Texas Instruments TPS61182RTER

Overview

TPS61182RTER from Texas Instruments is a high-efficiency WLED backlight driver IC with integrated 1.5 A/40 V boost MOSFET, six precision current sinks (25 mA each), true shutdown, and built-in LDO for IC supply. It operates from 5 V to 24 V input, delivers up to 60 WLEDs in series-parallel configurations, and supports 1000:1 PWM dimming for notebook LCD displays.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61182RTER datasheet, TPS61182RTER pinout, TPS61182RTER application, or TPS61182RTER equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed WLED current matching (<2.5%), auto-adaptive boost output regulation, and real-world protection behavior under open/short WLED faults.

Technical Context

The TPS61182RTER implements current-mode PWM control with integrated loop compensation and a fixed 1.3 MHz switching frequency-distinct from the 1.0 MHz of TPS61180/1. Its internal LDO powers the IC from VBAT, eliminating need for external 3.3 V supply, and enables true shutdown via PFET gate drive on the Fault pin.

Boost output voltage is dynamically regulated to maintain 400 mV across the lowest IFB pin, minimizing power loss across current sinks. Protection includes pulse-by-pulse over-current limit (1.5 A min), VO overvoltage lockout (39 V typ), short-circuit detection (ΔV = 1.7–2.5 V), and thermal shutdown (160 °C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61182RTER is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin QFN package (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are validated per TI SLVS801E Rev. April 2013.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61181RTER, the TPS61182RTER offers higher switching frequency for smaller passives but slightly increased switching loss; versus LM3409QMHX/NOPB, it trades external flexibility for integration, reducing component count and layout complexity in compact media displays.

Availability

TPS61182RTER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook LCD backlight, UMPC display backlight, and industrial panel display applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and automotive-grade reliability screening.

Supply support for TPS61182RTER 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 solutions, with decades of expertise in display power ICs and automotive-grade reliability.

The TPS6118x family was designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-noise WLED backlighting in portable media devices - emphasizing integration, thermal robustness, and fault resilience in space-constrained designs.

FAQ

What is the switching frequency of the TPS61182RTER?

The TPS61182RTER operates at a fixed 1.3 MHz switching frequency, as specified in the TI SLVS801E datasheet. This distinguishes it from the 1.0 MHz TPS61180/1 variants and enables use of smaller inductors and capacitors while maintaining stable regulation across its 5 V–24 V input range. The 1.3 MHz frequency is factory-trimmed and does not require external configuration.

Does the TPS61182RTER require an external power supply for its internal circuitry?

No, the TPS61182RTER integrates a linear regulator that derives its IC supply from the VBAT pin, delivering a regulated voltage to the Cin pin. Unlike the TPS61180, it does not require an external 3.3 V rail. A 0.1 μF ceramic capacitor must be placed directly at the Cin pin for stable LDO operation - connecting Cin to EN or other nodes will prevent startup.

How does the TPS61182RTER handle open WLED string faults?

The TPS61182RTER detects open WLED strings by monitoring zero current on the corresponding IFB pin. Upon detection, it removes that IFB channel from the VO regulation loop and continues regulating the remaining active strings at their target current. This fault-tolerant behavior prevents full system shutdown and maintains partial display functionality - a key advantage over the TPS61180, which shuts down entirely on any open string.

What is the maximum number of WLEDs the TPS61182RTER can drive?

The TPS61182RTER supports up to 60 WLEDs total using its six independent 25 mA current sinks. In practice, it commonly drives 6–10 WLEDs in series per string (e.g., 6 strings × 10 LEDs = 60), with total output voltage limited to ≤39 V by overvoltage protection. The actual count depends on forward voltage per LED (e.g., ~3.2 V typical), thermal design, and desired current accuracy.

Can the TPS61182RTER achieve 1000:1 PWM dimming ratio?

Yes, the TPS61182RTER achieves a 1000:1 PWM dimming range at 100 Hz, as confirmed in the datasheet's Typical Characteristics (Figure 8). At higher frequencies (e.g., 1 kHz), the minimum achievable duty cycle increases to ~1%, yielding a 100:1 range. The IC minimizes output capacitor ripple during dimming to suppress audible noise - a critical feature for consumer display applications.