Texas Instruments TPS61181ARTER

Overview

TPS61181ARTER from Texas Instruments is a white-LED driver IC for notebook LCD backlight systems, integrating a 1.5-A/40-V boost regulator, six 30-mA current sinks, and adaptive output voltage control. It supports up to 10 WLEDs in series at 120 mA total current, operates from 4.5 V to 24 V input, delivers up to 38 V output, and enables 1000:1 PWM dimming with 1% typical current matching.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61181ARTER datasheet, TPS61181ARTER pinout, TPS61181ARTER application, or TPS61181ARTER equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1-MHz switching frequency, integrated loop compensation, true shutdown capability via external PFET control, WLED open/short protection, and minimized output ripple under PWM dimming across 100 Hz–1 kHz frequency range.

Technical Context

The TPS61181ARTER implements current-mode PWM control with fully integrated loop compensation, enabling stable regulation across 4.5–24 V input and up to 38 V output. Its adaptive boost architecture dynamically adjusts VO to maintain 400 mV on the lowest IFB pin, minimizing power loss across LED strings.

It features six independent current sinks with ≤2.5% matching at 20 mA, programmable via ISET resistor (VISET = 1.229 V, KISET = 1000), and synchronized PWM dimming via DCTRL pin (100 Hz–1 kHz). Fault protection includes overvoltage (39 V typ), short-circuit detection (1.7 V ΔVBAT–VO), thermal shutdown (160 °C), and isolation FET driver for true input-output disconnect.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61181ARTER is housed in a 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm, 16-pin WQFN (RTE) package with exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61181ARTER, TPS61180RTET offers identical integration and footprint but reduced current capacity, while LM3409QMH/NOPB trades integration for flexibility and higher voltage capability - making TPS61181ARTER optimal for space-constrained, high-precision notebook backlight designs.

Availability

TPS61181ARTER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook display backlighting, UMPC backlighting, and media-form-factor LCD backlighting requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for TPS61181ARTER 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with leadership in precision power conversion and LED lighting solutions.

The TPS6118x product line was designed specifically for high-efficiency, multi-string WLED backlighting in portable computing devices - emphasizing adaptive regulation, minimal acoustic noise, and robust fault handling in thermally constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of white LEDs the TPS61181ARTER can drive in series?

The TPS61181ARTER supports up to 10 white LEDs in series, based on its 38 V maximum output voltage and typical forward voltage of 3.2–3.6 V per LED at 30 mA. This configuration delivers 120 mA total current across six parallel strings (2 LEDs per string × 6 strings = 12 LEDs total), but the datasheet explicitly states "up to 10 WLED in series" in the typical application diagram and electrical characteristics table. The device regulates VO adaptively to match the string voltage demand.

Does the TPS61181ARTER require external compensation components?

No, the TPS61181ARTER integrates full loop compensation internally. This eliminates the need for external resistors, capacitors, or op-amps in the feedback path - reducing BOM count, PCB area, and design validation effort. The integrated compensation ensures stable operation across the full 4.5–24 V input range and up to 38 V output, as verified in TI's typical application testing and thermal characterization data.

How does the TPS61181ARTER handle a single open WLED string?

When one WLED string opens, the TPS61181ARTER detects zero current on the corresponding IFB pin and automatically removes that pin from the VO regulation loop. The boost output voltage drops to match the remaining connected strings, while current regulation on the active channels remains unaffected. The device only shuts down if all six IFB pins report open conditions - ensuring graceful degradation and continued backlight operation.

What is the purpose of the Fault pin on the TPS61181ARTER?

The Fault pin on the TPS61181ARTER serves dual functions: it drives the gate of an external PFET to isolate the battery from the boost circuit during faults (short circuit, overvoltage, thermal shutdown), and provides a system-level fault status signal. During startup, Fault is high to keep the PFET off; once stable operation begins, it pulls low to enable the PFET. This enables true shutdown with <50 µA battery leakage - a key requirement for notebook standby compliance.

Can the TPS61181ARTER operate with a 5-V input supply?

Yes, the TPS61181ARTER supports a minimum input voltage of 4.5 V, making it fully operational with a 5-V supply. At 5 V input, the device can still regulate up to 38 V output using its 1-MHz boost topology and integrated 1.5-A MOSFET. Efficiency remains above 85% for typical 8–10 LED strings, as confirmed in Figure 10 and Figure 11 of the datasheet's DC load efficiency curves.