Texas Instruments TPS60203DGS

Overview

TPS60203DGS from Texas Instruments is a regulated 3.3 V, 50 mA charge pump DC/DC converter optimized for space-constrained, battery-powered systems. It operates from 1.6 V to 3.6 V input, delivers <5 mV_PP output ripple using push-pull topology, and integrates a power-good (PG) detector with 90% VO trip threshold-enabling reliable system power sequencing in portable medical devices and handheld instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS60203DGS datasheet, TPS60203DGS pinout, TPS60203DGS application, or TPS60203DGS equivalent, key selection considerations include its 50 mA continuous output at 2 V input, 35 µA quiescent current, 0.05 µA shutdown supply, MSOP-10 package footprint, and PG open-drain output requiring external pullup-critical for low-power microprocessor supply monitoring and battery-backed subsystems.

Technical Context

The TPS60203DGS implements dual single-ended charge pumps operating in 180° phase-shifted push-pull mode to sustain near-constant output current and minimize ripple. Regulation uses pulse-skip mode below 7 mA load and constant-frequency linear control above that threshold, with internal MOSFET gate drive dynamically adjusted by the error amplifier to maintain 3.3 V ±4% output across input and load variations.

Its power-good comparator monitors OUT voltage and asserts PG low when VO drops below ~2.97 V (90% of 3.3 V), with 1% hysteresis; PG is high-impedance during shutdown. EN serves as both enable input and external clock sync interface, supporting up to 800 kHz external synchronization while automatically disabling switching if held low >10 µs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS60203DGS is housed in a 10-pin MSOP package (3.00 mm × 3.00 mm body size) with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation; GND pins (1 and 2) provide low-inductance return paths for flying and output capacitors.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar regulated charge pump applications.

Compared with TPS60203DGS, TPS60201DGS provides higher output current and battery monitoring but lacks power-good signaling, while TPS60123DGSR delivers better thermal performance and efficiency at the cost of slightly larger board footprint and different startup behavior-both require schematic and layout review for functional substitution.

Availability

TPS60203DGS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, handheld test equipment, low-power microprocessor systems, wireless sensor nodes, and battery-backed instrumentation requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TPS60203DGS 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 high-reliability, low-power DC/DC conversion solutions.

The TPS6020x product line was designed specifically for ultra-compact, battery-powered applications demanding regulated 3.3 V output without inductors-targeting portable instrumentation, medical devices, and consumer electronics where board space and quiescent power are critical constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current specification for the TPS60203DGS?

The TPS60203DGS delivers a maximum continuous output current of 50 mA when the input voltage is 2 V, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under IO(MAX) for TPS60202/TPS60203. This rating holds across the full operating temperature range (–40°C to 85°C) and ensures stable 3.3 V regulation under typical load conditions encountered in portable instrumentation and sensor nodes.

How does the power-good (PG) output of the TPS60203DGS function, and what external components are required?

The PG pin on the TPS60203DGS is an open-drain output that remains high-impedance during shutdown and pulls low when the regulated output voltage falls below ~2.97 V (90% of 3.3 V). To use PG, an external pullup resistor (100 kΩ to 1 MΩ) must be connected between PG and OUT or another compatible logic rail ≤3.6 V-no other passive components are needed for basic functionality.

Can the TPS60203DGS be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the valid frequency and duty-cycle ranges?

Yes, the TPS60203DGS supports external clock synchronization via the EN pin. Valid input frequencies range from 400 kHz to 800 kHz, with a required duty cycle between 30% and 70%. The internal switching frequency becomes exactly half the external clock frequency. If EN is held low for more than 10 µs, the device disables switching and enters shutdown mode.

What is the purpose of the auto-discharge feature in the TPS60203DGS, and how quickly does it operate?

The auto-discharge feature in the TPS60203DGS actively discharges the output capacitor (CO) when EN is pulled low, ensuring the output voltage drops below 0.5 V within 0.6 ms. This guarantees safe, repeatable power-down behavior in battery-powered systems-preventing residual voltage from causing undefined states in downstream logic or analog circuitry after shutdown.

Which external capacitors are mandatory for proper operation of the TPS60203DGS, and what are their minimum values?

The TPS60203DGS requires four mandatory ceramic capacitors: C1 and C2 (flying capacitors, min 1 µF each), Ci (input capacitor, min 2.2 µF), and Co (output capacitor, min 2.2 µF). All must be X5R or X7R dielectric types to maintain capacitance across voltage and temperature; Z5U/Y5V types are not recommended due to significant derating.