Texas Instruments TPS54010PWP

Overview

TPS54010 from Texas Instruments is a 3-V to 4-V input, 14-A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter in HTSSOP-28 PowerPAD™ package. It integrates dual 8-mΩ MOSFETs, supports adjustable output down to 0.9 V, features externally compensated error amplifier with 1% internal reference accuracy (0.891 V), and operates at 280–700 kHz PWM frequency. It is used for point-of-load regulation in high-performance FPGAs and DSPs.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54010 datasheet, TPS54010 pinout, TPS54010 application, or TPS54010 equivalent, key selection considerations include its separate PVIN/VIN power bus architecture, thermal performance in the PWP package, peak current limit protection, internal slow-start timing (3.35 ms), and compatibility with external frequency synchronization via SYNC/RT pins.

Technical Context

The TPS54010 implements a synchronous buck topology with adaptive dead-time control to prevent shoot-through, using integrated high-side and low-side N-channel MOSFETs (r_DS(on) = 8 mΩ typical at VIN = 3.3 V). Its voltage-mode PWM control loop employs a high-bandwidth error amplifier (90–110 dB open-loop gain, 3–5 MHz unity-gain bandwidth) and externally configurable compensation network.

It features dual-input power architecture: VIN (3–4 V) supplies control circuitry and bias regulator (VBIAS = 2.7–2.9 V), while PVIN (2.2–4 V) powers the power stage. Undervoltage lockout (UVLO start = 2.95 V, hysteresis = 0.11 V) references VIN only, and power-good (PWRGD) asserts high when VSENSE > 90% Vref with 3% hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS54010 is housed in a 28-pin HTSSOP (PWP) package with exposed thermal pad (9.70 mm × 4.40 mm), requiring connection of the PowerPAD™ to AGND for optimal thermal performance and noise control.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with TPS54010, TPS54310PWP offers footprint compatibility but sacrifices 14-A capability and PVIN flexibility, while LM26420QSQX/NOPB provides dual outputs at lower current but abandons the critical separate power bus architecture required for high-density 2.5-V/3.3-V systems.

Availability

TPS54010 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server CPU core supplies, FPGA I/O regulation, optical line card bias, and industrial DSP power requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-reliability production cycles.

Supply support for TPS54010 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 for high-performance computing and communications infrastructure.

The TPS54010 belongs to TI's SWIFT™ family of high-current synchronous buck converters, designed specifically for point-of-load regulation in multi-voltage, high-density systems where separate low-voltage power buses (e.g., 2.5 V and 3.3 V) must coexist without sequencing risk.

FAQ

What is the recommended layout practice for the PowerPAD™ thermal pad on the TPS54010?

The PowerPAD™ on the TPS54010 must be soldered and electrically connected directly to AGND-not PGND-to ensure proper thermal dissipation and minimize noise coupling between analog and power grounds. Use ≥12 thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter, filled or capped) connecting the pad to an internal AGND plane. Avoid splitting the AGND plane beneath the IC; tie AGND and PGND at a single point near the device. This layout preserves error amplifier accuracy and prevents instability caused by ground bounce at high output currents.

Can the TPS54010 operate safely if PVIN ramps up after VIN?

Yes, the TPS54010 is designed to tolerate PVIN ramping after VIN without damage. However, if PVIN is absent when VIN exceeds the UVLO threshold (2.95 V), the PWM circuit defaults to maximum duty cycle until PVIN rises, causing the output to follow PVIN. To prevent uncontrolled hard-start, hold SS/ENA low until PVIN is stable-TI recommends using an open-collector comparator monitoring the 2.5-V bus to gate the SS/ENA pin. This ensures regulated startup and avoids potential load damage.

How does the TPS54010 handle output short-circuit conditions?

The TPS54010 responds to output short-circuit via peak current limiting: when sensed current exceeds 14.5–21 A, the current limit comparator triggers within 200 ns, forcing the high-side FET off and low-side FET on to collapse inductor energy. This cycle repeats each switching period. Thermal shutdown (135–165°C) provides secondary protection. The device does not latch off-recovery occurs automatically once fault clears and SS/ENA remains asserted, making it suitable for applications requiring automatic fault recovery without system reset.

What is the minimum output voltage achievable with the TPS54010, and how is it set?

The TPS54010 supports output voltages down to 0.9 V, set by an external resistor divider connected between VOUT, VSENSE, and AGND. The internal reference is trimmed to 0.891 V ±1%, so the minimum output is determined by V_OUT = 0.891 V × (1 + R1/R2), where R1 is the top resistor and R2 the bottom. For 0.9 V, R1 ≈ 0 Ω (direct connection) and R2 is selected to meet bias current requirements (VSENSE input bias ≤250 nA); TI recommends R2 ≤10 kΩ to maintain accuracy and noise immunity.

Does the TPS54010 support synchronization to an external clock, and what are the constraints?

Yes, the TPS54010 supports external synchronization via the SYNC pin across 300–700 kHz. To lock, drive SYNC with a clean CMOS-level clock and set the RT resistor to produce a free-running frequency equal to 80% of the external clock frequency. For example, for a 500-kHz sync signal, configure RT for ~400 kHz. The SYNC pin has 2.5-V high-threshold and 0.8-V low-threshold; pulse width must exceed 50 ns. Synchronization is disabled if RT is floating or connected to AGND.