Texas Instruments TPS61180RTET

Overview

TPS61180RTET from Texas Instruments is a high-efficiency WLED backlight driver IC with integrated 1.5 A/40 V boost MOSFET, six 25 mA current sinks, and true shutdown capability. It operates from 5 V to 24 V input, supports up to 10-series WLED strings (120 mA total), and delivers 1.0 MHz switching for notebook LCD display backlighting.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61180RTET datasheet, TPS61180RTET pinout, TPS61180RTET application, or TPS61180RTET equivalent, this device is selected for precision current matching (<2.5%), wide PWM dimming range (1000:1 at 100 Hz), low output ripple under dimming, and external PFET-driven input/output isolation in portable media displays.

Technical Context

The TPS61180RTET implements current-mode PWM control with integrated loop compensation and auto-adaptive boost output voltage regulation-dialing VO to maintain 400 mV on the lowest IFB pin. Its 1.0 MHz fixed-frequency operation enables compact magnetics and reduces EMI sensitivity compared to variable-frequency alternatives.

It features dedicated fault protection architecture: overvoltage (39 V), short-circuit detection (ΔV = 1.7–2.5 V between VBAT and VO), thermal shutdown (160 °C), and true shutdown via external PFET gate drive on the Fault pin-ensuring battery disconnection during fault or standby.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61180RTET is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin QFN package (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected). The package supports high-power density layout and efficient PCB heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61180RTET, TPS61181RTET eliminates the need for an external 3.3 V supply but trades ~2 mA higher quiescent current, while TPS61182RTET shifts switching frequency upward to reduce inductor size and improve EMI-both retain identical protection, dimming, and current-sink performance.

Availability

TPS61180RTET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook LCD backlight, UMPC display, and industrial panel backlight applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS61180RTET 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 LED drivers and portable power solutions.

The TPS61180RTET belongs to TI's WLED backlight driver product line, engineered specifically for high-current, multi-string notebook and media display applications demanding precision current matching, adaptive voltage regulation, and robust fault protection.

FAQ

What is the required external supply voltage for the TPS61180RTET Cin pin?

The TPS61180RTET requires an external regulated supply of 2.7 V to 3.6 V applied to the Cin pin to power its internal circuitry. This differs from the TPS61181RTET and TPS61182RTET, which integrate an LDO. A 0.1 μF ceramic bypass capacitor must be placed directly at the Cin pin for stable operation. The TPS61180RTET includes a 2.2 V typical under-voltage lockout on Cin to prevent malfunction during brownout conditions.

How does the TPS61180RTET achieve current matching across its six WLED channels?

The TPS61180RTET achieves <2.5% current matching by regulating the voltage on the lowest IFB pin to 400 mV and dynamically adjusting the boost output voltage to maintain that reference across all active channels. Each current sink is trimmed at wafer test, and the shared feedback architecture ensures matched performance despite process variation. At R_ISET = 62 kΩ, the typical output is 20 mA per channel with ±3% absolute accuracy.

Does the TPS61180RTET support true shutdown, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the TPS61180RTET supports true shutdown via its Fault pin, which actively drives an external PFET gate to disconnect the battery from the boost circuit. When EN is held low for ≥32 ms, the IC enters shutdown mode drawing ≤18 μA, and the Fault pin pulls low to turn off the PFET-eliminating battery leakage current. This is distinct from standby modes that retain partial biasing.

What protection features are integrated into the TPS61180RTET?

The TPS61180RTET integrates overvoltage protection (38–40 V on VO), short-circuit detection (1.7–2.5 V drop between VBAT and VO), thermal shutdown (160 °C), pulse-by-pulse overcurrent limiting (1.5 A min), and WLED open/short detection. Unlike TPS61181/2, it shuts down completely upon detecting any open WLED string or IFB overvoltage (>17 V), ensuring fail-safe behavior in safety-critical displays.

Can the TPS61180RTET drive more than six WLED strings?

No, the TPS61180RTET has exactly six dedicated IFB pins and cannot drive more than six WLED strings. However, multiple TPS61180RTET devices can be synchronized using external clock signals (though not natively supported-requires careful timing design), or strings can be paralleled with matched forward voltages and individual current-setting resistors. For >6 strings, TI recommends evaluating the TPS6119x family or multi-phase architectures.