Texas Instruments TPS55010RTET

Overview

TPS55010RTET from Texas Instruments is a 2.95-V to 6-V input, 2 W isolated DC/DC converter IC implementing Fly-Buck™ topology with integrated half-bridge MOSFETs (45 mΩ high-side/low-side), primary-side feedback, and adjustable 100–2000 kHz switching frequency. It delivers isolated power for RS-485 transceivers, ISO amplifiers, and IGBT gate drivers in industrial PLCs and medical safety-critical systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS55010RTET datasheet, TPS55010RTET pinout, TPS55010RTET application, or TPS55010RTET equivalent, key selection considerations include its 3 mm × 3 mm WQFN-16 package with thermal pad, open-drain FAULT output, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, adjustable slow-start via external capacitor, and synchronization capability via RT/CLK pin.

Technical Context

The TPS55010RTET uses fixed-frequency peak current-mode control with an internal transconductance error amplifier (245 µA/V) comparing VSENSE to a 0.829 V reference. Its half-bridge power stage integrates two n-channel MOSFETs driven by a bootstrap circuit requiring a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor between BOOT and PH pins.

Switching frequency is set either by an external resistor on RT/CLK (100–2000 kHz) or synchronized to an external clock (300–2000 kHz) using PLL lock-in within 50 µs. The EN pin provides enable functionality and supports adjustable UVLO via external resistors, while the SS pin enables controlled startup with 2.2 µA internal charge current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS55010RTET is housed in a thermally enhanced 3 mm × 3 mm WQFN-16 package with exposed thermal pad (pin 17), requiring PCB vias to internal ground plane for reliable thermal performance at 2 W operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar isolated DC/DC converter applications.

Compared with LM5160QPWPRQ1 and ADUM6000ARWZ, the TPS55010RTET uniquely combines integrated isolation, adjustable output via transformer selection, 2 W power delivery, and full frequency/slow-start/UVLO configurability - making it the only solution that maintains design scalability across industrial, medical, and communications isolation use cases without sacrificing efficiency or safety certification pathways.

Availability

TPS55010RTET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical device manufacturing, and communications infrastructure projects requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for ISO 13485 and IATF 16949 compliance.

Supply support for TPS55010RTET 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 high-reliability power management ICs, with decades of expertise in isolated power architecture and industrial-grade qualification.

The TPS55010RTET belongs to TI's Fly-Buck™ isolated DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for compact, high-efficiency isolated bias supplies in noise-sensitive, safety-critical, and space-constrained applications such as PLCs, medical sensors, and industrial interfaces.

FAQ

What is the recommended transformer for TPS55010RTET in a 5 V output application?

The TPS55010RTET does not include an integrated transformer; it requires an external off-the-shelf fly-buck transformer. For 5 V output from 5 V input, TI recommends the Pulse Electronics PA0168.101NL (1:1 turns ratio, 1.2 mH primary inductance, 1500 V_RMS isolation). This transformer supports ≤200 mA load with <3% regulation and meets UL60950-1 creepage requirements. Always verify transformer saturation current exceeds the TPS55010RTET's 2.75 A peak high-side current limit.

Can TPS55010RTET generate negative output voltages?

Yes, the TPS55010RTET can generate negative outputs using standard fly-buck transformer configurations. With a center-tapped secondary and reversed diode orientation on the secondary winding, the TPS55010RTET regulates the magnitude of the negative rail via primary-side feedback. TI's TPS55010RTET reference design TIDA-00239 demonstrates –5 V at 150 mA output with <±2% line/load regulation. Output polarity is determined solely by secondary rectification, not by the TPS55010RTET IC itself.

How does the RT/CLK pin function in synchronization mode?

In synchronization mode, the TPS55010RTET's RT/CLK pin transitions from a resistor-biased node to a high-impedance PLL input when pulled above 2.2 V. The internal 0.5 V bias is disabled, and the falling edge of the external clock signal aligns the rising edge of the PH waveform within 50 µs lock time. The synchronization frequency range is 300–2000 kHz. If the clock stops, the device automatically reverts to resistor-based operation using the grounded timing resistor.

What thermal management is required for TPS55010RTET at full 2 W load?

At 2 W continuous output, the TPS55010RTET junction temperature rise is ~60°C above ambient with standard 2-layer PCB layout (2 oz copper, 4 thermal vias under the exposed pad). To maintain <125°C junction temperature at 85°C ambient, use ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting the thermal pad to an internal ground plane, plus 100 mm² copper pour on top/bottom layers. Derate output power by 10% per 10°C ambient increase above 65°C.

Does TPS55010RTET support adjustable output voltage without changing transformer?

No - the TPS55010RTET regulates output voltage exclusively through primary-side feedback using a resistor divider on VSENSE, but the absolute output voltage is fundamentally constrained by transformer turns ratio and secondary rectification. While adjusting the VSENSE divider changes the regulated primary voltage, the resulting secondary output scales linearly with turns ratio. To change output voltage significantly (e.g., 3.3 V → 15 V), a different transformer is required; the TPS55010RTET itself does not provide post-regulation or wide-range output adjustment.