Texas Instruments TPS54310PWP

Overview

TPS54310 from Texas Instruments is a synchronous-buck PWM DC/DC converter with integrated 60-mΩ high- and low-side MOSFETs, supporting 3-V to 6-V input and delivering up to 3-A continuous output current at adjustable voltages down to 0.9 V with ±1% reference accuracy. It features externally compensated control loop, fast transient response, and thermal shutdown protection-designed for point-of-load regulation in FPGA, DSP, and microprocessor power rails.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54310 datasheet, TPS54310 pinout, TPS54310 application, or TPS54310 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20-pin HTSSOP PowerPAD™ package, adjustable switching frequency (280–700 kHz), internal 0.891-V voltage reference, undervoltage lockout (2.95 V start), and open-drain PWRGD signal for supply sequencing and fault signaling.

Technical Context

The TPS54310 implements a voltage-mode PWM architecture with a high-performance error amplifier (90–110 dB open-loop gain, 3–5 MHz unity-gain bandwidth) and externally configurable compensation network. Its adaptive dead-time control prevents shoot-through by sequencing high- and low-side MOSFET gate drivers with 300-mA source/sink capability and bootstrap-driven high-side operation.

Switching frequency is selectable via SYNC pin logic level (350 kHz or 550 kHz) or RT resistor (280–700 kHz); synchronization to external clocks (330–700 kHz) is supported with RT biasing. Current limiting uses cycle-by-cycle high-side sensing with 100-ns leading-edge blanking and 200-ns total response time, while thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 10°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TPS54310 is housed in a thermally enhanced 20-pin HTSSOP PowerPAD™ package (6.40 mm × 6.30 mm) with exposed thermal pad soldered to AGND for low-junction-to-board thermal resistance (R_θJA = 26°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous-buck regulator applications.

Compared with TPS54312 and MP2332HGTL-Z, the TPS54310 uniquely balances adjustable output, comprehensive protection (PWRGD, UVLO, thermal shutdown), and flexible frequency control in a thermally optimized 20-pin package - making it optimal for precision, multi-rail embedded systems where regulation accuracy and sequencing integrity are critical.

Availability

TPS54310 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power delivery, DSP core supplies, optical transceiver biasing, and notebook I/O rail generation requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS54310 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 over 90 years of innovation in high-reliability silicon design.

The TPS54310 belongs to TI's SWIFT™ family of integrated DC/DC converters, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, low-noise point-of-load regulation in space- and thermally constrained digital systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended input voltage for reliable operation of the TPS54310?

The TPS54310 incorporates an undervoltage lockout (UVLO) circuit that prevents startup until the input voltage reaches 2.95 V. Operation is guaranteed from 3 V to 6 V per datasheet specifications. Below 3 V, the device remains disabled - this ensures stable regulation and avoids erratic behavior during brownout conditions. The TPS54310 will shut down if VIN drops below 2.80 V during operation.

Can the TPS54310 be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the valid frequency and interface requirements?

Yes, the TPS54310 supports external synchronization via the SYNC pin across 330 kHz to 700 kHz. To enable sync mode, apply a clean CMOS-level clock to SYNC and connect an RT resistor to AGND - the resistor value must set the free-running frequency to ~80% of the external clock frequency. The SYNC pin accepts logic-high ≥2.5 V and logic-low ≤0.8 V; pulse width must exceed 50 ns. This capability is documented in the TPS54310 SLVS412F datasheet Section 8.3.5.

How does the TPS54310 handle output current sinking, and is reverse-current protection included?

Unlike many buck regulators, the TPS54310 supports continuous output current sinking - critical for powering loads with dynamic current reversal (e.g., DDR memory termination). During sink events, the low-side MOSFET remains active to pull the output toward PGND. However, the device does not include dedicated reverse-current protection; sink operation relies on thermal shutdown (150°C trip) as the primary safeguard against sustained overload. The TPS54310 datasheet confirms sink capability in Section 8.3.7.

What is the role of the VBIAS pin on the TPS54310, and can it power external circuitry?

The VBIAS pin outputs a regulated ~2.8 V supply derived from the internal LDO, used to power internal analog and digital blocks. It can source up to 100 µA continuously and is intended to be bypassed with a 0.1–1.0-µF X7R/X5R ceramic capacitor to AGND. While external loading is permitted, TI cautions that VBIAS must remain ≥2.7 V under all conditions - excessive loading or noisy external circuits may degrade TPS54310 regulation accuracy or stability.

Does the TPS54310 require a minimum output capacitance, and how does ceramic vs. polymer capacitor selection affect stability?

Yes, the TPS54310 requires a minimum 22-µF output capacitance with ≤10 mΩ ESR for stable operation with its Type II/III compensation network. Ceramic capacitors (X7R/X5R) are preferred due to low ESR and predictable behavior across temperature; however, their high capacitance density can reduce phase margin if not properly damped. Polymer capacitors offer higher ESR and better damping but require larger values to meet ripple specs. The TPS54310 datasheet Figure 24 shows recommended compensation for 22-µF ceramic + 10-µF polymer combinations.