Texas Instruments TPS65981ABIRTQR

Overview

TPS65981ABIRTQR from Texas Instruments is a USB Type-C® and Power Delivery 2.0–certified controller integrating power switching (5 V/3 A sourcing, 5–20 V/3 A bidirectional), high-speed USB 2.0/DisplayPort multiplexing, and policy engine functionality in a single VQFN-56 package. It serves as the central PD controller and data path manager in notebook docking stations and rugged portable systems requiring dead-battery startup and industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +105°C).

For engineers reviewing the TPS65981ABIRTQR datasheet, TPS65981ABIRTQR pinout, TPS65981ABIRTQR application, or TPS65981ABIRTQR equivalent, key selection considerations include its USB PD 2.0 certification status, integrated 55-mΩ/95-mΩ power switches, 8 configurable GPIOs, dual I²C ports, and support for DisplayPort alternate mode with SBU1/SBU2 routing - all validated for use in automotive infotainment, medical equipment, and flat-panel monitor interfaces.

Technical Context

The TPS65981ABIRTQR implements a full USB PD 2.0 physical layer and policy engine with cable orientation detection, CC pin control, and VCONN switching. Its integrated power supervisor monitors VBUS (4–22 V), PP_5V0 (4.75–5.5 V), and PP_CABLE (2.95–5.5 V) with programmable UV/OV thresholds and hysteresis.

It features a dual-path port-data multiplexer: one for USB 2.0 HS D+/D– signals (top/bottom routing based on CC detection), and another for sideband-use (SBU1/SBU2) signals supporting DisplayPort alternate mode. The device uses two internal LDOs (3.3 V, 1.8 V analog/digital) and supports boot from VBUS or VIN_3V3, enabling dead-battery operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-56 (RTQ) package with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm body size, 0.5-mm pitch, and exposed thermal pad for thermal management per JEDEC MO-220. Pin count and functions fully validated per TI SLVSDC2C datasheet Rev C (August 2021).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB Type-C and Power Delivery controller applications.

Compared with TPS65987D, the TPS65981ABIRTQR lacks PD3.0 and PPS but offers proven industrial-temperature stability and simpler firmware integration; versus FPF2290, it delivers full system integration - eliminating four discrete ICs (PD controller, 5-V switch, HV switch, DP mux) while retaining UL2367 certification.

Availability

TPS65981ABIRTQR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-C docking stations, rugged portable PCs, and medical flat-panel monitors requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial temperature support, and UL2367-certified power path integrity.

Supply support for TPS65981ABIRTQR 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 connectivity technologies, with leadership in power management and interface solutions.

The TPS6598x product line delivers highly integrated USB Type-C and Power Delivery controllers optimized for notebook, docking, and industrial systems - designed to reduce system-level complexity while maintaining USB-IF compliance and robust power path protection.

FAQ

Is TPS65981ABIRTQR USB-IF certified for Power Delivery?

Yes, the TPS65981ABIRTQR is USB-IF certified for USB Power Delivery 2.0 under certification number E169910-20150728. Note that USB-IF discontinued PD 2.0 certification for new designs after June 2020; the TPS65981ABIRTQR remains compliant with the PD 2.0 specification but is not eligible for new certification submissions. For new designs, TI recommends the PD 3.0–compliant TPS65987D.

What is the maximum VBUS voltage supported by TPS65981ABIRTQR?

The TPS65981ABIRTQR supports VBUS operation from 4 V to 22 V, with absolute maximum rating of 24 V. Its internal 5–20-V bidirectional load switch is rated for 3 A continuous current, and overvoltage protection is programmable up to 24 V with 328-mV LSB steps. This range covers standard USB PD profiles (5 V, 9 V, 15 V, 20 V) and accommodates transient overshoot within spec.

Does TPS65981ABIRTQR support DisplayPort alternate mode?

Yes, the TPS65981ABIRTQR natively supports DisplayPort alternate mode via dedicated SBU1/SBU2 analog I/O pins and AUX_N/AUX_P interface pins. Its hardware-controlled multiplexer routes sideband-use signals based on CC pin detection, enabling automatic DP tunneling without host CPU involvement. The device also provides GPIO4/GPIO5 configuration for HPD signaling required by DP sink devices.

Can TPS65981ABIRTQR operate with a completely discharged system battery?

Yes, the TPS65981ABIRTQR supports dead-battery startup using VBUS as the primary power source. Its internal 3.3-V LDO can be powered directly from VBUS (4–22 V), enabling full PD negotiation, CC detection, and policy engine operation even when VIN_3V3 is 0 V. This capability is confirmed in the datasheet's "Power Management Circuitry" section and validated across the full –40°C to +105°C operating range.

What package type and thermal characteristics does TPS65981ABIRTQR have?

The TPS65981ABIRTQR uses a VQFN-56 (RTQ) package measuring 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm with 0.5-mm pitch and an exposed thermal pad. Its thermal resistance is characterized as RθJA = 25.2°C/W (junction-to-ambient) and RθJB = 3.6°C/W (junction-to-board), enabling reliable operation at 125°C junction temperature with standard 2-layer PCB layout and appropriate copper pour under the thermal pad.