Texas Instruments TPS62421DRCR

Overview

TPS62421DRCR from Texas Instruments is a synchronous dual step-down DC–DC converter with fixed output voltages of 1.8 V (OUT2) and selectable 1.2 V or 1.8 V (OUT1 via DEF_1 pin), delivering up to 600 mA on channel 1 and 1000 mA on channel 2, operating from 2.5 V to 6 V input - ideal for OMAP™/DSP core and I/O rail power in portable media players and smartphones.

For engineers reviewing the TPS62421DRCR datasheet, TPS62421DRCR pinout, TPS62421DRCR application, or TPS62421DRCR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2.25-MHz fixed-frequency PWM operation, 180° out-of-phase switching for reduced input ripple, ±1% output voltage accuracy in PWM mode, and EasyScale™ one-pin serial interface for dynamic voltage adjustment without external resistors.

Technical Context

The TPS62421DRCR integrates two independent synchronous buck converters sharing a single 2.25-MHz oscillator with 180° phase shift between SW1 and SW2 to minimize input RMS current. Each channel features integrated P- and N-channel MOSFETs with R_DS(on) of 280 mΩ (P) and 200 mΩ (N) at 3.6 V, plus dual current limiting and thermal shutdown at 150°C.

It supports three operational modes: automatic power-save (PFM/PWM hybrid), forced PWM (via MODE/DATA = HIGH), and shutdown (EN1/EN2 = LOW, I_SD = 1.2 μA). Output voltage positioning adjusts regulation setpoint by ±1% during load transients to improve transient response, and undervoltage lockout activates below 1.5 V (typical) to prevent battery over-discharge.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS62421DRCR uses a 10-pin VSON package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed PowerPAD™ thermally connected to GND for enhanced thermal performance (R_θJA = 45.9°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS62420DRCR, the TPS62421DRCR eliminates external resistor networks for common mobile voltages, reducing component count and calibration risk; versus TPS62290RGTR, it delivers true dual-rail integration with coordinated timing and shared control, cutting solution size by 45% and simplifying power sequencing.

Availability

TPS62421DRCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone application processor power, portable media player dual-rail supply, and low-power DSP system supply requiring stable component supply across high-volume production cycles.

Supply support for TPS62421DRCR 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, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with leadership in high-efficiency DC/DC conversion for portable electronics.

The TPS6242x product line was designed specifically for battery-powered portable devices requiring compact, high-efficiency dual-rail power with dynamic voltage scaling - targeting smartphones, PDAs, and OMAP™-based systems.

FAQ

What output voltages does the TPS62421DRCR provide, and how are they selected?

The TPS62421DRCR provides fixed 1.8 V on OUT2 and selectable 1.2 V or 1.8 V on OUT1. OUT1 voltage is determined by the logic level on the DEF_1 pin: LOW selects 1.2 V, HIGH selects 1.8 V. Both outputs are factory-trimmed to ±1% accuracy in PWM mode. The TPS62421DRCR does not require external resistors for these default voltages, unlike the adjustable TPS62420DRCR variant.

How does the TPS62421DRCR achieve high efficiency across light and heavy loads?

The TPS62421DRCR achieves up to 95% efficiency by automatically entering power-save mode (PFM) at light loads - reducing quiescent current to 32 μA for both channels - and switching to fixed-frequency PWM mode at higher loads. Its synchronous architecture with low R_DS(on) MOSFETs (280 mΩ P-ch, 200 mΩ N-ch) minimizes conduction loss, while 180° out-of-phase operation lowers input ripple, reducing capacitor losses. The TPS62421DRCR maintains this efficiency profile across its full –40°C to 85°C operating range.

Can the TPS62421DRCR adjust output voltages dynamically during operation?

Yes, the TPS62421DRCR supports real-time output voltage adjustment via its EasyScale™ one-pin serial interface on the MODE/DATA pin. When enabled, this interface allows host microcontrollers to reprogram both OUT1 and OUT2 voltages - for example, stepping OUT1 from 1.8 V to 1.2 V during low-power mode - without external components or I²C/SPI peripherals. The TPS62421DRCR retains register values across enable cycles as long as VIN remains above the 1.5 V UVLO threshold.

What thermal and protection features does the TPS62421DRCR include?

The TPS62421DRCR integrates thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 130°C recovery), undervoltage lockout (1.5 V typical), short-circuit protection with dual MOSFET current limiting (1.19–1.61 A), and soft-start to limit inrush current. Its VSON-10 package includes an exposed PowerPAD™ thermally connected to GND, achieving R_θJA = 45.9°C/W. These protections ensure robust operation in sealed or thermally constrained portable enclosures without external supervision circuits - a key design advantage of the TPS62421DRCR.

Is the TPS62421DRCR pin-compatible with other devices in the TPS6242x family?

Yes, the TPS62421DRCR shares identical pinout, package (VSON-10, 3 mm × 3 mm), and footprint with TPS62420DRCR and TPS62422DRCR. All variants use the same PCB layout, enabling drop-in replacement during design iteration or qualification. However, functional differences exist: TPS62421DRCR has fixed default outputs and digital DEF_1 control, while TPS62420DRCR requires external resistors for voltage setting. The TPS62421DRCR maintains full electrical compatibility for shared enable, feedback, and switching nodes.