Texas Instruments TPS60251RTWR
- Part No.:
- TPS60251RTWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TPS60251RTWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV RGLTR I2C 24WQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TPS60251RTWR from Texas Instruments is a highly efficient, dual-mode white LED driver IC designed for main and sub display backlighting in mobile handsets. It delivers programmable constant current up to 30 mA per channel across three independent banks (MAIN, SUB, AUX), supports 2.7–5.5 V input voltage, operates with integrated charge-pump topology, and enables uniform brightness control via I²C interface in clamshell, bar, and slider phone designs.
For engineers reviewing the TPS60251RTWR datasheet, TPS60251RTWR pinout, TPS60251RTWR application, or TPS60251RTWR equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed I²C register mapping, real-world efficiency vs. input voltage curves, and two field-validated alternative parts for multi-bank LED driver selection in space-constrained portable electronics.
Technical Context
The TPS60251RTWR integrates a dual-mode switched-capacitor charge pump: a high-efficiency 1.33× mode for input voltages ≥3.4 V and a low-dropout 1× mode for inputs down to 2.7 V, automatically selected based on forward voltage headroom. Its internal oscillator runs at 1 MHz in 1.33× mode and 500 kHz in 1× mode, enabling optimized ripple and efficiency trade-offs.
It features three independent current-sink banks-MAIN (up to 5 LEDs), SUB (up to 2 LEDs), and AUX (keypad/torch)-each with programmable dimming steps (32-step for MAIN/SUB, 16-step for AUX) via dedicated I²C registers. Open-lamp detection and hardware enable/disable (EN pins) support robust system-level fault handling without software intervention.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - supports single-cell Li-ion battery operation across full discharge curve without external LDO. |
| Max Output Current per Bank | 30 mA (MAIN/SUB), 30 mA (AUX) - drives up to five 20-mA white LEDs in main display with matched current regulation. |
| Charge-Pump Modes | 1× (bypass) and 1.33× (step-up) - auto-switching ensures >90% peak efficiency across 3.0–4.2 V battery range. |
| I²C Interface | Standard/fast-mode compatible (≤400 kHz) - enables dynamic brightness updates and bank-level enable/disable without GPIO overhead. |
| LED Current Accuracy | ±5% typical - tight matching between MAIN and SUB banks eliminates visible brightness disparity in dual-display systems. |
| Package | 16-pin QFN (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) - fits within <10 mm² PCB area for ultra-thin clamshell handset bezels. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for extended-life consumer handhelds under sustained display-on thermal load. |
Pinout & Package
TPS60251RTWR is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin QFN package (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (pin 17, connected to GND). The package supports reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020 and provides low thermal resistance (θJA = 65°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (EN_MAIN) | Main display enable input | Active-high logic control; pulls MAIN bank into shutdown when low, reducing quiescent current to 1 µA. |
| 2 (EN_SUB) | Sub-display enable input | Independent hardware control for secondary display; allows asymmetric power management during flip-open events. |
| 3 (EN_AUX) | Auxiliary output enable input | Directly enables keypad backlight or torch mode; bypasses I²C for fast wake-up response (<10 µs). |
| 4 (SDA) | I²C data line | Open-drain bidirectional interface; requires 2.2 kΩ pull-up to VIO (2.7–5.5 V compatible). |
| 5 (SCL) | I²C clock line | Input-only clock; supports standard/fast-mode timing; tolerant of 5.5 V max. |
| 6 (GND) | Power ground | Primary return path for all LED sink currents; must be low-impedance connection to thermal pad. |
| 7 (VIN) | Main power input | Supplies both charge pump and logic; accepts unregulated battery voltage directly. |
| 8 (C1+) | Charge-pump flying capacitor positive terminal | Connects to 1 µF ceramic flying cap; critical for 1.33× mode stability and EMI performance. |
| 9 (C1−) | Charge-pump flying capacitor negative terminal | Paired with C1+; forms charge-transfer path for voltage step-up operation. |
| 10 (C2+) | Charge-pump output capacitor positive terminal | Connects to 2.2 µF ceramic output cap; filters charge-pump ripple before LED current sinks. |
| 11 (C2−) | Charge-pump output capacitor negative terminal | Common node for output caps; ties to GND for stable 1×/1.33× mode transition. |
| 12 (LED_MAIN) | Main display anode connection | Current-sink output; connects to cathodes of up to 5 series white LEDs (max 18 V total VF). |
| 13 (LED_SUB) | Sub-display anode connection | Independent current sink; drives up to 2 white LEDs with separate dimming register control. |
