Texas Instruments TPS62510DRCR

Overview

TPS62510 from Texas Instruments is a synchronous step-down DC-DC converter optimized for 1.8-V to 3.8-V input rails, delivering up to 1.5 A at adjustable output voltages down to 0.6 V. It features 1.5-MHz fixed-frequency PWM operation, 96% peak efficiency, 22-μA quiescent current in power-save mode, and integrated output voltage tracking (OVT) for reliable power sequencing in portable and point-of-load applications.

For engineers reviewing the TPS62510 datasheet, TPS62510 pinout, TPS62510 application, or TPS62510 equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-mode control (PWM vs. PFM), OVT-enabled rail coordination, thermal shutdown at 160°C, 10-pin VSON package with exposed thermal pad, and compatibility with ceramic input/output capacitors for compact, low-noise designs.

Technical Context

The TPS62510 employs voltage-mode control with input voltage feed-forward for fast line/load regulation and stable operation with small ceramic capacitors. Its internal 0.6-V reference enables precise feedback control, while the MODE pin selects between forced 1.5-MHz PWM (low noise) or automatic PFM/PWM transition (high efficiency across load range).

Functional integration includes undervoltage lockout (1.55 V threshold, 150-mV hysteresis on AVIN), open-drain power-good (PG) monitoring ±5% of target VOUT, and output voltage tracking via OVT pin-where applied external voltage overrides the internal 0.6-V reference when below that level for controlled startup sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS62510 is housed in a thermally enhanced 3-mm × 3-mm, 10-pin VSON package (DRC) with an exposed thermal pad connected to AGND for efficient heat dissipation in high-current operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS62130ARGTR and TPS62067QDSGRQ1, the TPS62510 uniquely balances ultra-low-input capability, integrated sequencing (OVT), and sub-25-μA quiescent current - making it the only option among the three for space-constrained, battery-first designs requiring rail coordination.

Availability

TPS62510 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable devices, 2-cell NiMH/alkaline applications, and point-of-load regulation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for production programs.

Supply support for TPS62510 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 TPS62510 belongs to TI's high-efficiency, low-voltage DC-DC converter product line, designed specifically for battery-powered portable electronics where input voltage headroom is minimal and sequencing integrity is critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS62510 to maintain regulation at 1.5-A load?

The TPS62510 supports 100% duty-cycle operation to sustain regulation as input voltage drops. At 1.5-A load and 1.5-V output, minimum VIN is determined by R_DS(on) of the P-channel MOSFET (120 mΩ typical at 3.3 V), inductor DCR, and output tolerance. Per datasheet Equation 3, VIN_min ≈ V_OUT + I_OUT × (R_DS(on) + R_L). For standard 2.2-μH inductor (DCR ≈ 25 mΩ), VIN_min ≈ 1.5 V + 1.5 A × (0.12 Ω + 0.025 Ω) = 1.72 V - confirming compatibility with deeply discharged 2-cell alkaline cells. The TPS62510 thus delivers full 1.5-A capability down to 1.8-V nominal input, with margin for battery sag.

How does the OVT pin function in TPS62510, and what external components are needed?

The OVT pin on the TPS62510 accepts an external voltage (0–0.6 V) to override the internal 0.6-V reference, forcing the output to track that voltage during startup. When OVT < 0.6 V, the error amplifier regulates FB to match OVT instead of the internal reference - enabling precise sequencing with another rail (e.g., FPGA I/O). No external op-amp is required; a simple resistor divider from the master rail to OVT suffices. For example, to track a 3.3-V rail rising to 1.8 V, use R3 = 300 kΩ and R4 = 200 kΩ so V_OVT = 1.8 V × (200 kΩ / 500 kΩ) = 0.72 V - but since OVT only tracks below 0.6 V, this requires scaling: actual design uses V_master → R3/R4 → OVT to deliver ≤0.6 V. The TPS62510 datasheet Figure 7 provides validated divider examples.

Can TPS62510 be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the valid frequency and interface requirements?

Yes, the TPS62510 supports external synchronization via the MODE pin. When driven with a square wave, it locks to frequencies from 1.15 MHz to 2.25 MHz, aligning switching edges to the falling edge of the input clock. The MODE pin must meet VIH ≥ 1.2 V and VIL ≤ 0.4 V, with minimum high/low pulse width of 75 ns. This enables phase-shifted operation of multiple TPS62510 units (e.g., 180° out-of-phase) to reduce input ripple current in multi-rail systems. Synchronization does not affect OVT, PG, or soft-start behavior - all remain fully functional. The TPS62510 thus offers deterministic timing control without sacrificing its core sequencing or protection features.

What is the role of the AVIN and PVIN pins, and why are they separate in TPS62510?

AVIN supplies clean bias to the TPS62510's analog control circuitry (error amplifier, reference, oscillators), while PVIN powers the high-current power stage (P/N-channel MOSFETs). Separating them allows RC filtering on AVIN to reject switching noise from PVIN - critical for stable feedback and low-output-ripple operation. The datasheet specifies a recommended RC network (e.g., 1-Ω resistor + 1-μF capacitor) between PVIN and AVIN. If AVIN is connected directly to PVIN without filtering, noise coupling can cause regulation instability or premature UVLO triggering. This dual-supply architecture makes the TPS62510 robust in noisy environments like smartphone PMIC subsystems, where the TPS62510 maintains accuracy despite adjacent high-speed digital switching.

Does TPS62510 provide short-circuit protection, and how does it behave under fault conditions?

Yes, the TPS62510 includes cycle-by-cycle forward current limiting on both high-side and low-side MOSFETs to protect against output shorts. During a short, the device limits peak inductor current to 1.75–2.25 A (typical 2 A), then enters hiccup mode: it disables switching for ~30 ms, re-enables, and repeats if fault persists. This prevents thermal damage while allowing automatic recovery when the short is removed. Unlike latch-off protection, hiccup mode maintains system awareness via the PG pin - PG stays low during fault but resumes high-Z once regulation is restored. The TPS62510 also integrates thermal shutdown (160°C) as a secondary safeguard. These dual protections make the TPS62510 suitable for unattended portable equipment where user-replaceable fuses are impractical.