Texas Instruments TPS259231DRCR

Overview

TPS259231DRCR from Texas Instruments is a 5-V eFuse IC with integrated 28-mΩ pass MOSFET, fixed 6.1-V overvoltage clamp, adjustable current limit (1–5 A), reverse current blocking support via BFET-controlled external NFET, and auto-retry thermal shutdown. It protects adapter-powered SSDs, PCIe cards, and server AUX supplies against overcurrent, overvoltage, inrush, and reverse conduction.

For engineers reviewing the TPS259231DRCR datasheet, TPS259231DRCR pinout, TPS259231DRCR application, or TPS259231DRCR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10-pin VSON package, ±8% ILIM accuracy at 3.7 A, programmable dV/dT slew rate control, UL 2367 recognition, and auto-retry fault response-critical for high-availability power rail protection.

Technical Context

The TPS259231DRCR implements a hot-swap controller architecture with dual-stage current limiting: a fast-trip comparator (160% of I_OL) responds in 300 ns to short-circuit transients, while the main current-limit amplifier regulates sustained overload at user-set I_OL via R_ILIM. Its BFET driver provides active gate control for back-to-back NFET configurations to block reverse current during input droop.

Overvoltage protection uses an internal clamping circuit that holds V_OUT ≤ 6.1 V without external components; UVLO is programmable via EN/UVLO resistor divider (4.3 V nominal trip). Thermal shutdown triggers at 150°C with 10°C hysteresis and auto-retry recovery-distinct from the latched behavior of the TPS259230 variant.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS259231DRCR is housed in a 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm, 10-pin VSON (DRC) package with exposed thermal pad. The package supports high-power dissipation (R_θJA = 45.9°C/W) and requires PCB thermal vias under the pad for reliable operation above 2 A.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar eFuse protection applications.

Compared with TPS259231DRCR, the TPS259230DRCR offers identical protection features but eliminates autonomous recovery-requiring explicit reset after thermal fault-while the TPS25942ARVCR extends voltage range and adds telemetry at the cost of larger footprint and higher complexity.

Availability

TPS259231DRCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for adapter-powered devices, SSD power management, and server AUX supplies requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and UL-recognized protection ICs.

Supply support for TPS259231DRCR 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 protection solutions.

The TPS25923x family delivers compact, certified eFuse functionality for 5-V systems-designed specifically for space-constrained, high-availability applications like storage, computing, and communications infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous input voltage the TPS259231DRCR can sustain?

The TPS259231DRCR supports a continuous input voltage of up to 20 V on the VIN pin, though its recommended operating range is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At voltages above 5.5 V, the device enters overvoltage protection mode, clamping V_OUT to 6.1 V. Sustained operation above 5.5 V increases power dissipation-PD_OVP = (V_VIN – 6.1 V) × I_OUT-and may trigger thermal shutdown if not properly heatsinked. The 20-V rating is absolute maximum, not operational.

How does the BFET pin function in the TPS259231DRCR, and what external component is required?

The BFET pin on the TPS259231DRCR drives the gate of an external N-channel MOSFET configured back-to-back with the internal pass FET to block reverse current flow from load to source. It sources 2 µA (typical) to charge the gate and sinks current through a 26-Ω internal resistor for fast turnoff (<1 µs). A discrete NFET (e.g., CSD18540Q5B) must be placed between VIN and OUT, with its gate tied to BFET and source tied to OUT-enabling holdup-capacitor energy isolation during input failure.

What determines the current limit accuracy of the TPS259231DRCR, and how is it set?

The TPS259231DRCR achieves ±8% current limit accuracy at 3.7 A by using a precision internal current-sense amplifier and bias current (10 µA) referenced to the ILIM pin. The limit is set by connecting a resistor R_ILIM from ILIM to GND: I_OL ≈ 0.7 / R_ILIM (in A, with R_ILIM in MΩ). Accuracy depends on R_ILIM tolerance, temperature drift, and layout parasitics-TI recommends 1% metal-film resistors and Kelvin connections for best results.

Does the TPS259231DRCR require external components for overvoltage protection?

No, the TPS259231DRCR includes a fully integrated overvoltage clamp that limits V_OUT to 6.1 V (±0.65 V) without any external components. This fixed-clamp architecture eliminates the need for external Zener diodes, voltage dividers, or feedback resistors-reducing BOM count, board area, and design validation effort. The clamp activates automatically when V_VIN exceeds ~6.75 V, diverting excess current internally to protect downstream loads.

How does the auto-retry thermal shutdown behavior of the TPS259231DRCR differ from the TPS259230DRCR?

The TPS259231DRCR implements auto-retry thermal shutdown: upon reaching 150°C, it disables the pass FET, waits until junction temperature falls below 140°C (10°C hysteresis), then automatically attempts restart. In contrast, the TPS259230DRCR latches off permanently until EN/UVLO is toggled low-then-high or VIN is cycled. This makes the TPS259231DRCR ideal for unattended systems where transient overloads (e.g., fan stall) should resolve autonomously-without manual intervention.