Texas Instruments TPS92612DBVR

Overview

TPS92612 from Texas Instruments is a single-channel high-side linear LED driver and constant-current source, delivering ±4.6% current accuracy from –40°C to +125°C, supporting up to 150 mA output with adjustable current via external R_SNS, and featuring LED short-circuit protection with auto-recovery - used in factory automation lighting and gas detector status indicators.

For engineers reviewing the TPS92612 datasheet, TPS92612 pinout, TPS92612 application, or TPS92612 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 150 mA (≤700 mV), PWM dimming compatibility (200 Hz–2 kHz), thermal shutdown threshold (157–187°C), and SOT-23 (DBV) package compatibility with board-level thermal management for industrial LED loads.

Technical Context

The TPS92612 operates as a high-side constant-current regulator using an internal error amplifier to maintain 98 mV (typical) across an external sense resistor, enabling precise current setting independent of LED forward voltage variation. Its PWM input directly enables/disables output current and supports analog-equivalent brightness control through duty-cycle modulation.

Protection architecture includes short-to-ground detection with deglitch timing (80–175 µs), automatic retry sourcing (0.64–1.53 mA), and thermal shutdown with 15°C hysteresis. The device enters undervoltage lockout below 3.2 V supply and requires ≥4.5 V for normal regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS92612 is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package measuring 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm, optimized for space-constrained industrial PCBs and compatible with standard reflow profiles (MSL Level-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver applications.

Compared with AL8862SP-13 and MAX16832AASA+, the TPS92612 offers integrated short-circuit auto-recovery and simpler layout (no inductor), making it optimal for space-limited, reliability-critical industrial LED applications where moderate efficiency is acceptable.

Availability

TPS92612 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for factory automation lighting, gas detector status indicators, and refrigerator control panels requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TPS92612 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, designing and manufacturing analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS92612 belongs to TI's industrial-grade LED driver product line, engineered specifically for robust constant-current regulation in safety-critical and thermally demanding applications such as building automation and medical diagnostics equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current supported by the TPS92612?

The TPS92612 supports a maximum output current of 150 mA under recommended operating conditions. This value is achieved when the external current-sense resistor R_SNS is selected to set the target current, with regulation maintained as long as the dropout voltage (SUPPLY–OUT) remains within specification (≤700 mV at 150 mA). The TPS92612 datasheet confirms this limit in Section 6.5 Electrical Characteristics under I_OUT.

Does the TPS92612 require an external current-sense resistor, and what is its typical value for 150 mA output?

Yes, the TPS92612 requires an external high-side current-sense resistor (R_SNS) to set output current. For 150 mA, the typical R_SNS value is 0.653 Ω, calculated using the nominal sense voltage V_{CS_REG} = 98 mV (from Equation 2 in the TPS92612 datasheet). The device regulates current by maintaining 98 mV across R_SNS, so actual value may vary slightly based on tolerance and temperature drift.

How does the TPS92612 handle short-circuit faults on the OUT pin?

The TPS92612 detects short-to-ground faults on the OUT pin by monitoring V_OUT against internal thresholds (V_{SG_th_falling} = 0.865 V typical). If V_OUT remains below this for ≥125 µs, it disables the main output and initiates auto-recovery by sourcing 1.08 mA (typical) from IN to OUT. Once V_OUT rises above V_{SG_th_rising} (1.2 V), normal regulation resumes - all without host intervention. This behavior is documented in Section 7.3.4.1 of the TPS92612 datasheet.

Can the TPS92612 operate from a 5 V supply while driving a 2.5 V LED at 150 mA?

Yes, the TPS92612 can operate from a 5 V supply driving a 2.5 V LED at 150 mA. With V_SUPPLY = 5 V and V_LED = 2.5 V, the required dropout is 2.5 V - well above the 700 mV maximum specified at 150 mA. However, power dissipation on the TPS92612 would be ~0.489 W (calculated in Section 8.2.1.2 of the TPS92612 datasheet), requiring adequate PCB copper area or heat-sharing resistors to maintain safe junction temperature.

What is the recommended PWM frequency range for brightness control with the TPS92612?

The TPS92612 supports PWM dimming from 200 Hz to 2 kHz, as specified in Section 7.3.3 of the datasheet. Frequencies in this range avoid visible flicker while ensuring sufficient timing margin: t_{PWM_delay_rising} is 17 µs typical, and t_{PWM_delay_falling} is 21 µs typical. Using 2 kHz allows faster response than 200 Hz, but both are validated for stable current regulation and minimal output ripple in the TPS92612 application curves (Figures 7–9).