Texas Instruments TPS61222DCKR

Overview

TPS61222DCKR from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output 5.0 V synchronous boost converter optimized for ultra-low-input-voltage battery-powered systems. It operates from 0.7 V to 5.5 V input, delivers up to 60 mA output current at 5 V (VIN ≥ 2.4 V), achieves ≥90% efficiency at 50 mA/3.3 V, and features 5.5 μA quiescent current - enabling multi-year operation in coin-cell or alkaline-powered IoT sensors and wearables.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61222DCKR datasheet, TPS61222DCKR pinout, TPS61222DCKR application, or TPS61222DCKR equivalent, key selection criteria include startup capability at 0.7 V, fixed 5.0 V output with ±2.6% tolerance, SC-70-6 package footprint constraints, and hysteretic current-mode control for fast transient response without external compensation.

Technical Context

The TPS61222DCKR implements a self-oscillating hysteretic current-mode controller that regulates output voltage by maintaining constant 200 mA inductor ripple current and dynamically adjusting switching frequency based on load. Its synchronous rectification uses two integrated low-R_DS(on) MOSFETs (700 mΩ rectifier / 550 mΩ main switch at 5 V) to eliminate external diode losses.

Startup begins at 0.7 V input via internal oscillator-limited switching until V_OUT reaches ~1.8 V, then transitions to normal hysteretic operation. During shutdown (EN = low), the device enters pass-through mode where V_OUT ≈ V_IN via the body diode of the rectifying FET - no reverse-blocking capability is provided.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61222DCKR is housed in a 6-pin SC-70 (DCK) package measuring 2.00 mm × 1.25 mm × 0.9 mm, optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Thermal resistance R_θJA is 231.2°C/W, requiring minimal PCB copper for thermal management in low-power applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61222DCKR, TPS61221DCKR offers identical performance at 3.3 V for lower-voltage digital systems, while MAX17222ETA+T provides superior quiescent current and smaller size at the cost of reduced thermal margin and different package assembly requirements.

Availability

TPS61222DCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical devices, smart wearables, and energy-harvesting systems requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for TPS61222DCKR 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 ICs, with decades of expertise in high-efficiency DC/DC conversion.

The TPS6122x family was designed specifically for ultra-low-input-voltage battery-powered applications - delivering high efficiency and minimal quiescent current in miniature packages for space- and energy-constrained portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS61222DCKR to start up and regulate 5 V output?

The TPS61222DCKR starts up and begins regulation at a minimum input voltage of 0.7 V, verified across temperature and load conditions. This allows it to operate from deeply discharged alkaline or NiMH cells, or low-voltage energy harvesters. Startup time depends on input voltage and output load - for example, with 0.7 V input and 150 Ω load, typical startup completes within 10 ms. The TPS61222DCKR maintains regulation down to 0.7 V input even after startup.

Does TPS61222DCKR require external feedback resistors to set its output voltage?

No, the TPS61222DCKR has an internally programmed 5.0 V output and does not require external feedback resistors. The FB pin must be connected directly to VOUT to enable fixed-output operation. This simplifies design, reduces BOM count, and improves accuracy versus resistor-based adjustable versions. The TPS61222DCKR's internal feedback network guarantees ±2.6% output tolerance over temperature, line, and load.

How does TPS61222DCKR behave when the EN pin is pulled low?

When EN is pulled low, the TPS61222DCKR enters shutdown mode: switching stops, control circuitry powers down, and quiescent current drops to 0.2–0.5 μA. Crucially, the output remains connected to the input through the body diode of the internal rectifying MOSFET - resulting in VOUT ≈ VIN (minus diode drop). This pass-through behavior avoids the need for external load switches in systems requiring uninterrupted power path during sleep states. The TPS61222DCKR does not provide reverse current blocking in this mode.

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by TPS61222DCKR at 5 V output?

The TPS61222DCKR delivers up to 60 mA continuous output current at 5 V when input voltage is ≥2.4 V, as confirmed by TI's typical characteristics graphs (Figure 4) and application notes. At lower input voltages (e.g., 1.2 V), maximum output current decreases due to power conservation limits - approximately 20 mA at 1.2 V input. The TPS61222DCKR's 200 mA minimum switch current limit ensures safe operation under transient overloads without thermal runaway.

Can TPS61222DCKR be used with ceramic output capacitors, and what value is recommended?

Yes, the TPS61222DCKR is fully compatible with ceramic output capacitors due to its hysteretic current-mode control architecture - no external compensation is needed. TI recommends a 10 µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor (e.g., Murata GRM188R60J106ME84D) placed close to VOUT and GND. This value balances low ESR, stability across temperature, and effective ripple suppression (<50 mVpp at 50 mA load). The TPS61222DCKR tolerates capacitor values from 1 µF to 100 µF without oscillation or instability.