Texas Instruments TPS54160ADRCR

Overview

TPS54160ADRCR from Texas Instruments is a 60-V, 1.5-A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 200-mΩ high-side MOSFET, Eco-mode™ pulse-skipping for 116-μA quiescent current at light load, and adjustable 100-kHz to 2.5-MHz switching frequency via RT/CLK pin. It delivers regulated 3.3-V output at up to 1.5 A in industrial power supplies with input ranges from 12 V to 48 V.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54160ADRCR datasheet, TPS54160ADRCR pinout, TPS54160ADRCR application, or TPS54160ADRCR equivalent, key selection criteria include UVLO threshold accuracy (1.11–1.36 V enable), PWRGD window (94–107% of VREF), BOOT-PH UVLO protection, and thermal shutdown at 182°C - all critical for automotive aftermarket and industrial 24-V/48-V systems requiring robust startup and fault recovery.

Technical Context

The TPS54160ADRCR implements constant-frequency peak current-mode control with internal slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation across 0–100% duty cycle. Its error amplifier features 26-μMhos transconductance during slow start and 97-μMhos nominal gain, driving COMP to modulate high-side switch conduction time based on sensed inductor current and VSENSE feedback.

It integrates boot capacitor recharge logic, BOOT-PH UVLO monitoring (trip at <2.1 V), and an open-drain PWRGD comparator with independent UV/OV detection (92–109% VREF). The RT/CLK pin supports both resistor-set frequency tuning and external clock synchronization via PLL, with lock-in time ≤100 μs at 500 kHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VSON-10 (3 mm × 3 mm) package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 11) electrically connected to GND for optimal thermal performance (θJA = 40°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS54160DGQ, the TPS54160ADRCR offers superior thermal performance (40 vs. 62.5°C/W) and tighter enable threshold control, while LM5164QPWPRQ1 trades programmability and monitoring features for automotive qualification and higher input voltage margin - making TPS54160ADRCR optimal for industrial and aftermarket designs demanding precision startup and thermal headroom.

Availability

TPS54160ADRCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive aftermarket electronics, and telecom remote units requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across temperature extremes.

Supply support for TPS54160ADRCR 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 DC/DC conversion solutions.

The TPS54160A product line targets wide-input industrial and automotive power supplies needing high-voltage resilience, low quiescent current, and flexible frequency control - specifically engineered for 12-V to 48-V systems where efficiency, thermal management, and startup predictability are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS54160ADRCR to start switching?

The TPS54160ADRCR has an internal undervoltage lockout threshold of 2.5 V, but startup is controlled by the EN pin. With EN floating (default enabled), the device begins switching when VIN exceeds approximately 2.5 V. When EN is used to adjust UVLO, startup occurs when VIN reaches the externally set threshold - for example, 7.7 V rising VIN with typical resistor divider configuration. This behavior is confirmed in Section 5 Revision History and Electrical Characteristics Table 7.5.

Does TPS54160ADRCR support synchronization to an external clock signal?

Yes, the TPS54160ADRCR supports external clock synchronization via the RT/CLK pin. When pulled above 1.9 V, the internal amplifier disables and the pin becomes a high-impedance clock input to the internal PLL. It accepts external clocks from 300 kHz to 2.2 MHz, with lock-in time ≤100 μs at 500 kHz. This feature is documented in Terminal Functions (Section 6) and Electrical Characteristics (Section 7.5).

How does the PWRGD pin behave during output overvoltage conditions?

The PWRGD pin asserts low when VSENSE falls below 92% or rises above 109% of the internal 0.8-V reference - meaning it triggers on overvoltage >0.872 V or undervoltage <0.736 V. During overvoltage, the high-side MOSFET is masked from turning on until VSENSE drops below 107% (0.856 V), preventing sustained overvoltage. This dual-threshold behavior is specified in Section 7.5 Electrical Characteristics and Feature Description Section 8.3.4.

Can TPS54160ADRCR operate at 100% duty cycle?

Yes, the TPS54160ADRCR supports 100% duty cycle operation as long as the BOOT-to-PH voltage remains above 2.1 V. This capability enables dropout operation in high-input/low-output scenarios (e.g., 12 V → 3.3 V at heavy load) without losing regulation. The BOOT-PH UVLO circuit monitors this voltage and forces switch-off if it falls below threshold - detailed in Section 8.1 Overview and Terminal Functions.

What is the purpose of the SS/TR pin discharge function during fault conditions?

The SS/TR pin is actively discharged during thermal shutdown, UVLO, or EN-disable events to ensure repeatable soft-start behavior upon recovery. This prevents erratic output ramp-up after faults and supports deterministic power sequencing in multi-rail systems. The discharge current is 112 μA when VSENSE = 0 V, and the pin is also discharged during overload recovery - as described in Section 8.1 Overview and Electrical Characteristics Table 7.5.