Texas Instruments TPS7A7836PWPT

Overview

TPS7A7836PWPT from Texas Instruments is a 120-mA, non-isolated smart AC/DC linear voltage regulator with integrated active bridge rectifier, 4:1 switched-capacitor stage, and LDO output. It delivers fixed 3.6 V output with ±1% typical accuracy, supports ≥18 V_RMS AC input (50–20 kHz), achieves up to 75% efficiency, and maintains standby power at 15 mW (typical) - enabling magnetic tamper-proof power supplies for electricity meters and safety-critical home automation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS7A7836PWPT datasheet, TPS7A7836PWPT pinout, TPS7A7836PWPT application, or TPS7A7836PWPT equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-mode operation (AC-fed full/half-bridge or DC-fed SCIN supply), programmable power-fail detection threshold (1.17–1.42 V), open-drain PG/PF indicators, and HTSSOP-14 thermal-pad package optimized for high-voltage AC line interface without external magnetics.

Technical Context

The TPS7A7836PWPT integrates an actively clamped full/half-bridge rectifier, a 4:1 switched-capacitor charge pump (f_SC = 200 kHz), and a precision LDO regulator. Its architecture reduces required cap-drop capacitor size by 4× versus traditional solutions while maintaining VIN ≈ VOUT × 4 and IIN ≈ IOUT ÷ 4 under steady-state operation.

It features two UVLO circuits (VUVLO_SCIN = 17 V rising, VUVLO_LDO_IN = 3.9 V rising), thermal shutdown (162°C), current limit (145–300 mA), and programmable PFD threshold via external resistor divider. The device operates in either AC-supply mode (via AC+/AC− pins) or DC-supply mode (direct SCIN connection), with AC− tied to GND in half-bridge configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS7A7836PWPT is housed in a thermally enhanced 14-pin HTSSOP (PWP) package measuring 5.00 mm × 6.50 mm with exposed thermal pad. The pad must be soldered to a large-area ground plane for optimal thermal performance and electrical stability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar AC/DC linear regulator applications.

Compared with TPS7A7825PWPT, the TPS7A7836PWPT offers higher output voltage for 3.3 V–3.6 V logic domains and tighter regulation at elevated loads; compared with NCP1094DR2G, it delivers superior integration, lower standby power, and smaller solution size but less configurability.

Availability

TPS7A7836PWPT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electricity metering, garage door controllers, smoke detectors, and smart thermostats requiring stable component supply, magnetic tamper resistance, and ultra-low standby power.

Supply support for TPS7A7836PWPT 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 power management technologies - serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability, application-optimized ICs.

The TPS7A78 product line delivers smart AC/DC linear regulators targeting non-isolated, magnetic-free power conversion for utility metering, building automation, and safety-critical IoT endpoints - designed to replace transformer-based supplies while meeting stringent efficiency and tamper standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum AC input voltage supported by the TPS7A7836PWPT?

The TPS7A7836PWPT supports AC input from 18 V_RMS to 270 V_RMS (50–20 kHz), verified per Absolute Maximum Ratings (AC+/AC− pins: –1.5 V to 30 V peak). At 270 V_RMS, peak voltage reaches ~382 V, which is safely clamped by the internal active bridge - ensuring robust operation across global mains standards including 240 VAC and 230 VAC nominal systems.

Can the TPS7A7836PWPT operate from a DC source instead of AC?

Yes, the TPS7A7836PWPT supports DC-only operation via the SCIN pin (17–23 V), bypassing the active bridge. In this mode, AC+ and AC− must be grounded, and the device delivers regulated 3.6 V output with identical accuracy and PG/PF functionality. This enables DC backup power in hybrid AC/DC systems such as smart thermostats with PoE or battery fallback.

How does the TPS7A7836PWPT achieve 75% efficiency without a transformer?

The TPS7A7836PWPT achieves up to 75% efficiency using a 4:1 switched-capacitor charge pump that reduces rectified AC voltage before LDO regulation. By stepping down voltage 4× and increasing current proportionally (P_IN ≈ P_OUT), it minimizes resistive losses in the cap-drop capacitor and surge resistor - unlike linear regulators that dissipate excess voltage as heat.

What is the purpose of the SC1± and SC2± pins on the TPS7A7836PWPT?

The SC1± and SC2± pins connect external flying capacitors (1–4.7 µF) that form the 4:1 switched-capacitor voltage reduction stage. SC1 handles primary charge transfer; SC2 provides secondary regulation and ripple filtering. Proper capacitor selection (X5R dielectric, 10–16 V rating) and placement (<2 mm from pins) are mandatory for stable 200 kHz switching and low-output ripple.

Does the TPS7A7836PWPT require external components for power-fail detection?

Yes - power-fail detection requires an external resistor divider (R1/R2) from SCIN to GND, connected to the PFD pin. With R4 = 100 kΩ, the falling threshold is 1.17–1.25 V and rising threshold is 1.24–1.42 V. The hysteresis (110 mV) prevents chatter during slow line decay, and the PF pin asserts within 1 µs of threshold crossing - enabling deterministic shutdown sequencing in the TPS7A7836PWPT.