Texas Instruments TPS61165DRVTG4

Overview

TPS61165DRVTG4 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™ one-wire digital). It drives up to 8 series white LEDs from a 3–18-V input, delivering up to 350 mA output current in typical configurations for backlighting and industrial HMI lighting.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61165DRVTG4 datasheet, TPS61165DRVTG4 pinout, TPS61165DRVTG4 application, or TPS61165DRVTG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include open-LED protection threshold (38 V), thermal shutdown (160 °C), soft-start ramp timing (213 μs/step), COMP compensation requirements (220 nF), and R_SET-based current programming (e.g., 0.57 Ω for 350 mA).

Technical Context

The TPS61165DRVTG4 employs current-mode control with built-in slope compensation to ensure stability at duty cycles >40%, regulating LED current via a precision 200-mV FB reference and transconductance error amplifier (G_EA = 240–400 μ℧). Its 1.2-MHz switching frequency enables compact 10–22 μH inductor selection and minimizes audible noise during PWM dimming.

Open-LED protection operates by monitoring both SW node voltage (>37 V) and FB voltage (<100 mV) across eight consecutive switching cycles, then disabling the FET. Shutdown is triggered by holding CTRL low >2.5 ms, reducing quiescent current to ≤1 μA while maintaining a DC path through L1 and D1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61165DRVTG4 is packaged in a thermally enhanced 6-pin WSON (DRV) package measuring 2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.8 mm with an exposed thermal pad soldered to analog ground. The package supports high-power density layouts and requires thermal vias for reliable operation above 300 mA.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61165DRVTG4, TPS61161DRVT offers identical form factor and basic functionality but lacks digital dimming and has reduced OVP headroom, while MAX16832ATA+T trades integration for higher voltage/current scalability and external thermal management flexibility.

Availability

TPS61165DRVTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for white LED backlighting, industrial HMI lighting, handheld data terminals, video surveillance camera illumination, and exit sign applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS61165DRVTG4 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 delivers highly integrated, thermally robust white LED drivers optimized for space-constrained, high-brightness applications in industrial, automotive, and consumer displays - prioritizing efficiency, fault protection, and flexible dimming.

FAQ

What is the recommended R_SET value to achieve 350 mA LED current with TPS61165DRVTG4?

The TPS61165DRVTG4 regulates LED current using a 200-mV feedback reference. To set 350 mA, calculate R_SET = 0.2 V / 0.35 A = 0.571 Ω. A standard 0.57 Ω ±1% resistor (e.g., 0805 package) is recommended, matching the value shown in the typical application schematic. Ensure low-TCR metal-film or thick-film construction for stable current across temperature.

Does TPS61165DRVTG4 support true analog dimming via CTRL pin voltage adjustment?

No, TPS61165DRVTG4 does not support analog dimming. The CTRL pin implements only two modes: PWM dimming (where duty cycle controls effective reference voltage) and EasyScale™ one-wire digital communication. There is no linear relationship between CTRL pin DC voltage and LED current - applying intermediate voltages may cause undefined behavior or disable regulation.

Can TPS61165DRVTG4 drive more than 8 series white LEDs?

No - TPS61165DRVTG4 is limited to ≤8 series white LEDs under typical conditions. With a 38-V open-LED protection threshold and 200-mV FB reference, the maximum allowable output is (N × V_FWD(MAX)) + 0.2 V ≤ 38 V. For standard 3.2–3.6 V white LEDs, 8 LEDs yield up to ~28.8 V, leaving ~9 V margin. Exceeding 8 LEDs risks triggering OVP during normal operation or temperature drift.

What is the minimum recommended input capacitance for stable operation of TPS61165DRVTG4?

The minimum recommended input capacitance for TPS61165DRVTG4 is 1 μF ceramic, placed as close as possible to the VIN and GND pins. In practice, 4.7 μF (e.g., Murata GRM188R61A475K) is used in the reference design to suppress high-frequency switching noise and maintain input voltage stability during peak current pulses, especially at low input voltages like 3 V.

How does the thermal pad on the TPS61165DRVTG4 WSON package affect PCB layout?

The exposed thermal pad on the TPS61165DRVTG4 WSON package must be soldered directly to a solid analog ground plane. At least four thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter) should connect the pad to inner-layer ground planes to achieve optimal junction-to-board thermal resistance (140.2 °C/W). Failure to properly connect the pad risks thermal shutdown at currents above 250 mA in still-air conditions.