Texas Instruments TPS65981ABTRTQR

Overview

TPS65981ABTRTQR from Texas Instruments is a USB Type-C® and Power Delivery 2.0–certified controller integrating a 5-V/3-A sourcing switch, 5-V-to-20-V/3-A bidirectional load switch, gate control for external 5-V-to-20-V/5-A NFETs, USB 2.0 HS multiplexer with sideband-use (SBU) support, and DisplayPort alternate mode capability - deployed in rugged notebooks, docking stations, and industrial USB-C host systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS65981ABTRTQR datasheet, TPS65981ABTRTQR pinout, TPS65981ABTRTQR application, or TPS65981ABTRTQR equivalent, key selection considerations include USB PD 2.0 certification status, VQFN-56 package thermal performance (R_θJA = 25.2°C/W), dual I²C port support, integrated 3.3-V LDO for dead-battery boot, and CC/VCONN switching with cable orientation detection.

Technical Context

The TPS65981ABTRTQR implements a full USB PD 2.0 policy engine and physical layer with BC1.2 charging support, programmable overvoltage/undervoltage thresholds on VBUS (configurable 6-bit UV/OV), and hardware-based cable attach/orientation detection via CC1/CC2 analog I/O pins. It supports dual-role port (DRP) operation with automatic D+/D− path selection based on CC logic state.

Its power architecture includes three independent managed paths: a 5-V/3-A source path with inrush limiting and reverse current protection; a 5-V-to-20-V/3-A bidirectional HV path with slew rate control and OVP/UVP; and gate drive outputs (HV_GATE1/HV_GATE2) with sense inputs (SENSEP/SENSEN) for external back-to-back NFETs rated up to 5 A at 20 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-56 package (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm, 0.5-mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL-3).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB-C PD controller applications.

Compared with TPS65981ABTRTQR, the TPS65982ABTRTQR delivers full PD3.0 feature set in identical packaging for drop-in firmware upgrades, while the STUSB4500QTR offers certification-ready PD3.0 control at the cost of increased BOM complexity and layout effort.

Availability

TPS65981ABTRTQR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for docking stations, rugged laptops, automotive infotainment systems, and flat panel monitors requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for TPS65981ABTRTQR 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS6598x product line was designed specifically for USB Type-C and Power Delivery system integration - targeting notebook, dock, and peripheral applications requiring certified, compact, and thermally efficient PD controllers with integrated power management.

FAQ

Is TPS65981ABTRTQR USB-IF certified for Power Delivery?

Yes, TPS65981ABTRTQR is USB-IF certified for USB Power Delivery 2.0 under certification number E169910-20150728. However, USB-IF discontinued PD2.0 certification for new designs after June 2020. The TPS65981ABTRTQR remains fully functional for PD2.0 implementations but is not eligible for new certification submissions. For new designs, TI recommends the PD3.0–compliant TPS65982ABTRTQR.

What is the maximum continuous current supported by the integrated power switches in TPS65981ABTRTQR?

The TPS65981ABTRTQR integrates two power switches: a 5-V/3-A sourcing switch (55-mΩ R_DS(on)) and a 5-V-to-20-V/3-A bidirectional load switch (95-mΩ R_DS(on)). Both are rated for continuous 3-A operation under recommended thermal conditions (T_A ≤ 105°C, proper PCB copper pour). External 5-A bidirectional current is supported only via the HV_GATE1/HV_GATE2 outputs driving back-to-back NFETs.

Does TPS65981ABTRTQR support DisplayPort alternate mode natively?

Yes, TPS65981ABTRTQR supports DisplayPort alternate mode through dedicated SBU1/SBU2 analog multiplexer control, AUX_P/AUX_N interface pins, and GPIO-configurable HPD signaling (via GPIO4/GPIO5). It handles DP link training handshaking at the physical layer and routes sideband-use signals without requiring an external mux or bridge IC - enabling direct integration into DP-capable monitors and docks.

Can TPS65981ABTRTQR operate with a completely discharged battery?

Yes, TPS65981ABTRTQR supports dead-battery boot via its integrated 3.3-V LDO, which can be powered directly from VBUS or PP_CABLE. When VIN_3V3 is absent or at 0 V, the device uses VBUS (as low as 3.35 V) to generate LDO_3V3, enabling full USB-C attach detection, policy engine startup, and power negotiation - critical for systems requiring instant-on functionality after battery depletion.

What package type and thermal characteristics does TPS65981ABTRTQR use?

TPS65981ABTRTQR uses a VQFN-56 package (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm, 0.5-mm pitch) with an exposed thermal pad. Its thermal metrics include R_θJA = 25.2°C/W (JEDEC standard board), R_θJB = 3.6°C/W (junction-to-board), and R_θJC(bottom) = 0.5°C/W. These values assume proper soldering of the thermal pad to a 4-layer PCB with ≥4 thermal vias and ≥1 in² copper pour - essential for sustaining 3-A continuous current in industrial ambient temperatures.