Texas Instruments TPS61029DRCTG4

Overview

TPS61029DRCTG4 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 at 5.5 V output from 0.9–5.5 V input, features 96% peak efficiency, 600 kHz fixed-frequency PWM control, and integrated low-battery comparator with LBI/LBO pins. Used in portable medical devices requiring regulated 5 V rail from depleting batteries.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61029DRCTG4 datasheet, TPS61029DRCTG4 pinout, TPS61029DRCTG4 application, or TPS61029DRCTG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage start-up down to 0.9 V, 1800 mA switch current limit, power-save mode enable/disable via PS pin, and VSON-10 thermal performance (R_θJA = 47.2°C/W).

Technical Context

The TPS61029DRCTG4 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. It integrates synchronous N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs to replace Schottky diodes, achieving 96% efficiency.

It supports automatic down-regulation when V_IN ≥ V_OUT by modulating PMOS conduction loss to maintain regulation-critical for white LED flash powered from 4.2 V Li-ion cells. Thermal shutdown (140°C) and undervoltage lockout (~0.8 V) ensure safe operation during deep discharge.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VSON-10 (DRC) package, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed PowerPAD™ thermal pad soldered to PGND plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61029DRCTG4, TPS61026DRCT offers plug-and-play 5 V regulation but forfeits output flexibility, while MAX17062ETA+ trades thermal robustness and integrated battery monitoring for higher switching frequency and smaller passives.

Availability

TPS61029DRCTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, USB-powered peripherals, white LED flash drivers, and handheld barcode scanners requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS61029DRCTG4 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 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-input-voltage, high-efficiency boost conversion in battery-powered portable equipment-emphasizing deep-discharge operation, integrated supervision, and thermal resilience in miniature packages.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS61029DRCTG4 to start switching?

The TPS61029DRCTG4 requires a minimum input voltage of 0.9 V to initiate startup, verified under RL = 120 Ω load per TI SLVS451G datasheet Section 8.5. Below this threshold, the internal undervoltage lockout prevents operation to avoid unstable regulation. Once running, it sustains regulation down to 0.9 V input across temperature and load conditions. This makes TPS61029DRCTG4 suitable for single-cell alkaline applications where voltage drops to endpoint.

Does TPS61029DRCTG4 support output voltages lower than the input voltage?

Yes, TPS61029DRCTG4 supports down-regulation: when input voltage exceeds nominal output (e.g., 4.2 V Li-ion input with 3.6 V output), it actively modulates the PMOS rectifier's conduction loss to maintain regulation. This mode activates automatically when V_IN ≥ V_OUT and deactivates when V_IN falls ~50 mV below V_OUT. The feature eliminates need for separate buck-boost ICs in white LED flash or multi-cell battery systems.

How is the low-battery detection threshold programmed on TPS61029DRCTG4?

The low-battery threshold is set via an external resistor divider from V_BAT to GND, connected to the LBI pin. The internal comparator triggers when LBI voltage drops to 500 mV ±10 mV hysteresis. For example, to detect 2.8 V battery cutoff, use R1 = 390 kΩ and R2 = 200 kΩ per TI application guidance. LBO outputs open-drain low and requires a 1 MΩ pull-up resistor to V_OUT or V_BAT.

What thermal considerations apply to TPS61029DRCTG4 in continuous 200 mA operation?

At 200 mA output into 5 V with 1.2 V input, TPS61029DRCTG4 dissipates ~0.8 W. With R_θJA = 47.2°C/W and 25°C ambient, junction temperature rises ~38°C-well below the 125°C max operating limit. To ensure reliability, the PowerPAD™ must be soldered and connected to a ≥1 cm² PGND copper pour; thermal vias under the pad reduce R_θJB to 21.6°C/W per datasheet Section 8.4.

Can TPS61029DRCTG4 operate without the external feedback resistors?

No-TPS61029DRCTG4 is an adjustable-output variant and requires external FB resistors to set V_OUT. Unlike fixed-output versions (e.g., TPS61026DRCT), it has no internal resistor divider. The FB pin expects 500 mV reference; omitting R3/R4 leaves FB floating, causing unregulated output and potential damage. Typical design uses R4 = 200 kΩ and R3 calculated per V_OUT = 500 mV × (1 + R3/R4).