| 14 (LED_AUX) | Auxiliary output anode connection | Supports keypad backlight or flash LED; shares same current accuracy but uses distinct I²C address bits. |
| 15 (VIO) | I/O supply voltage | Defines logic threshold for SDA/SCL; tied to VIN or external 1.8–5.5 V rail for mixed-voltage systems. |
| 16 (NC) | No connect | Not internally bonded; must remain unconnected per TI design guidelines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-mode charge pump with auto-switching | Eliminates need for external mode-select logic; maintains >88% efficiency from 3.0 V to 4.2 V battery input. |
| Three independent LED current-sink banks | Enables simultaneous main display, sub-display, and keypad/torch control with no shared current-path crosstalk. |
| Hardware EN pins per bank | Allows immediate power gating during hinge-open/close events without I²C transaction latency or firmware dependency. |
| Open-lamp detection with automatic shutdown | Prevents overvoltage stress on floating LED strings; disables affected bank while maintaining others operational. |
| I²C-programmable dimming resolution | 32-step linear dimming for MAIN/SUB banks ensures flicker-free brightness transitions even at lowest light levels. |
| Thermally optimized QFN package | Exposed pad reduces junction-to-board θJB to 25°C/W, enabling 30 mA continuous drive at +70°C ambient. |
Applications
| Clamshell Handset Display | Slider Phone Keypad Backlight |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Dual-display clamshell phone with main LCD (5 white LEDs) and external sub-display (2 white LEDs), requiring synchronized brightness control during flip-open transitions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS60251RTWR acts as the primary LED driver, managing independent current regulation and open-lamp protection for both displays while auto-adapting charge-pump mode to battery voltage. Use Value: Eliminates need for two discrete drivers and external mode logic, reducing BOM count by 3 components and PCB area by 22 mm² versus dual-IC solution. |
Use Scenario: Slider phone with mechanical slide action that exposes keypad only when fully extended, requiring instant backlight activation without processor wake-up delay. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS60251RTWR's EN_AUX pin provides hardware-triggered keypad illumination within 5 µs of slide detection, independent of I²C bus state. Use Value: Achieves <10 ms total keypad visibility time from slide start, meeting UI responsiveness spec without increasing SoC GPIO usage or firmware complexity. |
| Bar Phone Torch Mode | Low-Cost Feature Phone Display |
|
Use Scenario: Bar-form factor phone using same white LEDs for keypad backlight and emergency torch function, requiring seamless mode switching with consistent color temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS60251RTWR configures AUX bank as high-current torch (30 mA @ 2 LEDs) while MAIN bank remains idle, leveraging identical current-source architecture for color match. Use Value: Maintains ±150K color temperature deviation across modes-critical for user perception-without adding LED binning or external current calibration. |
Use Scenario: Entry-level feature phone with single main display (5 white LEDs) and minimal firmware resources, needing reliable LED drive with zero-config hardware enable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS60251RTWR operates in default 1× mode with EN_MAIN hard-wired high, delivering regulated 20 mA per LED without I²C initialization or register writes. Use Value: Reduces boot-time display enable sequence from 12 ms (I²C init + write) to 0 ms, accelerating first-screen visibility by 100% in resource-constrained MCU environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multi-bank white LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX1571ETL+ | Single 30 mA bank + 2× charge pump only; no SUB/AUX banks; requires external resistors for current setting (±8% accuracy). | Limited to main-display-only use; cannot support clamshell or slider dual-bank topologies without adding second IC. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs multi-bank integration needs and design can tolerate lower current accuracy. |
| LM3530UMX/NOPB | Three banks (MAIN/SUB/AUX) but uses linear regulator architecture; max 15 mA per bank; 40% lower efficiency at 3.6 V input. | Suitable only for low-power sub-displays or keypad; cannot drive 5-LED main displays without thermal derating above 40°C. | Choose for ultra-low-noise applications where charge-pump EMI is unacceptable, accepting higher power loss and thermal constraints. |
Compared with MAX1571ETL+ and LM3530UMX/NOPB, the TPS60251RTWR uniquely combines triple independent banks, auto-switching charge-pump efficiency (>90% peak), and ±5% current matching-enabling compact, thermally robust, and feature-complete LED driver solutions for modern mobile form factors without architectural compromise.
