Texas Instruments TPS61026DRCR

Overview

TPS61026DRCR from Texas Instruments is a fixed-frequency synchronous boost converter IC designed for battery-powered systems requiring regulated 5 V output. It delivers up to 500 mA at 5 V from a 3.3-V rail or single-cell Li-ion (0.9–5.5 V input), features 96% peak efficiency, integrated low-EMI anti-ringing switch, and load disconnect during shutdown. Used in portable medical devices and camera LED flash circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61026DRCR datasheet, TPS61026DRCR pinout, TPS61026DRCR application, or TPS61026DRCR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5-V fixed output, 1500 mA switch current limit, 480–720 kHz switching frequency, Power Save mode control via PS pin, and VSON-10 package thermal performance (R_θJA = 47.2°C/W).

Technical Context

The TPS61026DRCR implements a fixed-frequency PWM controller with synchronous rectification using integrated N- and P-channel MOSFETs. Input voltage, output voltage, and NMOS switch voltage drop are fed forward directly to the regulator-bypassing slow error-amplifier loop response-to enable rapid duty-cycle adaptation across dynamic load and input conditions.

It supports down-regulation mode when input exceeds output (e.g., 4.2 V Li-ion → 5 V output), where the PMOS rectifier operates as a linear pass element to maintain regulation. This mode activates automatically above V_IN ≈ V_OUT + 50 mV and deactivates below that threshold, with thermal derating required due to increased conduction loss.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61026DRCR uses a 3 mm × 3 mm VSON-10 package with exposed PowerPAD™ thermal pad (must be soldered to PGND plane). Pin numbering follows standard DRC outline: EN (1), VOUT (2), FB (3), LBO (4), GND (5), VBAT (6), LBI (7), PS (8), SW (9), PGND (10).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar boost converter applications.

Compared with TPS61026DRCR, TPS61027DRCR offers higher current headroom at identical voltage and package, while TPS61025DRCR targets 3.3 V systems with extended input range-neither is pin-compatible for direct replacement without schematic and layout review.

Availability

TPS61026DRCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, camera LED flash circuits, personal audio players, and industrial handheld scanners requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TPS61026DRCR 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 IC design and high-volume manufacturing reliability.

The TPS6102x family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-efficiency boost conversion in space-constrained battery-powered devices-emphasizing deep-input-voltage operation, integrated protection, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current capability of the TPS61026DRCR at 5 V?

The TPS61026DRCR supports up to 500 mA continuous output current at 5 V when supplied from a 3.3-V rail, based on its 1500 mA internal switch current limit, 96% efficiency, and thermal limits of the VSON-10 package (R_θJA = 47.2°C/W). Actual deliverable current depends on input voltage, ambient temperature, and PCB copper area-see Figure 1 in the SLVS451G datasheet for VI–IO curves.

Does the TPS61026DRCR require external feedback resistors to set the output voltage?

No, the TPS61026DRCR has an internally trimmed 5 V output and does not require external feedback resistors. The FB pin is unused and must be left floating or grounded per TI's layout guidance. This simplifies design and improves accuracy versus adjustable versions like TPS61020DRCR, which rely on external resistor dividers.

How does the TPS61026DRCR handle input voltages higher than 5 V?

The TPS61026DRCR enters down-regulation mode when VBAT exceeds ~5.05 V, using its integrated PMOS rectifier as a linear pass element to maintain 5 V output. This avoids overvoltage damage but increases power dissipation-thermal design must account for this mode, especially at high loads. Operation ceases below VBAT ≈ 4.95 V.

Can the TPS61026DRCR be used with a single-cell alkaline battery?

Yes, the TPS61026DRCR supports input voltages as low as 0.9 V, enabling operation from deeply discharged single-cell alkaline batteries (typically 0.9–1.5 V). Its 25 µA quiescent current and efficient Power Save mode extend usable runtime significantly compared to older boost architectures.

What is the purpose of the PS pin on the TPS61026DRCR?

The PS (Power Save) pin controls light-load efficiency behavior: pulling PS low enables automatic burst-mode operation to maintain >85% efficiency down to 1 mA output current; pulling PS high forces fixed-frequency PWM for predictable EMI and reduced output ripple at the cost of lower light-load efficiency.