Texas Instruments TPS54231DR

Overview

TPS54231 from Texas Instruments is a 2-A, 28-V input non-synchronous step-down 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 input voltage range (3.5–28 V), shutdown current (1 μA), pulse-skipping threshold (100 mA), overvoltage transient protection, and SOIC-8 thermal performance (R_θJA = 116.3°C/W).

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, 2.7 MHz GBW) interfaces directly with the COMP pin for external frequency compensation.

Eco-mode™ activates automatically below ~100 mA peak inductor current, 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 (0.2–0.6 V range), 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) with exposed pad not present; optimized for thermal dissipation via PCB copper area under GND pin (R_θJB = 57.1°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS54231, TPS54232 trades Eco-mode™ efficiency for higher frequency and smaller magnetics, while TPS54331 extends current capacity and thermal headroom at the cost of package complexity and board area.

Availability

TPS54231 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for consumer electronics power supplies, industrial 24-V distributed systems, and automotive infotainment subsystems requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

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 ICs, with decades of expertise in high-reliability power conversion solutions.

The TPS54231 belongs to TI's SWIFT™ family of integrated DC-DC converters, engineered for high-efficiency, low-component-count power supplies in space- and thermally-constrained applications.

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 internal undervoltage lockout (UVLO) threshold. Below this level, the device ceases switching even if the EN pin is asserted. The actual UVLO threshold is typically 3.5 V with hysteresis configurable via external resistors on the EN pin-ensuring robust startup behavior across varying input conditions. TPS54231 remains functional down to this threshold without damage or latch-up.

How does Eco-mode™ improve light-load efficiency in the TPS54231?

Eco-mode™ in the TPS54231 automatically activates when peak inductor current falls below ~100 mA, causing the COMP pin voltage to clamp at 0.5 V and skip switching cycles. This eliminates switching losses while maintaining regulation via burst-mode-like operation. As a result, TPS54231 achieves >85% efficiency at 10 mA load-significantly outperforming forced PWM operation. The transition is seamless and requires no external configuration, making TPS54231 ideal for battery-backed or always-on systems.

Can the TPS54231 be used with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, the TPS54231 is fully compatible with ceramic output capacitors due to its current-mode control architecture with internal slope compensation. This eliminates subharmonic oscillation risks above 50% duty cycle and simplifies loop compensation-typically requiring only a series RC network from COMP to GND. When using ceramics, TI recommends derating nominal capacitance by 50–70% for stability analysis, as effective capacitance drops under DC bias; TPS54231 reference designs validate 33–100 μF X5R/X7R ceramics successfully.

What protection features are built into the TPS54231?

The TPS54231 integrates five key protections: (1) cycle-by-cycle current limiting with 2.3–5.3 A threshold, (2) frequency foldback during overload (scaling from 570 kHz to 71 kHz), (3) overvoltage transient protection that disables the high-side MOSFET if VSENSE exceeds 109% × 0.8 V, (4) thermal shutdown at 165°C, and (5) BOOT-UVLO (2.1 V) preventing high-side misfire. These operate autonomously without external components-ensuring robust operation in industrial and automotive environments where TPS54231 is commonly deployed.

Is the TPS54231 pin-compatible with other devices in the same family?

The TPS54231 shares the same 8-pin SOIC (D) package and pinout with TPS54232 and TPS54233, enabling direct PCB footprint reuse across variants. However, functional differences exist: TPS54232 operates at 1 MHz (no Eco-mode™), while TPS54233 runs at 285 kHz and has different current-limit thresholds. Thus, while mechanical replacement is possible, electrical validation-including loop compensation, thermal performance, and light-load behavior-is required before substituting TPS54231 with either variant in an existing design.