Texas Instruments TPS61165DBVT

Overview

TPS61165DBVT from Texas Instruments is a high-brightness white LED driver IC implementing a 1.2-MHz fixed-frequency boost converter with integrated 1.2-A/40-V N-channel MOSFET switch, 200-mV ±2% feedback reference, and dual-mode brightness control (PWM or EasyScale™). It regulates LED current via external R_set, supports up to 38-V open-LED protection, and targets serial white LED strings in space-constrained industrial HMI and media backlighting.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61165DBVT datasheet, TPS61165DBVT pinout, TPS61165DBVT application, or TPS61165DBVT equivalent, this page delivers verified package mapping (SOT-23-6), confirmed pin functions (CTRL for dimming/enable, FB for current sensing), real-world efficiency curves (up to 90% at 350 mA), thermal metrics (R_θJA = 210.1°C/W), and validated alternative options for LED driver selection.

Technical Context

The TPS61165DBVT uses current-mode control with built-in slope compensation to ensure stability at duty cycles >40%, enabling reliable operation across wide input (3–18 V) and output (up to 38 V) ranges. Its 1.2-MHz switching frequency allows compact 10-μH inductors (e.g., TOKO A915_Y-100M) and low-profile ceramic capacitors (e.g., Murata GRM188R61E105K).

It integrates soft-start (32-step FB ramp, 213 μs/step), undervoltage lockout (2.2 V threshold, 70 mV hysteresis), thermal shutdown (160°C trip, 15°C hysteresis), and open-LED protection triggered by simultaneous SW >38 V and FB <100 mV for ≥8 clock cycles - all implemented without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61165DBVT is housed in a 6-pin SOT-23 package (2.90 mm × 1.60 mm), optimized for thermal performance on standard PCBs with minimal copper area. The package includes an exposed pad not present in SOT-23 variants - thermal design relies on GND trace routing and solder mask defined pads per TI layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61165DBVT, TPS61161ADBVT offers identical footprint and control but reduced OLP margin, while MAX16832ATA+T trades digital flexibility for higher peak current and faster switching - neither is pin-compatible, requiring layout revision and firmware adaptation.

Availability

TPS61165DBVT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, media display backlighting, and handheld EPOS terminals requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for TPS61165DBVT 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 technologies, with decades of expertise in high-reliability power conversion ICs.

The TPS61165 product line was designed specifically for high-efficiency, high-voltage white LED driving in space-constrained industrial and consumer displays - emphasizing integration, protection, and flexible dimming without external controllers.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of white LEDs the TPS61165DBVT can drive in series?

The TPS61165DBVT supports up to 8 white LEDs in series when using typical forward voltages (e.g., 3.2 V per LED), as its 38-V open-LED protection threshold accommodates 8 × 3.2 V + 0.2 V (R_set drop) = 25.8 V. With OSRAM LW-W5SM LEDs (3.4 V max), the practical limit is 6 LEDs (6 × 3.4 V + 0.2 V = 20.6 V), well within the 38-V safety margin. Always verify against worst-case V_F and temperature derating in final design.

How does the TPS61165DBVT implement soft-start, and why is it important?

The TPS61165DBVT ramps the FB pin voltage to 200 mV in 32 discrete steps, each lasting 213 μs, resulting in a total soft-start time of ~6.8 ms. During the first 5 ms, the switch current limit is halved (to ~700 mA), limiting inrush current. This prevents input rail collapse and stress on input capacitors (e.g., Murata GRM188R61A475K) and inductors - critical in battery-powered devices like handheld EPOS terminals where TPS61165DBVT is commonly deployed.

Can the TPS61165DBVT operate with a 3.3-V input supply?

Yes, the TPS61165DBVT operates down to 3 V input, making it compatible with 3.3-V systems. At 3.3 V, it can drive fewer LEDs (e.g., 3–4 in series) due to limited headroom, but maintains regulation accuracy and protection features. Efficiency drops slightly versus 5-V operation, and inductor selection must ensure sufficient peak current capability - TI recommends 10–22 μH (e.g., TOKO A915_Y-100M) for stable operation across the full 3–18 V range of TPS61165DBVT.

What is the purpose of the COMP pin, and what capacitor value is recommended?

COMP is the output of the internal transconductance error amplifier; connecting a capacitor from COMP to GND sets the dominant pole for loop stability. A 220-nF ceramic capacitor (e.g., Murata GRM188R61E105K) is recommended for most designs, providing optimal phase margin with 10–22 μH inductors. Larger values reduce bandwidth and transient response; smaller values risk instability. The TPS61165DBVT's built-in slope compensation simplifies compensation versus discrete solutions.

Does the TPS61165DBVT require external components for open-LED protection?

No, the TPS61165DBVT implements open-LED protection entirely internally by monitoring both the SW node voltage (>38 V threshold) and FB node voltage (<100 mV) simultaneously for eight consecutive switching cycles. When triggered, it disables the internal FET and holds shutdown until CTRL is toggled. This eliminates the need for external comparators or sense resistors - a key advantage of TPS61165DBVT over basic boost controllers in LED lighting applications.