Texas Instruments TPS62021DRCR

Overview

TPS62021DRCR from Texas Instruments is a synchronous step-down DC-DC converter optimized for battery-powered portable electronics. It delivers up to 600 mA output current with 1.25 MHz fixed switching frequency, operates from 2.5 V to 6.0 V input, supports adjustable output down to 0.7 V, and features active-low MODE pin control for PWM/PFM mode selection - used in PDA power rails and USB-powered modem voltage regulation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS62021DRCR datasheet, TPS62021DRCR pinout, TPS62021DRCR application, or TPS62021DRCR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 18 µA quiescent current in operating mode, 100% duty cycle low-dropout capability, thermal shutdown at 150°C, PowerPAD™ QFN-10 package thermal performance, and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors as small as 10 µF.

Technical Context

The TPS62021DRCR implements a fast-response voltage-mode control architecture with input voltage feed-forward, enabling stable operation with minimal external components. Its synchronous rectification uses internal P-channel (115 mΩ typical @ 3.6 V) and N-channel (85 mΩ typical @ 3.6 V) MOSFETs, supporting continuous conduction mode across 0–600 mA load range.

Power save mode activates below ~10 mA average inductor current, reducing switching frequency to ~625 kHz and maintaining >85% efficiency at light loads. The active-low MODE pin enables automatic PWM/PFM transition when pulled high, distinguishing it from the TPS62020's active-high MODE logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS62021DRCR is housed in a 3 mm × 3 mm, 10-pin QFN package with exposed PowerPAD™ thermal pad (DRC suffix), requiring solder connection to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal dissipation and EMI reduction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with TPS62021DRCR, TPS62020DRCR requires no hardware change but demands logic-level alignment, while TPS62040DRCR offers performance gains at the cost of revalidation - both alternatives retain QFN-10 footprint compatibility but differ in control interface or reference voltage.

Availability

TPS62021DRCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PDA power management, USB-powered modem design, and notebook subsystem rail generation requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for TPS62021DRCR 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 over 50 years of innovation in energy-efficient power conversion.

The TPS6202x family was designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC-DC conversion in portable battery-operated systems - emphasizing thermal robustness, small solution size, and seamless light-to-heavy load transitions.

FAQ

What is the function of the MODE pin on the TPS62021DRCR?

The MODE pin on the TPS62021DRCR is active-low and controls the converter's operating mode: pulling MODE low enables automatic PWM/PFM transition, while pulling MODE high forces fixed-frequency PWM operation. This distinguishes it from the TPS62020DRCR, which uses an active-high MODE pin. The TPS62021DRCR's logic polarity simplifies interface with certain microcontrollers that default to high-Z or open-drain outputs.

Does the TPS62021DRCR require external compensation components?

No, the TPS62021DRCR uses an internally compensated voltage-mode control loop and does not require external compensation components. Its fast-response architecture with input voltage feed-forward maintains stability with standard 10 µF ceramic output capacitors and 3.3–10 µH inductors, eliminating the need for loop compensation networks and reducing bill-of-materials count.

Can the TPS62021DRCR operate with a 2.5 V input and 1.8 V output at full 600 mA load?

Yes, the TPS62021DRCR supports 2.5 V input and 1.8 V output at 600 mA continuous load. At this condition, the device enters 100% duty cycle mode when necessary, leveraging its low P-channel R_DS(on) (145 mΩ typical at 2.5 V) to maintain regulation. Efficiency remains >82% per typical characterization data at VI = 2.7 V, VO = 1.8 V, IO = 600 mA.

How does the TPS62021DRCR handle short-circuit conditions?

Under short-circuit, the TPS62021DRCR reduces switching frequency to 625 kHz and halves its current limit to ~550 mA, limiting power dissipation and junction temperature rise. The device continues switching in this protected state until the fault clears or thermal shutdown activates at ~150°C. Recovery is automatic once output voltage recovers above 50% of nominal.

Is the PowerPAD™ thermal pad on the TPS62021DRCR required to be connected to ground?

Yes, the exposed PowerPAD™ on the TPS62021DRCR must be soldered to a PCB ground plane using ≥4 thermal vias. TI specifies this connection for both thermal performance (reducing θ_JA to 48.7°C/W) and EMI suppression. Leaving the pad unconnected or floating degrades efficiency, increases junction temperature, and may cause instability or premature thermal shutdown.