Texas Instruments TPS65981ABTRTQT

Overview

TPS65981ABTRTQT 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 back-to-back NFETs, USB 2.0 HS multiplexer with sideband-use (SBU) support, and DisplayPort alternate mode capability - deployed in rugged PCs, docking stations, and medical equipment.

For engineers reviewing the TPS65981ABTRTQT datasheet, TPS65981ABTRTQT pinout, TPS65981ABTRTQT application, or TPS65981ABTRTQT equivalent, key selection criteria include USB PD 2.0 certification status, integrated VCONN switching, dual-role port (DRP) data path control, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C), and QFN-56 package compatibility with 2-layer PCB routing.

Technical Context

The TPS65981ABTRTQT implements a full USB PD 2.0 policy engine with physical layer support, including cable attach/orientation detection, BC1.2 charging negotiation, and configurable GPIOs for external DC/DC control. Its integrated power paths feature programmable overvoltage/undervoltage thresholds (e.g., OV_VBUS = 5–24 V, UV_VBUS = 2.5–18.21 V) and slew-rate-controlled high-voltage switching.

The device uses a dual-oscillator architecture (100-kHz standby + 48-MHz active) and supports dead-battery startup via VBUS-powered 3.3-V LDO. Its USB 2.0 multiplexer dynamically routes D+/D– and SBU1/SBU2 signals based on CC pin orientation detection, enabling DisplayPort alternate mode with system-side AUX_P/AUX_N interface.

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.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS65981ABTRTQT, TPS65987D delivers full PD3.0 functionality and higher safety margins, while STUSB4500 offers modular flexibility at the cost of increased component count and layout complexity.

Availability

TPS65981ABTRTQT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for rugged PC, medical monitor, and automotive infotainment applications requiring stable component supply, industrial temperature operation, and USB PD 2.0 interoperability.

Supply support for TPS65981ABTRTQT 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 solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS65981ABTRTQT belongs to TI's USB Type-C and Power Delivery controller product line, designed specifically for highly integrated, autonomous USB-C port management in notebook, docking, and industrial systems.

FAQ

Is TPS65981ABTRTQT USB PD 3.0 certified?

No, TPS65981ABTRTQT is USB PD 2.0 certified (USB-IF cert# E169910-20150728) and is not eligible for new PD2.0 certification after June 2020. It does not support PD3.0 features such as Programmable Power Supply (PPS) or extended message structures. For PD3.0 compliance, TI recommends TPS65987D. The TPS65981ABTRTQT remains fully functional for legacy PD2.0 implementations and backward-compatible contracts.

What is the maximum VBUS voltage supported by TPS65981ABTRTQT?

The TPS65981ABTRTQT supports VBUS operation from 4 V to 22 V in bidirectional mode, with absolute maximum rating of 24 V. Its internal HV power path includes programmable overvoltage protection up to 24 V (6-bit threshold, 328-mV LSB) and undervoltage lockout down to 2.5 V. This range covers standard USB PD profiles (5 V, 9 V, 15 V, 20 V) and accommodates transient overshoot within specification limits.

Does TPS65981ABTRTQT support DisplayPort alternate mode out of the box?

Yes, TPS65981ABTRTQT natively supports DisplayPort alternate mode via dedicated AUX_P/AUX_N pins and hardware-assisted HPD control using GPIO4/GPIO5. It handles DP link training initiation, AUX CH communication, and hot-plug detection autonomously - no host CPU intervention is required. The device routes SBU1/SBU2 signals based on CC orientation and enables DP video transport alongside USB 2.0 data on the same Type-C connector.

Can TPS65981ABTRTQT operate with a completely discharged battery?

Yes, TPS65981ABTRTQT supports dead-battery startup using VBUS as the primary power source. Its integrated 3.3-V LDO can be powered directly from VBUS (4–22 V), enabling full USB PD negotiation, CC line detection, and system initialization even when VIN_3V3 is 0 V. This capability is confirmed in the device's power-supply architecture and is used in docking stations and portable medical devices requiring zero-battery plug-in functionality.

What package type and thermal characteristics does TPS65981ABTRTQT use?

TPS65981ABTRTQT 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 metrics include RθJA = 25.2°C/W (JEDEC JESD51-7), RθJC(bottom) = 0.5°C/W, and ψJB = 3.5°C/W - optimized for 2-layer PCBs with direct thermal pad grounding. These values are validated under standard test conditions and support continuous operation at 105°C ambient with appropriate copper area.