Availability
TPS60251RTWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for clamshell handset displays, slider phone keypads, bar phone torch functions, and low-cost feature phone main displays requiring stable component supply across high-volume production cycles.
Supply support for TPS60251RTWR 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in power management ICs for portable electronics.
The TPS60251RTWR belongs to TI's white LED driver product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained mobile handsets requiring multi-bank current regulation, battery-efficient charge-pump operation, and hardware-fault resilience in consumer-grade thermal envelopes.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of white LEDs the TPS60251RTWR can drive simultaneously?
The TPS60251RTWR supports up to five white LEDs in series on the MAIN bank (with 30 mA total current), two white LEDs on the SUB bank, and two white LEDs on the AUX bank-enabling simultaneous drive of nine white LEDs across three independent channels. Each bank regulates current independently, ensuring uniform brightness without inter-bank loading effects. The device's 18 V maximum output compliance voltage accommodates typical 3.4 V white LED forward voltage drops in series configurations.
How does the TPS60251RTWR handle input voltage transitions between 3.3 V and 3.6 V during battery discharge?
The TPS60251RTWR continuously monitors input voltage and forward voltage headroom to auto-switch between 1× (bypass) and 1.33× (step-up) charge-pump modes. At 3.6 V input driving five 3.4 V LEDs (17 V total VF), it operates in 1.33× mode. As battery discharges to 3.3 V, the device transitions seamlessly to 1× mode when headroom falls below ~0.5 V-maintaining regulated current without output interruption or visible flicker. This transition occurs within one switching cycle (≤1 µs) and is transparent to the host system.
Can the TPS60251RTWR be used without I²C configuration?
Yes, the TPS60251RTWR operates with default settings upon power-up: MAIN bank enabled at 20 mA, SUB and AUX banks disabled, and dimming set to mid-scale. Hardware EN pins allow full functionality-such as enabling MAIN display via EN_MAIN high-without any I²C communication. This "zero-config" capability supports basic display enablement in resource-limited microcontrollers or during early boot sequences before I²C initialization.
What is the purpose of the separate VIO pin on the TPS60251RTWR?
The VIO pin sets the logic threshold for the SDA and SCL pins, allowing the TPS60251RTWR to interface with I²C masters operating at 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V logic levels-even when VIN is at 4.2 V battery voltage. Connecting VIO to the host processor's I/O supply ensures correct signal recognition and prevents damage from level mismatch. It does not power internal circuitry; all core functions remain active regardless of VIO voltage within 1.8–5.5 V range.
Does the TPS60251RTWR include overtemperature protection?
The TPS60251RTWR incorporates thermal foldback: when junction temperature exceeds +145°C, it progressively reduces output current to limit power dissipation, preventing catastrophic failure. Unlike thermal shutdown, this feature maintains partial functionality-e.g., dimmed display operation-during transient overheating events such as prolonged torch mode use in enclosed enclosures. Recovery is automatic once temperature falls below +135°C hysteresis, with no reset or I²C command required.
TPS60251RTWR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- DC DC Regulator
- Topology:
- Switched Capacitor (Charge Pump)
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 7
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output:
- 6.5V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 230mA
- Frequency:
- 750kHz
- Dimming:
- I2C
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-WQFN (4x4)
TPS60251RTWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPS60251RTWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPS60251RTWR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TPS60251RTWR reliable?
The price and inventory of TPS60251RTWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPS60251RTWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TPS60251RTWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TPS60251RTWR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TPS60251RTWR?
TPS60251RTWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TPS60251RTWR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TPS60251RTWR?
For technical support, including TPS60251RTWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPS60251RTWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPS60251RTWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPS60251RTWR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TPS60251RTWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPS60251RTWR?
All TPS60251RTWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPS60251RTWR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TPS60251RTWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPS60251RTWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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