Texas Instruments TPS60121PWPR
- Part No.:
- TPS60121PWPR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 20-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TPS60121PWPR.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG CHARGE PUMP 3.3V 20HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,219
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Product details
Overview
TPS60121PWPR from Texas Instruments is a regulated 3.3-V ±4% charge-pump DC/DC converter delivering ≥200 mA output current from 1.8-V to 3.6-V input (e.g., two alkaline/NiMH cells), featuring integrated power-good (PG) output, 55-µA quiescent current, and adaptive 1.5×/2× mode switching for high efficiency across battery discharge. It enables compact, inductorless power rails in portable medical and audio devices.
For engineers reviewing the TPS60121PWPR datasheet, TPS60121PWPR pinout, TPS60121PWPR application, or TPS60121PWPR equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated 20-pin PWP package layout, real-world load/line regulation data, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application differences.
Technical Context
The TPS60121PWPR implements ACTIVE-CYCLE regulation: at heavy loads it maintains fixed-frequency switching while modulating internal MOSFET on-resistance; at light loads it enters pulse-skip mode to reduce quiescent current to 55 µA. Its dual single-ended charge-pump architecture automatically selects between 1.5× (for VI > ~2.4 V) and 2× (for VI < ~2.4 V) conversion ratios to sustain ≥85% peak efficiency across 1.8–3.6 V input range.
It integrates a 1.21-V bandgap reference, error amplifier, shutdown/start-up control, and open-drain PG output that asserts low when VO drops below 90% of nominal (3.3 V). The device features undervoltage lockout (1.6 V threshold), 115-mA short-circuit current limit, and load isolation during shutdown-critical for battery-powered systems requiring precise power sequencing and low leakage (<1 µA).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output voltage | 3.3 V ±4% - tightly regulated rail for 3.3-V logic, ADCs, or RF front-ends without external feedback resistors. |
| Max output current | 200 mA continuous - supports microprocessor cores, LCD bias, or multiple peripherals from two-cell batteries. |
| Input voltage range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - matches full discharge curve of two alkaline/NiMH cells (1.0–1.8 V/cell). |
| Quiescent current | 55 µA - extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes or standby modes. |
| Shutdown current | 0.05 µA - near-zero drain preserves battery charge during storage or deep sleep. |
| Switching frequency | 210–450 kHz - enables use of small 2.2-µF ceramic flying capacitors and minimizes EMI in noise-sensitive analog sections. |
| Power-good threshold | 90% of VO (≈2.97 V) - provides reliable system reset or brownout detection without external comparators. |
Pinout & Package
TPS60121PWPR uses the 20-pin thermally enhanced PowerPAD™ (PWP) package with exposed thermal pad for improved power dissipation (700 mW at TA ≤ 25°C). Pin functions are validated per SLVS257B Rev. August 2000.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (pins 1,2,19,20) | Analog ground reference | Low-noise return path for internal bandgap and error amplifier; must be short-traced to PGND. |
| ENABLE (pin 3) | Logic-controlled enable input | Active-high; drives device into shutdown (0.05 µA IQ) when pulled low; requires no external pullup. |
| FB (pin 4) | Internal feedback node | Connected directly to OUT internally; no external resistor divider needed for 3.3-V output. |
| OUT (pins 5,16) | Regulated power output | Dual pins reduce IR drop and improve current sharing; bypassed with 22-µF ceramic CO capacitor. |
| C1+, C1− (pins 6,8); C2+, C2− (pins 15,13) | Flying capacitor terminals | Drive 2.2-µF ceramic flying caps (C1, C2); polarity critical for charge-pump phase integrity. |
| IN (pins 7,14) | Main input supply | Accepts 1.8–3.6 V; dual pins lower impedance; bypassed with 10-µF ceramic Ci capacitor. |
| PG (pin 17) | Open-drain power-good output | Pulled low when VO < 90% of 3.3 V; requires external 100-kΩ–1-MΩ pullup to OUT. |
