Texas Instruments TPS61160DRVRG4

Overview

TPS61160DRVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a 2.7-V to 18-V input, 26-V open-LED protected white LED boost driver in a 2-mm × 2-mm WSON-6 package with thermal pad. It integrates a 40-V/0.7-A N-channel switch FET, regulates LED current via 200-mV FB reference, supports digital (EasyScale™) and PWM dimming on CTRL pin, and delivers up to 90% efficiency for 4–6 series LEDs in portable backlighting.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61160DRVRG4 datasheet, TPS61160DRVRG4 pinout, TPS61160DRVRG4 application, or TPS61160DRVRG4 equivalent, key selection factors include open-LED protection threshold (26 V), fixed 600-kHz switching frequency, 200-mV ±2% feedback reference accuracy, soft-start ramp timing (213 μs/step), and dual-dimming mode configuration via CTRL pin logic sequence.

Technical Context

The TPS61160DRVRG4 implements current-mode PWM control with slope compensation for stable operation above 50% duty cycle. Its error amplifier (transconductance 240–400 μmho, output resistance 6 MΩ) drives COMP to stabilize FB at 200 mV using external RC compensation.

Open-LED protection monitors SW and FB simultaneously: shutdown occurs after 8 consecutive cycles where SW > 26 V and FB < 100 mV. Dimming mode-PWM or EasyScale-is latched at power-up based on a precise CTRL pin low-pulse detection window (100 μs delay + 260 μs minimum low time within 1-ms window).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61160DRVRG4 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 junction-to-board thermal resistance of 65.9°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61160DRVRG4, TPS61161DRVR offers higher open-LED protection for longer LED strings but risks overvoltage in 6-LED designs, while MAX16832ATA+T trades integration for higher current capability and external component flexibility-making TPS61160DRVRG4 optimal for compact, cost-sensitive 4–6 LED applications with strict 26-V OVP compliance.

Availability

TPS61160DRVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular phone backlighting, portable media player displays, and ultra-mobile PC keyboard illumination requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TPS61160DRVRG4 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 company designing analog ICs, embedded processors, and power management solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TPS6116x product line delivers highly integrated white LED drivers optimized for space-constrained portable devices, emphasizing low-noise analog dimming, robust fault protection, and seamless integration with microcontroller-based brightness control.

FAQ

What is the open-LED protection threshold for TPS61160DRVRG4?

The TPS61160DRVRG4 features a 26-V typical open-LED protection threshold, triggered when the SW pin voltage exceeds 26 V and the FB pin voltage falls below 100 mV for eight consecutive switching cycles. This protects the internal 40-V FET and external components during LED string disconnection. The threshold is fixed and cannot be adjusted; TPS61160DRVRG4 is specifically selected for 4–6 LED applications where (n_LED × V_F(max)) + 200 mV remains below 26 V.

How does the CTRL pin configure dimming mode on TPS61160DRVRG4?

The CTRL pin on TPS61160DRVRG4 determines dimming mode at power-up: default is PWM dimming, but pulling CTRL low for ≥260 μs within a 1-ms detection window (starting 100 μs after initial high-to-low transition) enables EasyScale™ digital dimming. Once latched, the mode persists until shutdown (CTRL low ≥2.5 ms) and restart. TPS61160DRVRG4 does not support runtime mode switching-configuration is static per power cycle.

What is the recommended R_SET value for 20-mA LED current with TPS61160DRVRG4?

For 20-mA LED current, TPS61160DRVRG4 requires an R_SET value of 10 Ω, calculated using I_LED = V_FB/R_SET = 200 mV / R_SET. A 1% tolerance, 0603-size resistor (e.g., Vishay CRCW060310R0FKEA) is recommended to maintain ±2% current accuracy given the 200-mV ±2% FB reference. Layout must minimize trace resistance between FB and R_SET to avoid current-setting errors.

Does TPS61160DRVRG4 generate audible noise during dimming?

No, TPS61160DRVRG4 eliminates audible noise by modulating the DC LED current-not pulsing it-using either PWM or EasyScale dimming. The internal low-pass filter converts the CTRL pin PWM signal into a stable analog reference voltage (200 mV × duty cycle) for the error amplifier, ensuring continuous current flow through the LED string. This avoids mechanical vibration in output capacitors that causes whine in conventional PWM-driven boost LED drivers.

What thermal management is required for TPS61160DRVRG4 in continuous 20-mA operation?

TPS61160DRVRG4 requires soldering the exposed thermal pad to a solid analog ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter) to inner ground layers. With 65.9°C/W junction-to-board thermal resistance, 20-mA operation at 3.6-V input yields ~120 mW dissipation; this results in ~12°C rise above board temperature. No heatsink is needed, but airflow >0.5 m/s or copper area ≥100 mm² around the pad ensures reliable operation below the 125°C max junction temperature.