Texas Instruments TPS61500PWPR

Overview

TPS61500PWPR from Texas Instruments is a high-brightness LED driver IC with integrated 3-A, 40-V N-channel MOSFET switch, operating from 2.9 V to 18 V input and regulating LED current via 200-mV FB reference. It supports analog and pure PWM dimming, delivers up to 93% efficiency, and drives up to ten 3-W LEDs in series-e.g., four LEDs from 5-V input or eight from 12-V input.

For engineers reviewing the TPS61500PWPR datasheet, TPS61500PWPR pinout, TPS61500PWPR application, or TPS61500PWPR equivalent, key selection considerations include programmable overvoltage protection (1.229 V OVP threshold), external frequency setting (200 kHz–2.2 MHz), soft-start timing via SS pin capacitor, 14-pin HTSSOP PowerPAD™ package thermal performance, and dual-dimming interface compatibility with system-level brightness control requirements.

Technical Context

The TPS61500PWPR implements current-mode PWM control with slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation above 50% duty cycle. Its internal error amplifier regulates FB at 200 mV using an external sense resistor (R3), while COMP pin accepts RC compensation for loop stability across varying LED loads and input conditions.

It integrates undervoltage lockout (2.5 V threshold, 130 mV hysteresis), thermal shutdown (160°C trip, 15°C hysteresis), pulse-by-pulse overcurrent limiting (3–5 A), and programmable OVP via resistor divider on OVP pin-enabling robust operation in automotive display backlighting and industrial LED lighting where fault tolerance and thermal reliability are critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TPS61500PWPR is housed in a 14-pin HTSSOP package (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm) with exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD™) soldered to AGND for enhanced thermal dissipation. Recommended layout uses thermal vias to internal ground planes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3409HVMM/NOPB and TPS61165DRVR, the TPS61500PWPR uniquely combines integrated 3-A/40-V switching, programmable OVP, dual-dimming interface, and soft-start-making it the only option among the three that supports high-power, fault-resilient, and user-adjustable LED lighting without external protection or control ICs.

Availability

TPS61500PWPR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for monitor backlighting, industrial LED lighting, and automotive interior lighting requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and TI-qualified automotive-grade reliability.

Supply support for TPS61500PWPR 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with deep expertise in power management ICs and LED driver innovation.

The TPS61500PWPR belongs to TI's high-brightness LED driver product line, engineered specifically for efficient, thermally robust constant-current driving of multi-watt LED strings in space-constrained and reliability-critical applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of 3-W LEDs the TPS61500PWPR can drive?

The TPS61500PWPR can drive up to ten 3-W LEDs in series-four from a 5-V input or eight from a 12-V input-based on its 40-V output capability and 3-A switch rating. Actual count depends on total forward voltage, thermal design, and efficiency; for example, at 12-V input and 24-V output (eight 3-V LEDs), typical maximum LED current is ~1 A under 1.2-MHz switching and 10-μH inductance.

How does the TPS61500PWPR implement analog dimming versus pure PWM dimming?

The TPS61500PWPR implements analog dimming by connecting a capacitor (>0.1 μF) to the DIMC pin, which filters an external PWM signal to scale the 200-mV FB reference proportionally-resulting in smooth DC current modulation. Pure PWM dimming is enabled by floating DIMC and applying PWM directly to the EN pin, causing the device to toggle fully on/off; average LED current equals duty cycle × programmed current.

What is the purpose of separating AGND and PGND in the TPS61500PWPR layout?

Separating AGND (Pin 7) and PGND (Pins 12–14) prevents high di/dt switching currents from coupling into sensitive analog circuits like the error amplifier and FB comparator. AGND serves as the quiet reference for COMP, FB, OVP, and DIMC; PGND returns high-current switch source paths. Both connect to the thermal pad at a single point to maintain low impedance while avoiding ground bounce-induced regulation errors in the TPS61500PWPR.

Can the TPS61500PWPR operate safely with input voltage below 2.9 V?

No-the TPS61500PWPR has a recommended minimum operating input voltage of 2.9 V. While its undervoltage lockout (UVLO) threshold is 2.5 V (with 130 mV hysteresis), operation between 2.5 V and 2.9 V is not guaranteed: specifications such as efficiency, current limit, and regulation accuracy are not ensured, and transient dips may cause unintended reset. For reliable function, maintain VIN ≥2.9 V at all times during active operation of the TPS61500PWPR.

What thermal metrics define the TPS61500PWPR's power dissipation capability?

The TPS61500PWPR's thermal performance is defined by R_θJA = 45.2°C/W (junction-to-ambient), R_θJC(bot) = 5.8°C/W (junction-to-case bottom), and R_θJB = 30.1°C/W (junction-to-board). These values assume proper soldering of the PowerPAD™ to a 4-layer PCB with ≥4 thermal vias to inner ground planes. At 3-A load and 93% efficiency, junction temperature rise is ~12°C above ambient-well within the 125°C max operating limit when ambient stays ≤85°C.