Texas Instruments TPS54331DRG4

Overview

TPS54331DRG4 from Texas Instruments is a 28-V, 3-A non-synchronous buck DC-DC converter with integrated 80-mΩ high-side MOSFET, fixed 570-kHz switching frequency, Eco-mode pulse-skipping for light-load efficiency, and adjustable output down to 0.8 V. It serves as primary voltage regulator in industrial power supplies requiring stable 5-V/12-V rails from 24-V distributed bus.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54331DRG4 datasheet, TPS54331DRG4 pinout, TPS54331DRG4 application, or TPS54331DRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include input UVLO programmability, 1-μA shutdown current for battery-backed systems, thermal shutdown at 165°C, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors in SOIC-8 or PowerPAD packages.

Technical Context

This device implements constant-frequency peak-current mode control with internal slope compensation, eliminating need for external ramp injection and simplifying loop compensation. Its transconductance error amplifier (92 μA/V) interfaces directly with VSENSE and COMP pins to regulate output using resistor-divider feedback.

The integrated boot regulator requires only a 0.1-μF ceramic capacitor between BOOT and PH pins to drive the high-side MOSFET gate; internal UVLO monitors BOOT-PH voltage and disables the FET if it drops below 2.1 V. Frequency foldback reduces switching frequency during overcurrent events-down to 71 kHz under severe fault-to limit inductor current stress.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS54331DRG4 is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC package (D package), measuring 4.90 mm × 6 mm, with standard lead pitch and gull-wing leads suitable for automated assembly and reflow soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS54331DRG4, TPS54332DRCT offers higher switching frequency for smaller passive components but sacrifices light-load efficiency and EMI performance; LM2678SX-5.0/NOPB delivers higher current and simpler design at the expense of flexibility and ultra-low IQ operation.

Availability

TPS54331DRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, car-audio systems, set-top boxes, and peripheral device designs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for TPS54331DRG4 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets since 1930.

The TPS543xx family was designed specifically for high-efficiency, easy-to-design DC-DC conversion in space- and thermal-constrained applications, emphasizing integration, protection, and light-load performance without external complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the TPS54331DRG4?

The TPS54331DRG4 has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 30 V on the VIN pin, but its recommended operating range is 3.5 V to 28 V. Operation above 28 V may reduce reliability or lifetime, and the internal high-side MOSFET's R_DS(on) increases significantly above 24 V due to thermal effects. Always observe derating guidelines in Section 6.1 of the SLVS839H datasheet when designing for long-term stability.

Does the TPS54331DRG4 support adjustable output voltage, and what is the minimum achievable value?

Yes, the TPS54331DRG4 supports fully adjustable output voltage using an external resistor divider on the VSENSE pin. The minimum regulated output is defined by its internal 0.8-V reference voltage, so outputs as low as 0.8 V are achievable with appropriate divider ratios. For example, a 3.3-V output uses RO1 = 10 kΩ and RO2 = 3.24 kΩ; lower voltages require precision resistors and attention to VSENSE pin current error.

How does Eco-mode operate in the TPS54331DRG4, and at what load does it activate?

Eco-mode in the TPS54331DRG4 activates automatically when the peak inductor current falls below 160 mA (typical), causing the COMP pin voltage to clamp at 0.5 V and skip switching cycles. This reduces switching losses and maintains >85% efficiency at light loads (e.g., 10–50 mA). Exit occurs when load demand raises peak current above the threshold. Eco-mode behavior is confirmed in Section 7.4.1 and Figure 6-8 of the SLVS839H datasheet.

Can the TPS54331DRG4 be used with ceramic output capacitors, and are there stability considerations?

Yes, the TPS54331DRG4 is explicitly designed for use with ceramic output capacitors, and its current-mode control with internal slope compensation simplifies compensation. However, ceramic capacitance drops significantly with DC bias-e.g., a 47-μF X7R part may deliver only ~20 μF at 3.3 V-so derating is essential. TI recommends using WEBENCH Power Designer or following Table 7-1 for validated RC networks to ensure phase margin >45° across line/load/temperature.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TPS54331DRG4 in the SOIC-8 (D) package?

In the standard SOIC-8 (D) package, the TPS54331DRG4 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 116.3°C/W under JEDEC JESD51-7 2S2P board conditions. At 3-A load with 12-V input and 3.3-V output, typical power dissipation is ~1.2 W, resulting in ~140°C junction rise above ambient-requiring careful layout with copper pour and thermal vias. For higher-power operation, the DDA (PowerPAD) variant reduces R_θJA to 48.7°C/W.