Texas Instruments TPS566238PRQFR

Overview

TPS566238PRQFR from Texas Instruments is a 6-A synchronous step-down voltage regulator operating from 3 V to 18 V input, delivering 0.6 V to 7 V output with ±1% reference accuracy at 25°C, 600-kHz fixed switching frequency, and integrated 20.8 mΩ/10.6 mΩ MOSFETs in a 1.5-mm × 2.0-mm HotRod™ QFN package - used for point-of-load regulation in server and networking power rails.

For engineers reviewing the TPS566238PRQFR datasheet, TPS566238PRQFR pinout, TPS566238PRQFR application, or TPS566238PRQFR equivalent, key selection criteria include continuous conduction mode (CCM) operation for low-output-ripple performance, D-CAP3™ control for no-external-compensation design, 98% max duty cycle for high VIN-to-VOUT ratios, and built-in non-latched OCP/OVP/UVLO/OTP protections.

Technical Context

The TPS566238PRQFR implements D-CAP3™ adaptive on-time control with internal ripple injection, enabling stable regulation with ceramic or low-ESR capacitors without external compensation. It operates exclusively in forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM), maintaining constant 600-kHz switching across all load conditions to minimize output voltage ripple.

Its functional block includes valley-current overcurrent protection with temperature-compensated sensing, 114-Ω internal discharge MOSFET activated during fault events, and a 0.6-V ±1% precision reference tied to FB pin - all supported by non-latched hiccup-mode protection for OVP (115% trip), UVP (60% trip), and OTP (160°C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS566238PRQFR uses a 9-pin, 1.5-mm × 2.0-mm HotRod™ QFN (RQFR) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is FB; pins 5 and 6 are parallel VIN inputs; pin 4 is PGND; pin 9 is SS (soft-start control).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS566231PRQFR, TPS566238PRQFR trades light-load efficiency for lower output ripple and deterministic switching frequency - making it preferable for noise-sensitive digital loads. Against TPS566238PQR, it sacrifices PG signaling for adjustable soft-start, simplifying designs where sequencing is handled externally.

Availability

TPS566238PRQFR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server point-of-load, networking ASIC supply, and industrial PC power applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS566238PRQFR 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-efficiency DC/DC conversion.

The TPS56623x family was designed specifically for compact, high-current point-of-load regulation in space-constrained computing and communications equipment - emphasizing ease of use, thermal robustness, and protection integrity.

FAQ

What is the recommended input capacitor configuration for TPS566238PRQFR?

TI recommends placing ≥10 µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitors directly between VIN (Pins 5/6) and PGND (Pin 4), with additional bulk capacitance (e.g., 47–100 µF POSCAP) upstream. The 10-µF ceramics must be low-ESR/ESL types placed within 2 mm of the pins to suppress high-frequency switching noise and ensure stable D-CAP3™ loop operation. Layout guidelines specify separate PGND pour under the IC with single-point connection to system ground.

Does TPS566238PRQFR support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, TPS566238PRQFR supports adjustable output voltage from 0.6 V to 7 V using an external resistor divider connected to the FB pin. The feedback network scales the output so that the voltage at FB equals the internal 0.6-V reference. For example, a 1.2-V output requires R1 = 10 kΩ and R2 = 10 kΩ; TI's WEBENCH® Power Designer provides validated divider values and stability analysis for each target voltage.

How does the soft-start function work on TPS566238PRQFR?

TPS566238PRQFR uses an external capacitor on the SS pin (Pin 9) to set soft-start time. When EN goes high, a 6.5-µA internal current source charges CSS, ramping the internal reference voltage linearly. Soft-start time is calculated as TSS ≈ 1.4 × CSS × 0.6 V / 6.5 µA. A 100-nF capacitor yields ~13 ms ramp; TI specifies minimum CSS = 1 nF to avoid instability. The SS pin must be bypassed to PGND with no series resistance.

What thermal derating applies to TPS566238PRQFR at 85°C ambient?

At 85°C ambient with standard 2-layer PCB (2 oz Cu, 1-in² thermal pad), TPS566238PRQFR delivers ~4.8 A continuous before reaching 125°C junction limit, based on RθJA = 89.6°C/W. With optimized layout (4-layer board, 2-in² copper pour, thermal vias), RθJA_effective drops to 44°C/W, enabling full 6-A operation up to 75°C ambient. Derating curves in Figure 5-17 confirm safe operating area under natural convection and forced airflow.

Can TPS566238PRQFR operate with ceramic output capacitors only?

Yes, TPS566238PRQFR is fully compatible with ceramic output capacitors due to its D-CAP3™ control architecture, which injects synthetic ripple to maintain loop stability even with ultra-low-ESR MLCCs. TI validates designs using ≥22 µF total ceramic capacitance (e.g., four 4.7-µF/6.3-V X5R 0805s) with appropriate ESR/ESL modeling. No electrolytic or polymer capacitors are required for stability.