Texas Instruments TPS65980RHFR

Overview

TPS65980RHFR from Texas Instruments is a Thunderbolt™/Thunderbolt™2 bus-powered DC/DC switching regulator that accepts 2.5-V to 15.75-V input from the Thunderbolt cable and delivers three regulated 3.3-V outputs: TBT_OUT (up to 3.5 A), CBL_OUT (current-limited at 1.1 A or 2.2 A), and DEV_OUT (up to 2.5 A). It operates in charge-pump mode for low-voltage startup and buck-converter mode for high-voltage operation, enabling power delivery to Thunderbolt controllers, active cables, and peripheral circuitry.

For engineers reviewing the TPS65980RHFR datasheet, TPS65980RHFR pinout, TPS65980RHFR application, or TPS65980RHFR equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-mode regulation architecture, programmable CBL_OUT current limit, thermal shutdown at 135°C, HV_OK and RESET status signaling, and VQFN-24 (5 mm × 4 mm) package compatibility with Thunderbolt system-level power sequencing requirements.

Technical Context

The TPS65980RHFR integrates a dual-mode power conversion architecture: a switched-capacitor charge pump for 2.5–3.4 V input (low-voltage state) and a synchronous buck converter for 10–15.75 V input (high-voltage state), with automatic transition between modes. It features independent output control-TBT_OUT powers the Thunderbolt controller directly, while CBL_OUT and DEV_OUT are load-switched from TBT_OUT using internal FETs.

Functional timing is tightly coordinated: HV_OK asserts within 10 µs after TBT_IN exceeds 4.5 V, RESET asserts high within 20 µs after TBT_OUT reaches 3.135 V, and CBL_OUT enables within 10 ms of HV_OK assertion. The device implements soft-start via SS pin, thermal shutdown with 10°C hysteresis, and slew-rate-controlled TBT_IN transitions (SR02L: 0.1–30 kV/s).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-24 (RHF) package with 5 mm × 4 mm body and exposed thermal pad (to be connected to GND). Pin pitch: 0.5 mm. Thermal pad improves heat dissipation with R_θJC(bot) = 1.5°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Thunderbolt™ bus power management applications.

Compared with TPS65981RHFR and TPS65982RHFR, the TPS65980RHFR offers lowest BOM cost and smallest footprint for single-port Thunderbolt™-only applications, with no overhead for dual-port control or USB-C PD logic-making it ideal for dedicated Thunderbolt™ docks, adapters, and peripherals where feature set matches exact requirements.

Availability

TPS65980RHFR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Thunderbolt™2 docks, bus-powered peripherals, active cable power supplies, and embedded Thunderbolt™ interface modules requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for TPS65980RHFR 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 connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and computing markets.

The TPS65980RHFR belongs to TI's Thunderbolt™ power management IC product line, designed specifically to meet the stringent voltage sequencing, current limiting, and thermal requirements of Thunderbolt™/Thunderbolt™2 bus-powered peripheral devices.

FAQ

What input voltage ranges does the TPS65980RHFR support, and how does it handle transitions between them?

The TPS65980RHFR supports two distinct input ranges: 2.5–3.4 V (low-voltage state, charge-pump mode) and 10–15.75 V (high-voltage state, buck mode). It automatically transitions between modes based on TBT_IN voltage level. During transition, slew-rate limits (SR02L/SRL2H) ensure controlled switching; HV_OK asserts only after TBT_IN exceeds 4.5 V and RESET is valid. This behavior is fully documented in the TPS65980RHFR datasheet Section 8.4.

How is the CBL_OUT current limit configured on the TPS65980RHFR?

The CBL_OUT current limit on the TPS65980RHFR is set by the logic state of the CBL_ILIMIT pin: tying CBL_ILIMIT to TBT_OUT (logic high) configures 2.2 A limit, while leaving it unconnected or pulled low selects 1.1 A. This configuration is effective only after HV_OK asserts high. The TPS65980RHFR datasheet Table 7.5 lists ILIM_CBLOUT values under "CABLE OUTPUT" conditions, confirming both thresholds across temperature and input voltage.

Does the TPS65980RHFR provide independent control of its three 3.3-V outputs?

Yes-the TPS65980RHFR provides differentiated control: TBT_OUT is the primary regulated output and always active when input is valid; CBL_OUT is enabled automatically upon HV_OK assertion and current-limited via CBL_ILIMIT; DEV_OUT is enabled only when both HV_OK is high and DEV_EN is low. This hierarchical control enables precise power sequencing in Thunderbolt™ systems, as detailed in TPS65980RHFR Section 8.1 and Figure 2.

What thermal protection features does the TPS65980RHFR include?

The TPS65980RHFR includes thermal shutdown that activates at 135°C typical junction temperature, with 10°C hysteresis to prevent oscillation. This protection is independent of output current limiting and engages under sustained overload or inadequate PCB thermal design. The device's VQFN-24 package with exposed thermal pad achieves R_θJC(bot) = 1.5°C/W, supporting reliable operation up to 3.5 A total output current-values confirmed in TPS65980RHFR Section 7.4 and 8.3.3.

Can the TPS65980RHFR operate in Thunderbolt™2 system sleep mode, and what are the key constraints?

Yes-the TPS65980RHFR supports Thunderbolt™2 sleep mode with TBT_IN as low as 5.2 V. In this state, TBT_OUT delivers 3.221–3.42 V at ≤31 mA, CBL_OUT supplies ≤235 mA, and DEV_OUT provides ≤700 mA-all while maintaining HV_OK assertion. Critical constraint: total combined output load must not exceed 85 mA until 2 ms after HV_OK goes high during wake-up, per TPS65980RHFR Section 7.6 timing table note (2).