Texas Instruments TPS61165DRVT

Overview

TPS61165DRVT 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. It regulates LED current via 200-mV ±2% feedback reference, supports up to 38-V open-LED protection, and delivers up to 350 mA output current at 90% efficiency for 3–6 series LEDs in backlighting and industrial HMI applications.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61165DRVT datasheet, TPS61165DRVT pinout, TPS61165DRVT application, or TPS61165DRVT equivalent, key selection considerations include its WSON-6 thermal-pad package, dual-mode (PWM/EasyScale™) dimming control on CTRL, 3-V to 18-V input range, 38-V OVP threshold, and soft-start ramp timing of 213 μs per step.

Technical Context

The TPS61165DRVT uses current-mode control with built-in slope compensation to ensure stability at duty cycles >40%, regulating LED current by maintaining 200 mV across R_SET. Its 1.2-MHz oscillator enables compact 10–22 μH inductor selection and minimizes EMI while supporting PWM dimming up to 100 kHz and EasyScale™ one-wire digital interface.

Open-LED protection monitors both SW and FB pins over eight consecutive switching cycles: shutdown occurs if SW exceeds 38 V and FB drops below 100 mV simultaneously. Thermal shutdown activates at 160°C with 15°C hysteresis, and undervoltage lockout disables operation below 2.2 V with 70-mV hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61165DRVT is packaged in a thermally enhanced 2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.8 mm 6-pin WSON (DRV) package with exposed thermal pad, optimized for high-power density LED driver layouts and PCB heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61165DRVT, TPS61161DRVT offers reduced current capability and OVP margin for cost-sensitive low-power designs, while MAX16832ATA+T trades integration for higher voltage headroom and external component control-neither is pin-compatible, and both require layout changes and revised compensation.

Availability

TPS61165DRVT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-brightness LED backlighting, industrial HMI displays, and video surveillance camera illumination requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TPS61165DRVT 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-efficiency DC/DC conversion and LED driver innovation.

The TPS61165 product line was designed specifically for space-constrained, high-reliability white LED applications demanding integrated switching, precise current regulation, and robust fault protection in consumer, industrial, and security markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of white LEDs the TPS61165DRVT can drive in series?

The TPS61165DRVT supports up to 8 white LEDs in series under typical conditions, based on its 38-V open-LED protection threshold and 200-mV feedback reference. For example, with OSRAM LW-W5SM LEDs (V_F ≈ 3.25 V at 350 mA), 8 LEDs yield ~26 V total forward voltage plus 0.2 V diode drop and 0.2 V reference, staying within the 38-V OVP limit. Always verify against actual LED V_F curves and worst-case temperature variation when designing with TPS61165DRVT.

How does the TPS61165DRVT implement soft start, and why is it important?

The TPS61165DRVT ramps the FB pin voltage to 200 mV in 32 discrete steps, each lasting 213 μs, for a total soft-start time of ~6.8 ms. During the first 5 ms after COMP voltage begins ramping, the switch current limit is halved to 700 mA (typical). This prevents input inrush current and output voltage overshoot during startup-critical for protecting input capacitors and ensuring stable LED turn-on in battery-powered devices using TPS61165DRVT.

Can the TPS61165DRVT operate with a 3.3-V input supply?

Yes, the TPS61165DRVT operates down to 3 V input, making it compatible with 3.3-V rails. At VIN = 3.3 V, it can still deliver regulated LED current (e.g., 350 mA) provided the total LED string V_F + diode drop + 200 mV remains ≤38 V and the inductor and output capacitor values are selected per TI's recommendations. Efficiency drops slightly at low input voltages due to higher duty cycle, but the device remains fully functional and protected across –40°C to +85°C ambient with TPS61165DRVT.

What is the purpose of the thermal pad on the TPS61165DRVT WSON package?

The exposed thermal pad on the TPS61165DRVT WSON-6 package serves as the primary heat dissipation path from the silicon die to the PCB ground plane. It must be soldered directly to a copper pour connected to GND, ideally with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter) to inner/ground layers. This reduces junction-to-board thermal resistance (R_θJB = 140.2°C/W) and prevents thermal shutdown during sustained 350-mA LED operation-especially critical in enclosed or high-ambient-temperature applications using TPS61165DRVT.

Does the TPS61165DRVT require external compensation components?

Yes, the TPS61165DRVT requires an external 220-nF ceramic capacitor (C3) connected between the COMP pin and GND to stabilize the current-mode feedback loop. This value is validated for standard 10–22 μH inductors and 1–10 μF output capacitors. Deviations-such as using smaller inductors (<10 μH) or low-ESR polymer capacitors-may necessitate re-tuning C3 or adding series resistance; always validate loop stability with load transients when modifying the compensation network for TPS61165DRVT.