TPS61165DRVR

Texas Instruments TPS61165DRVR White LED Boost Driver Overview

The Texas Instruments TPS61165DRVR is a high-brightness white LED driver tailored for series LED strings in compact, battery-powered and space-constrained systems. Belonging to TI’s TPS6116x family, this device integrates a 40-V, 1.2-A current-limit switch and operates as a fixed-frequency, current-regulated boost converter around 1.2 MHz. Its small 2 mm × 2 mm 6‑WSON (DRV) package and PWM dimming support via the CTRL/EN pin make it an excellent choice for LCD/LED backlighting and general illumination where tight current control, high efficiency potential, and minimal solution size are priorities.

Key advantages for engineering and sourcing teams include a clear operating input range (2.9 V to 18 V), well-defined topology, and a widely adopted package and series lineage, all of which help streamline design-in, qualification, and procurement.

Key Features and Value

• High-brightness white LED driver optimized for series LED strings
• Boost (step-up), current-regulated topology simplifies LED current control
• Integrated 40-V switch with 1.2-A current limit
• Fixed-frequency operation near 1.2 MHz to support compact magnetics and fast transient response
• PWM dimming via CTRL/EN pin for straightforward brightness control and on/off sequencing
• Wide input voltage range of 2.9 V to 18 V suitable for single- or multi-cell sources and regulated rails
• Ultra-compact 6‑WSON (DRV) package, 2 mm × 2 mm footprint, 6 pins
• Surface-mount package and Tape & Reel (TR) option to support automated high-volume assembly

Why it matters:

• Predictable current regulation helps maintain uniform brightness across series LED strings.
• Integrated high-voltage switch simplifies the bill of materials and reduces design risk versus discrete boost stages.
• Small package and high switching frequency contribute to minimized solution size, a key driver in handheld and portable designs.

Detailed Specifications

• Manufacturer/Brand: Texas Instruments
• Series: TPS6116x
• Category: LED Drivers
• Function: High-brightness white LED driver (boost) with current regulation
• Topology: Boost (Step-Up), Current-Regulated
• Input Voltage Range: 2.9 V to 18 V
• Integrated Switch Rating: 40 V, 1.2 A current limit
• Switching Frequency: Approximately 1.2 MHz (fixed)
• Dimming Interface: PWM dimming via CTRL/EN pin
• Package: 6‑WSON (DRV), 2 mm × 2 mm
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Pin Count: 6
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)
• Lifecycle Status: Active
• RoHS Status: RoHS Compliant

Notes:

• Output voltage capability, maximum LED count, and detailed protection features are not specified in the provided data. Refer to the TI datasheet for complete limits and conditions (Not specified in datasheet).

How the TPS61165DRVR Works

The TPS61165DRVR regulates LED current using a boost (step-up) converter topology and an internal high-voltage switch. In a typical series LED configuration, the device increases the input supply to a voltage sufficient to drive the full string while maintaining a constant current through the LEDs. This current regulation is essential for brightness uniformity and LED longevity.

• Current Regulation: By controlling the switch duty cycle at a fixed ~1.2 MHz frequency, the driver maintains the set LED current. This design reduces ripple and helps achieve stable brightness over input and load variations.
• High-Frequency Benefits: Operating near 1.2 MHz allows the use of smaller inductors and capacitors, supporting dense layouts and low-profile designs.
• Integrated Switch: The built-in 40-V, 1.2-A-limit switch eliminates the need for an external power MOSFET, simplifying the design and reducing PCB area.

Dimming and Brightness Control

The CTRL/EN pin supports PWM dimming, enabling straightforward brightness control from a microcontroller or system GPIO. PWM dimming is commonly used in backlight applications because it provides wide dynamic range and consistent LED color characteristics.

• Interface Simplicity: A single CTRL/EN pin handles both enable/disable and PWM control, minimizing pin count and software complexity.
• System Integration: The PWM signal can come from an MCU timer or other system controller for synchronized brightness adjustments.

Notes:

• Analog dimming, minimum/maximum duty cycle, timing requirements, and dimming depth are not specified in the provided data (Not specified in datasheet). Consult the datasheet for recommended PWM frequency ranges and signal thresholds.

Design-In Guidance

While exact component values depend on target LED current, input source, and thermal constraints, the following considerations help accelerate a robust design:

• Inductor Selection: Choose an inductor with low DCR and a saturation current comfortably above peak inductor current. The ~1.2 MHz switching frequency typically permits compact inductors, aiding in overall solution size.
• Diode and Capacitors: Use a fast, high-voltage Schottky diode rated above the expected output voltage and current. Input and output capacitors should have low ESR and appropriate voltage ratings to manage ripple and transient loads.
• Sense and Current Set: Follow the datasheet’s guidance for configuring LED current and sense components. Ensure current-setting elements meet power dissipation requirements under worst-case conditions.
• Layout: Keep high di/dt loops tight (switch, diode, inductor, output capacitor) to reduce EMI and improve efficiency potential. Place bypass capacitors close to the device pins and follow TI’s recommended layout examples.
• Thermal Considerations: Validate junction temperatures over the full operating range. Heatsinking and copper area should be sized to maintain safe operating limits based on the application’s ambient conditions and LED current.

