Texas Instruments TPS61166DSKR

Overview

TPS61166DSKR from Texas Instruments is a white LED driver IC with integrated 20-V/1.1-A N-channel switch FET and power diode, operating as a boost converter for driving up to 5 LEDs in series. It supports 2.5–6-V IC supply (VIN), 4.5–10-V battery input (VBAT), 1.2-MHz fixed-frequency PWM control, and achieves <1-µs LED current on/off response via dedicated PWM pin. Used in compact LCD backlight systems for mobile phones and digital cameras.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61166DSKR datasheet, TPS61166DSKR pinout, TPS61166DSKR application, or TPS61166DSKR equivalent, key selection criteria include its fast burst-mode dimming (60 Hz–40 kHz), 200-mV feedback reference for precise LED current programming, thermal shutdown at 150°C, overvoltage protection at 18 V, and 2.5 × 2.5 mm SON-10 package with exposed thermal pad.

Technical Context

The TPS61166DSKR uses peak current-mode control with built-in slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation at its 1.2-MHz nominal switching frequency. Its dual-input architecture separates IC logic supply (VIN) from high-power battery rail (VBAT), enabling flexible single- or two-cell Li-ion support while maintaining isolation during shutdown.

A dedicated high-side isolation FET between OUT and VO pins enables sub-1-µs LED current switching synchronized to external PWM signals, and prevents output capacitor discharge during dimming-reducing audible ceramic capacitor noise. Protection includes 1.1-A peak switch current limit, 18-V overvoltage lockout with 0.6-V hysteresis, 300-mA overload detection, and thermal shutdown with 15°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61166DSKR is housed in a thermally enhanced 10-pin 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm SON (DSK) package with an exposed thermal pad on the bottom. The package supports tape-and-reel delivery (3000 units/reel) and is RoHS-compliant with NIPDAU lead finish and MSL Level-1 rating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61166DSKR, TPS61165DSKR adds external component overhead but offers identical pinout and control interface, while LM3409QMYX/NOPB trades integration for scalability-making it suitable for higher-voltage LED arrays but requiring additional design validation effort.

Availability

TPS61166DSKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone backlight, digital camera display, and personal camcorder illumination requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term production support.

Supply support for TPS61166DSKR 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 lighting solutions.

The TPS61166DSKR belongs to TI's white LED driver product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained, low-noise LCD backlight applications in portable consumer electronics where fast PWM dimming, thermal robustness, and integrated power stages are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of LEDs the TPS61166DSKR can drive in series?

The TPS61166DSKR is specified to drive up to 5 white LEDs in series, assuming typical forward voltage of ~3.5 V per LED (total ~17.5 V), which aligns with its 17-V VO pin output rating and 20-V internal switch rating. The device regulates LED current via the 200-mV FB reference and supports output voltages up to 17 V, making 5-LED strings feasible under standard operating conditions.

Does the TPS61166DSKR require an external Schottky diode?

No, the TPS61166DSKR integrates a power diode within the IC, eliminating the need for an external Schottky diode. This integration reduces bill-of-materials count, saves PCB area, and improves system efficiency by removing the diode's forward voltage drop and associated losses-confirmed in the device's functional block diagram and "Features" section of the datasheet.

What is the purpose of separating VIN and VBAT pins on the TPS61166DSKR?

The separation of VIN (2.5–6 V) and VBAT (4.5–10 V) pins enables flexible power architecture: VIN supplies internal logic and gate drivers, while VBAT powers the high-current boost stage. This allows single-cell Li-ion (3.0–4.2 V) to be applied to both pins, or two-cell Li-ion (7.2–8.4 V) to be applied only to VBAT-preventing overvoltage stress on internal circuitry and simplifying battery interface design.

How does the TPS61166DSKR achieve zero-audible-noise dimming?

The TPS61166DSKR achieves zero-audible-noise dimming by using a dedicated high-side isolation FET between the OUT and VO pins. During PWM dimming off-cycles, this FET disconnects the LED string from the output capacitor, preventing capacitor discharge and eliminating piezoelectric-induced squeal in ceramic output capacitors-a feature explicitly documented in the "Features" and "Detailed Description" sections of the datasheet.

What is the recommended minimum PWM dimming frequency for the TPS61166DSKR?

The datasheet specifies a PWM dimming frequency range of 60 Hz to 40 kHz for the TPS61166DSKR. While 60 Hz is the absolute lower limit, frequencies below 100 Hz may cause perceptible flicker in human vision; therefore, 100 Hz is the practical minimum for flicker-free operation. At 100 Hz, the datasheet recommends a minimum duty cycle of 0.1% to ensure stable LED current settling.