Texas Instruments TPS7H4010EVM

Overview

TPS7H4010EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the TPS7H4010-SEP synchronous step-down voltage converter - a radiation-tolerant, 3.5–30 V input, 6 A buck regulator in a 30-pin WQFN package. It integrates two independent test circuits: one delivering 1.8 V @ 6 A (PVIN = 5 V), the other 3.3 V @ 6 A (PVIN = 12 V), both operating at 500 kHz with < ±0.5% output voltage deviation and >90% peak efficiency.

For engineers reviewing the TPS7H4010EVM datasheet, TPS7H4010EVM board layout, TPS7H4010EVM test data, or TPS7H4010EVM BOM, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, measured performance metrics, jumper-based mode control (Auto/FPWM/SYNC), and direct access to power-good monitoring, enable logic, and soft-start verification - all critical for space-grade DC-DC validation workflows.

Technical Context

The TPS7H4010EVM implements two identical, isolated buck converter channels based on the TPS7H4010-SEP IC, each using peak-current-mode control with fixed 500 kHz switching frequency set by onboard 78.7 kΩ RT resistors. Each channel features independent PVIN, VOUT, EN, MODE, and PGOOD connections, plus dedicated test points for VCC, SYNC/MODE, SS/TRK, and feedback nodes.

Board-level design includes 4-layer PCB construction with 2-oz copper planes, thermal vias under the exposed pad of each 30-pin WQFN IC, and optional C-L-C pi-input filters (unmounted by default). Mode selection (Auto/FPWM/external sync) and enable sourcing (PVIN-derived or external) are configurable via 3-position jumpers (J6/J7/J15/J16), supporting radiation-hardened system bring-up and transient stress testing.

Key Specifications

Availability

TPS7H4010EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for space-grade power system validation, radiation-tolerant DC-DC characterization, and high-reliability buck converter qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TPS7H4010EVM 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 and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in high-reliability, space-enhanced plastic (SEP) products for aerospace and defense applications.

The TPS7H4010EVM belongs to TI's Space Enhanced Plastic (SEP) evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate qualification of radiation-tolerant power converters in mission-critical satellite and avionics systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TPS7H4010EVM?

The TPS7H4010EVM is an evaluation module used to validate the electrical performance, thermal behavior, and control-loop stability of the TPS7H4010-SEP synchronous step-down converter. It contains two fully configured buck circuits - one optimized for 1.8 V/6 A output from 5 V input, the other for 3.3 V/6 A from 12 V input - enabling rapid prototyping and radiation-hardened power system testing without custom PCB design. The TPS7H4010EVM provides direct access to all critical signals including EN, PGOOD, SYNC/MODE, and SS/TRK.

Does the TPS7H4010EVM support external clock synchronization?

Yes, the TPS7H4010EVM supports external clock synchronization via the SYNC_A (TP13) and SYNC_B (TP27) test points. When the MODE_A (J7) and MODE_B (J16) jumpers are left open, the TPS7H4010-SEP devices enter FPWM mode and accept an external clock signal between 350 kHz and 2.2 MHz. This capability allows precise timing alignment across multiple converters in synchronized power domains - a key requirement for phased-array radar and distributed satellite power systems using the TPS7H4010EVM.

How is enable functionality implemented on the TPS7H4010EVM?

Enable functionality on the TPS7H4010EVM is configurable via EN_A (J6) and EN_B (J15) 3-position jumpers. By default (pins 2–3), EN is derived from PVIN through an onboard resistor divider (RENT/RENB), asserting enable at ~3.5 V. Alternatively, connecting pins 1–2 routes an external voltage (EN_EXT_A/TP14 or EN_EXT_B/TP28) to the EN pin - allowing precise sequencing control in multi-rail systems. Removing RENB enables direct drive of the EN pin, supporting both precision threshold and noise-immune enable schemes during TPS7H4010EVM testing.

What test data is included in the official TPS7H4010EVM User's Guide?

The official TPS7H4010EVM User's Guide (SNVU744) includes measured performance data for both channels: output voltage vs. load current (0–6 A), loop response (gain/phase margins), transient response to 2 A ↔ 6 A steps at 1 A/µs, output voltage ripple (< 10 mVpp at full load), soft-start timing (~3 ms), and efficiency vs. load (peak >92% at mid-load). All data was captured at 23°C ambient, in Auto Mode, with specified input voltages (5 V and 12 V), confirming real-world behavior of the TPS7H4010EVM before integration into flight hardware.

Can the TPS7H4010EVM be used to evaluate light-load efficiency modes?

Yes, the TPS7H4010EVM supports evaluation of light-load operation modes via the MODE_A (J7) and MODE_B (J16) jumpers. With pins 2–3 shorted, the TPS7H4010-SEP operates in Auto Mode - automatically transitioning between continuous conduction mode (CCM) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) to maintain high efficiency down to no-load conditions. Selecting pins 1–2 forces FPWM mode, sustaining fixed 500 kHz switching regardless of load - enabling direct comparison of light-load losses, quiescent current (< 30 µA), and output regulation fidelity across operating modes on the TPS7H4010EVM.