Texas Instruments TPS54331GDR

Overview

TPS54331GDR from Texas Instruments is a 28-V, 3-A 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 pulse-skipping Eco-mode for light-load efficiency - used in industrial power supplies and consumer set-top boxes.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54331GDR datasheet, TPS54331GDR pinout, TPS54331GDR application, or TPS54331GDR equivalent, key selection considerations include input voltage range (3.5–28 V), shutdown quiescent current (1 μA), thermal shutdown threshold (165°C), Eco-mode activation current (160 mA), and SOIC-8 PowerPAD™ package thermal resistance (R_θJA = 48.7°C/W).

Technical Context

This device implements constant-frequency peak-current mode control with internal slope compensation, enabling stable operation with ceramic output capacitors and simplified external compensation. The error amplifier features 92 μA/V transconductance and 2.7-MHz unity-gain bandwidth.

It integrates boot diode recharge, overvoltage transient protection (OVTP) that disables the high-side MOSFET when VSENSE exceeds 109% × VREF, and frequency foldback during overcurrent - reducing switching frequency to 570/2, /4, or /8 kHz as VSENSE drops below 0.6 V, 0.4 V, or 0.2 V respectively.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS54331GDR is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC package with PowerPAD™ (DDA variant), where the exposed thermal pad (Pin 9) must be soldered to PCB ground for optimal thermal performance (R_θJA = 48.7°C/W). Package dimensions: 4.90 mm × 6.00 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS54331GDR, TPS54332DGQ offers higher switching frequency and lower operating current but reduced light-load efficiency due to absence of Eco-mode; TPS54231DR shares pinout and control architecture but delivers only 2 A with significantly higher thermal resistance - making it unsuitable for sustained 3-A operation in sealed enclosures.

Availability

TPS54331GDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, consumer set-top boxes, car audio amplifier rails, and 5-V distributed power systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for TPS54331GDR 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, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of leadership in DC-DC converter innovation.

The TPS543xx family was designed for high-efficiency, low-component-count buck regulation in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications - emphasizing thermal robustness, light-load efficiency, and ease of design with WEBENCH® integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the TPS54331GDR?

The TPS54331GDR has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 30 V on the VIN pin, with recommended operation from 3.5 V to 28 V. Exceeding 30 V risks permanent damage per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. The device's overvoltage transient protection activates at VSENSE > 0.872 V, but this safeguards only the output - not the input stage. Always ensure transient suppression (e.g., TVS diode) is used in 24-V automotive or industrial environments where load dump can exceed 30 V.

Does the TPS54331GDR require an external bootstrap diode?

No, the TPS54331GDR does not require an external bootstrap diode. It integrates a boot diode recharge circuit that automatically refreshes the 0.1-μF BOOT-to-PH capacitor during each switching cycle. This eliminates one discrete component, reduces layout complexity, and improves reliability compared to discrete bootstrap solutions. The internal circuit maintains BOOT-PH voltage above 2.1 V under normal operation; if it falls below that threshold, the high-side MOSFET is disabled to prevent shoot-through.

How does Eco-mode function in the TPS54331GDR, and what triggers it?

Eco-mode in the TPS54331GDR is an automatic pulse-skipping mode activated when peak inductor current drops below 160 mA (typical). In this state, the COMP pin voltage is clamped at 0.5 V, halting switching cycles until load demand increases. This reduces switching losses and maintains >85% efficiency at light loads (e.g., 10 mA). Eco-mode is transparent to the user - no configuration is needed - and resumes normal PWM operation seamlessly when load rises above the threshold. It is distinct from forced PWM or burst-mode modes found in other converters.

Can the TPS54331GDR be used with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, the TPS54331GDR is fully compatible with ceramic output capacitors due to its current-mode control architecture with internal slope compensation. This eliminates subharmonic oscillation risk at duty cycles >50%, allowing stable operation with low-ESR ceramics. However, ceramic capacitance must be derated for DC bias - e.g., a 47-μF 6.3-V X7R capacitor may deliver only ~20 μF at 3.3-V bias. TI's WEBENCH® Power Designer accounts for this, and Table 7-1 in the datasheet provides validated ceramic capacitor values for common output voltages including 3.3 V and 1.8 V.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TPS54331GDR in SOIC-8 PowerPAD™ package?

In the SOIC-8 PowerPAD™ (DDA) package, the TPS54331GDR achieves R_θJA = 48.7°C/W under JEDEC JESD51-7 2s2p board conditions - nearly 2.4× better than the standard SOIC-8 (D) package (116.3°C/W). With 3-A load at 12-V input and 3.3-V output, junction temperature rise is ~145°C above ambient, staying within the 150°C max rating when ambient is ≤25°C. For higher ambient or sustained loads, thermal vias under the PowerPAD™ and copper pour are essential to maintain reliability and avoid thermal shutdown activation.