Texas Instruments TPS60242DGKRG4

Overview

TPS60242DGKRG4 from Texas Instruments is a 2.7-V fixed-output, zero-ripple switched-capacitor buck-boost converter optimized for voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and phase-locked loop (PLL) power supplies. It delivers up to 25 mA output current with ±2.5% regulation accuracy, 170 µV_RMS output noise (20 Hz–10 MHz), and operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V input. Used in mobile phone RF sections where low-noise biasing is critical.

For engineers reviewing the TPS60242DGKRG4 datasheet, TPS60242DGKRG4 pinout, TPS60242DGKRG4 application, or TPS60242DGKRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low noise performance, inductorless operation, thermal shutdown behavior, 8-pin VSSOP package constraints, and compatibility with 1-µF ceramic flying/output capacitors in space-constrained RF modules.

Technical Context

The TPS60242DGKRG4 implements a dual-phase charge pump architecture with an internal op-amp in the feedback loop to actively suppress ripple during capacitor discharge cycles. Its fixed 160 kHz switching frequency enables predictable EMI filtering and supports small 1-µF ceramic capacitors without inductors.

It features active regulation via resistor-divided feedback tied to an internal 1.225-V reference, enabling precise 2.7-V output with load/line regulation maintained across –40°C to 85°C. Thermal shutdown activates at ~160°C and deactivates at ~140°C, while current limiting caps peak output at 80 mA under short-circuit conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS60242DGKRG4 is housed in an 8-pin VSSOP (DGK) package, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm profile, suitable for high-density RF PCB layouts with strict height constraints.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar switched-capacitor voltage converter applications.

Compared with TPS60242DGKT and MAX862ESA+, the TPS60242DGKRG4 offers the lowest output noise (170 µV_RMS) and highest continuous output current (25 mA) in its 2.7-V switched-capacitor class, making it the optimal choice for RF-sensitive designs requiring guaranteed phase noise performance.

Availability

TPS60242DGKRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone RF modules, PCMCIA modem designs, smartcard reader power systems, and digital camera wireless subsystems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TPS60242DGKRG4 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 connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in precision power management ICs.

The TPS6024x family was designed specifically for ultra-low-noise, inductorless power conversion in RF timing circuits-targeting VCO, PLL, and synthesizer bias applications where traditional switching regulators introduce unacceptable phase noise.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the TPS60242DGKRG4 over temperature and load?

The TPS60242DGKRG4 maintains output voltage within ±2.5% of 2.7 V across –40°C to 85°C ambient temperature and 0–25 mA load current. This specification is guaranteed per TI SLVS372C datasheet Section 6.5, with typical deviation less than ±1.2% under nominal 25°C/10-mA conditions. The TPS60242DGKRG4 achieves this via internal 1.225-V reference and precision resistor feedback network.

Can the TPS60242DGKRG4 operate from a 2.0-V input supply?

Yes, the TPS60242DGKRG4 supports input voltages as low as 1.8 V and will deliver regulated 2.7-V output down to that level. At VIN = 2.0 V, the device sustains 25 mA output with efficiency ~73% (per Figure 7 in SLVS372C). Startup is assured at IOUT ≤12 mA with RL = 225 Ω, confirming reliable operation in deeply discharged battery scenarios.

What external components are required for basic operation of the TPS60242DGKRG4?

The TPS60242DGKRG4 requires exactly four 1-µF ceramic capacitors: one input bypass (CIN between VIN and GND), one output filter (COUT between VOUT and GND), and two flying capacitors (C1 between C1+ and C1−, C2 between C2+ and C2−). No inductors, diodes, or resistors are needed. All capacitors should be X7R/X5R dielectric, 0805 case, rated ≥6.3 V.

How does the TPS60242DGKRG4 achieve 170-µV_RMS output noise?

The TPS60242DGKRG4 achieves 170-µV_RMS noise through a proprietary dual-phase charge pump with integrated op-amp feedback. Unlike standard charge pumps, the op-amp actively regulates the output during flying capacitor discharge cycles, eliminating ripple caused by capacitor ESR and load transients. This architecture is validated in Figure 22 of SLVS372C across 20 Hz–10 MHz bandwidth.

Is the TPS60242DGKRG4 pin-compatible with other members of the TPS6024x family?

Yes, all TPS6024x variants-including TPS60240, TPS60241, TPS60242, and TPS60243-share identical 8-pin VSSOP (DGK) pinout and footprint. The only differences are output voltage (2.7 V for TPS60242DGKRG4) and assured startup conditions. This allows board-level reuse across designs targeting 2.7-V, 3-V, 3.3-V, or 5-V outputs without layout changes.