Texas Instruments TPS61160DRVR

Overview

TPS61160DRVR from Texas Instruments is a 2.7–18 V input, 26-V open-LED-protected white LED boost driver in 2-mm × 2-mm WSON-6 package, delivering up to 20 mA per string with 200 mV ±2% feedback reference, 600 kHz fixed-frequency operation, and integrated 40-V/0.7-A N-channel switch FET - used for backlighting compact displays in portable media players and GPS receivers.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61160DRVR datasheet, TPS61160DRVR pinout, TPS61160DRVR application, or TPS61160DRVR equivalent, key selection criteria include open-LED protection threshold (26 V), PWM/digital dimming interface on CTRL pin, 200-mV FB regulation accuracy, soft-start timing (32 steps × 213 µs), and thermal shutdown at 160°C.

Technical Context

The TPS61160DRVR implements current-mode PWM control with slope compensation for stable operation above 50% duty cycle, regulating FB to 200 mV via an internal transconductance error amplifier (240–400 µmho, 500 kHz crossover with 5 pF on COMP). Its 40-V rated switch FET enables series LED strings up to 6 LEDs (e.g., 6 × 4.3 V = 25.8 V + 200 mV < 26 V OVP).

Open LED protection activates when SW voltage exceeds 26 V *and* FB falls below 100 mV (50% of VREF) for 8 consecutive switching cycles, forcing shutdown until CTRL is toggled. Dimming mode - PWM or EasyScale one-wire - is latched at power-up and requires full shutdown (CTRL low ≥2.5 ms) to reconfigure.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61160DRVR uses a thermally enhanced 6-pin WSON package (2 mm × 2 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad soldered to analog ground plane for optimal power dissipation (RθJA = 96.1°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar white LED boost driver applications.

Compared with TPS61161DRVR, the TPS61160DRVR provides tighter open-LED protection for shorter LED strings, reducing risk of overvoltage stress. Against MAX16832ATA+, it delivers higher integration and smaller layout area but trades off input voltage headroom and maximum output current capability.

Availability

TPS61160DRVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, GPS receivers, and cellular phone backlighting requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TPS61160DRVR 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 designing analog ICs, embedded processors, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TPS6116x product line targets space-constrained portable backlighting applications, integrating high-voltage boost conversion, precision current regulation, and flexible dimming in minimal footprint packages.

FAQ

What is the open-LED protection threshold for TPS61160DRVR?

The TPS61160DRVR features a 26 V (typical) open-LED protection threshold, verified by monitoring both SW and FB pins. When SW exceeds 26 V *and* FB drops below 100 mV for 8 consecutive switching cycles, the device shuts down. This threshold is fixed and cannot be adjusted externally - it is designed specifically for 4–6 white LED strings with forward voltages up to 4.3 V each. The TPS61160DRVR does not support user-programmable OVP levels.

How does the CTRL pin function in TPS61160DRVR?

The CTRL pin on the TPS61160DRVR serves three roles: enable/disable control (logic high = active, low ≥2.5 ms = shutdown), PWM brightness dimming input (5–100 kHz), and EasyScale one-wire digital interface. Dimming mode is latched at power-up - PWM is default, while EasyScale requires a specific low-pulse sequence (≥260 µs within 1 ms window) after enabling. The TPS61160DRVR does not support simultaneous PWM and digital dimming; reconfiguration requires full shutdown and restart.

What is the recommended RSET value for 20 mA LED current with TPS61160DRVR?

For 20 mA LED current, the TPS61160DRVR requires RSET = 10 Ω, calculated using ILED = 200 mV / RSET. A 1% tolerance metal-film resistor is recommended to maintain current accuracy within ±3%, accounting for ±2% VREF tolerance and resistor drift. Layout best practice places RSET directly between FB and GND with short, low-impedance traces - any parasitic resistance here directly offsets programmed current. The TPS61160DRVR's 200 mV reference enables low-power, high-precision current setting without additional amplification.

Does TPS61160DRVR support analog dimming via voltage on the CTRL pin?

No, the TPS61160DRVR does not support analog dimming via variable DC voltage on the CTRL pin. Its CTRL pin accepts only digital logic levels (VIL ≤ 0.4 V, VIH ≥ 1.2 V) for enable/disable and PWM signals (5–100 kHz), or EasyScale pulse sequences. Attempting to apply analog voltage will result in undefined behavior or failure to regulate. For true analog dimming, external circuitry (e.g., op-amp + transistor) must convert voltage to PWM duty cycle before applying to CTRL - the TPS61160DRVR itself performs only digital or PWM-based current scaling.

What thermal management is required for TPS61160DRVR in continuous 20 mA operation?

In continuous 20 mA operation with VIN = 3.6 V and 6-LED string, the TPS61160DRVR dissipates ~120 mW. To maintain junction temperature ≤125°C at 85°C ambient, the PCB must provide adequate thermal relief: the exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a ≥1 cm² copper pour connected to inner-layer ground planes via ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter). Without this, junction temperature may exceed 160°C triggering thermal shutdown. The TPS61160DRVR's RθJB = 65.9°C/W assumes proper pad-to-plane connection - omitting vias degrades performance by >30°C/W.