Texas Instruments TPS60210DGSR

Overview

TPS60210DGSR from Texas Instruments is a regulated 3.3-V step-up charge pump IC designed for battery-powered systems requiring inductorless DC/DC conversion. It delivers ≥100 mA continuous output current from a 1.6–3.6-V input, achieves <5-mV_PP output ripple via push-pull topology, operates with 35-µA quiescent current in normal mode and 2-µA in snooze mode, and integrates a low-battery detector (LBI/LBO) - used in glucose meters, MSP430-based portable instruments, and dual-cell alkaline/NiMH-powered devices.

For engineers reviewing the TPS60210DGSR datasheet, TPS60210DGSR pinout, TPS60210DGSR application, or TPS60210DGSR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10-pin MSOP (DGS) package, 3.3-V ±4% regulated output, ultra-low 2-µA snooze-mode current, external clock synchronization capability (up to 800 kHz), and compatibility with only four ceramic capacitors - eliminating inductors and minimizing EMI in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The TPS60210DGSR implements a dual single-ended charge-pump architecture operating in 180° push-pull phase, enabling continuous charge transfer to maintain low output ripple without output capacitor buffering. Its control logic supports three SNOOZE-pin–programmable modes: snooze (2-µA I_Q, 2-mA load limit), normal (linskip mode switching between pulse-skip and constant-frequency linear regulation), and external-clock synchronized operation.

It features an integrated low-battery comparator with 1.18-V ±5% trip threshold referenced to LBI, open-drain LBO output, and start-up precharge that connects IN to OUT until V_OUT reaches 0.8 × V_IN. The device maintains regulation down to 1.6-V input and includes short-circuit protection limiting output current to ~60 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS60210DGSR is housed in a 10-pin MSOP package (DGS), measuring 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm, tape-and-reel packaged (R suffix). Pin functions are validated per TI SLVS296 datasheet Figure DGS package diagram and Terminal Functions table.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS60210DGSR, TPS60211DGSR offers identical regulation and efficiency but swaps low-battery detection for power-good signaling - making it unsuitable for battery-monitoring systems. MAX860ESA+ lacks snooze mode and uses larger packaging, resulting in higher static power and less design flexibility in portable applications.

Availability

TPS60210DGSR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for glucose meters, MSP430-based portable instruments, and MP3 audio players requiring stable component supply, long battery life, and inductorless power conversion.

Supply support for TPS60210DGSR 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-efficiency, low-noise power solutions.

The TPS6021x family was designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-powered applications needing regulated 3.3-V output without inductors - targeting medical devices, portable instrumentation, and consumer electronics where EMI, size, and standby current are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage supported by the TPS60210DGSR?

The TPS60210DGSR supports a minimum input voltage of 1.6 V, enabling reliable operation down to the end-of-life voltage of two alkaline or NiMH cells. This specification is confirmed in the Recommended Operating Conditions table of the SLVS296 datasheet, where VI(MIN) = 1.6 V applies across the full temperature range (−40°C to 85°C) and load conditions.

Does the TPS60210DGSR require external inductors?

No, the TPS60210DGSR is an inductorless charge-pump DC/DC converter. It uses only four external ceramic capacitors - two flying capacitors (C1, C2), one input capacitor (Ci), and one output capacitor (Co) - to generate a regulated 3.3-V output. This architecture eliminates magnetic components, reduces EMI, and saves board space compared to inductive boost converters.

How does the snooze mode function on the TPS60210DGSR?

The TPS60210DGSR enters snooze mode when the SNOOZE pin is driven low, reducing quiescent current to 2 µA typical while maintaining output regulation within 3.3 V ±6%. Load current is limited to 2 mA in this mode. If load exceeds 2 mA, the device automatically exits snooze and resumes normal operation without requiring a reset or reconfiguration.

Can the TPS60210DGSR be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes, the TPS60210DGSR accepts an external clock signal applied to the SNOOZE pin, supporting frequencies from 400 kHz to 800 kHz. The internal charge-pump switching frequency becomes half the external clock frequency. This feature enables precise harmonic control to avoid sensitive frequency bands such as the 455-kHz IF stage in radio receivers.

What is the purpose of the LBI and LBO pins on the TPS60210DGSR?

The LBI (low-battery input) and LBO (low-battery output) pins implement an integrated battery-monitoring function. LBI accepts a resistor divider from the battery to set a user-defined trip voltage (typically 1.18 V); when battery voltage drops below this threshold, LBO asserts low as an open-drain signal. This allows host systems to issue low-battery warnings without additional comparator circuitry.