Texas Instruments TPSM82903EVM

Overview

TPSM82903EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to validate the TPSM82903 - a 3-A, 3-V to 17-V input, 1.2-V output synchronous buck converter module in a 3.0-mm × 2.8-mm MicroSiP™ package with integrated inductor. It supports auto PFM/PWM operation at 2.5 MHz, delivers up to 3 A continuous output current, and features configurable soft-start, tracking, feedforward, and MODE/S-CONF settings for lab and design-in validation.

For engineers reviewing the TPSM82903EVM datasheet, TPSM82903EVM pinout, TPSM82903EVM application, or TPSM82903EVM equivalent, this EVM enables rapid characterization of thermal performance (e.g., 12 V_IN/1.2 V_OUT/3 A), enable threshold tuning, output voltage scaling, and PG signal behavior - critical for industrial power rail qualification and low-I_Q DC/DC integration.

Technical Context

The TPSM82903EVM implements the TPSM82903 buck converter module with fixed 1.2-V output, 3-A capability, and 2.5-MHz switching frequency configured via R7 (7.15 kΩ). It supports external feedback (FB/VSET), programmable soft-start (C12), TRACK-IN voltage scaling, and MODE/S-CONF selection between forced PWM and auto PFM/PWM modes.

Board-level interfaces include dual-pin VIN/VOUT power and sense connections (J2/J3), PG monitoring (J4), SS/TR and TRACK-IN headers (J5), and three configuration jumpers (JP1–JP3) for PG pullup, EN control, and MODE/S-CONF mode selection - enabling full functional validation without soldering.

Key Specifications

Availability

TPSM82903EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PC power validation, IP camera DC/DC qualification, and servo drive auxiliary rail testing requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and TI-validated reference schematics.

Supply support for TPSM82903EVM 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in power management ICs and evaluation platforms for system-level design validation.

The TPSM8290x EVM series belongs to TI's high-efficiency, low-I_Q MicroSiP™ buck module evaluation platform, engineered to accelerate adoption of integrated-inductor DC/DC converters in space-constrained industrial and enterprise applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TPSM82903EVM?

The TPSM82903EVM is a Texas Instruments evaluation module built around the TPSM82903 3-A buck converter module. Its purpose is to enable engineers to verify electrical performance - including efficiency, thermal behavior, transient response, and configuration flexibility - under real-world conditions such as 12-V input and 1.2-V/3-A output. The TPSM82903EVM provides accessible test points, jumper-selectable modes, and documented schematics to support rapid prototyping and qualification of the TPSM82903 in target systems.

Can the TPSM82903EVM be used to evaluate other TPSM8290x variants?

No - the TPSM82903EVM is specifically populated with the TPSM82903SISR device and configured for 1.2-V output. While the board layout accommodates the same MicroSiP™ footprint as TPSM82901 and TPSM82902, the BOM, resistor network (R2 = 100 kΩ, R5 = 100 kΩ), and default MODE/S-CONF setting (R7 = 7.15 kΩ) are optimized for the 3-A variant. Using it for TPSM82901 or TPSM82902 requires component replacement and recalibration per their respective User's Guide tables.

How is output voltage set on the TPSM82903EVM?

The TPSM82903EVM uses a fixed-resistor feedback network to set its 1.2-V output. R2 (100 kΩ) and R5 (100 kΩ) form a resistive divider from VOUT to FB/VSET, establishing the regulated voltage per the TPSM82903's internal reference. Unlike adjustable versions, no external potentiometer or VSET pin configuration is required - the output is factory-trimmed and stable across temperature and load per Table 1-1. This simplifies validation for fixed-rail applications like processor cores.

What thermal performance data is available for the TPSM82903EVM?

Figure 4-1 in the User's Guide documents thermal performance for the TPSM82903EVM under 12-V input, 1.2-V output, and 3-A load with JP3 open (auto PFM/PWM mode). It reports PCB "spot" temperature rise - not junction temperature - under natural convection. The measured thermal resistance (θ_JA) is derived from this data, confirming suitability for enclosed industrial enclosures without forced airflow. Full thermal modeling requires referencing the TPSM82903SISR datasheet's θ_JA and Ψ_JT values.

Does the TPSM82903EVM support output voltage tracking?

Yes - the TPSM82903EVM supports output voltage tracking via the J5 header. With C12 removed, an external voltage applied to J5 Pin 1 (TRACK-IN) is scaled through R8 and R9 to the SS/TR pin, allowing the TPSM82903's output to ramp proportionally with another supply. This feature enables coordinated power sequencing in multi-rail systems, such as FPGAs where core and I/O voltages must ramp monotonically. The TPSM82903EVM schematic (Figure 6-3) confirms this path is implemented and tested.