Texas Instruments TPS2831PWP

Overview

TPS2831PWP from Texas Instruments is an inverting-input, high-speed dual MOSFET driver optimized for synchronous-buck power stages. It delivers 2.4-A peak source/sink current per output, supports 4.5–15-V supply voltage, features adaptive dead-time control to prevent shoot-through, and integrates an internal Schottky bootstrap diode. It is used in high-current single-phase DC/DC converters such as 3.3-V/3-A buck supplies with TL5001A controllers.

For engineers reviewing the TPS2831PWP datasheet, TPS2831PWP pinout, TPS2831PWP application, or TPS2831PWP equivalent, key selection criteria include inverting input logic, CROWBAR overvoltage protection, SYNC-controlled synchronous/nonsynchronous mode, and thermal performance in the thermally enhanced HTSSOP PowerPAD package.

Technical Context

The TPS2831PWP implements a dual-output gate driver architecture with independent high-side (floating bootstrap or ground-referenced) and low-side drivers. Its adaptive dead-time circuit monitors the DT terminal connected to the power FET junction to dynamically delay turn-on transitions, eliminating shoot-through without fixed timing constraints.

Control logic includes ENABLE (global disable), SYNC (low-side enable/disable for synchronous/nonsynchronous operation), and CROWBAR (forced low-side activation during high-side fault). The inverting input (IN) distinguishes it from the noninverting TPS2830 series, directly affecting PWM signal polarity compatibility in controller interface design.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS2831PWP is housed in a 14-pin HTSSOP PowerPAD (PWP) package with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation. Package dimensions: 4.4 mm × 5.0 mm × 1.2 mm, 0.65-mm pitch. Thermal resistance junction-to-case: 2.07 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual high-side/low-side gate driver applications.

Compared with TPS2831D and TPS2835PWP, the TPS2831PWP offers optimal thermal performance in space-constrained layouts and native CMOS input compatibility-making it the preferred choice for high-density, high-reliability synchronous buck designs where junction temperature control and logic-level matching are critical.

Availability

TPS2831PWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server VRMs, industrial PLC power supplies, automotive ADAS camera modules, and telecom point-of-load regulators requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TPS2831PWP 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 technologies, with decades of expertise in high-performance power conversion solutions.

The TPS283x family was designed specifically for synchronous-buck power stages in high-current, high-efficiency DC/DC converters-addressing shoot-through prevention, thermal management, and controller interoperability in demanding industrial and computing applications.

FAQ

What is the key functional difference between TPS2831PWP and TPS2830PWP?

The TPS2831PWP features an inverting input (IN), meaning a logic-high input drives LOWDR high and HIGHDR low. In contrast, the TPS2830PWP has a noninverting input, where logic-high IN drives HIGHDR high and LOWDR low. This distinction determines compatibility with the controller's PWM output polarity-using the wrong variant causes inverted gate drive and converter failure. Both share identical pinout, package, dead-time control, CROWBAR, and SYNC functionality.

Can TPS2831PWP drive both N-channel high-side and low-side MOSFETs in a synchronous buck?

Yes, the TPS2831PWP is explicitly designed to drive two N-channel MOSFETs: the high-side device via its floating bootstrap configuration (using BOOT, BOOTLO, and HIGHDR pins) and the low-side device directly (via LOWDR and PGND). Its 2.4-A peak source/sink capability, integrated Schottky bootstrap diode, and adaptive dead-time control ensure robust, efficient operation in this topology without requiring P-channel high-side devices.

How does the CROWBAR function protect the system when the high-side MOSFET fails shorted?

When the high-side MOSFET fails shorted, output voltage surges. An external OVP circuit pulls the CROWBAR pin low, forcing LOWDR high regardless of IN, ENABLE, or SYNC states. This turns on the low-side MOSFET as a clamp, sinking current and limiting output voltage to ~0.3 V above ground-preventing damage to downstream ICs. The TPS2831PWP's CROWBAR response is hardware-based and operates within nanoseconds, independent of controller intervention.

What is the recommended bootstrap capacitor value for TPS2831PWP, and why is a discharge resistor needed?

A 0.1 µF to 1 µF ceramic capacitor is recommended between BOOT and BOOTLO. A 1-MΩ resistor across the capacitor provides a discharge path when the driver is powered down, preventing residual charge from falsely turning on the high-side MOSFET during power-up sequencing or standby. This ensures predictable, safe startup and avoids shoot-through during initialization.

Does TPS2831PWP require external level shifting when used with a 3.3-V controller?

No. The TPS2831PWP's CMOS inputs accept logic-high thresholds ≥0.7×VCC and logic-low ≤1 V across its 4.5–15-V supply range. When VCC = 12 V, VIH ≥8.4 V-so a 3.3-V controller output cannot directly drive it. However, the device is intended for use with controllers operating at compatible supply voltages (e.g., TL5001A at 12 V), not 3.3-V logic. Level shifting is required only if interfacing with sub-4.5-V logic sources.