Texas Instruments TPS61029DRCT

Overview

TPS61029DRCT from Texas Instruments is a synchronous boost DC-DC converter optimized for single-cell Li-ion, alkaline, or NiMH battery-powered systems. It delivers up to 200 mA output current at 3.3 V from 0.9-V input, features 96% peak efficiency, 500-mV feedback reference, and integrated low-battery comparator with LBI/LBO pins - used in portable medical devices requiring regulated 3.3-V rail from deeply discharged batteries.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61029DRCT datasheet, TPS61029DRCT pinout, TPS61029DRCT application, or TPS61029DRCT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1800-mA switch current limit, 480–720-kHz fixed-frequency PWM operation, down-regulation capability when V_IN ≥ V_OUT, Power Save Mode control via PS pin, and thermal shutdown at 140°C.

Technical Context

The TPS61029DRCT implements a fixed-frequency, multiple feed-forward PWM controller that monitors V_IN, V_OUT, and NMOS switch voltage drop to directly adjust duty cycle-bypassing slow error-amplifier loop for fast transient response. Its synchronous rectification uses integrated N- and P-channel MOSFETs with separate PGND and GND pins to minimize ground shift and enable load disconnect during shutdown.

It supports true down-regulation: when V_IN ≥ V_OUT, the PMOS rectifier operates in linear mode to regulate output, with automatic exit when V_IN falls ~50 mV below V_OUT. The device also integrates anti-ringing circuitry on the SW node and an internal 500-mV reference for FB and LBI comparators with 10-mV hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TPS61029DRCT is housed in a thermally enhanced 3-mm × 3-mm VSON-10 package with exposed PowerPAD™ (must be soldered to PGND for thermal and electrical performance).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61026DRCT, the TPS61029DRCT provides output voltage flexibility at identical footprint and protection features; versus TPS61032RTER, it trades current capability and speed for integrated battery monitoring and smaller size - making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-supervised 200-mA applications.

Availability

TPS61029DRCT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, wireless hearing aids, handheld barcode scanners, and smart wearable displays requiring stable component supply across extended battery life cycles.

Supply support for TPS61029DRCT 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS6102x product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-voltage, high-efficiency boost conversion in single- and multi-cell battery-powered portable equipment - emphasizing minimal quiescent current, integrated supervision, and robust thermal behavior in miniature packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current capability of the TPS61029DRCT at 3.3 V output?

The TPS61029DRCT supports up to 200 mA continuous output current at 3.3 V when supplied from a 0.9-V to 5.5-V input source. This is enabled by its 1800-mA typical switch current limit and 96% peak efficiency - verified across input voltages down to 0.9 V in TI's SLVS451G datasheet Figure 1 and efficiency curves. Actual deliverable current depends on thermal design and inductor saturation rating.

Does the TPS61029DRCT support regulation when input voltage exceeds output voltage?

Yes, the TPS61029DRCT supports down-regulation: it maintains regulated output even when V_IN ≥ V_OUT (e.g., 4.2-V Li-ion → 3.3-V rail). In this mode, the internal PMOS rectifier operates linearly to drop excess voltage. Operation automatically exits down-regulation when V_IN falls ~50 mV below V_OUT, as documented in Section 10.3.3 of the SLVS451G datasheet.

How is the low-battery detection threshold set on the TPS61029DRCT?

The TPS61029DRCT low-battery threshold is set via an external resistor divider connected to the LBI pin. With an internal 500-mV comparator reference and 10-mV hysteresis, a standard divider (e.g., 560 kΩ from V_BAT to LBI, 200 kΩ from LBI to GND) triggers LBO at ~2.8 V. The LBI pin draws only 0.01 µA, minimizing divider current burden - detailed in Section 10.5.2 of SLVS451G.

What is the purpose of the PS pin on the TPS61029DRCT?

The PS (Power Save) pin on the TPS61029DRCT controls light-load efficiency mode: pulled low to enable automatic pulse-skipping for >85% efficiency at 1-mA loads, or pulled high to force fixed-frequency PWM operation. In down-regulation mode, Power Save is always active regardless of PS state - a key distinction confirmed in Section 10.4.2 of the SLVS451G datasheet.

Can the TPS61029DRCT be used with a 6.8-µH inductor and what capacitor values are recommended?

Yes, the TPS61029DRCT is validated with a 6.8-µH inductor (e.g., EPCOS B82462-G4682) per TI's typical schematic. Recommended capacitors include: 10-µF X7R ceramic at SW, 2.2-µF X7R/X5R at VOUT, and 47-µF low-ESR tantalum at output - all specified in the "List of Components" section of SLVS451G. These values ensure stability, low ripple, and adequate hold-up during load transients.