Texas Instruments TPS61028DRCR

Overview

TPS61028DRCR from Texas Instruments is a synchronous boost DC-DC converter optimized for single-cell alkaline/NiMH/Li-ion battery-powered systems. It delivers up to 200 mA at regulated output while operating from 0.9 V to 6.5 V input, features 800 mA switch current limit, 96% peak efficiency, and integrated low-battery comparator with LBI/LBO pins - deployed in portable medical devices and camera LED flash circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61028DRCR datasheet, TPS61028DRCR pinout, TPS61028DRCR application, or TPS61028DRCR equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage start-up threshold (0.9 V), fixed-frequency PWM control (480–720 kHz), power-save mode enable via PS pin, and thermal shutdown protection at 140°C - all verified for the DRC package variant.

Technical Context

The TPS61028DRCR implements a fixed-frequency, multiple feed-forward PWM controller that monitors VBAT, VOUT, and NMOS switch voltage drop to directly adjust duty cycle-bypassing slow error-amplifier loop response. Its synchronous rectification uses integrated N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs with separate GND and PGND pins to minimize ground shift and enable load disconnect during shutdown.

It supports down-regulation mode when VBAT ≥ VOUT (e.g., 3.3 V output from 3.6 V Li-ion), where the PMOS rectifier operates as a linear regulator to maintain regulation-increasing conduction loss but eliminating need for external buck circuitry. Power-save mode is active by default at light loads and can be disabled via PS pin to enforce fixed-frequency operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61028DRCR is housed in a thermally enhanced 3 mm × 3 mm VSON-10 PowerPAD™ package (DRC), with exposed thermal pad soldered to PGND for optimal heat dissipation. The 10-pin layout includes dual ground paths (GND for logic, PGND for power switch return) to isolate noise-sensitive control circuitry from high-current switching nodes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61020DRCR, TPS61028DRCR trades peak current capability for lower quiescent current and tighter thermal profile; versus TPS61291DRVR, it offers full programmability and battery monitoring at the cost of higher IQ and larger footprint - making TPS61028DRCR the balanced choice for mid-power portable systems requiring flexibility and supervision.

Availability

TPS61028DRCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, camera LED flash drivers, handheld audio players, industrial handheld scanners, and battery-powered IoT edge nodes requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS61028DRCR 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-input-voltage battery-powered applications - delivering high-efficiency synchronous boost conversion with integrated supervision, load disconnect, and thermal protection in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS61028DRCR to start switching?

The TPS61028DRCR requires a minimum input voltage of 0.9 V at VBAT to initiate startup under typical load conditions (RL = 120 Ω). This enables operation from nearly depleted alkaline or NiMH cells. Once running, it sustains regulation down to 0.9 V input across its full output range. Startup behavior is confirmed in Section 8.5 of the SLVS451G datasheet.

Can TPS61028DRCR regulate output when input voltage exceeds output voltage?

Yes, the TPS61028DRCR supports down-regulation mode: when VBAT ≥ VOUT (e.g., 3.3 V output from 3.6 V Li-ion), it controls the PMOS rectifier as a linear pass element to maintain regulation. This avoids external buck circuitry but increases conduction loss - thermal design must account for elevated die temperature in this mode.

How does the LBI/LBO function work on TPS61028DRCR?

The LBI pin accepts a scaled battery voltage via external resistor divider; internal comparator triggers LBO (open-drain) low when LBI falls below 500 mV (with 10 mV hysteresis). LBO is only active when EN = high. If unused, LBI must be tied to GND or VBAT - never left floating - per Section 7 and 10.3.7 of the datasheet.

What is the purpose of separate GND and PGND pins on TPS61028DRCR?

GND serves as reference for control circuitry (EN, PS, FB, LBI); PGND returns high-current paths (SW, VOUT). Separating them prevents switching noise from modulating feedback or enable thresholds. They must connect to the same net at a single point near the GND pin - critical for stability and EMI performance per Layout Guidelines (Section 13).

Does TPS61028DRCR support fixed-frequency operation at light loads?

Yes - driving PS pin high disables power-save mode and forces fixed-frequency PWM operation (480–720 kHz) regardless of load. This ensures predictable EMI and timing for sensitive applications like audio or flash control. When PS is low, it enters pulse-skipping mode to maintain >85% efficiency at loads below ~10 mA.