Texas Instruments TPS61160DRVT

Overview

TPS61160DRVT 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, delivering up to 20 mA per LED string with 200-mV ±2% feedback reference and 600-kHz fixed-frequency PWM control for backlighting in ultra-mobile displays.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61160DRVT datasheet, TPS61160DRVT pinout, TPS61160DRVT application, or TPS61160DRVT equivalent, key selection considerations include open-LED protection threshold (26 V), digital/PWM dimming mode selection via CTRL pin, soft-start ramp timing (213 µs/step), integrated 40-V/0.7-A switch FET, and thermal shutdown at 160°C.

Technical Context

The TPS61160DRVT 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) and COMP pin compensation network. Its 600-kHz fixed switching frequency enables compact external components including 22-µH inductor and 220-nF output capacitor.

Open LED protection monitors both SW node voltage (>26 V) and FB voltage (<100 mV) across eight consecutive cycles before disabling the 40-V rated N-channel FET; shutdown recovery requires toggling CTRL. Dimming is implemented either by PWM modulation of the 200-mV reference or by EasyScale™ one-wire protocol - mutually exclusive modes selected at power-up.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61160DRVT 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 TPS61161DRVT, the TPS61160DRVT provides tighter open-LED protection for shorter LED strings, reducing risk of overvoltage stress on output capacitors. Against MAX16832ATA+T, it delivers full integration and digital dimming capability at the cost of input voltage headroom - making it optimal for space-constrained portable designs.

Availability

TPS61160DRVT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular phone backlighting, portable media player displays, and GPS receiver illumination requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS61160DRVT 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, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of expertise in high-efficiency DC/DC conversion and LED lighting solutions.

The TPS6116x product line was designed specifically for space-constrained portable backlighting applications demanding high integration, low noise, and dual-dimming flexibility - targeting mobile handsets, media players, and navigation devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by TPS61160DRVT?

The TPS61160DRVT features 26-V open-LED protection, meaning its output voltage is clamped to prevent exceeding this threshold during fault conditions. Under normal operation, the maximum sustainable LED string voltage is (26 V − 200 mV), or 25.8 V, assuming the sense resistor drop is included in the FB regulation. This supports up to six white LEDs with typical forward voltage of 4.3 V each. The internal 40-V rated switch provides additional margin against transients.

How does the CTRL pin function in TPS61160DRVT?

The CTRL pin on the TPS61160DRVT serves three roles: enable/disable control (logic high = active, low ≥2.5 ms = shutdown), PWM brightness input (duty cycle modulates FB reference from 200 mV down to 20 mV), and EasyScale™ one-wire interface (digital command sequence for 32-step logarithmic dimming). Mode selection occurs at power-up and cannot be changed without cycling CTRL low to reinitialize.

Can TPS61160DRVT drive more than 20 mA of LED current?

The TPS61160DRVT is specified for up to 20 mA per LED string, determined by the 200-mV feedback reference and minimum R_SET value that maintains stability and thermal limits. While higher currents may be possible with lower R_SET, doing so risks exceeding the 0.7-A switch current limit, degrading efficiency, and triggering thermal shutdown. TI's recommended design targets 20 mA for reliable operation across temperature and process variation.

What external components are required for basic TPS61160DRVT operation?

A functional TPS61160DRVT circuit requires: (1) VIN decoupling capacitor (≥1 µF ceramic), (2) 22-µH shielded inductor (e.g., TDK VLCF5020T-220MR75-1), (3) Schottky diode (e.g., ON Semi MBR0540T1), (4) R_SET resistor (e.g., 10 Ω for 20 mA), and (5) COMP compensation network (e.g., 10 kΩ + 220 pF). Optional input/output capacitors (C1/C2/C3) improve ripple and stability per TI's SLVS791E layout guidelines.

Does TPS61160DRVT support analog dimming without PWM generation?

Yes - the TPS61160DRVT supports true analog dimming via its EasyScale™ one-wire interface, which digitally programs the FB reference voltage in 32 discrete steps (0–200 mV) without requiring continuous PWM signal generation. This reduces MCU overhead and eliminates audible noise associated with external PWM filtering, while maintaining smooth, flicker-free LED current control.