Texas Instruments TPS54260QDGQRQ1

Overview

TPS54260QDGQRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified 3.5-V to 60-V, 2.5-A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 200-mΩ high-side MOSFET, Eco-mode™ pulse-skipping for 138-μA quiescent current, and adjustable 100-kHz to 2.5-MHz switching frequency. It delivers regulated 3.3-V output at 2.5-A in automotive infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54260QDGQRQ1 datasheet, TPS54260QDGQRQ1 pinout, TPS54260QDGQRQ1 application, or TPS54260QDGQRQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage range (3.5–60 V), light-load efficiency via Eco-mode™, PWRGD open-drain power-good signaling, RT/CLK synchronization capability, and thermal performance in HVSSOP-10 package under –40°C to 125°C ambient conditions.

Technical Context

This device implements constant-frequency peak-current-mode control with internal slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation across 0–100% duty cycle. The error amplifier drives COMP with transconductance of 310 μS (typ) and 70 μS during slow start, enabling stable loop compensation using external RC networks on COMP and VSENSE.

It integrates boot UVLO monitoring (2.1 V threshold), frequency foldback during overload, thermal shutdown at 182°C, and a dedicated PWRGD comparator with 94–107% nominal V_OUT window. The EN pin supports adjustable UVLO via resistor divider and provides 1.25-V threshold with ±50-mV hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS54260QDGQRQ1 is packaged in a thermally enhanced 10-pin HVSSOP (DGQ) measuring 3.00 mm × 4.90 mm with exposed PowerPAD for low thermal resistance (R_θJA = 62.5°C/W on standard board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM5164QPWPRQ1, TPS54260QDGQRQ1 offers 2.5× higher output current and 45% lower quiescent current but requires larger magnetics. Against TPS54360QDGQRQ1, it provides identical functionality at lower cost and thermal footprint for 2.5-A applications-no layout change needed.

Availability

TPS54260QDGQRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, ADAS camera modules, and body control units requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS54260QDGQRQ1 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 automotive-grade power management ICs, with decades of automotive qualification expertise and AEC-Q100-compliant manufacturing.

The TPS54260-Q1 product line delivers high-voltage, high-efficiency buck converters designed specifically for harsh automotive environments-including start-stop, cold-crank, and load-dump conditions-while meeting stringent ESD, thermal, and functional safety requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS54260QDGQRQ1 to initiate startup?

The TPS54260QDGQRQ1 has an internally set undervoltage lockout threshold of 2.5 V, meaning it begins startup when VIN rises above this level. However, the EN pin can be used to raise this threshold using an external resistor divider; for example, pulling EN to VIN through a 100-kΩ/200-kΩ divider raises the effective UVLO to approximately 3.75 V. Startup is guaranteed only when both VIN exceeds the configured UVLO and the SS/TR capacitor is fully discharged.

How does the Eco-mode™ operation of TPS54260QDGQRQ1 affect output voltage ripple and transient response?

TPS54260QDGQRQ1 enters Eco-mode™ at light loads (typically <5 mA depending on inductor value), where it pulses-skips to maintain regulation with only 138-μA quiescent current. This increases low-frequency output ripple (tens of kHz range) but does not degrade high-frequency transient response-when a load step occurs, the device immediately exits Eco-mode™ and resumes full PWM operation within one switching cycle. The COMP pin clamp at 500 mV ensures predictable exit behavior.

Can TPS54260QDGQRQ1 be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the valid frequency and voltage levels?

Yes, TPS54260QDGQRQ1 supports external clock synchronization via the RT/CLK pin. When pulled above 2.2 V (with hysteresis), the internal oscillator disables and the pin becomes a high-impedance clock input accepting TTL/CMOS-compatible signals from 300 kHz to 2.2 MHz. Minimum pulse width is 40 ns; PLL lock-in time is ≤100 μs. Clock edges must be monotonic and free of glitches to avoid mode instability.

What is the recommended boot capacitor value and dielectric type for TPS54260QDGQRQ1, and why?

The recommended boot capacitor for TPS54260QDGQRQ1 is 0.1 μF with X7R or X5R dielectric, rated ≥10 V. These dielectrics provide stable capacitance over temperature (±15%) and DC bias, ensuring consistent gate drive voltage for the integrated 200-mΩ high-side MOSFET. NP0/C0G capacitors are not recommended due to insufficient capacitance density; aluminum or tantalum types are excluded due to ESR and reliability concerns in automotive thermal cycling.

How does the PWRGD pin of TPS54260QDGQRQ1 behave during startup, shutdown, and fault conditions?

The PWRGD pin of TPS54260QDGQRQ1 is an open-drain output that remains low until VSENSE reaches 94% of the target output voltage, then transitions high (via external pull-up). It asserts low again if VSENSE falls below 92% (OV/UV fault) or exceeds 109%. During EN-driven shutdown, PWRGD goes low within 10 μs; during thermal shutdown or overcurrent, it responds within 2 μs. Hysteresis prevents chatter near trip thresholds.