Texas Instruments TPS60251RTWT
- Part No.:
- TPS60251RTWT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TPS60251RTWT.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV RGLTR I2C 24WQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,439
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Product details
Overview
TPS60251RTWT from Texas Instruments is a highly efficient dual-mode charge-pump LED driver IC designed for main and sub display backlighting in clamshell handsets. It delivers regulated constant current up to 30 mA per channel, supports input voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, and integrates independent current sinks for five main white LEDs and two sub white LEDs with programmable dimming steps. It is used in mobile phone clamshell designs requiring independent brightness control of primary and secondary displays.
For engineers reviewing the TPS60251RTWT datasheet, TPS60251RTWT pinout, TPS60251RTWT application, or TPS60251RTWT equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual independent LED current regulation (main/sub), auto-switching between charge-pump modes for peak efficiency across input voltage, hardware enable/disable control via EN pins, and I²C-compatible serial interface for dynamic current programming and bank-level enable/disable.
Technical Context
The TPS60251RTWT operates in two charge-pump modes: a low-dropout linear mode (bypass) when input voltage exceeds LED forward voltage plus dropout, and a 1.5× step-up charge-pump mode when input voltage is insufficient. Internal comparators monitor forward voltage drop across each LED sink to automatically transition between modes without external intervention.
It implements three independent current-sink banks - MAIN (channels 1–5), SUB (channels 6–7), and AUX (channel 8) - each with dedicated current-setting resistors and programmable dimming via I²C register writes. The device uses internal flying capacitors (CFLY1/CFLY2) and requires only external ceramic input/output capacitors and one current-setting resistor per bank.
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. |
| Main LED Current | Up to 30 mA per channel (5 channels) - drives five white LEDs at uniform brightness with ±5% matching. |
| Sub LED Current | Up to 30 mA per channel (2 channels) - independently regulates two white LEDs for secondary display backlight. |
| AUX LED Current | Up to 30 mA (1 channel) - configurable as keypad backlight or camera flash assist with separate dimming control. |
| Charge-Pump Frequency | 1 MHz - enables use of small 1-µF ceramic flying capacitors and minimizes EMI in space-constrained handset PCBs. |
| I²C Interface Speed | Up to 400 kHz - compatible with standard Fast-mode I²C controllers for real-time current adjustment and bank enable/disable. |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for consumer handheld environments including extended battery-operated use cases. |
Pinout & Package
The TPS60251RTWT is housed in a 20-pin, 4 mm × 4 mm, 0.8-mm-pitch QFN package (RTWT) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation in compact mobile designs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| EN_MAIN | Main bank enable input | Active-high digital control to globally enable/disable MAIN LED bank (pins 1–5); pulled low by default for safe power-up. |
| EN_SUB | Sub bank enable input | Active-high digital control to globally enable/disable SUB LED bank (pins 6–7); independent of MAIN and AUX control. |
| EN_AUX | Aux bank enable input | Active-high digital control to enable/disable AUX LED (pin 8); supports keypad or torch functionality with separate on/off timing. |
| SDA | I²C data line | Open-drain bidirectional interface for writing current registers, enabling banks, and reading status; requires 4.7-kΩ pull-up to VCC. |
| SCL | I²C clock line | Input-only clock signal synchronized to master controller; supports up to 400 kHz for fast configuration updates. |
| LED1–LED5 | Main LED cathode outputs | Current-sink outputs for five white LEDs; each sinks up to 30 mA with matched current accuracy across temperature. |
| LED6–LED7 | Sub LED cathode outputs | Independent current-sink outputs for two white LEDs; fully decoupled from MAIN bank for asymmetric display brightness. |
| LED8 | Aux LED cathode output | Dedicated sink for auxiliary lighting; supports higher peak current during flash mode when configured via I²C. |
| VIN | Power supply input | Primary input for charge-pump circuitry and internal logic; accepts 2.7–5.5 V with integrated overvoltage protection. |
| GND | Ground reference | Common return path for all current sinks and logic; must be connected to low-impedance ground plane beneath thermal pad. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent LED banks | MAIN (5-channel) and SUB (2-channel) banks operate with separate current registers and enable controls-enables asymmetric brightness in clamshell UIs. |
| Auto-switching charge-pump modes | Seamlessly transitions between bypass (linear) and 1.5× boost modes based on real-time VIN-to-LED forward voltage comparison-maximizes efficiency across battery discharge. |
| Hardware enable inputs | Three dedicated EN pins (EN_MAIN/EN_SUB/EN_AUX) allow immediate, glitch-free bank shutdown without I²C transaction overhead-critical for low-power sleep states. |
| Programmable dimming resolution | 256-step current control per bank via I²C-supports smooth fade transitions and precise luminance calibration across production units. |
| Open-lamp detection | Internal comparators monitor each LED sink voltage; triggers automatic shutdown of affected bank and reports fault via I²C status register-prevents thermal runaway. |
Applications
| Clamshell Handset Main Display | Clamshell Handset Sub Display |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Primary LCD backlight in flip-phone main screen, powered from single-cell Li-ion battery with varying voltage (4.2 V → 3.0 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current LED driver providing regulated 25 mA per channel to five white LEDs; manages mode switching and current matching across battery discharge. Use Value: Maintains consistent display brightness without software intervention while achieving >90% peak efficiency at 3.6 V input-reducing thermal load and extending usable battery life. |
