Texas Instruments LMZ31704RVQR SIMPLE SWITCHER 4‑A Buck Power Module Overview
The Texas Instruments LMZ31704RVQR is a compact, integrated power module designed to make high‑density point‑of‑load regulation straightforward and predictable. Part of TI’s SIMPLE SWITCHER family, the LMZ31704RVQR combines the controller, power MOSFETs, and inductor into a single 10 × 10 × 4.3 mm 42‑B3QFN package, delivering up to 4 A of continuous output current from a wide 2.95 V to 17 V input range. With current‑sharing capability for paralleling, an adjustable output, and surface‑mount assembly, it targets demanding embedded, industrial, and communications designs where board space and time‑to‑market are at a premium.
Engineers, buyers, and sourcing managers will appreciate that the LMZ31704RVQR reduces design complexity versus discrete buck converters, minimizes layout risk by internalizing the magnetics, and simplifies the BOM. The result is faster prototyping, predictable performance, and a cleaner path to production.
Highlights and Value Proposition
- SIMPLE SWITCHER power module that integrates inductor, control, and power MOSFETs
- 4 A continuous output current capability for robust point‑of‑load rails
- Wide input voltage range: 2.95 V to 17 V
- Adjustable output voltage (exact range not specified in provided data; see datasheet)
- Current sharing supported for paralleling modules to increase available current
- Compact 10 × 10 × 4.3 mm footprint and height to conserve PCB area and allow dense stacking
- 42‑pin B3QFN package optimized for surface‑mount assembly
- Backed by Texas Instruments’ SIMPLE SWITCHER ecosystem and documentation
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer / Brand: Texas Instruments (Texas Instruments Incorporated)
- MPN: LMZ31704RVQR
- Series: SIMPLE SWITCHER
- Category: DC‑DC Converters • Power Modules (Buck)
- Topology: Buck (step‑down)
- Input voltage range: 2.95 V to 17 V
- Output current: 4 A
- Output type: Adjustable (range not specified in provided data)
- Current sharing: Supported
- Package / Case: 42‑B3QFN, 10 × 10 × 4.3 mm
- Pin count: 42
- Mounting type: Surface mount
- Operating temperature range: −40°C to +85°C
- Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)
Note: Performance details such as switching frequency, efficiency, transient response, soft‑start, protection features, and output voltage adjustment range are not specified in the provided data. Refer to the TI datasheet for design‑critical parameters.
How the LMZ31704RVQR Simplifies Power Design
Discrete buck converters often demand careful inductor selection, compensation tuning, EMI planning, and thermal management. The Texas Instruments LMZ31704RVQR integrates the inductor and power stage inside a thermally optimized 42‑B3QFN module, reducing the number of external components and layout variables that can derail a power design late in the cycle. For engineering teams, this translates into:
- Faster design cycles: Fewer design degrees of freedom means quicker schematic capture and PCB layout.
- Repeatable results: The inductor and power devices are pre‑matched within the module, improving predictability.
- Smaller solution size: The 10 × 10 mm footprint enables dense placement near high‑current loads.
- Easier thermal planning: The module’s package is designed to spread heat efficiently to the PCB via its exposed thermal pads.
- Scalable current: Current‑sharing support lets you parallel modules to deliver higher current when the roadmap grows.
For buyers and sourcing managers, a power module like the LMZ31704RVQR consolidates supply risk from multiple magnetic and semiconductor line items down to a single manufacturer part, easing AVL maintenance and procurement.
Mechanical Package and Mounting Considerations
- Package: 42‑B3QFN power module (10 × 10 × 4.3 mm)
- Mounting: Surface mount
- Pin count: 42
Design‑in tips (see datasheet for exact instructions):
- Place input and output capacitors as close as practical to the module pins to minimize loop area.
- Provide a solid ground reference beneath the module and stitch thermal vias under the exposed pad area to improve heat spreading.
- Follow TI’s recommended layout example for the specific output configuration to achieve optimal EMI and transient performance.
- When paralleling for current sharing, implement the connection and layout guidance described in the datasheet to ensure balanced current distribution.
These practices help you fully leverage the module’s integration and keep performance consistent across builds.
Applications and Use Cases
The Texas Instruments LMZ31704RVQR is a strong fit for point‑of‑load rails that need compact size, dependable current capability, and quick time‑to‑market:
- Point‑of‑Load (POL) regulation for FPGAs, DSPs, ASICs, and MCUs
- Telecom and networking equipment
- Industrial and test equipment
- Servers and storage systems
Typical examples include core and auxiliary rails on programmable logic and processors, I/O rails in switching systems, or low‑voltage supplies in instrumentation where space and thermal headroom are constrained.
Design Considerations for a First‑Pass Success
Because the LMZ31704RVQR consolidates the power stage and magnetics, most design decisions focus on appropriately sizing the input and output capacitors, selecting the output voltage setpoints, and following layout best practices. Keep the following in mind:
- Output voltage selection: The device supports an adjustable output. The precise adjustment method and range are not specified in the provided data; consult the datasheet for the supported feedback network and allowable voltage range.
