Texas Instruments TPS61236PRWLR

Overview

TPS61236PRWLR from Texas Instruments is a synchronous boost converter IC designed for single-cell Li-ion/Li-polymer battery-powered portable systems requiring programmable constant output current and 5.1-V fixed or adjustable output regulation. It delivers up to 3.5-A output at 97% peak efficiency, integrates dual 14-mΩ power switches, operates at 1-MHz switching frequency, and supports true input-output disconnection in shutdown.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61236PRWLR datasheet, TPS61236PRWLR pinout, TPS61236PRWLR application, or TPS61236PRWLR equivalent, key selection considerations include its adjustable 2.9–5.5-V output voltage range, CC-pin-based constant-current programming, 10-µA light-load quiescent current, INACT load-status indication, and VQFN-9 (2.5 mm × 2.5 mm) thermal performance with R_θJA = 28.7°C/W.

Technical Context

The TPS61236PRWLR implements valley-current-mode control with quasi-constant on-time PWM at medium/heavy loads and automatic transition to PFM mode under light loads to maintain high efficiency across wide output current ranges. Its dual-loop architecture independently regulates output voltage (via FB pin) and output current (via CC pin feedback against 1.244-V internal reference).

It features integrated soft-start with pre-charge phase (ILIM_pre = 0.05–1.7 A depending on VOUT), cycle-by-cycle valley current limiting (ILIM = 6.5–9.5 A), overvoltage protection (5.6–5.93 V), and thermal shutdown at 140°C with 15°C hysteresis - all implemented without external compensation components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS61236PRWLR is housed in a thermally enhanced 9-pin VQFN package (RWL suffix), measuring 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 0.8 mm with exposed thermal pad. The package supports high-power density layouts and efficient PCB heat spreading via bottom-side thermal pad soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61235PRWLR, the TPS61236PRWLR adds programmable current limiting and real-time monitoring via CC pin, enabling smarter power management; versus MP28164GQ-Z, it offers superior thermal performance (28.7 vs 35°C/W), integrated protection features, and dedicated load-status signaling - critical for USB-compliant designs.

Availability

TPS61236PRWLR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power banks, USB Type-C accessories, and tablet PC auxiliary rail generation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for TPS61236PRWLR 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 DC/DC conversion and battery-powered system solutions.

The TPS6123x product line was engineered specifically for high-current, space-constrained portable electronics - delivering integrated constant-current regulation, ultra-low quiescent power, and robust protection in sub-3-mm² packages to replace multi-component discrete power paths.

FAQ

What output voltage range does the TPS61236PRWLR support?

The TPS61236PRWLR supports an adjustable output voltage range of 2.9 V to 5.5 V, set via external resistor divider on the FB pin. This differs from the fixed 5.1-V TPS61235PRWLR variant and enables compliance with USB PD voltage contracts and custom system rail requirements. The internal 1.244-V reference ensures ±1.5% regulation accuracy across temperature and load.

How is constant output current programmed on the TPS61236PRWLR?

Constant output current on the TPS61236PRWLR is programmed by connecting a resistor (RCC) between the CC pin and AGND. For example, 61.9 kΩ sets 2 A, 124 kΩ sets 1 A, and 41.2 kΩ sets 3 A. A capacitor (typically 10 nF) must be placed in parallel with RCC to stabilize the current regulation loop and enable accurate current monitoring via the CC pin voltage.

Does the TPS61236PRWLR provide load status indication?

Yes, the TPS61236PRWLR provides load status indication through the open-drain INACT pin (Pin 8), which pulls low when output current falls below 50 mA. This signal can be monitored by a microcontroller to trigger low-power modes or display battery-saving status. The pin may be left floating or tied to AGND if unused, with no impact on regulation performance.

What is the thermal performance of the TPS61236PRWLR in its VQFN package?

The TPS61236PRWLR in the RWL (9-pin VQFN) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 28.7°C/W under standard JEDEC PCB conditions. Its low 1.6°C/W junction-to-case (bottom) resistance enables effective heat transfer to the PCB ground plane, supporting continuous 3.5-A operation without forced airflow in properly laid-out designs.

Can the TPS61236PRWLR operate with input voltages close to its output voltage?

The TPS61236PRWLR supports pass-through operation when VIN approaches VOUT, but stable constant-voltage regulation requires VIN to remain at least 0.6 V below VOUT. If VIN exceeds this threshold, premature entry into pass-through mode may cause up to 0.4-V output droop due to reliance on the pre-charge current limit rather than active regulation - so system design must enforce the 0.6-V margin for precision CV applications.