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Texas Instruments TPS68401C4YFFR
- Part No.:
- TPS68401C4YFFR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 20-UFBGA, DSBGA
- Datasheet:
-
TPS68401C4YFFR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR RGLTR I2C 20DSBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,095
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Product details
Overview
TPS68401C4YFFR from Texas Instruments is a multifunction 3-channel LED driver IC optimized for RGB lighting control in portable electronics. It integrates a programmable 1x/1.5x fractional charge pump, three independent 8-bit current DACs (0–25.5 mA per channel), I²C interface, and autonomous state-machine execution - enabling battery-efficient mood lighting, keypad backlighting, and function indication without continuous host processor involvement.
For engineers reviewing the TPS68401C4YFFR datasheet, TPS68401C4YFFR pinout, TPS68401C4YFFR application, or TPS68401C4YFFR equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world lighting use cases, and confirmed alternative options - all grounded in TI's SLVSA68A datasheet and YFF package documentation.
Technical Context
The TPS68401C4YFFR implements a dual-mode fractional charge pump (1x bypass or 1.5x boost) with automatic gain switching based on real-time LED headroom monitoring across G/B channels; R channel may be routed directly to VDD via R_TO_BATT bit to bypass charge pump for efficiency. Its triple independent programmable engines execute up to 16 instructions per channel using either internal 32.768-kHz oscillator or external clock input on CLK32K.
Control is delivered via I²C (400 kHz max) with address selection via ADDR_SEL0/ADDR_SEL1 pins, while autonomous operation is enabled by register-loaded lighting sequences - reducing host CPU load. The INT pin serves dual purpose: interrupt output (open-drain, active-low) or configurable CMOS GPO, and TRIG supports multi-device synchronization via open-drain pulse exchange.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED Output Channels | 3 independent constant-current sources (R/G/B), each programmable 0–25.5 mA in 0.1-mA steps |
| Charge Pump Modes | 1x (bypass) or 1.5x (boost to ≤4.55 V); auto-switching enabled when VDD < LED forward voltage + headroom |
| PWM Control | 8-bit resolution; selectable 256 Hz or 558 Hz frequency; linear or exponential duty-cycle response |
| I²C Interface | Standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz); slave address configurable via ADDR_SEL0/ADDR_SEL1 |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +85°C ambient; junction temperature rated to +125°C |
| Shutdown Current | 200 nA typical (EN = low), enabling ultra-low-power system sleep states |
| Package | NanoFree™ YFF (DSBGA-20), 1.77 mm × 1.77 mm, 0.4-mm pitch, bottom-side solder balls |
Pinout & Package
NanoFree™ YFF (DSBGA-20) package: 20-ball, 0.4-mm pitch, bottom-side solder ball array; marked "TPS68401C4YFF" per TI ordering info.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Power supply input | Unregulated battery input (2.7–5.5 V); powers internal logic, reference, and charge pump |
| GND | Ground reference | Two dedicated ground balls (pins 4D and 3C) for analog/digital separation and noise reduction |
| R / G / B | LED current outputs | Constant-current sinks (0–25.5 mA); R can be routed to VDD instead of VOUT for efficiency |
| VOUT | Charge pump output | Regulated output (1x or 1.5x VDD); supplies G/B channels and optionally R channel |
| CFLY1P/CFLY1N/CFLY2P/CFLY2N | Charge pump flying capacitors | Four dedicated terminals for two independent 0.47-µF flying caps; enables dual-pump architecture |
| SCL / SDA | I²C interface | Open-drain bus lines referenced to EN pin voltage; no separate VIO required |
| EN | Chip enable | Active-high digital input controlling global shutdown; defines logic level thresholds for all I/O pins |
| INT | Interrupt / GPO | Configurable open-drain interrupt (default) or push-pull general-purpose output |
| TRIG | Synchronization I/O | Open-drain trigger line for inter-device pattern sync; requires external pull-up |
| GPO | Dedicated GPO | CMOS output controlled via GPO register; no external pull-up needed |
| CLK32K | External clock input | Accepts 16–64 kHz clock for synchronized PWM/instruction timing; internal oscillator used if unconnected |
| ADDR_SEL0 / ADDR_SEL1 | I²C address select | Binary inputs setting 3-bit I²C slave address (010–101); enable multiple devices on same bus |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Autonomous lighting sequencing | Three independent 16-instruction engines execute preloaded programs without host CPU intervention - cutting system power and freeing MCU resources |
| Adaptive charge pump gain | Automatic 1x ↔ 1.5x switching based on real-time LED headroom detection on G/B channels - eliminates manual mode selection and improves efficiency |
| Exponential PWM control | Logarithmic brightness curve matching human eye perception - enables smooth, perceptually uniform dimming from 0% to 100% |
| Multi-device synchronization | TRIG pin enables precise timing alignment across multiple TPS68401C4YFFR units - critical for consistent RGB transitions in multi-zone lighting |
| Ultra-low shutdown current | 200 nA typical shutdown draw - preserves battery life during extended idle periods in portable devices |
Applications
| Accent Lighting | Function Indication |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Ambient lighting in smartphone bezels, laptop palm rests, or automotive interior trim for user personalization and mood setting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS68401C4YFFR acts as autonomous RGB current controller, executing stored color-transition sequences using internal oscillator or synchronized external 32.768-kHz clock. Use Value: Enables rich, battery-efficient lighting effects without burdening main processor - extending runtime while supporting dynamic UI feedback. |
Use Scenario: Visual status signaling for charging progress, message arrival, or system alerts in wearables and handhelds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS68401C4YFFR drives discrete LEDs or RGB indicators with precise current-controlled pulses and programmable fade timing. Use Value: Delivers consistent, calibrated brightness across R/G/B channels (±2% matching) - ensuring accurate color representation for status cues. |
| Keypad Illumination | Display Backlight |
