Texas Instruments TPS60401DBVR

Overview

TPS60401DBVR from Texas Instruments is an unregulated charge-pump voltage inverter IC that generates a negative output voltage (–VI) from a 1.6 V to 5.5 V input, delivers up to 60 mA output current, operates at fixed 20 kHz switching frequency, and requires only three 1-µF ceramic capacitors - used in LCD bias and GaAs RF amplifier biasing.

For engineers reviewing the TPS60401DBVR datasheet, TPS60401DBVR pinout, TPS60401DBVR application, or TPS60401DBVR equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, confirmed SOT-23-5 pin mapping, validated efficiency and output resistance behavior, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for unregulated negative rail generation.

Technical Context

The TPS60401DBVR implements a two-phase switched-capacitor inverter topology with internal MOSFET switches and integrated active Schottky-diode startup circuitry. It uses fixed-frequency (20 kHz) operation to control charge transfer between the flying capacitor (CFLY) and output capacitor (CO), enabling predictable ripple and EMI profile.

Unlike regulated DC-DC converters, it provides unregulated inversion: VO ≈ –VI – (IO × RO), where RO ≈ 15 Ω at 25°C and VI = 5 V. Its quiescent current is 65 µA typical, and conversion efficiency exceeds 90% at IO ≥ 10 mA under 5 V input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS60401DBVR is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 package (2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Thermal resistance R_θJA = 221.2°C/W enables operation up to 125°C junction temperature with minimal heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unregulated charge-pump inverter applications.

Compared with TPS60401DBVR, TPS60403DBVR offers superior ripple performance at the cost of higher quiescent current, while TPS60402DBVR provides a middle-ground solution with moderate frequency, ripple, and IQ - all share identical SOT-23-5 packaging and functional pinout but differ in capacitor requirements and thermal behavior.

Availability

TPS60401DBVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD bias, GaAs RF amplifier bias, and portable sensor supply applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for industrial and medical OEMs.

Supply support for TPS60401DBVR 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 technologies, with decades of expertise in precision power conversion and low-power system design.

The TPS6040x family was designed specifically for space- and power-constrained portable electronics needing compact, capacitor-only negative voltage generation - targeting instrumentation, medical devices, and RF subsystems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TPS60401DBVR?

The TPS60401DBVR is an unregulated switched-capacitor voltage inverter that converts a positive input (1.6 V to 5.5 V) into a corresponding negative output (e.g., –3.3 V from 3.3 V input). It delivers up to 60 mA with fixed 20 kHz operation and requires only three 1-µF ceramic capacitors. The TPS60401DBVR does not regulate output voltage - VO ≈ –VI – (IO × 15 Ω) - making it ideal for non-critical bias rails where simplicity and size matter most.

Does the TPS60401DBVR require an external Schottky diode?

No, the TPS60401DBVR integrates active Schottky-diode functionality for startup into precharged loads, eliminating the need for an external diode. This internal circuit prevents the output from rising above ground during initial power-up and ensures reliable start-up across load types - a key differentiator from discrete charge-pump implementations. The TPS60401DBVR achieves this with no additional components or layout overhead.

What capacitor values are required for proper operation of the TPS60401DBVR?

The TPS60401DBVR requires three 1-µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitors: one input bypass capacitor (CI), one flying capacitor (CFLY), and one output filter capacitor (CO). All must be low-ESR (e.g., 0805 or 1206 case size) to maintain output resistance near 15 Ω and ripple below 20 mV_P-P at 60 mA. Using smaller values degrades output capability; larger values yield diminishing returns due to internal switch resistance dominance.

How does output voltage regulation work in the TPS60401DBVR?

TPS60401DBVR provides unregulated inversion: VO ≈ –VI – (IO × RO), where RO ≈ 15 Ω at room temperature. There is no feedback loop or error amplifier - output voltage sags linearly with load current. For example, at VI = 5 V and IO = 60 mA, VO ≈ –4.1 V. Designers must account for this droop in system-level tolerance budgets. The TPS60401DBVR is not a substitute for a regulated inverting buck-boost converter where tight VO stability is required.

Is the TPS60401DBVR pin-compatible with other members of the TPS6040x family?

Yes, all TPS6040x variants - including TPS60400DBVR, TPS60401DBVR, TPS60402DBVR, and TPS60403DBVR - share identical SOT-23-5 pinout, package dimensions, and terminal functions. They differ only in switching frequency, quiescent current, and recommended capacitor values. This allows direct substitution in existing layouts when ripple, efficiency, or capacitor size trade-offs justify a change - no PCB revision needed for pin-compatible replacement.