Texas Instruments TPS54618RTET

Overview

TPS54618RTET from Texas Instruments is a 2.95-V to 6-V, 6-A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated high- and low-side 12-mΩ MOSFETs, 0.799-V ±1% voltage reference (–40°C to +150°C), adjustable 300-kHz to 2-MHz switching frequency via RT/CLK pin, and open-drain PWRGD output indicating VOUT within 93–107% of nominal. It delivers point-of-load regulation for FPGAs and ASICs in space-constrained industrial and telecom systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS54618RTET datasheet, TPS54618RTET pinout, TPS54618RTET application, or TPS54618RTET equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed efficiency vs. load curves at 1.8 V/3.3 V/1.05 V outputs, thermal performance data (RθJA = 44.38°C/W), and real-world sequencing and synchronization capabilities using SS/TR and RT/CLK pins.

Technical Context

The TPS54618RTET implements constant-frequency peak current-mode control with internal slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation across duty cycles up to 100%. Its transconductance error amplifier (245 μA/V normal mode, 79 μA/V during slow-start) compares VSENSE against either the 0.799-V reference or SS/TR voltage, enabling precise output tracking and soft-start.

It integrates a boot regulator with UVLO monitoring (2.1 V BOOT-PH threshold), supports external clock synchronization via PLL on RT/CLK, and features frequency foldback during overcurrent or startup to limit inductor current. The device enters shutdown at EN < 1.18 V, drawing only 5.5 µA supply current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS54618RTET uses a thermally enhanced 3-mm × 3-mm, 16-pin WQFN package (RTE) with exposed PowerPad for optimal PCB heat dissipation. The PowerPad must be soldered to a solid ground plane using ≥4 thermal vias.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS54618RTET, TPS54418RTET offers identical interface and layout compatibility but reduced current capacity, while MP2315GJ-Z trades advanced control features for wider input range and lower BOM count-making TPS54618RTET the optimal choice for thermally constrained, high-precision, multi-rail industrial designs requiring synchronization and sequencing.

Availability

TPS54618RTET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, optical transceivers, 5G small cell baseband units, and FPGA-based test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS54618RTET 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 ICs, with decades of expertise in high-reliability power conversion solutions.

The TPS54618RTET belongs to TI's SWIFT™ synchronous buck converter family, engineered for high-density, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation in demanding industrial, telecom, and computing applications where thermal performance, precision, and timing control are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the TPS54618RTET?

The TPS54618RTET supports 6 A continuous output current under recommended operating conditions (T_J ≤ 150°C, proper PCB thermal design). Its dual 12-mΩ MOSFETs, 44.38°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, and thermally enhanced 3×3 mm WQFN package enable this rating without external heatsinking in typical 4-layer board layouts.

How does the TPS54618RTET achieve 100% duty cycle operation?

The TPS54618RTET achieves near-100% duty cycle by monitoring BOOT-PH voltage and disabling the high-side MOSFET only when it falls below 2.1 V. This allows the low-side MOSFET to conduct continuously during dropout conditions, sustaining regulation down to V_IN ≈ V_OUT + 0.3 V-critical for low-voltage, high-efficiency applications like 1.05-V FPGA cores.

Can the TPS54618RTET synchronize to an external clock, and what is the lock time?

Yes, the TPS54618RTET synchronizes to external clocks (300–2000 kHz) via its RT/CLK pin using an integrated PLL. The PLL lock-in time is 42 μs at 500 kHz, enabling rapid re-synchronization after clock source changes-essential for deterministic timing in multi-rail telecom and test equipment systems.

What is the purpose of the SS/TR pin on the TPS54618RTET, and how is it configured?

The SS/TR pin on the TPS54618RTET provides slow-start and supply tracking functionality. An external capacitor to ground sets the output voltage ramp time via a 2-μA internal charge current. During power-up, the device regulates to the lower of SS/TR voltage or the 0.799-V reference, enabling controlled sequencing with other rails or minimizing inrush into large output capacitors.

Does the TPS54618RTET include overvoltage protection, and how does it function?

Yes, the TPS54618RTET includes overvoltage protection via its PWRGD comparator. When V_OUT exceeds 109% of nominal, the overvoltage comparator activates, forcing the high-side MOSFET off and preventing further switching until V_OUT drops below 107%. This masks transients without latching, preserving system uptime during load-dump or light-load overshoot events.