Notes:

• Exact component selection tables, recommended PWM frequency bands, and protections such as OVP/OCP/OTP are not enumerated in the provided data (Not specified in datasheet). Refer to TI’s application notes and the device datasheet for implementation specifics.

Applications

The TPS61165DRVR suits a broad range of LED-backlighting and illumination tasks where compact size and current regulation are important:

• LCD/LED backlighting for portable devices
• Handheld and battery-powered equipment
• Industrial and consumer display backlighting

These use cases benefit from the device’s small WSON package, wide input range (2.9 V to 18 V), and PWM dimming capability.

Lifecycle and Supply Chain Considerations

• Lifecycle Status: Active (per Texas Instruments product page reference)
• Family Consistency: As part of the TPS6116x series, the TPS61165DRVR leverages a mature topology and package option widely used in backlight designs.
• Replacements/Alternates: Not specified in the provided data (Not specified in datasheet). If your design requires different current limits, control interfaces, or protection features, evaluate other TPS6116x family members or consult TI’s parametric search for compatible options.
• Availability: Packaging is Tape & Reel (TR) to support automated assembly. For current lead times and stocking levels, check TI’s product page or authorized distributors.

Sourcing tips:

• Qualify at least one second-source or alternate TI variant early, when possible, to mitigate supply variability.
• Lock in critical passives (inductors, Schottky diodes, capacitors) with approved alternates; magnetics availability can be a bottleneck in backlight designs.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• RoHS Status: RoHS Compliant
• Other Environmental Certifications: Not specified in the provided data (Not specified in datasheet)

If your project requires documentation such as material declarations or conflict-minerals statements, consult TI’s product page and compliance documentation.

Packaging, Handling, and Assembly

• Package: 6‑WSON (DRV)
• Package Size: 2 mm × 2 mm
• Pin Count: 6
• Mounting: Surface Mount
• Packaging Format: Tape & Reel (TR)

Assembly guidance:

• Follow TI’s recommended land pattern and solder profile for the DRV package.
• Keep power paths compact and ensure adequate copper area for heat spreading in line with your LED current and ambient conditions.

Notes:

• Specific reflow profiles, moisture sensitivity level (MSL), and stencil design are not included in the provided data (Not specified in datasheet). Refer to TI’s packaging information and datasheet for details.

Why Choose the Texas Instruments TPS61165DRVR

• Compact, integrated solution for regulated LED strings
• Simple PWM dimming via CTRL/EN pin, easing firmware and hardware integration
• Fixed ~1.2 MHz switching supports small magnetics and helps reduce solution height
• Wide 2.9 V to 18 V input range accommodates a variety of system rails
• Active lifecycle status and RoHS compliance help streamline qualification

This combination makes the TPS61165DRVR particularly attractive for portable displays, instrument panels, and cost- and space-sensitive backlight designs.

Comparison and Alternatives

Direct drop-in replacements and feature-for-feature alternatives are not specified in the provided data (Not specified in datasheet). Within TI’s portfolio, adjacent TPS6116x devices may offer different control or protection options. Always verify pinout, electrical limits, and thermal characteristics in the datasheet before considering a substitution.

For multi-source strategies, consider maintaining a flexible PCB footprint where practical, and validate control interfaces (PWM logic thresholds, enable behavior) against potential alternates during early prototyping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the input voltage range of the TPS61165DRVR?
A: 2.9 V to 18 V.

Q: What topology does it use?
A: A boost (step-up), current-regulated topology designed for series LED strings.

Q: What dimming method is supported?
A: PWM dimming via the CTRL/EN pin; the same pin also serves as the enable input.

Q: What are the integrated switch ratings?
A: 40 V with a 1.2 A current limit.

Q: What is the switching frequency?
A: Approximately 1.2 MHz (fixed).

Q: What is the package and size?
A: 6‑WSON (DRV), 2 mm × 2 mm, 6 pins, surface-mount.

Q: Is the TPS61165DRVR RoHS compliant?
A: Yes, it is RoHS Compliant.

Q: What is the lifecycle status?
A: Active (as indicated by the referenced product page).

Q: Are output voltage, LED count, or efficiency specs available here?
A: Not specified in the provided data (Not specified in datasheet). See the TI datasheet for complete electrical characteristics.

Resources and References

• Product page: https://www.ti.com/product/TPS61165
• Datasheet: https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps61165.pdf

These resources provide complete electrical characteristics, application schematics, layout recommendations, and packaging details to finalize your design.

Summary

Texas Instruments’ TPS61165DRVR is a compact, current-regulated white LED boost driver built for series LED strings and modern backlight applications. With a 2.9 V to 18 V input range, integrated 40‑V/1.2‑A switch, fixed ~1.2 MHz operation, and PWM dimming on the CTRL/EN pin, it provides a clear path to achieving consistent brightness and efficient, space-saving designs. Its 6‑WSON (DRV) 2×2 mm package and Tape & Reel availability support high-density, automated assembly. For complete limits, protections, and application guidance, consult the TI datasheet and product page listed above.