Texas Instruments TPS62160QDSGTQ1

Overview

TPS62160QDSGTQ1 from Texas Instruments is an automotive-grade synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with DCS-Control™ topology, delivering up to 1-A output current at adjustable voltages from 0.9 V to 6 V from a 3-V to 17-V input. It features 2.25-MHz switching frequency, 17-µA quiescent current in Power Save Mode, and integrated power-good (PG) output. Used in ADAS camera power rails where compact size and fast transient response are critical.

For engineers reviewing the TPS62160QDSGTQ1 datasheet, TPS62160QDSGTQ1 pinout, TPS62160QDSGTQ1 application, or TPS62160QDSGTQ1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification (–40°C to 125°C), seamless PWM-to-Power-Save transition, 100% duty-cycle capability for battery-end-of-life operation, and WSON-8 (2 mm × 2 mm) package thermal performance.

Technical Context

The TPS62160QDSGTQ1 implements DCS-Control™-a hybrid regulation topology combining voltage-mode feedback with direct output-voltage sensing via a fast comparator, enabling stable operation with low-ESR ceramic capacitors and eliminating external compensation. Its control loop supports both continuous conduction mode (CCM) at ~2.25 MHz and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) in Power Save Mode, with automatic, seamless mode transitions.

Functional safety support includes documentation for ISO 26262 ASIL-B system integration, while protection features cover undervoltage lockout (2.7 V threshold, 180-mV hysteresis), thermal shutdown (160°C, 20°C hysteresis), short-circuit protection, and overtemperature monitoring. The device maintains regulation down to VIN ≈ VOUT + (IOUT × RDS(on_HS) + IOUT × R_L), enabling extended battery runtime.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS62160QDSGTQ1 is housed in an 8-pin WSON (DSG) package measuring 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm with an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to AGND for thermal and mechanical reliability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS62160QDSGTQ1, TPS62162QDSGTQ1 offers drop-in replacement for 3.3-V systems with reduced BOM count, while LM61480QRTWRQ1 provides higher current headroom and advanced EMI features at the cost of layout revision and increased complexity.

Availability

TPS62160QDSGTQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ADAS camera modules, infotainment telematics units, and body control gateways requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS62160QDSGTQ1 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The TPS6216x-Q1 product line was designed specifically for high-density, high-reliability automotive power conversion-targeting ADAS, infotainment, and body electronics where AEC-Q100 compliance, thermal robustness, and fast transient response are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the recommended inductor value for TPS62160QDSGTQ1 in a 3.3-V/1-A design?

The standard inductor for TPS62160QDSGTQ1 in 3.3-V/1-A applications is 2.2 µH, such as TDK VLF3012ST-2R2M1R4. This value balances ripple current (~300 mA peak-to-peak), transient response, and physical size. The datasheet confirms compatibility with 2.2-µH inductors paired with 10-µF and 22-µF ceramic output capacitors, and specifies 1.4-A saturation current rating to handle peak inductor current under full load and startup conditions. TPS62160QDSGTQ1's DCS-Control™ loop remains stable with this LC combination without external compensation.

Does TPS62160QDSGTQ1 support pre-biased output startup?

Yes, TPS62160QDSGTQ1 supports monotonic pre-biased output startup. During this condition, the low-side MOSFET remains off until the internal ramp voltage exceeds the pre-bias level, preventing reverse current flow into the output capacitor. This behavior is explicitly documented in the datasheet's Feature Description section and verified in typical startup waveforms (Figure 28). TPS62160QDSGTQ1's ability to start into a pre-biased rail makes it suitable for hot-swap and power-rail sequencing applications common in automotive gateways.

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS62160QDSGTQ1 to maintain regulation at 3.3 V and 1 A?

The minimum input voltage for TPS62160QDSGTQ1 to maintain 3.3-V regulation at 1-A load is calculated as VIN(min) = VOUT + IOUT × (RDS(on_HS) + RL), where RDS(on_HS) is ~430 mΩ at VIN = 3 V and RL is the inductor's DC resistance. Using a typical 2.2-µH inductor with 50-mΩ DCR, VIN(min) ≈ 3.3 V + 1 A × (0.43 Ω + 0.05 Ω) = 3.78 V. This aligns with the device's 100% duty-cycle capability, which activates below ~4.5 V input to sustain regulation during cold-crank events. TPS62160QDSGTQ1's datasheet confirms operation down to VIN = 3 V, but regulation margin narrows below ~3.8 V at full load.

How does the Power Good (PG) pin of TPS62160QDSGTQ1 behave during thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the PG pin of TPS62160QDSGTQ1 goes into high-impedance (Hi-Z) state-identical to its behavior during EN-driven shutdown or UVLO. This is specified in the Pin Functions table and confirmed in Section 8.3.3: "It is high impedance when the device is turned off due to EN, UVLO, or thermal shutdown." The open-drain PG output thus releases the external pullup resistor, signaling loss of regulation to downstream logic. TPS62160QDSGTQ1 resumes PG assertion only after junction temperature falls below the 140°C hysteresis threshold and soft-start completes.

Can TPS62160QDSGTQ1 be used without the VOS pin connection?

No, the VOS pin must be connected directly to the output voltage node (VOUT) for proper DCS-Control™ loop operation. The datasheet states VOS is "Output voltage sense pin and connection for the control loop circuitry" and emphasizes its role in achieving fast transient response and accurate load regulation. Omitting the VOS connection degrades regulation accuracy, increases output ripple, and impairs dynamic performance-violating the functional requirements of the control architecture. TPS62160QDSGTQ1's simplified schematic and application diagrams show VOS tied to VOUT, and TI's reference designs (e.g., Figure 7) implement this connection without exception.