Texas Instruments TPS2550DRVRG4

Overview

TPS2550DRVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a 6-pin WSON-packaged adjustable current-limited high-side power-distribution switch featuring a 100 mΩ N-channel MOSFET, 2.5–6.5 V input range, and user-programmable current limit (100 mA–1.1 A via external resistor). It delivers fast 2 μs overcurrent response, reverse-input-output voltage protection, and deglitched FAULT reporting for USB port and heavy capacitive load protection.

For engineers reviewing the TPS2550DRVRG4 datasheet, TPS2550DRVRG4 pinout, TPS2550DRVRG4 application, or TPS2550DRVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include active-low enable logic, thermal shutdown at 135 °C (current-limit mode) and 155 °C (absolute), soft-start control, <1 μA standby supply current, and 14.3–80.6 kΩ ILIM resistor range for precise current threshold tuning.

Technical Context

The TPS2550DRVRG4 integrates an internal charge pump to drive its N-channel MOSFET gate above source potential, enabling full enhancement down to 2.5 V input. Its current-limit architecture distinguishes between IOC (overcurrent threshold, DC peak) and IOS (short-circuit current), with separate deglitch timers (7.5 ms for overcurrent, 4 ms for reverse-voltage) preventing false FAULT assertions during inrush.

Reverse-voltage protection activates when V_OUT exceeds V_IN by ≥135 mV (typ), disabling the MOSFET within 5 ms (typ); UVLO disables operation below 2.45 V (rising) with 25 mV hysteresis. The FAULT pin is open-drain, asserted low during overcurrent, reverse-voltage, or thermal fault - with immediate assertion for overtemperature events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS2550DRVRG4 uses a thermally enhanced 6-pin WSON package (2.00 mm × 2.00 mm, 0.75 mm height) with exposed PowerPAD™ internally connected to GND for PCB heat sinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS2550DBVR, TPS2550DRVRG4 offers superior thermal performance in space-constrained designs due to its smaller WSON footprint and lower θ_JA (140 °C/W), while TPS259211DSGR provides extended functionality at the cost of pin-count and enable logic compatibility.

Availability

TPS2550DRVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB port protection, mobile device peripheral power management, and industrial sensor node sequencing requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS2550DRVRG4 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 ICs, with decades of expertise in high-reliability power-switch solutions.

The TPS255x family was designed specifically for USB-compliant and portable electronics applications requiring precise, adjustable current limiting, reverse-voltage blocking, and robust fault handling in miniature packages.

FAQ

What is the enable logic polarity of the TPS2550DRVRG4?

The TPS2550DRVRG4 features active-low enable logic: the power switch turns ON when the EN pin is driven to a logic low voltage (≤0.66 V) and turns OFF when EN is high (≥1.1 V). This matches the TPS2550 variant designation and differs from the TPS2551's active-high EN. The enable input is TTL/CMOS-compatible and draws less than 0.5 μA in either state, making it suitable for direct microcontroller GPIO interfacing without additional level-shifting circuitry.

How do I calculate the current-limit threshold for the TPS2550DRVRG4 using the ILIM resistor?

To set the TPS2550DRVRG4 current-limit threshold, connect a resistor R_ILIM between the ILIM pin and GND. For a target IOC (overcurrent threshold), use the typical equation: IOC(typ) ≈ (23800 V) / (R_ILIM in kΩ) × 0.985 + 50 mA. Valid R_ILIM values range from 14.3 kΩ (IOC ≈ 1.7 A) to 80.6 kΩ (IOC ≈ 365 mA). Layout best practice requires keeping the ILIM trace short and away from noisy signals to maintain accuracy within datasheet tolerance bands.

Does the TPS2550DRVRG4 provide reverse-voltage protection, and how does it behave?

Yes, the TPS2550DRVRG4 provides reverse-voltage protection by disabling the internal N-MOSFET when V_OUT exceeds V_IN by ≥135 mV (typical), with a 4-ms deglitch timer to avoid false triggering. Once triggered, the FAULT pin asserts low and the output disconnects within 5 ms (typical). The MOSFET remains off until V_OUT falls below V_IN for ≥4 ms, at which point normal operation resumes. This protects upstream power sources (e.g., USB host controllers) from backfeed damage caused by externally powered peripherals.

What thermal protection mechanisms does the TPS2550DRVRG4 implement?

The TPS2550DRVRG4 implements dual thermal protection: first, it shuts down at 135 °C when operating in constant-current mode (e.g., during sustained overload), and second, it forces immediate shutdown at 155 °C regardless of operating mode. Both thresholds include ~15 °C hysteresis, causing the device to cycle ON/OFF until the fault is removed. This prevents catastrophic failure while maintaining visibility via the FAULT pin, which asserts immediately during overtemperature events - unlike overcurrent or reverse-voltage faults that use deglitch timers.

Can the TPS2550DRVRG4 be used in USB 2.0 downstream-facing port (DFP) applications?

Yes, the TPS2550DRVRG4 is explicitly designed for USB downstream-facing port (DFP) applications, as confirmed by TI's typical application diagram (Figure 3-1) and "USB Ports/Hubs" listing in the official applications section. Its 2.5–6.5 V input range covers USB 5 V nominal with margin, 2 μs overcurrent response meets USB power delivery safety requirements, and built-in soft-start complies with USB inrush current limits for capacitive loads. The FAULT pin provides direct fault signaling to USB controller firmware for port disablement and recovery.