Texas Instruments TPS54260DRCT

Overview

TPS54260DRCT from Texas Instruments is a 3.5-V to 60-V input, 2.5-A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 200-mΩ high-side N-channel MOSFET, Eco-mode™ for light-load efficiency, and adjustable 100-kHz to 2.5-MHz switching frequency. It delivers regulated 3.3-V output at up to 2.5 A in industrial power supplies requiring wide VIN tolerance and low quiescent current.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54260DRCT datasheet, TPS54260DRCT pinout, TPS54260DRCT application, or TPS54260DRCT equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage range (3.5–60 V), Eco-mode operation at 138-μA no-load IQ, PWRGD open-drain power-good signaling, RT/CLK synchronization capability, and thermal performance in the 3-mm × 3-mm VSON PowerPAD™ package.

Technical Context

The TPS54260DRCT implements constant-frequency peak current-mode control with internal slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation across duty cycles. Its error amplifier drives COMP to regulate VSENSE against a 0.8-V reference, while the RT/CLK pin supports both resistor-set frequency tuning and external clock synchronization via PLL lock.

It integrates boot UVLO protection (2.1 V BOOT-PH threshold), frequency foldback during overload, and an overload recovery circuit that discharges SS/TR to ensure repeatable restart after thermal shutdown or UVLO fault. The PWRGD comparator asserts low when VSENSE falls below 92% or rises above 109% of nominal, deasserting only within 94–107% window.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TPS54260DRCT is housed in a thermally enhanced 10-pin 3-mm × 3-mm VSON package with exposed PowerPAD™ ground pad requiring PCB solder connection for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM5164DRCT, the TPS54260DRCT offers lower quiescent current and integrated boot diode for simpler layout; compared with TPS54360DRCT, it trades output current for smaller thermal footprint and lower cost in 2.5-A applications.

Availability

TPS54260DRCT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telematics modules, smart metering, and security system power supplies requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS54260DRCT 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 industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The TPS54260DRCT belongs to TI's SWIFT™ family of high-voltage buck regulators, designed specifically for robust, wide-input industrial power conversion where reliability, thermal performance, and feature integration are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS54260DRCT to start switching?

The TPS54260DRCT has an internal undervoltage lockout (UVLO) threshold of 2.5 V, but this can be increased using external resistors on the EN pin. Below 2.5 V, the device remains disabled and draws only 1.3 μA. Once VIN exceeds the configured UVLO threshold, the TPS54260DRCT initiates soft-start via the SS/TR pin and begins regulation. The absolute minimum specified operating input is 3.5 V per datasheet recommendations.

How does Eco-mode™ operate in the TPS54260DRCT, and what triggers entry/exit?

Eco-mode™ in the TPS54260DRCT activates when output voltage is regulated and peak switch current falls below the pulse-skip threshold (~500 mV COMP voltage). The TPS54260DRCT then disables switching, reducing IQ to 138 μA. As output voltage sags, the error amplifier raises COMP voltage until it reaches ~500 mV, triggering a single switching pulse. This burst-mode behavior continues dynamically based on real-time load and output deviation - no external control is needed.

Can the TPS54260DRCT synchronize to an external clock, and what are the timing requirements?

Yes, the TPS54260DRCT supports external clock synchronization via the RT/CLK pin. When pulled above 1.9 V (typical), the internal oscillator disables and the pin becomes a high-impedance clock input. The PLL locks to falling edges of the external clock within 100 μs. Minimum pulse width is 40 ns, and supported frequency range is 300 kHz to 2.2 MHz. Clocking edges must remain active; loss of signal reverts the TPS54260DRCT to resistor-set mode.

What is the role of the BOOT capacitor in the TPS54260DRCT, and what value is recommended?

The BOOT capacitor (0.1-μF X7R/X5R ceramic, ≥10 V rating) forms a charge pump between BOOT and PH pins to generate gate drive voltage for the internal high-side MOSFET. During low-side conduction, the capacitor recharges. If BOOT-PH drops below 2.1 V, the TPS54260DRCT disables the high-side switch to prevent shoot-through. Proper sizing and placement are essential for stable 100% duty-cycle operation and thermal reliability.

Does the TPS54260DRCT provide overvoltage protection, and how does PWRGD respond?

The TPS54260DRCT includes dedicated overvoltage (OV) detection: the PWRGD comparator asserts low if VSENSE exceeds 109% of nominal output voltage. Upon OV detection, the high-side MOSFET is immediately turned off and masked from turning on until VSENSE falls below 107%. This prevents destructive overvoltage transients. PWRGD is open-drain and requires an external pull-up; it deasserts only when VSENSE is strictly within 94–107% - not merely "in regulation".