Texas Instruments TPS60125PWPG4

Overview

TPS60125PWPG4 from Texas Instruments is a regulated 200-mA, 3-V ±4% charge-pump DC/DC converter for battery-powered systems. It operates from 1.8-V to 3.6-V input (e.g., two alkaline/NiMH cells), delivers ≥200 mA output current at 3 V, features power-good (PG) output, 55-µA quiescent current, and requires only four external ceramic capacitors-no inductors.

For engineers reviewing the TPS60125PWPG4 datasheet, TPS60125PWPG4 pinout, TPS60125PWPG4 application, or TPS60125PWPG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 3-V regulated output with ±4% tolerance, integrated open-drain PG signal, shutdown current ≤1 µA, adaptive 1.5×/2× conversion mode, and PWP 20-pin PowerPAD package for thermal performance in space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The TPS60125PWPG4 implements ACTIVE-CYCLE regulation with pulse-skip mode at light loads to minimize quiescent current. Its dual single-ended charge-pump architecture automatically selects between 1.5× (for VI > ~2.4 V) and voltage-doubler (for VI < ~2.4 V) conversion modes to maintain high efficiency across the full 1.8–3.6-V input range.

It integrates a 1.21-V bandgap reference, error amplifier, oscillator, shutdown/start-up control, and a power-good comparator referenced to 90% of nominal VO. The PG output is open-drain, requires external pullup to OUT, and asserts low when VO drops below 0.9 × VO - enabling system-level power sequencing and fault monitoring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TPS60125PWPG4 is housed in a thermally enhanced 20-pin PowerPAD (PWP) package with exposed thermal pad for PCB heat sinking. Pin functions are validated per SLVS257B Rev. August 2000.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar regulated charge-pump DC/DC converter applications.

Compared with TPS60121PWPG4, the TPS60125PWPG4 offers tighter alignment with 3-V microcontrollers and low-power sensors, while MAX860ESA+ trades output capability and feature set for smaller footprint and legacy availability - neither matches the 200-mA + PG + adaptive efficiency combination of the TPS60125PWPG4.

Availability

TPS60125PWPG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical glucose meters, handheld test equipment, backup-battery boost converters, and MP3 player audio subsystems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS60125PWPG4 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 over 50 years of innovation in energy-efficient electronics.

The TPS6012x family was designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-powered portable instruments - delivering regulated voltage without inductors while maximizing runtime through adaptive topology and ultra-low quiescent current.

FAQ

What output voltage does the TPS60125PWPG4 regulate to, and how precise is it?

The TPS60125PWPG4 regulates to a nominal 3.0 V with ±4% tolerance across temperature, load, and input voltage variations. This specification is verified per SLVS257B electrical characteristics tables, where VO remains within 2.88 V to 3.12 V for VI = 2–3.3 V and IO ≤ 200 mA at TC = –40°C to 85°C. The internal 1.21-V reference and resistive feedback network ensure this accuracy without external components.

Does the TPS60125PWPG4 include a power-good indicator, and how is it used?

Yes, the TPS60125PWPG4 features an open-drain power-good (PG) output on Pin 17. It pulls low when VO falls below 90% of nominal (i.e., <2.7 V), and releases high when VO rises above that threshold. A 100-kΩ–1-MΩ pullup resistor to OUT is required. This signal enables safe system startup, brownout detection, and coordinated power sequencing - a core function confirmed in the functional block diagram and electrical characteristics table for TPS60125PWPG4.

What is the minimum input voltage required for the TPS60125PWPG4 to start up and deliver full load?

The TPS60125PWPG4 requires a minimum input voltage of 2.0 V to start up and deliver its full 200-mA output current, as specified in the "recommended operating conditions" and "electrical characteristics" tables of SLVS257B. Below 2.0 V, undervoltage lockout activates at ~1.6 V, disabling operation. Startup behavior is validated with internal start-up comparator detecting 0.8 × VI before enabling switching - ensuring reliable turn-on across battery discharge profiles.

How many external components does the TPS60125PWPG4 require, and what are their types and values?

The TPS60125PWPG4 requires exactly four external ceramic capacitors: CI = 10 µF (input), CO = 22 µF (output), and C1 = C2 = 2.2 µF (flying). All must be X7R dielectric with low ESR (<0.1 Ω) per the "capacitor selection" section. No diodes, inductors, or resistors are needed - the feedback divider is fully integrated, and ENABLE can be tied directly to IN for default operation.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TPS60125PWPG4 in its PWP package?

In the 20-pin PowerPAD (PWP) package, the TPS60125PWPG4 achieves a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 178°C/W with standard PCB layout. At TA = 70°C, its maximum continuous power dissipation is 448 mW (per Dissipation Rating Table 1), supporting 200-mA output at 3-V VO with ~1.2-W total power. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a large copper pour for optimal heat transfer - validated in TI's thermal characterization data for SLVS257B.