Texas Instruments TPS54231D

Overview

TPS54231 from Texas Instruments is a 2-A, 28-V input non-synchronous buck DC-DC converter with integrated 80-mΩ high-side MOSFET, fixed 570-kHz switching frequency, adjustable output down to 0.8 V, and Eco-mode™ for light-load efficiency-used in 5-V/12-V/24-V distributed power systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54231 datasheet, TPS54231 pinout, TPS54231 application, or TPS54231 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 3.5–28-V input range, 1-μA shutdown current, programmable UVLO, overvoltage transient protection, and SOIC-8 thermal performance for industrial and consumer power supplies.

Technical Context

The TPS54231 implements constant-frequency peak-current mode control with internal slope compensation, enabling stable operation with ceramic output capacitors and simplified loop compensation. Its transconductance error amplifier (92 μA/V, 800 V/V DC gain, 2.7 MHz unity-gain bandwidth) interfaces directly with the COMP pin for external frequency compensation.

Eco-mode™ activates automatically when peak inductor current drops below 100 mA, clamping COMP at 0.5 V to skip pulses and reduce switching losses; during overcurrent, frequency foldback scales switching frequency from 570 kHz down to 71 kHz based on VSENSE voltage thresholds (0.2–0.6 V), while overvoltage transient protection disables the high-side MOSFET when VSENSE exceeds 109% × 0.8 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS54231 is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (4.90 mm × 3.90 mm) optimized for thermal performance with exposed pad not present; junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is 116.3°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buck converter applications.

Compared with TPS54231, TPS54232 trades Eco-mode™ efficiency for higher frequency and smaller passives, while TPS54331 retains identical functionality but adds current headroom and thermal capability at the cost of layout complexity.

Availability

TPS54231 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for consumer set-top boxes, industrial 24-V distributed power systems, and automotive infotainment supplies requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TPS54231 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-reliability power conversion ICs.

The TPS54231 belongs to TI's SWIFT™ family of integrated DC-DC converters, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained industrial and consumer power supplies requiring high efficiency across wide input ranges.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS54231 to operate normally?

The TPS54231 requires a minimum input voltage of 3.5 V for normal operation, as defined by its undervoltage lockout (UVLO) rising threshold. Below this voltage, the device ceases switching and enters a high-impedance state. The datasheet specifies that operation below 3.5 V is not recommended, and the internal UVLO is not characterized for sub-threshold behavior. TPS54231 will resume regulation only after VIN rises above 3.5 V and the slow-start sequence completes.

How does Eco-mode™ function in the TPS54231, and what triggers it?

Eco-mode™ in the TPS54231 activates automatically when the peak inductor current falls below 100 mA (typical), causing the COMP pin voltage to drop to 0.5 V and skip switching pulses. This reduces switching losses at light loads, maintaining high efficiency (e.g., >85% at 10-mA output). TPS54231 exits Eco-mode™ when load increases enough to raise peak inductor current above the threshold, allowing normal PWM operation to resume. No external enable is required-the feature is fully autonomous.

Can the TPS54231 be used with ceramic output capacitors, and what compensation is needed?

Yes, the TPS54231 is explicitly designed for use with ceramic output capacitors, thanks to its current-mode control with internal slope compensation. Compensation is implemented via external components connected between the COMP and GND pins-typically a Type II network (resistor + capacitor + series RC). The TPS54231's transconductance error amplifier (92 μA/V, 2.7-MHz GBW) simplifies design; WEBENCH® tools and TI's typical design tables provide validated values for common V_IN/V_OUT combinations.

What protection features does the TPS54231 include, and how do they operate?

The TPS54231 integrates cycle-by-cycle current limiting, frequency foldback, overvoltage transient protection (OVTP), thermal shutdown, and input UVLO. OVTP disables the high-side MOSFET when VSENSE exceeds 109% × 0.8 V (0.872 V); thermal shutdown halts operation at 165°C; frequency foldback reduces f_SW from 570 kHz to 71 kHz during overloads. All protections are internal and require no external components-TPS54231 resumes normal operation automatically after fault clearance.

Is the TPS54231 pin-compatible with other devices in the same family, and what are the key layout considerations?

The TPS54231 shares the same 8-pin SOIC (D) package and pinout with TPS54232 and TPS54233, enabling direct PCB footprint reuse for frequency or efficiency trade-offs. Critical layout practices include: placing the 0.1-μF BOOT–PH capacitor as close as possible to those pins; using a solid ground plane under the IC; separating power and signal traces; and routing the VSENSE feedback path away from noisy nodes. Thermal performance relies on adequate copper area connected to GND pins-not a thermal pad, as the SOIC-8 lacks PowerPAD™.