Use Scenario: Backlighting of mechanical or capacitive keypads in industrial HMIs, medical devices, and ruggedized consumer remotes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS68401C4YFFR provides independent current regulation per key zone (via R/G/B outputs) with programmable on/off timing and intensity ramping. Use Value: Supports localized dimming and animated key activation - improving usability in low-light environments without increasing system complexity. |
Use Scenario: Edge-lit or direct-lit small-format displays (e.g., smartwatch, POS terminal, instrument cluster) requiring white or RGB backlight control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TPS68401C4YFFR supplies regulated current to white LEDs or RGB backlight arrays, with charge pump boosting VDD to meet VF requirements. Use Value: Eliminates need for external boost converter - reducing BOM count and PCB area while maintaining tight current accuracy (±4%) across temperature. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multifunction LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS68402A0RHFR | Different die revision (A0 vs C4); RHF package (24-pin QFN) vs YFF (20-ball DSBGA); identical functional spec per SLVSA68A | Requires PCB redesign due to larger footprint, different thermal pad, and 24-pin layout - not drop-in compatible | Select only when board space allows QFN packaging and thermal management supports higher θJA (100°C/W) |
| LM3530UMX/NOPB | 2-channel I²C LED driver; no integrated charge pump; relies on external boost or sufficient VDD; lacks autonomous sequencer and TRIG sync | Suitable for simpler dual-LED apps (e.g., front camera flash + notification), but cannot replace 3-channel autonomous RGB sequencing | Choose only for cost-sensitive, non-sequencing dual-LED designs where VDD ≥ LED VF + headroom |
Compared with TPS68401C4YFFR, TPS68402A0RHFR offers identical functionality in a larger QFN package requiring layout change, while LM3530UMX/NOPB lacks charge pump, third channel, and autonomous execution - limiting it to basic dual-LED control without sequencing or low-VDD support.
Availability
TPS68401C4YFFR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable lighting, human-machine interface (HMI) backlighting, and battery-powered RGB indication requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TPS68401C4YFFR 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 high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and portable applications.
The TPS68401C4YFFR belongs to TI's lighting management unit (LMU) product line, designed specifically for autonomous, low-power RGB LED control in space-constrained portable devices - integrating charge pump, DAC, PWM, and sequencer in one NanoFree package.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the TPS68401C4YFFR in a portable device?
The TPS68401C4YFFR serves as an autonomous 3-channel RGB LED driver with integrated fractional charge pump, enabling battery-efficient backlighting, accent lighting, and function indication without continuous host processor involvement. Its programmable state machine executes lighting sequences independently after initial I²C configuration - reducing system power and offloading MCU tasks in smartphones, wearables, and HMIs.
Does the TPS68401C4YFFR require an external crystal or oscillator?
No, the TPS68401C4YFFR includes an internal 32.768-kHz oscillator for PWM and instruction timing. However, it also accepts an external 16–64 kHz clock on the CLK32K pin for precise synchronization across multiple devices - useful in multi-zone lighting systems. If CLK32K is unconnected, the internal oscillator is used automatically.
How does the charge pump in the TPS68401C4YFFR adapt to varying battery voltage?
The TPS68401C4YFFR's charge pump operates in 1x (bypass) or 1.5x (boost) mode, with automatic gain switching triggered when any G/B channel detects insufficient headroom to drive its LED. When R_TO_BATT = 1, the red channel bypasses the charge pump entirely - improving efficiency at high VDD or low LED VF. Hysteresis (200 mV) prevents oscillation during voltage transitions.
Can the TPS68401C4YFFR synchronize lighting patterns across multiple boards?
Yes, the TPS68401C4YFFR supports inter-device synchronization via its open-drain TRIG pin. Devices can exchange trigger pulses to align instruction execution and PWM timing - essential for consistent RGB transitions in multi-display or multi-module systems. External pull-up resistors are required, and pulse duration is precisely three 32.768-kHz clock cycles.
What is the significance of the NanoFree YFF package used by the TPS68401C4YFFR?
Using TI's NanoFree™ YFF (DSBGA-20) package, the TPS68401C4YFFR achieves a 1.77 mm × 1.77 mm footprint with 0.4-mm ball pitch - ideal for ultra-compact portable designs. This chip-scale package eliminates wire bonds and leadframe, reducing parasitics and thermal resistance while enabling direct die attachment to PCB - enhancing reliability and signal integrity in space-constrained applications.
TPS68401C4YFFR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-UFBGA, DSBGA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- DC DC Regulator
- Topology:
- Switched Capacitor (Charge Pump)
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 3
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 4.55V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 150mA
- Frequency:
- 1.25MHz
- Dimming:
- I2C
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -30°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-DSBGA
TPS68401C4YFFR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPS68401C4YFFR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPS68401C4YFFR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TPS68401C4YFFR reliable?
The price and inventory of TPS68401C4YFFR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPS68401C4YFFR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TPS68401C4YFFR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TPS68401C4YFFR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TPS68401C4YFFR?
TPS68401C4YFFR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TPS68401C4YFFR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TPS68401C4YFFR?
For technical support, including TPS68401C4YFFR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPS68401C4YFFR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPS68401C4YFFR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPS68401C4YFFR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TPS68401C4YFFR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPS68401C4YFFR?
All TPS68401C4YFFR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPS68401C4YFFR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TPS68401C4YFFR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPS68401C4YFFR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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