Texas Instruments TPS65233-1RTER

Overview

TPS65233-1RTER from Texas Instruments is a monolithic LNB voltage regulator IC integrating a 1-MHz boost converter, low-dropout linear regulator, and programmable 22-kHz tone generator for satellite receiver power delivery. It delivers regulated 13-V/18-V output with ±0.4-V accuracy at 500 mA, supports DiSEqC 1.x signaling, and features I²C interface (400 kHz), external current limit programming (±10%), and thermal shutdown at 160°C. It serves as the primary power stage in set-top box LNB supply chains.

For engineers reviewing the TPS65233-1RTER datasheet, TPS65233-1RTER pinout, TPS65233-1RTER application, or TPS65233-1RTER equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, validated pin-level circuit roles, confirmed DiSEqC-compliant tone generation behavior, real-world load regulation performance (0.7%/A), and authoritative alternative selection guidance for satellite receiver design.

Technical Context

The TPS65233-1RTER implements a two-stage architecture: a 1-MHz boost converter with 120-mΩ internal MOSFET feeds a low-dropout linear regulator whose output voltage is selectable between 13 V and 18 V via VCTRL and SCL/VADJ pins. The linear stage incorporates push-pull output topology to superimpose clean 22-kHz tone (20–24 kHz, 550–750 mV amplitude) directly onto VLNB even at zero load.

DiSEqC compatibility is achieved through five configurable tone-generation modes-three I²C-controlled and two non-I²C (EXTM-gated or internal)-with tone position programmable via TONE_POS bits. Fault diagnostics include open-drain FAULT pin assertion on overcurrent (4-ms timeout), thermal shutdown (160°C trip, 20°C hysteresis), and cable disconnect detection, all readable via I²C status register.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS65233-1RTER is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin WQFN package (3.00 mm × 3.00 mm, RTE suffix), with exposed thermal pad requiring solder connection to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal dissipation (R_θJB = 15°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LNB voltage regulator applications.

Compared with TPS65233-1RTER, TPS65233RTER removes I²C functionality but retains identical power delivery specs and package, while MAX2100AETE+ trades integrated boost for higher tone drive strength and demands external supply-making each suitable for distinct segments of satellite receiver design.

Availability

TPS65233-1RTER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for set-top box satellite receivers, TV satellite tuners, PC card satellite adapters, and multi-switch distribution systems requiring stable component supply, DiSEqC compliance, and thermal reliability in compact form factors.

Supply support for TPS65233-1RTER 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in power management and satellite communications ICs.

The TPS65233-1RTER belongs to TI's LNB power management product line, engineered specifically for DiSEqC-compliant satellite receiver systems-integrating boost, LDO, tone generation, and diagnostics into a single WQFN package to simplify front-end power design.

FAQ

What is the function of the TCAP pin on the TPS65233-1RTER?

The TCAP pin on the TPS65233-1RTER sets the slew rate for 13-V/18-V transitions by connecting an external capacitor-typically 22 nF-to achieve a 0.33-ms rise/fall time. This controlled transition ensures the internal boost converter can track the linear regulator's reference without overshoot or instability, preventing false DiSEqC detection during voltage switching. The TPS65233-1RTER uses a constant 10-µA charge/discharge current into TCAP to guarantee predictable timing across temperature and process variation.

How does the TPS65233-1RTER generate the 22-kHz tone signal?

The TPS65233-1RTER generates the 22-kHz tone through five configurable methods: two non-I²C (external 22-kHz clock on EXTM or internal oscillator gated by EXTM) and three I²C-controlled (internal oscillator enabled via TGATE bit, tone position selected by TONE_POS bits). Its push-pull linear output stage superimposes the tone directly onto VLNB with 680-mV typical amplitude-even at zero load-ensuring DiSEqC command integrity. The TPS65233-1RTER's tone frequency is tightly regulated between 20–24 kHz per specification.

Can the TPS65233-1RTER operate without an I²C interface?

Yes, the TPS65233-1RTER operates fully in non-I²C mode using hardware pins: VCTRL selects 13 V or 18 V, SCL/VADJ sets nominal voltage (13/18 V or 13.4/18.6 V), and EXTM gates internal tone generation. I²C_CON bit defaults to 0, disabling I²C functionality. All core features-including current limiting via ISEL resistor, soft-start via TCAP, and fault reporting via open-drain FAULT pin-remain active without I²C. The TPS65233-1RTER maintains full DiSEqC 1.x compliance in this configuration.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TPS65233-1RTER in its WQFN package?

The TPS65233-1RTER in its 3.00-mm × 3.00-mm WQFN (RTE) package achieves a junction-to-board thermal resistance (R_θJB) of 15°C/W when the exposed thermal pad is properly soldered to a PCB ground plane with thermal vias. With 43.4°C/W junction-to-ambient resistance and 160°C thermal shutdown, the TPS65233-1RTER sustains continuous 1000-mA output at ambient temperatures up to 85°C in typical layouts-validated by TI's thermal characterization data and widely deployed in commercial satellite receivers.

How is output current limiting configured on the TPS65233-1RTER?

Output current limiting on the TPS65233-1RTER is configured either by an external resistor connected to the ISEL pin (e.g., 200 kΩ sets 650 mA ±10%) or via I²C register bits CL1/CL0 (selecting 400/600/750/1000 mA). The CL_EXT bit determines the source: 1 = resistor, 0 = register. During overcurrent, the TPS65233-1RTER clamps output at the programmed limit for 4 ms before entering hiccup mode (128-ms off time), protecting both the IC and connected LNB from damage during cable faults.