Texas Instruments TPS62046DRCRG4

Overview

TPS62046DRCRG4 from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output 3.3 V, 1.2 A synchronous step-down DC-DC converter in a 10-pin QFN 3×3 mm PowerPAD™ package, operating at 1.25 MHz switching frequency with 95% peak efficiency and 18 µA quiescent current-designed for Li-ion–powered portable devices requiring stable low-noise 3.3 V rail generation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS62046DRCRG4 datasheet, TPS62046DRCRG4 pinout, TPS62046DRCRG4 application, or TPS62046DRCRG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 3.3 V output, 2.5–6.0 V input range, power-save mode operation, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit protection-critical for battery-powered PDA, USB modem, and notebook subsystem designs.

Technical Context

The TPS62046DRCRG4 implements a voltage-mode synchronous buck topology with integrated P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs (115 mΩ/85 mΩ typical R_DS(on) at 3.6 V), internal 0.5 V reference, and fast-response control loop enabling stable regulation with only 22 µF ceramic output capacitance. It supports automatic PWM/PFM transition via MODE pin control and enters 100% duty-cycle mode for ultra-low dropout under light load or low VIN conditions.

Its functional block includes undervoltage lockout (2.3 V threshold), soft-start circuit limiting inrush current, dynamic voltage positioning (±0.8%/±1.6% thresholds), and dual-stage overcurrent protection-ensuring robust startup, transient response, and fault recovery in single-cell Li-ion and 3-cell NiMH/NiCd systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS62046DRCRG4 uses a 10-pin QFN 3×3 mm package with exposed PowerPAD™ thermal pad (must be soldered to PCB ground plane). The package provides low thermal resistance (48.7 °C/W θ_JA) and supports high-current routing via dual VIN and PGND pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS62046DRCT, the TPS62046DRCRG4 offers identical performance with G4-compliant packaging, while TPS62130ARGTR trades off light-load efficiency and thermal robustness for higher current capacity-making TPS62046DRCRG4 the optimal choice for 1.2 A, battery-sensitive designs.

Availability

TPS62046DRCRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PDA power management, USB modem subsystems, and notebook peripheral supplies requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS62046DRCRG4 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 for portable and industrial applications.

The TPS6204x product line was designed specifically for battery-powered portable electronics, delivering high efficiency across wide load ranges while minimizing solution size and thermal footprint through integrated FETs and PowerPAD™ packaging.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the TPS62046DRCRG4 over temperature and load?

The TPS62046DRCRG4 delivers a fixed 3.3 V output with ±3% tolerance across the full operating range: −40°C to 85°C ambient temperature and 0–1.2 A load current. This specification holds for input voltages between 3.6 V and 6.0 V, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table of the SLVS463B datasheet. The internal 0.5 V reference and precision feedback network ensure this accuracy without external calibration. TPS62046DRCRG4 maintains this tolerance even during dynamic load transients due to its fast-response voltage-mode control architecture.

Does the TPS62046DRCRG4 require external feedback resistors for its 3.3 V output?

No, the TPS62046DRCRG4 does not require external feedback resistors. As a fixed-output variant in the TPS6204x family, it integrates an internal resistor divider that connects the FB pin directly to the regulated 3.3 V output. Unlike the adjustable TPS62040, which requires external R1/R2 to set VO, the TPS62046DRCRG4's FB pin is internally configured-simplifying layout, reducing BOM count, and eliminating resistor tolerance errors. This is explicitly stated in the Terminal Functions section and confirmed in Figure 17 of the SLVS463B datasheet.

Can the TPS62046DRCRG4 operate from a single 3.7 V Li-ion cell throughout its full discharge curve?

Yes, the TPS62046DRCRG4 supports operation from a single Li-ion cell across most of its discharge curve. Its 2.5–6.0 V input range covers the usable 3.0–4.2 V window, and its 100% duty-cycle mode enables regulation down to ~3.4 V input at full 1.2 A load (based on R_DS(on) and load). While the datasheet specifies 3.6–6.0 V for guaranteed 3.3 V output accuracy at full load, testing confirms stable operation down to 2.7 V input with reduced output current capability-making TPS62046DRCRG4 suitable for deep-discharge portable applications where runtime extension is critical.

How does the MODE pin affect efficiency and noise performance in the TPS62046DRCRG4?

When the MODE pin is pulled low, the TPS62046DRCRG4 operates in automatic PWM/PFM mode-achieving up to 95% efficiency at medium-to-heavy loads and maintaining >85% efficiency at 1 mA due to ultra-low 18 µA quiescent current. When MODE is pulled high, it forces fixed-frequency PWM operation at 1.25 MHz, eliminating PFM frequency variation and simplifying EMI filtering-but reduces light-load efficiency to ~70% at 1 mA. This trade-off makes MODE=low ideal for battery life, and MODE=high optimal for noise-sensitive analog or RF sections sharing the same PCB.

What thermal design guidelines apply to the TPS62046DRCRG4's PowerPAD™ package?

The TPS62046DRCRG4's QFN PowerPAD™ requires soldering the exposed thermal pad to a solid PCB ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, filled or plated) connecting to inner or bottom-layer copper pours. Per TI's SLMA002, this achieves θ_JA ≈ 48.7 °C/W. Without proper pad connection, junction temperature can exceed 125 °C at 1.2 A load in still air. The datasheet specifies 821 mW max power dissipation at 85 °C ambient-so thermal design must ensure ≤67 °C rise. TPS62046DRCRG4's thermal shutdown activates at 150 °C, but derating to 125 °C junction is recommended for reliability.