Texas Instruments TPS65217CRSLR

Overview

TPS65217CRSLR from Texas Instruments is a single-chip power management IC (PMIC) designed for Sitara™ AM335x processors, integrating three 1.2-A step-down converters (DCDC1/2/3), two adjustable LDOs (LDO1/LDO2), two configurable load switches (LS1/LS2), a WLED boost driver, and a linear battery charger. It supports dual-input power path (USB + AC), delivers DDR3/DDR3L memory rail voltages (VDDQ/2, VTT, VREFCA), and operates across –40°C to +105°C for industrial embedded applications.

For engineers reviewing the TPS65217CRSLR datasheet, TPS65217CRSLR pinout, TPS65217CRSLR application, or TPS65217CRSLR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.25-MHz fixed-frequency buck operation, I²C address 0x24 programmability, 48-pin VQFN (6 mm × 6 mm) package with thermal pad, and factory-configured output sequencing optimized for AM335x ZCZ processors.

Technical Context

The TPS65217CRSLR implements a dual-input power path with 20-V tolerant USB and AC inputs, thermal regulation, and battery fault monitoring. Its three integrated-switch buck converters operate at 2.25 MHz with ±2% output accuracy in PWM mode, 100% duty cycle capability, and 15-µA quiescent current per converter.

LDO1 and LDO2 are adjustable regulators with tracking capability (LDO2 tracks DCDC3), while LS1 and LS2 can be configured as either load switches or LDOs-LS1 delivers 1.8 V at 400 mA and LS2 delivers 3.3 V at 400 mA in LDO mode. The device uses I²C (0x24) for register access with password protection and supports wake-up/power-up sequencing via strobe-controlled rail enable timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS65217CRSLR is housed in a 48-pin leadless VQFN package (RSL variant) measuring 6.00 mm × 6.00 mm with 0.4-mm pitch and an exposed thermal pad connected to PGND. Thermal pad soldering is mandatory for thermal performance and reliability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PMIC applications.

Compared with TPS65217CRSLR, TPS65217DRSLR offers identical functionality with only a 0.15-V DCDC1 voltage shift-making it a direct alternative for voltage-tuned AM335x variants-while TPS65218D0RSLR introduces architectural improvements but mandates full system requalification due to register and thermal design differences.

Availability

TPS65217CRSLR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Sitara AM335x processor power, industrial tablet computing, and 5-V line-powered embedded systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and automotive-qualified thermal performance.

Supply support for TPS65217CRSLR 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 high-reliability IC design.

The TPS65217x product line was engineered specifically to consolidate power delivery for ARM Cortex-A8-based Sitara processors-reducing board space, improving efficiency, and guaranteeing boot-critical sequencing for industrial and portable applications.

FAQ

What is the default DCDC1 output voltage of the TPS65217CRSLR?

The TPS65217CRSLR has a factory-programmed DCDC1 output voltage of 1.5 V, optimized for the VDD_CORE rail of the Sitara AM335xZCZ processor. This value is fixed in the device's preprogrammed register map and cannot be altered via I²C without modifying the XADJ1 bit and external resistor divider-though doing so may violate AM335x power sequencing requirements. The TPS65217CRSLR datasheet confirms this setting in the Device Comparison Table.

Does the TPS65217CRSLR support DDR3L memory voltage rails?

Yes, the TPS65217CRSLR directly supports DDR3L memory rails: DCDC2 and DCDC3 are factory-set to 1.1 V-matching the VDDS_DDR and VDDQ/2 requirements for DDR3L operation-and LS1 is configurable as a 1.8-V LDO for VDDSHVx(1.8). The device also generates VTT and VREFCA through external resistor networks tied to DCDC2/DCDC3 outputs, as documented in TI's "Powering the AM335x with the TPS65217x" user guide.

Can the TPS65217CRSLR operate without a battery connected?

Yes, the TPS65217CRSLR supports battery-less operation: it can power the system solely from USB or AC input, with SYS rail generated via the internal power path. In this mode, the battery charger remains disabled, and the device enters 5-V operation without battery-verified in Section 9.1 of the datasheet. All regulators (DCDC1–3, LDO1–2, LS1–2) remain fully functional as long as USB or AC input is present and within 4.3–5.8 V.

What is the thermal pad connection requirement for the TPS65217CRSLR?

The TPS65217CRSLR's exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a dedicated PGND copper area on the PCB using ≥4 thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter, filled or capped) to an internal ground plane. This achieves the specified RθJB of 5.6°C/W and prevents thermal shutdown under full 1.2-A per buck load. Leaving the pad unconnected or floating violates the absolute maximum ratings and risks permanent junction temperature exceedance above 125°C.

How does the TPS65217CRSLR handle power-source arbitration between USB and AC inputs?

The TPS65217CRSLR uses internal comparators to detect valid USB and AC inputs (VIN(DT) = 190 mV threshold above battery voltage). When both are present, it prioritizes AC input based on higher current capability (up to 2.5 A vs. 1.3 A for USB) and automatically switches within 150 µs (tSW(PSEL)). If AC fails, it seamlessly transfers load to USB without system interruption-a behavior confirmed in the Power Path Timing section of the datasheet and validated in TI's TPS65217EVM reference design.