Use Scenario: Secondary LCD backlight on outer cover of clamshell handset, active during standby or notification events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Independent current sink driving two white LEDs at 15 mA; enabled only during specific UI states via EN_SUB pin or I²C command. Use Value: Enables ultra-low quiescent current (<1 µA in shutdown) and eliminates need for second LED driver IC-reducing BOM count and PCB area. |
| Keypad Backlight Control | Camera Flash Assist |
|
Use Scenario: Uniform illumination of alphanumeric keypad in low-light conditions, requiring rapid on/off response and adjustable intensity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AUX bank (LED8) configured as keypad backlight sink; controlled via EN_AUX pin for instant activation and I²C for dimming level. Use Value: Delivers precise 5–30 mA current with <10 µs turn-on time-enabling responsive user feedback without microcontroller polling delay. |
Use Scenario: Low-power flash assist for smartphone front-facing camera during video calls or low-light capture. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AUX bank repurposed as flash LED driver; programmed via I²C to deliver 30 mA pulse with programmable duration and ramp profile. Use Value: Provides consistent light output across battery voltage range without external current sense or PWM controller-simplifying optical calibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS60250RTWT | Identical pinout and package but lacks AUX (LED8) channel; supports only MAIN + SUB banks (7 total channels). | Not suitable for designs requiring keypad backlight or flash assist; limited to dual-display-only use cases. | Select when system requires only main/sub display control and board layout rework for AUX removal is acceptable. |
| LM3530UMX/NOPB | 6-channel I²C LED driver with ambient light sensing input; no auto-switching charge-pump-relies on external boost converter. | Requires additional DC/DC stage for >3.6 V LED strings; lacks hardware EN pins for instantaneous bank disable. | Choose when ambient light adaptive dimming is required and system already includes a boost converter for other loads. |
Compared with TPS60251RTWT, TPS60250RTWT reduces channel count but retains identical efficiency and control architecture, while LM3530UMX/NOPB trades integrated power conversion for ambient-aware dimming at the cost of higher system complexity and reduced power efficiency in battery-critical applications.
Availability
TPS60251RTWT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile handset design, portable medical display interfaces, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for TPS60251RTWT 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management and interface solutions.
The TPS6025x family is engineered specifically for multi-display mobile devices, delivering high-efficiency, space-optimized LED backlight drivers with integrated charge-pump conversion and fine-grained I²C control.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current per channel for the TPS60251RTWT?
The TPS60251RTWT supports up to 30 mA per LED channel across all three banks (MAIN, SUB, and AUX). This rating applies under recommended operating conditions (TA = 25 °C, VIN = 3.6 V), with current accuracy maintained within ±5% across channels and temperature. The device achieves this using matched internal current mirrors and external RSET resistors calibrated per bank.
How does the TPS60251RTWT handle input voltage variation during battery discharge?
The TPS60251RTWT automatically switches between linear bypass mode and 1.5× charge-pump mode based on real-time comparison of input voltage against LED forward voltage plus dropout. When VIN ≥ VF + VDO, it operates in high-efficiency bypass; below that threshold, it engages the charge-pump to maintain regulated current. This ensures >85% efficiency across the full 2.7–5.5 V input range without firmware intervention.
Can the TPS60251RTWT drive different numbers of LEDs on MAIN and SUB banks simultaneously?
Yes, the TPS60251RTWT supports independent configuration: MAIN bank (LED1–LED5) can drive 1–5 white LEDs, while SUB bank (LED6–LED7) supports 1–2 white LEDs. Each bank uses its own RSET resistor and I²C current register, allowing asymmetric configurations-for example, five LEDs at 20 mA on MAIN and two LEDs at 30 mA on SUB-without cross-talk or regulation error.
Does the TPS60251RTWT include open-LED fault protection?
Yes, the TPS60251RTWT integrates per-channel open-LED detection. If any LED cathode (e.g., LED3) floats above 0.5 V relative to GND during operation, the corresponding current sink disables within 10 µs and sets a flag in the I²C status register. This prevents uncontrolled voltage rise and thermal stress, and allows host firmware to log faults or initiate recovery sequences without external circuitry.
What external components are required for basic operation of the TPS60251RTWT?
For nominal operation, the TPS60251RTWT requires: (1) one 1-µF ceramic input capacitor (X7R, 10 V) between VIN and GND; (2) two 1-µF ceramic flying capacitors (CFLY1, CFLY2) referenced to GND; (3) one 1-µF ceramic output capacitor (COUT) on each LED bank's return path; and (4) three precision RSET resistors (one per bank) to set maximum current. No inductors or Schottky diodes are needed.
TPS60251RTWT 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)
TPS60251RTWT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPS60251RTWT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPS60251RTWT 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 TPS60251RTWT reliable?
The price and inventory of TPS60251RTWT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPS60251RTWT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TPS60251RTWT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TPS60251RTWT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TPS60251RTWT?
TPS60251RTWT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TPS60251RTWT 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 TPS60251RTWT?
For technical support, including TPS60251RTWT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPS60251RTWT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPS60251RTWT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPS60251RTWT 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 TPS60251RTWT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPS60251RTWT?
All TPS60251RTWT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPS60251RTWT, 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 TPS60251RTWT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPS60251RTWT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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