Texas Instruments TPS25944ARVCT

Overview

TPS25944ARVCT from Texas Instruments is a 2.7 V–18 V, 5-A eFuse Power MUX IC with integrated back-to-back MOSFETs, 42 mΩ typical R_ON, programmable 0.6 A–5.3 A current limit (±8%), and 4 ms fault timer shutdown. It provides reverse current blocking, dV/dt control, PGOOD/FLT status outputs, and IMON current monitoring - deployed in redundant power supplies and PCIe/NIC hot-swap systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS25944ARVCT datasheet, TPS25944ARVCT pinout, TPS25944ARVCT application, or TPS25944ARVCT equivalent, key selection criteria include its circuit breaker mode (vs. current limiter), auto-retry fault response, ±2% OVP/UVLO thresholds, and WQFN-20 (3.0 mm × 4.0 mm) thermal performance for high-density industrial and computing power path designs.

Technical Context

The TPS25944ARVCT implements a dual-MOSFET power switch architecture with true reverse voltage shutoff (<1 µs) and non-ideal diode mode control via DMODE pin. Its fault handling is defined by a fixed 4 ms timeout before FET turnoff - distinct from the TPS25942x's thermal-shutdown-limited current limiting.

Protection is fully programmable: ILIM sets overcurrent threshold via external resistor (16.9 kΩ–150 kΩ), dVdT configures output ramp rate via capacitor, and PGTH/OVP/EN/UVLO pins define comparator trip points. All thresholds maintain ±2% accuracy across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS25944ARVCT uses a 20-pin WQFN package (3.0 mm × 4.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad requiring PCB ground plane connection via multiple vias for R_θJB = 13.6°C/W performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS25942ARVCT, the TPS25944ARVCT prioritizes rapid fault containment over current regulation, making it superior for safety-critical hot-swap and redundant supply applications; versus TPS259621RGER, it offers proven WQFN-20 integration and simpler layout at the cost of higher R_ON and no LDO.

Availability

TPS25944ARVCT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PCIe hot-swap, redundant server power, and industrial PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and full production traceability.

Supply support for TPS25944ARVCT 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 delivery solutions.

The TPS2594x family was designed specifically for robust power path management in computing, storage, and industrial systems - emphasizing programmable protection, thermal resilience, and UL-certified safety compliance.

FAQ

What protection features does the TPS25944ARVCT provide?

The TPS25944ARVCT provides overvoltage (±2% threshold), undervoltage lockout, reverse current blocking (<1 µs shutoff), programmable overcurrent (0.6 A–5.3 A), dV/dt-controlled soft-start, and thermal shutdown. Its defining feature is the 4 ms circuit breaker timeout - unlike current-limiting eFuses, it fully disconnects the load after this fixed interval upon fault detection. This behavior is confirmed in the device comparison table and timing specifications of the TPS25944ARVCT datasheet.

How is current limiting configured on the TPS25944ARVCT?

Current limiting on the TPS25944ARVCT is set by an external resistor connected from the ILIM pin (pin 17) to GND. Resistance values from 16.9 kΩ to 150 kΩ yield current limits from 5.3 A down to 0.6 A, with ±8% accuracy across temperature. The TPS25944ARVCT does not regulate current during overload - instead, it starts a 4 ms timer and shuts off the FET upon timeout. This is explicitly documented in Section 7.5 Electrical Characteristics and the Device Comparison Table.

What is the function of the DMODE pin on the TPS25944ARVCT?

The DMODE pin (pin 1) on the TPS25944ARVCT is an active-high input that enables non-ideal diode mode for priority-based power source selection. When asserted high, it allows the device to emulate a low-forward-drop diode, enabling automatic failover from main to auxiliary supply based on relative input voltages. This functionality is detailed in the Pin Functions table and Diode Mode section of the TPS25944ARVCT datasheet, and is critical for redundant power supply architectures.

Does the TPS25944ARVCT support reverse current protection?

Yes, the TPS25944ARVCT provides true reverse current protection with a threshold of V_IN – V_OUT < –9.3 mV (typical) and response time under 10 µs. When reverse voltage is detected, the internal FETs shut off within 1 µs to block backfeed - a key requirement for dual-supply systems. This capability is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under V(REVTH) and tREV(dly), and is validated in the Functional Block Diagram and Detailed Description sections of the TPS25944ARVCT datasheet.

What package type and thermal characteristics apply to the TPS25944ARVCT?

The TPS25944ARVCT uses a 20-pin WQFN package (RVC variant, 3.0 mm × 4.0 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch) with an exposed thermal pad. Its thermal metrics include R_θJB = 13.6°C/W (junction-to-board) and R_θJCbot = 3.4°C/W (junction-to-case bottom), enabling efficient heat transfer to the PCB ground plane. These values are published in Section 7.4 Thermal Information of the TPS25944ARVCT datasheet and require proper via placement under the PowerPAD for rated performance.