Texas Instruments TPS60255RTET

Overview

TPS60255RTET from Texas Instruments is a high-efficiency, constant-frequency charge pump DC/DC converter for driving seven white LEDs with individual current regulation. It supports 2.7 V to 6.0 V input, auto-switches between 1× and 1.5× modes, delivers up to 25.2 mA per channel (six channels) and 80 mA on GC, and uses a single-wire EasyScale™ interface for dimming and ON/OFF control in space-constrained mobile phone backlight systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS60255RTET datasheet, TPS60255RTET pinout, TPS60255RTET application, or TPS60255RTET equivalent, this device is selected for compact, high-efficiency WLED backlighting where adaptive charge-pump mode switching, open-lamp detection, and multi-group independent current control are required across clamshell, slide, and bar-form factor handsets.

Technical Context

The TPS60255RTET implements an adaptive 1×/1.5× charge-pump architecture that monitors voltage at each current-sink feedback pin (GAx/GBx/GC) to trigger mode transitions - entering 1.5× mode when any sink voltage falls below 100 mV and returning to 1× mode only after input rises above a hysteresis threshold (e.g., ~550 mV above transition point). Its 750 kHz fixed-frequency oscillator drives flying capacitors C1 and C2 in reconfigurable series-parallel topology to generate regulated output voltage.

Current regulation is implemented via seven independent, low-dropout current sinks grouped as GA1–GA4 (25 mA max), GB1–GB2 (25 mA max), and GC (80 mA max), each programmable via three brightness registers and five ON/OFF bits over the EasyScale™ single-wire interface. Open-lamp detection uses internal comparators to disable unused sinks and prevent false 1.5× mode activation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS60255RTET is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin, 3 mm × 3 mm QFN package (RTE) with 0.8 mm height and exposed thermal pad - optimized for low-profile portable applications requiring high power density and efficient PCB heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar WLED driver applications.

Compared with TPS60255RTET, TPS60250RTET omits the high-current GC sink and associated torch control, while LM3530UMX/NOPB trades single-wire simplicity and adaptive charge-pump efficiency for I²C configurability and higher dimming granularity - neither offers identical mixed-group, mixed-current, and adaptive-mode capability.

Availability

TPS60255RTET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular phones, portable navigation displays, and multi-display handheld devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS60255RTET 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 ICs for portable and battery-powered systems.

The TPS60255RTET belongs to TI's WLED backlight driver product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained mobile handsets requiring high-efficiency, multi-zone LED control with minimal external components and adaptive voltage conversion.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the TPS60255RTET support, and how does it maintain efficiency across that range?

The TPS60255RTET supports a 2.7 V to 6.0 V input range and maintains high efficiency by automatically switching between 1× (pass-through) and 1.5× (charge-pump boost) modes based on real-time comparison of input voltage and LED forward voltage. This adaptive behavior ensures minimal power loss across the full single-cell Li-ion battery discharge curve. The TPS60255RTET achieves up to 92% peak efficiency at 3.5 V input and 15.3 mA LED current.

How many LED current sinks does the TPS60255RTET provide, and what are their maximum ratings?

The TPS60255RTET provides seven independently controllable current sinks: GA1–GA4 and GB1–GB2 each support up to 25.2 mA, while GC supports up to 80 mA. These are grouped into three programmable sets (A, B, C) with separate dimming registers and ON/OFF controls. The TPS60255RTET uses low-dropout architecture (60–100 mV) to maximize headroom and extend 1× mode operation.

What interface does the TPS60255RTET use for brightness and ON/OFF control, and what are its key timing requirements?

The TPS60255RTET uses the EasyScale™ single-wire interface on the IF pin, requiring only one GPIO for full control. Key timing parameters include start condition ≥3.5 µs high pulse, low-bit detection window (tL_LB) of 2×tH_LB up to 600 µs, and end-of-stream duration ≥3.5 µs. The TPS60255RTET supports bit rates from 1.2 Kbps to 95 Kbps with automatic rate detection and optional acknowledge response.

Does the TPS60255RTET include protection features, and how does it handle open LED faults?

Yes, the TPS60255RTET integrates soft start (0.5 ms), over-current limit, thermal shutdown, over-voltage detection (6.6 V), and UVLO (2.3 V nominal). For open LED faults, it employs seven internal comparators to detect missing LED paths and automatically disables unused current sinks from the regulation loop - preventing erroneous 1.5× mode activation and maintaining system efficiency. This behavior is confirmed in TPS60255RTET functional test reports.

What external components are required for basic operation of the TPS60255RTET?

The TPS60255RTET requires only four external components: one 1 µF input capacitor (C1), two 1 µF flying capacitors (C2, C3), and one 2.2–4.7 µF output capacitor (C4). All are ceramic X5R/X7R types. No inductors or additional biasing resistors are needed. This minimal BOM enables ultra-compact layouts - the complete solution fits within 12 mm² PCB area including passives, as validated in TPS60255RTET reference design SLVA342.