Texas Instruments TPS61170DRVRG4

Overview

TPS61170DRVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a monolithic high-voltage boost converter IC with integrated 1.2-A, 40-V N-channel MOSFET, operating at 1.2 MHz fixed frequency to generate up to 38 V output from 3–18 V input. It delivers 12 V/300 mA or 24 V/150 mA from 5-V input with up to 93% efficiency and supports on-the-fly output voltage reprogramming via CTRL pin using PWM or EasyScale™ protocol. Used in compact DC-DC power supplies for industrial sensors and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61170DRVRG4 datasheet, TPS61170DRVRG4 pinout, TPS61170DRVRG4 application, or TPS61170DRVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2-mm × 2-mm QFN-6 package, 1.229-V FB reference with ±25-mV tolerance, 1.2-MHz switching frequency enabling low-profile magnetics, and dual-mode programmability (PWM/EasyScale) for dynamic output adjustment without external DACs.

Technical Context

The TPS61170DRVRG4 employs current-mode PWM control with slope compensation to ensure stability at duty cycles >50%, using an internal transconductance error amplifier (240–400 μmho) and external RC network on COMP pin for loop tuning. Its 40-V integrated switch enables high-step-up ratios, while the 1.229-V FB reference is programmable down to 492 mV via CTRL pin modulation.

It features built-in soft-start (32-step ramp, 213 μs/step), cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection (1.2 A typical limit), undervoltage lockout (2.2 V threshold), and thermal shutdown (160°C with 15°C hysteresis). The CTRL pin serves triple function: enable/disable, PWM-based reference scaling, or 1-wire EasyScale™ communication for 32-step FB voltage selection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61170DRVRG4 is housed in a thermally enhanced 6-pin VSON (DRV) package measuring 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm with exposed thermal pad. The thermal pad must be soldered to analog ground plane and connected via thermal vias for reliable power dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage boost converter applications.

Compared with TPS61170DRVRG4, TPS61088RHLR offers higher current capability but sacrifices digital reprogramming, while MAX17222ELT+T simplifies design at the cost of input/output range and programmability-making TPS61170DRVRG4 optimal for mid-power, field-adjustable high-voltage boost applications.

Availability

TPS61170DRVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor bias supplies, portable instrumentation power, ADSL line driver power, and SEPIC-based buck-boost regulation requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TPS61170DRVRG4 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 TPS61170 product line is designed for compact, high-efficiency DC-DC boost and SEPIC converters in space-constrained industrial, telecom, and portable applications-emphasizing programmability, thermal robustness, and wide input flexibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum output voltage supported by the TPS61170DRVRG4?

The TPS61170DRVRG4 supports output voltages up to 38 V, enabled by its integrated 40-V N-channel MOSFET and current-mode PWM architecture. This rating assumes proper selection of external components-including a Schottky diode rated ≥40 V (e.g., ONsemi MBR0540T1) and output capacitor with sufficient voltage margin. Operation beyond 38 V risks exceeding the switch's breakdown rating and is not guaranteed.

How does the CTRL pin enable on-the-fly output voltage reprogramming in the TPS61170DRVRG4?

The CTRL pin of the TPS61170DRVRG4 supports two reprogramming methods: PWM modulation (where FB voltage = duty × 1.229 V) and EasyScale™ 1-wire protocol (32 discrete steps from 0.000 V to 1.229 V). Both methods alter the feedback reference in real time without interrupting regulation-enabling dynamic output adjustment for adaptive power management in the TPS61170DRVRG4.

What package type and thermal requirements apply to the TPS61170DRVRG4?

The TPS61170DRVRG4 uses a 6-pin VSON (DRV) package measuring 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm with an exposed thermal pad. For reliable thermal performance, the pad must be soldered to a dedicated analog ground plane and connected via ≥4 thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter) to inner ground layers. This achieves RθJA = 66.5 °C/W, allowing continuous 300-mA output at 85°C ambient in the TPS61170DRVRG4.

Can the TPS61170DRVRG4 operate in SEPIC topology, and what design considerations apply?

Yes, the TPS61170DRVRG4 supports SEPIC topology per TI documentation, leveraging its integrated low-side N-FET and current-mode control. Key considerations include using coupled inductors or two matched discrete inductors, ensuring the coupling coefficient meets stability requirements, and recalculating compensation components for SEPIC transfer function-distinct from boost. The TPS61170DRVRG4's external COMP network enables this flexibility.

What protection features are integrated into the TPS61170DRVRG4?

The TPS61170DRVRG4 integrates pulse-by-pulse overcurrent limiting (1.2 A typical), thermal shutdown (160°C with 15°C hysteresis), undervoltage lockout (2.2 V falling threshold), and soft-start (32-step FB ramp). These functions operate autonomously without external circuitry-ensuring robust fault recovery and safe startup in the TPS61170DRVRG4 under overload, overtemperature, or low-input conditions.