Texas Instruments TPS40180EVM

Overview

TPS40180EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to demonstrate the TPS40180 synchronous buck controller in a 1.5V/20A point-of-load application. It implements a single-phase, stackable synchronous buck converter with 285kHz switching frequency, 10.8–13.2V input range, and integrated test points for loop gain, ripple, and transient analysis.

For engineers reviewing the TPS40180EVM datasheet, TPS40180EVM test setup, TPS40180EVM stackable configuration, or TPS40180EVM efficiency curves, this module provides validated hardware for evaluating high-current DC/DC control architecture, multi-phase synchronization, and real-world thermal and regulation performance under 20A load conditions.

Technical Context

The TPS40180EVM implements a voltage-mode synchronous buck topology using the TPS40180RGE QFN-24 controller IC, driving one main N-channel MOSFET (HAT2167H) and two synchronous rectifier N-channel MOSFETs (HAT2164H). It supports master/slave interleaving via CLKIO pin with programmable phase angles (45° or 60° steps) using external PSEL resistors.

Control loop stability is verified at 23kHz crossover frequency and 70° phase margin under 12V input and 20A load. The board includes dedicated injection points (TP9/TP10) and sense nodes (TP1/TP3) enabling non-invasive Bode plot measurement and output ripple characterization per JEDEC JESD51-14 guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

TPS40180EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server power architecture validation, graphics card VRM prototyping, and telecom distributed power system development requiring stable component supply and repeatable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for TPS40180EVM 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies.

The TPS40180EVM belongs to TI's high-current DC/DC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of scalable, stackable buck controllers for datacenter, networking, and high-performance computing applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TPS40180EVM?

The TPS40180EVM is an evaluation module that demonstrates the TPS40180 synchronous buck controller in a fully assembled, tested 1.5V/20A single-phase converter. It enables engineers to validate control loop stability, efficiency, thermal behavior, and multi-phase stacking capability without designing custom hardware. The TPS40180EVM includes accessible test points, configurable master/slave jumpers, and documented performance curves per SLVU213.

Can the TPS40180EVM be used for multi-phase operation?

Yes, the TPS40180EVM supports multi-phase operation through its stackable architecture. Two or more TPS40180EVM boards can be physically stacked and electrically synchronized via CLKIO signals using JP1/JP2 jumpers and PSEL resistor selection (e.g., R23 = 29.4kΩ for 135° phase offset). The TPS40180EVM User's Guide documents 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-phase configurations with corresponding phase angle tables.

What input voltage range must be applied to the TPS40180EVM?

The TPS40180EVM requires a regulated DC input between 10.8 V and 13.2 V, as specified in Table 1 of SLVU213. Operation outside this range may cause unstable regulation or irreversible damage. Input current peaks up to 3.3 A at 10.8 V/20 A output, and no-load input current is 60 mA at 13.2 V - both values are measured and validated on the TPS40180EVM hardware.

How is output voltage ripple measured on the TPS40180EVM?

Output voltage ripple on the TPS40180EVM is measured differentially across test points TP1 (VOUT+) and TP3 (PGND) using a 1 MΩ/20 MHz oscilloscope with AC coupling and 1 µs/div horizontal resolution. Per Figure 4 and Section 5.1.4 of SLVU213, the measured value is 20 mVpp at VIN = 13.2 V and IOUT = 20 A - a result confirmed by the board's 4-layer copper layout and low-ESR aluminum polymer capacitors (EEFSE0G221R).

Does the TPS40180EVM include thermal management provisions?

Yes, the TPS40180EVM requires active thermal management: a fan delivering 200–400 lfm airflow is mandatory during operation, as stated in Section 5.2.3 of SLVU213. Component surface temperatures exceed 70°C under full 20A load, particularly at Q1/Q2/Q3 MOSFETs and L1 inductor. The board's open construction and top-side-only component placement facilitate probing but necessitate forced convection - no heatsinks or thermal pads are included on the TPS40180EVM.