OUT falls below V_IN for the same deglitch period. This behavior is fully documented in Section 9.3.2 of the TPS2550DBVR datasheet.

What is the role of the PowerPAD™ in the TPS2550DBVR SOT-23-6 package?

PowerPAD™ is an exposed thermal pad on the underside of the TPS2550DBVR SOT-23-6 package, internally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a PCB copper pour to dissipate heat effectively. Thermal resistance θ_JA drops from 350°C/W (low-K board) to 160°C/W (high-K board) when properly implemented, enabling continuous 1.1 A operation at elevated ambient temperatures. This requirement is specified in Section 7.4 of the TPS2550DBVR datasheet.

How does the FAULT pin of TPS2550DBVR behave during different fault conditions?

The FAULT pin is an open-drain output that asserts low during overcurrent, reverse-voltage, or thermal shutdown. Overcurrent and reverse-voltage faults are deglitched (7.5 ms and 4 ms respectively) to avoid false triggers, while thermal faults assert immediately. FAULT remains low until the fault clears and the deglitch timer expires. This behavior is verified in Sections 6 and 9.3.3 of the official TPS2550DBVR datasheet.

Can TPS2550DBVR be used in systems with input voltages below 2.5 V?

No, TPS2550DBVR has a specified minimum input voltage of 2.5 V per its Recommended Operating Conditions (Section 7.3). Below this, the internal charge pump cannot reliably drive the N-MOSFET gate, resulting in undefined r_DS(on), unstable current limiting, and potential UVLO activation. Operation outside 2.5 V–6.5 V violates the device's validated operating range and is not supported by TI's characterization data.