Texas Instruments TPS61176RTER

Overview

TPS61176RTER from Texas Instruments is a high-efficiency, 6-channel WLED backlight driver IC for tablet and notebook LCD displays powered by single-cell Li-ion batteries (2.7 V–6.5 V). It integrates a 2-A/40-V boost converter with adaptive output regulation, six ±2% accurate current sinks (35 mA each), and mixed analog/PWM dimming control up to 14-bit resolution. It delivers up to 60 WLEDs in configurations such as 7-series × 6-parallel strings at 21 V output.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61176RTER datasheet, TPS61176RTER pinout, TPS61176RTER application, or TPS61176RTER equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1-MHz fixed-frequency boost architecture, programmable 12.5%/25% dimming mode switch point, true shutdown support via external PFET, and WQFN-16 thermal pad layout requirements.

Technical Context

The TPS61176RTER uses current-mode control with a fixed 1-MHz oscillator and integrated 0.4-Ω (typ) 2-A/40-V power MOSFET. Its adaptive boost output dynamically tracks the lowest IFBx voltage (regulated to 450 mV) to minimize power loss across LED strings. The device implements soft-start via COMP pin capacitor ramping and supports input PWM glitch filtering.

Dimming control combines analog current scaling (for >12.5% or >25% duty cycle) and high-frequency PWM switching (22 kHz or direct) below the programmed threshold. Fault protection includes WLED open/short detection, output overvoltage clamp (1.5 V), thermal shutdown (160°C), and switch current limit (2.5 A).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61176RTER is housed in a 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm, 16-pin WQFN package with an exposed thermal pad (RTE suffix). Thermal pad must be connected to PCB ground plane using ≥4 thermal vias for reliable operation at full load.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61176RTER, TPS61165RTER offers lower integration and reduced dimming capability, while MAX16832ATP+T trades integration for frequency flexibility and higher peak current-but both require additional components and layout effort that TPS61176RTER avoids with its fully integrated boost + regulation + protection architecture.

Availability

TPS61176RTER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tablet backlighting, notebook display systems, portable medical monitors, and industrial HMI panels requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and production-ready WLED driver performance.

Supply support for TPS61176RTER 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 power-efficient display solutions.

The TPS61176RTER belongs to TI's high-efficiency WLED driver product line, designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-powered LCD backlighting in tablets and notebooks where adaptive voltage regulation and flicker-free dimming are critical.

FAQ

What is the recommended inductor value for TPS61176RTER?

The TPS61176RTER datasheet specifies a nominal inductor value of 4.7 µH, with acceptable range from 4.7 µH to 6.8 µH. A 4.7-µH, 2-A shielded power inductor with DC resistance <80 mΩ is recommended to maintain stability, minimize ripple, and ensure proper current limit operation across the full input voltage range. Using values outside this range may degrade efficiency or trigger false overcurrent faults.

How does TPS61176RTER achieve true shutdown?

TPS61176RTER achieves true shutdown by driving an external P-channel MOSFET via the MODE/FAULT pin. When disabled (PWM/EN held low >20 ms), the device pulls MODE/FAULT low to turn off the PFET, breaking the battery-to-boost-path. This reduces VIN supply current to ≤4 µA and prevents leakage-critical for long-term battery storage in portable devices. The PFET gate must be connected between VIN and MODE/FAULT with appropriate pull-up resistor.

Can TPS61176RTER drive fewer than six WLED strings?

Yes, TPS61176RTER supports partial channel use: simply short any unused IFBx pin (e.g., IFB4–IFB6) to GND before power-up. The device detects these shorts during its 4-ms startup initialization and automatically disables those channels-no firmware or external logic required. Remaining active channels retain full 35-mA capability and ±2% accuracy, preserving design flexibility for 1–6 string configurations.

What is the purpose of the VLDO pin on TPS61176RTER?

The VLDO pin on TPS61176RTER outputs a regulated ~3.3 V supply derived from VIN, used exclusively to power internal analog and logic circuits. It requires a 1-µF ceramic capacitor to ground for loop stability but provides no current sourcing capability for external circuits. Connecting loads to VLDO will destabilize regulation and compromise device performance-TI explicitly prohibits external loading per the datasheet.

How is dimming mode selected on TPS61176RTER?

Dimming mode on TPS61176RTER is selected by a single resistor connected between MODE/FAULT and either VIN (for PFET isolation) or GND (no isolation). Four standard values configure distinct modes: 1.3 MΩ = Mode 1 (25% switch point, 22-kHz PWM), 620 kΩ = Mode 2 (25%, direct PWM), 220 kΩ = Mode 3 (12.5%, 22-kHz), 82 kΩ = Mode 4 (12.5%, direct PWM). No resistor defaults to Mode 1 only if no PFET is used.