Texas Instruments TPS61178RNWR

Overview

TPS61178RNWR from Texas Instruments is a 20-V, 10-A fully-integrated synchronous boost converter with integrated gate driver for load disconnect control. It operates from 2.7 V to 20 V input, delivers 4.5 V to 20 V output, integrates two 16-mΩ FETs, supports up to 2.2 MHz switching frequency, and enters auto PFM mode at light load - enabling high-efficiency power delivery in portable speaker and USB Type-C PD applications.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61178RNWR datasheet, TPS61178RNWR pinout, TPS61178RNWR application, or TPS61178RNWR equivalent, this device requires attention to its ILIMIT-resistor-programmable peak current limit (up to 10 A), FREQ/SYNC-synchronized oscillator (200 kHz–2.2 MHz), DISDRV-driven external PFET for true output isolation, hiccup-mode short protection (20 A threshold), and 3.0 mm × 3.5 mm 13-pin VQFN HotRod thermal package.

Technical Context

The TPS61178RNWR employs fixed-frequency peak current mode control with integrated slope compensation to ensure stability at duty cycles >50%. Its dual 16-mΩ FETs enable high-current boost operation while minimizing conduction loss, and the internal error amplifier (195 µA/V transconductance) interfaces with external RC compensation on the COMP pin for loop tuning across diverse inductor/capacitor combinations.

Startup includes pre-charge (1.1×VIN, 500 kHz) followed by soft-start (3.2 ms typical), and shutdown isolates output via DISDRV-driven external PFET. Protection features include VIN UVLO (2.7 V rising, 400 mV hysteresis), output OVP (21 V), thermal shutdown (150 °C), and hiccup-mode recovery after short-circuit events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61178RNWR is housed in a 3.0 mm × 3.5 mm, 13-pin VQFN HotRod package with exposed thermal pad (pin 12 PGND). The package supports high-current routing and efficient heat transfer to PCB copper.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous boost converter applications.

Compared with TPS61178RNWR, TPS611781RNWR trades light-load efficiency for EMI control, while LM61480RQR extends input range but removes integrated load disconnect - making TPS61178RNWR the only option combining 20-V input, 10-A capability, auto PFM, and DISDRV in a 3.0 × 3.5 mm package.

Availability

TPS61178RNWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable speaker power supplies, USB Type-C PD sink implementations, and LCD source driver applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS61178RNWR 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with over 90,000 products serving industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS61178x product line was designed specifically for high-current, wide-input-range boost conversion in space-constrained portable and USB-powered systems - emphasizing integration, thermal performance, and safety-critical protections like load disconnect and hiccup-mode short recovery.

FAQ

What is the maximum output voltage supported by the TPS61178RNWR?

The TPS61178RNWR supports an output voltage range of 4.5 V to 20 V, set by the external resistor divider on the FB pin. Its over-voltage protection triggers at 21 V (typical), safeguarding downstream circuitry. This makes the TPS61178RNWR suitable for applications such as 16-V LCD source drivers and 20-V USB PD sink rails where precise, safe regulation is required.

How does the TPS61178RNWR achieve load disconnect, and what external components are needed?

The TPS61178RNWR achieves load disconnect using its dedicated DISDRV pin, which sinks 55 µA (typical) to drive the gate of an external P-channel MOSFET placed between VOUT and the load. No additional driver IC is required. A series RGATE resistor and optional CGATE capacitor (per TI Application Report SLVA929) set turn-on/off timing. This architecture enables full output isolation during shutdown or short-circuit events - a key requirement for USB Type-C PD compliance.

Can the TPS61178RNWR operate with a 3.3-V input to generate 12 V at 3 A?

Yes, the TPS61178RNWR supports 2.7 V to 20 V input and can deliver 12 V at 3 A from a 3.3-V source. At this condition, typical efficiency exceeds 92% (per Figure 1 in SLVSDA7E), and the device remains within thermal limits when using recommended layout and 2-layer 2-oz copper. The ILIMIT pin must be configured (e.g., ~68 kΩ) to set peak current ≥10 A to handle startup surges and motor inrush.

What is the purpose of the FREQ/SYNC pin, and how is switching frequency set?

The FREQ/SYNC pin serves dual functions: it accepts a resistor to ground to set internal oscillator frequency (200 kHz–2.2 MHz), or accepts an external clock signal (200 kHz–2.2 MHz) for synchronization. For resistor programming, RFREQ = 342 kΩ yields 500 kHz (typical). The pin must never float - unconnected pins cause undefined behavior. This flexibility allows EMI reduction via spread-spectrum sync or consistent timing in multi-converter systems.

Does the TPS61178RNWR require external compensation, and where is it connected?

Yes, the TPS61178RNWR requires external loop compensation connected between the COMP pin and AGND. The internal transconductance error amplifier (195 µA/V) drives this network, which typically consists of a series RC parallel with a capacitor (Type II or III). Proper compensation ensures stability across all operating conditions - especially critical when using low-ESR ceramic output capacitors or wide inductance ranges (0.47 µH to 3.3 µH).