| NC (pin 18) | No-connect terminal | Not bonded; must remain unconnected (distinct from LBI on TPS60120/122/124 variants). |
| PGND (pins 9–12) | Power ground return | Carries high-frequency charge-pump switching current; must be solidly connected to thermal pad. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive 1.5×/2× mode switching | Automatically selects optimal gain ratio based on VI and IO to maintain ≥85% efficiency across full battery discharge. |
| Integrated power-good (PG) output | Open-drain PG signal eliminates need for external supervisor IC in battery-powered microcontroller systems. |
| Pulse-skip light-load regulation | Reduces IQ to 55 µA while maintaining <10-mV output ripple-ideal for intermittent-sensing IoT endpoints. |
| Inductorless architecture | Uses only four ceramic capacitors (Ci=10 µF, C1=C2=2.2 µF, CO=22 µF), cutting BOM cost and EMI risk. |
| Load isolation in shutdown | Disconnects OUT from IN during ENABLE=low, preventing battery drain through downstream circuitry. |
Applications
| Glucose Meter Power Supply | MP3 Player Core Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Portable blood glucose meters powered by two AAA alkaline cells (1.8–3.0 V) requiring stable 3.3-V rail for MCU, sensor interface, and LCD driver. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary regulated DC/DC converter generating clean 3.3-V output with PG signal enabling firmware-controlled low-battery alerts. Use Value: 200-mA capability supports simultaneous sensor excitation and display refresh; 55-µA IQ extends battery life to >6 months in typical usage. |
Use Scenario: Compact MP3 players using two NiMH cells (2.0–2.8 V) needing efficient 3.3-V supply for audio codec, flash memory, and OLED display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inductorless step-up converter with adaptive mode switching to sustain efficiency >80% across full battery discharge cycle. Use Value: Eliminates magnetic components and associated EMI, reducing PCB area by 30% versus inductive solutions while meeting audio SNR requirements. |
| Handheld Medical Instrumentation | Cordless Phone Baseband Supply |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-operated handheld ultrasound probes requiring low-noise 3.3-V rail for analog front-end amplifiers and ADCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-EMI charge pump providing regulated output with <10-mV ripple (typ.) at 100 mA, synchronized via fixed-frequency operation. Use Value: Ceramic-only design avoids inductor-induced magnetic interference with sensitive analog signal paths. |
Use Scenario: Cordless phone handsets powered by two AA cells (1.8–3.2 V) needing robust 3.3-V supply for DSP, RF transceiver, and keypad controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability DC/DC converter with UVLO (1.6 V), 115-mA short-circuit limit, and PG output for system reset coordination. Use Value: Ensures graceful shutdown before battery depletion; PG signal triggers firmware save operations prior to power loss. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar regulated charge-pump DC/DC converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS60125PWPR | Identical 20-pin PWP package and 3-V ±4% output (not 3.3 V); same 200-mA rating, PG output, and pinout. | Targets 3-V logic systems (e.g., older microcontrollers, specific sensors) instead of 3.3-V domains. | Select TPS60125PWPR only when system voltage tolerance requires 3.0 V nominal-not for 3.3-V applications. |
| MAX860ESA+ | 3.3-V ±4% output, 250-mA capability, but uses 8-pin SOIC package and lacks integrated PG output or adaptive mode switching. | Requires external PG comparator and has higher 110-µA quiescent current; suited for space-tolerant, non-critical designs. | Choose MAX860ESA+ only if board area allows larger SOIC and PG functionality is implemented externally. |
Compared with TPS60121PWPR, TPS60125PWPR offers identical form-factor and feature set but targets 3-V systems, whereas MAX860ESA+ trades integration and efficiency for legacy package compatibility and higher IQ-making TPS60121PWPR optimal for new 3.3-V portable designs demanding minimal BOM count and longest battery runtime.
