Texas Instruments TPS40170EVM-597

Overview

TPS40170EVM-597 from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module for the TPS40170 synchronous buck controller, configured as a fixed 5-V, 10-A output DC-DC converter operating from a 10-V to 36-V input bus. It integrates CSD18537NQ5A and CSD18563Q5A NexFET™ power MOSFETs, uses a 300-kHz switching frequency, and features adjustable UVLO, soft-start, tracking, and hiccup current limiting.

For engineers reviewing the TPS40170EVM-597 datasheet, TPS40170EVM-597 test setup, TPS40170EVM-597 performance specifications, or TPS40170EVM-597 bill of materials, this EVM provides non-invasive test points (TP1–TP12), jumper-configurable synchronization (M/S, SYNC), enable (EN), tracking (TRK), and power-good (PGOOD) functions for rapid validation of wide-input buck designs.

Technical Context

The TPS40170EVM-597 implements a voltage-mode synchronous buck topology with external compensation, using the TPS40170RGY controller in a 20-pin QFN (RGY0020A) package. Control signals-including EN, UVLO, SS, TRK, PGOOD, and SYNC-are accessible via headers J3–J8, enabling configuration of master/slave sync modes (0°, 180°), prebias start-up, and output voltage tracking.

Power stage design employs discrete high-side (CSD18537NQ5A, 60 V/50 A) and low-side (CSD18563Q5A, 60 V/100 A) NexFET™ MOSFETs in SON 5×6 mm packages, paired with a 7.3-µH shielded drum-core inductor (7443551730) and multi-layer ceramic input/output capacitors. Loop bandwidth is 56 kHz with 61° phase margin at 24 V input and 10-A load.

Key Specifications

Availability

TPS40170EVM-597 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, embedded system DC-DC prototyping, and wide-input buck controller qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for TPS40170EVM-597 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 evaluation platforms for system-level validation.

The TPS40170EVM-597 belongs to TI's Power Management EVM portfolio, designed to accelerate development of high-efficiency, wide-input synchronous buck converters for industrial, telecom, and computing applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TPS40170EVM-597?

The TPS40170EVM-597 is an evaluation module that demonstrates the TPS40170 synchronous buck controller in a complete 5-V/10-A power stage. It enables engineers to validate performance metrics-including efficiency, transient response, loop stability, and ripple-under real-world conditions using accessible test points and configurable jumpers. The TPS40170EVM-597 is not a production-ready power supply but a design verification tool for the TPS40170 controller and associated NexFET™ MOSFETs.

Can the output voltage of the TPS40170EVM-597 be adjusted?

No-the TPS40170EVM-597 is configured for a fixed 5-V output using a factory-set feedback resistor divider. While the underlying TPS40170 controller supports adjustable output via external resistors, the EVM's schematic (Figure 2) and BOM confirm R5/R11 (20.0 kΩ) and R12 (49.9 Ω) set VOUT = 5 V. Modifying these resistors would require rework and recalculating compensation components; the board is not shipped with user-adjustable output voltage capability.

What synchronization modes does the TPS40170EVM-597 support?

The TPS40170EVM-597 supports three synchronization modes via jumper J3: Master (M/S tied to VIN), Slave 0° (M/S floating, SYNC rising edge triggers Q1 turn-on), and Slave 180° (M/S tied to GND, SYNC falling edge triggers Q1 turn-on). SYNC frequency must be 270–330 kHz in slave mode; otherwise, the TPS40170 defaults to its internal 300-kHz RT-set frequency. These modes are verified in Section 2.2 of the SLVUA14 User's Guide.

How is the current limit configured on the TPS40170EVM-597?

The TPS40170EVM-597 implements hiccup current limiting using voltage sensing across the low-side MOSFET (CSD18563Q5A) and an external resistor at the ILIM pin. R7 (31.6 kΩ) sets the current limit threshold, which is calibrated to protect the power stage during overload or short-circuit events. This configuration is documented in Section 1.1 and Table 2 of SLVUA14, where hiccup behavior is confirmed under fault conditions.

Does the TPS40170EVM-597 include prebias start-up capability?

Yes-the TPS40170EVM-597 supports prebias start-up, verified in Figure 11 and Section 3.4 of SLVUA14. When EN is released while VOUT is externally biased, the TPS40170 ramps its internal reference from 0 V using the soft-start capacitor (C7, 0.1 µF at SS pin), then begins regulating toward 5 V only after FB reaches the reference level. This prevents reverse current flow and ensures controlled start-up into precharged loads.