Texas Instruments TPS60210DGSRG4

Overview

TPS60210DGSRG4 from Texas Instruments is a regulated 3.3-V step-up charge pump DC/DC converter for battery-powered systems, delivering ≥100 mA continuous output from 1.6–3.6 V input, featuring ultra-low 2 µA snooze-mode quiescent current, <5 mV_PP output ripple via push-pull topology, and integrated low-battery detection (LBI/LBO). It enables compact, inductorless power supply design in medical glucose meters and MSP430-based portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS60210DGSRG4 datasheet, TPS60210DGSRG4 pinout, TPS60210DGSRG4 application, or TPS60210DGSRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10-pin MSOP package, 3.3 V ±4% regulation over full load, linskip mode transition at ~7 mA, external clock synchronization up to 800 kHz, and compatibility with ceramic flying capacitors (C1/C2 = 1 µF) and 2.2 µF input/output capacitance.

Technical Context

The TPS60210DGSRG4 implements dual single-ended charge pumps operating in 180° push-pull phase to ensure continuous charge transfer, eliminating the high ripple inherent in conventional charge pumps. Its control architecture combines pulse-skip mode (for ≤7 mA loads, achieving 2 µA quiescent current) and constant-frequency linear-regulation mode (200–400 kHz internal oscillator or synchronized to external clock).

It integrates a precision low-battery detector with 1.18 V ±5% trip threshold on LBI and open-drain LBO output, plus startup precharge logic that connects IN to OUT until 0.8×V_IN is reached. Short-circuit protection limits output current to 60 mA typical, and all MOSFET switches are fully integrated - no external inductors required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS60210DGSRG4 is housed in a 10-pin MSOP (DGS) package - 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch - optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Pin numbering follows standard DGS top-view orientation (pin 1 at top-left corner, counterclockwise).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS60210DGSRG4, TPS60211DGSR offers identical regulation and efficiency but swaps low-battery warning for power-good signaling - making it unsuitable for battery telemetry but ideal for supply monitoring. MAX860ESA+ lacks snooze capability and uses a larger package, trading ultra-low IQ and compactness for lower unit cost and simpler layout.

Availability

TPS60210DGSRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for glucose meters, portable audio players, MSP430-based data loggers, and cordless phone handsets requiring stable component supply, long battery life, and minimal EMI.

Supply support for TPS60210DGSRG4 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 solutions, with decades of expertise in high-efficiency DC/DC conversion and battery-powered system design.

The TPS6021x family was designed specifically for space-constrained, ultralow-power portable electronics - delivering regulated 3.3-V output without inductors while supporting intelligent power management via snooze mode and integrated battery monitoring.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS60210DGSRG4 to start up and regulate?

The TPS60210DGSRG4 supports startup from as low as 1.6 V input. Its internal precharge circuit connects IN directly to OUT until the output reaches 0.8×V_IN, after which the charge pumps engage to boost beyond input voltage. This ensures reliable start-up even with deeply discharged batteries, and regulation remains within 3.3 V ±4% down to 1.6 V at light loads.

Can TPS60210DGSRG4 be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the frequency limits?

Yes, TPS60210DGSRG4 can be synchronized to an external clock applied to the SNOOZE pin. The supported external clock frequency range is 400–800 kHz; the internal charge pump switching frequency is exactly half that value (200–400 kHz). This feature allows EMI harmonics to be placed outside sensitive bands (e.g., 455-kHz IF), and the device remains in sync even when entering pulse-skip mode at light loads.

How does the low-battery detector on TPS60210DGSRG4 work, and how is the trip voltage set?

The TPS60210DGSRG4 low-battery detector compares voltage on the LBI pin to an internal 1.18 V ±5% reference. Trip voltage is set using a resistive divider from battery to GND, with recommended R1+R2 = 100 kΩ–1 MΩ. For example, with V_BAT = 2.4 V and desired trip at 1.18 V, R1 ≈ 1.02 MΩ and R2 ≈ 1 MΩ (per datasheet Equation 1). LBO goes low when threshold is crossed, and the detector is disabled in snooze mode.

What is the maximum continuous output current specification for TPS60210DGSRG4, and under what conditions?

The TPS60210DGSRG4 delivers a minimum of 100 mA continuous output current when input voltage is ≥2.0 V, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. At V_IN = 2.4 V, peak output current reaches 150 mA (Figure 6). Performance degrades below 2.0 V - e.g., at V_IN = 1.8 V, max continuous current drops to ~75 mA - due to reduced headroom for charge transfer and increased conduction losses in internal MOSFETs.

Does TPS60210DGSRG4 require special capacitor types, and why are ceramic X5R/X7R recommended?

Yes, TPS60210DGSRG4 requires low-ESR (<0.1 Ω) ceramic capacitors for C1, C2, C_IN, and C_OUT. X5R and X7R dielectrics are recommended because they maintain stable capacitance across temperature (−55°C to +85°C) and bias voltage - unlike Z5U or Y5V types, which lose >50% capacitance at rated voltage. Using unstable dielectrics risks violating minimum capacitance requirements (e.g., 1 µF for C1/C2), causing ripple increase or load-current derating.