- Input decoupling: Provide low‑ESR capacitance close to the VIN and GND pins, sized for your input source impedance and transient profile.
- Output filtering: Choose output capacitance to meet load‑transient and ripple targets per datasheet guidance.
- Thermal design: Use ample copper beneath the module and on adjoining layers connected through thermal vias. Verify worst‑case thermal performance across the −40°C to +85°C operating range.
- Startup and sequencing: If your system has multiple rails or strict sequencing requirements, review the datasheet recommendations for enable, tracking, or sequencing options.
- Paralleling: Current sharing is supported; follow TI’s instructions for paralleling modules, wiring of sense/feedback nodes if applicable, and layout symmetry to encourage balanced current.
By aligning with TI’s recommendations, teams can achieve reliable regulation with fewer board spins.
Lifecycle, Supply, and Risk Management
- Lifecycle status: Active (per Texas Instruments product page)
- Replacements: None specified in the provided data
- Approved alternates: Not listed in the provided data
For sourcing teams:
- Engage with authorized TI distributors early to align on lead times and Tape & Reel packaging (RVQR suffix).
- Since modules consolidate multiple discrete items into one MPN, validate lifetime buy strategies and safety stock levels in line with your build plan.
- If dual‑sourcing is required, consider keeping footprint‑compatible options from the same SIMPLE SWITCHER family on your radar; verify any mechanical and electrical differences directly in the TI datasheet and product selector. Specific replacements are not provided here.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
- RoHS: RoHS compliant (per TI materials content data)
- REACH: REACH compliant (per manufacturer statement)
- Operating temperature: −40°C to +85°C
If your program requires documentation, obtain the latest material declaration and compliance certificates from the TI product page. When exporting or qualifying for specific markets, align your internal environmental reporting with the manufacturer’s current statements.
Ordering Information and Suffixes
- Full part number: LMZ31704RVQR
- Package designator: RVQ indicates the 42‑pin B3QFN power module package
- Packaging: The trailing “R” denotes Tape & Reel (TR)
This ordering code helps ensure you receive the surface‑mount, reel‑ready module that aligns with automated assembly.
Why Choose the Texas Instruments LMZ31704RVQR?
- Integration lowers design risk: With the inductor and power stage inside the module, you avoid inductor derating surprises and component fit issues late in layout.
- Compactness without compromise: The 10 × 10 mm footprint and 4.3 mm height support tight placement near loads, improving transient performance.
- Flexibility for changing requirements: Adjustable output and current‑sharing support let one MPN cover multiple rails and scaled current needs.
- Proven ecosystem: TI’s SIMPLE SWITCHER line comes with application resources and broad field usage, smoothing design and qualification.
For engineering managers, these advantages translate to lower NRE and faster validation. For procurement, they reduce supplier count and streamline AVL control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What do the suffixes in LMZ31704RVQR mean?
A: RVQ denotes the 42‑pin B3QFN power module package; the trailing R indicates Tape & Reel packaging.
Q: Is the device suitable for paralleling for higher current?
A: Yes. The LMZ31704 supports current sharing to parallel modules for higher output current as described in the datasheet.
Q: What is the input voltage range for the LMZ31704RVQR?
A: 2.95 V to 17 V.
Q: What is the maximum continuous output current?
A: 4 A, as specified for this module.
Q: Is the output voltage adjustable?
A: Yes, it is adjustable. The specific adjustment range is not specified in the provided data; consult the datasheet for allowable output range and resistor selection.
Q: What is the operating temperature range?
A: −40°C to +85°C.
Q: Is the LMZ31704RVQR RoHS and REACH compliant?
A: Yes. It is indicated as RoHS compliant per TI materials content data and REACH compliant per the manufacturer statement.
Q: What is the package size and pin count?
A: 42‑B3QFN, 10 × 10 × 4.3 mm, with 42 pins, designed for surface‑mount assembly.
Resources
- Product page: https://www.ti.com/product/LMZ31704
- Datasheet: https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lmz31704.pdf
Consult the datasheet for design equations, recommended external components, layout examples, current‑sharing guidance, and any performance curves needed to finalize your design.
Summary
The Texas Instruments LMZ31704RVQR is a compact, production‑ready solution for point‑of‑load regulation in embedded, communications, industrial, and server platforms. By integrating the inductor, controller, and MOSFETs into a 42‑B3QFN module, it delivers up to 4 A from a 2.95 V to 17 V input with an adjustable output and support for current sharing. Its small 10 × 10 × 4.3 mm footprint and surface‑mount form factor reduce design complexity, speed time‑to‑market, and enable dense placement near loads.
With active lifecycle status and RoHS/REACH compliance, the LMZ31704RVQR offers an efficient path from prototype to production. Engineers gain predictable performance and simpler layout; sourcing teams gain a single, well‑documented MPN from a trusted manufacturer. For the details that matter—output voltage range, recommended external components, layout, and paralleling—refer to TI’s datasheet and product resources linked above.