Availability
TPS60121PWPR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical instrumentation, battery-powered audio players, handheld test equipment, and cordless communication devices requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term sourcing.
Supply support for TPS60121PWPR 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 technologies, with decades of expertise in battery-efficient power conversion.
The TPS6012x family was designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-powered applications-delivering regulated 3.3-V or 3-V outputs from two-cell sources without inductors, targeting portable instrumentation, medical devices, and consumer audio.
FAQ
What output voltage does the TPS60121PWPR deliver, and is external feedback required?
The TPS60121PWPR delivers a fixed 3.3-V ±4% regulated output. No external feedback resistors are needed because the FB pin connects internally to a precision 1.21-V reference and resistive divider optimized for 3.3-V operation. This simplifies layout and improves regulation accuracy versus adjustable alternatives. The TPS60121PWPR maintains this output across 1.8–3.6 V input and 0–200 mA load, with line regulation of 0.3%/V and load regulation of 0.003%/mA.
How does the TPS60121PWPR achieve high efficiency across varying input voltages?
The TPS60121PWPR achieves ≥85% peak efficiency across 1.8–3.6 V input by automatically switching between 1.5× and 2× charge-pump modes. Below ~2.4 V, it operates in 2× mode to boost weak battery voltages; above ~2.4 V, it shifts to 1.5× mode to reduce switching losses. This adaptive behavior-combined with ACTIVE-CYCLE regulation and low-RDS(on) MOSFETs-is validated in Figure 9 of the SLVS257B datasheet and enables consistent performance as batteries discharge.
What is the function of the PG (power-good) pin on the TPS60121PWPR, and how is it used?
The PG pin on the TPS60121PWPR is an open-drain output that pulls low when the regulated 3.3-V output falls below 90% (≈2.97 V), signaling undervoltage. It requires an external 100-kΩ–1-MΩ pullup resistor to OUT. During startup, PG remains invalid for 500 µs; once stable, it provides hardware reset coordination for microcontrollers. Unlike the LBO pin on TPS60120/122/124, PG is dedicated to output monitoring-not battery sensing-and is active only when ENABLE is high.
Can the TPS60121PWPR operate from a single 1.5-V cell?
No, the TPS60121PWPR cannot operate from a single 1.5-V cell. Its absolute minimum input voltage is 1.8 V (per recommended operating conditions), and its undervoltage lockout activates at 1.6 V. It is explicitly designed for two-cell configurations: two alkaline (1.0–1.8 V/cell), NiCd (0.9–1.4 V/cell), or NiMH (1.0–1.4 V/cell) batteries delivering 1.8–3.6 V total. Attempting operation below 1.8 V prevents startup and may cause erratic behavior or failure to regulate.
What external components are mandatory for basic operation of the TPS60121PWPR?
Four mandatory external components enable basic TPS60121PWPR operation: a 10-µF ceramic input capacitor (Ci) between IN and PGND; two 2.2-µF ceramic flying capacitors (C1, C2) connected to C1+/C1− and C2+/C2−; and a 22-µF ceramic output capacitor (CO) between OUT and GND. All capacitors must be X7R dielectric with low ESR (<0.1 Ω). No inductors, diodes, or feedback resistors are required-reducing BOM count and board area versus inductive converters.
TPS60121PWPR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Up
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Charge Pump
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 1.8V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 3.6V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 3.3V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 200mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 320kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-HTSSOP
TPS60121PWPR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPS60121PWPR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPS60121PWPR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TPS60121PWPR reliable?
The price and inventory of TPS60121PWPR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPS60121PWPR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TPS60121PWPR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TPS60121PWPR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TPS60121PWPR?
TPS60121PWPR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TPS60121PWPR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TPS60121PWPR?
For technical support, including TPS60121PWPR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPS60121PWPR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPS60121PWPR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPS60121PWPR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TPS60121PWPR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPS60121PWPR?
All TPS60121PWPR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPS60121PWPR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TPS60121PWPR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPS60121PWPR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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