Texas Instruments TPS61175PWPR Boost Converter — 2.9–18 V In, Up to 38 V Out, 3 A Internal Switch
Executive overview
The Texas Instruments TPS61175PWPR is a non-synchronous step-up (boost) DC-DC converter tailored for compact, thermally demanding power designs that need wide input support and flexible output configuration. Built around an integrated 3 A, 40 V switch, the TPS61175 handles input voltages from 2.9 V to 18 V and delivers adjustable outputs up to 38 V. Its RT/SYNC pin enables programmable switching frequency, while soft-start (SS) and external compensation (COMP) give designers fine control over startup behavior and loop stability.
This device stands out for its topology flexibility: it can be applied not only as a traditional boost regulator but also configured for SEPIC or isolated flyback conversions—ideal for projects spanning industrial controls, LCD/display bias rails, and general-purpose power stages. The PWPR ordering code denotes the PWP package family (HTSSOP with exposed PowerPAD) in tape-and-reel format for high-volume manufacturing.
Key features and benefits
- Wide input voltage range (2.9 V to 18 V)
- Supports designs powered from single- or multi-cell battery packs, 12 V rails, or intermediate bus voltages commonly found in industrial and consumer equipment.
- Adjustable output voltage up to 38 V
- Covers a broad set of bias and rail-generation needs (e.g., display/LCD bias or higher-voltage analog rails) without changing controller families.
- Integrated 3 A, 40 V power switch
- Reduces external component count and eases layout compared to discrete FET implementations, while accommodating higher output voltages.
- Non-synchronous architecture
- Straightforward design using an external rectifier; gives control over diode selection for cost/efficiency trade-offs.
- Programmable switching frequency (via RT/SYNC)
- Lets designers tune size, efficiency, and EMI trade-offs; consult the datasheet for recommended ranges and any synchronization options.
- Soft-start (SS) and external compensation (COMP)
- Controls inrush during startup and enables loop optimization across different topologies and operating points.
- Flexible topologies
- Usable as Boost, SEPIC, or Isolated Flyback, enabling reuse across multiple product platforms.
- Thermally adept, compact package
- HTSSOP-16 with exposed PowerPAD simplifies heat removal, suitable for dense PCBs.
Technical specifications (from manufacturer data)
- Brand / Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
- MPN / Ordering code: TPS61175PWPR
- Series: TPS61175
- Category: PMIC – DC-DC Converters (Boost/Step-Up)
- Topology: Boost; SEPIC; Flyback (configurable)
- Input voltage range: 2.9 V to 18 V
- Output voltage: Adjustable, up to 38 V
- Internal switch: 3 A (typical), 40 V
- Switching frequency: Programmable (via RT/SYNC)
- Architecture: Non-synchronous
- Outputs: Single, adjustable
- Control features: Soft-start (SS pin); external compensation (COMP pin)
- Package: PWP — HTSSOP-16 with exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD)
- Mounting: Surface mount
- Pin count: 16
- Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)
- Lifecycle status: Active
- Environmental compliance: RoHS compliant; REACH SVHC information available from TI
- Operating temperature range: Not specified in datasheet excerpt
Where details are not listed above, refer to the Texas Instruments datasheet and product page for authoritative information.
Resources:
- Datasheet: https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps61175.pdf
- Product page: https://www.ti.com/product/TPS61175
Topology flexibility and typical use cases
Boost (step-up) applications
Use the TPS61175 as a high-voltage rail generator from lower-voltage sources. Typical use cases:
- Display/LCD bias rails requiring tens of volts
- Sensor, actuator, or analog circuitry that needs higher-than-bus rails
- Portable equipment where space and thermal performance are at a premium
Key design points for boost mode:
- Select an inductor rated for the peak switch/diode currents and with low DCR for efficiency.
- Choose an external rectifier diode with voltage and current ratings exceeding worst-case conditions; fast-recovery or Schottky diodes are commonly used (see the datasheet for device-level guidance).
- Set the output voltage with a resistive divider to the feedback pin, accounting for tolerance and transient response requirements.
SEPIC (single-ended primary-inductor converter)
As a SEPIC, the TPS61175 can provide a regulated output that can be greater or less than the input—useful for battery-powered systems with wide discharge ranges.
- Add a coupling capacitor and a second inductor (or a coupled inductor) per TI’s application guidance.
- This configuration can maintain output regulation as the input crosses above and below the desired output.
Isolated flyback
The device can be configured as a primary-side controller for isolated flyback applications using an appropriate transformer.
- Select a transformer with suitable turns ratio, isolation rating, and power capability per the target output voltage/current.
- Secondary-side regulation typically uses an opto-isolator/feedback network; consult TI’s reference designs and datasheet notes for implementation specifics.
Design guidelines and implementation notes
External components checklist
- Inductor: Choose based on ripple current targets, saturation current above the peak switch current, and acceptable copper losses.
- Rectifier diode (for boost/SEPIC): Voltage rating above maximum output and current rating with margin for ripple/peaks.
- Input and output capacitors: Low-ESR capacitors sized for transient response and ripple; a combination of ceramic and bulk caps is common.
- Feedback network: Precision resistors to set the output voltage; consider temperature coefficient and tolerance.
- Compensation network (COMP): External RC/Z networks per TI recommendations for stability across line/load.
- Soft-start capacitor (SS): Sets startup ramp profile to manage inrush and avoid overshoot.
- RT/SYNC resistor: Programs switching frequency; see datasheet tables/curves for mapping between resistor value and frequency. If synchronization is supported on the RT/SYNC pin, follow TI’s guidance for external clock levels and routing.
- For SEPIC: Coupling capacitor and additional inductor or coupled inductor.
- For flyback: Isolation transformer, snubber components as needed, and an appropriate feedback/optocoupler network.
Layout and thermal practices
- Utilize the PowerPAD: Solder the exposed thermal pad to a solid ground area with multiple thermal vias to inner/ground planes.
- Minimize high di/dt loop areas: Keep the loop formed by the internal switch, diode, inductor, and output capacitor as tight as possible to reduce EMI and improve efficiency.
- Separate noisy and sensitive nodes: Route the feedback trace away from the switch node and high-current paths; consider a Kelvin connection to the output sense point.
- Place input and output capacitors close to the device and power path.
Startup, control, and optimization
- Soft-start: Use the SS pin to limit inrush and tailor startup sequencing to system requirements.
- Compensation: Because the TPS61175 uses external compensation, you can optimize stability and transient response for different topologies and load ranges. Validate with Bode plots if available.
- Frequency selection: Frequency impacts efficiency, component size, and EMI. Higher frequencies shrink magnetics at the expense of switching loss; lower frequencies favor efficiency with larger magnetics.
- EMI considerations: If synchronization is applicable via RT/SYNC, aligning frequency with system clocks can mitigate beat tones. Use proper filtering and layout practices.
Applications
- General-purpose boost converters
- SEPIC converters for wide input variation (battery-powered systems)
- Isolated flyback converters (with transformer)
- LCD/display bias generation
- Industrial and consumer power supplies
- Portable equipment power stages
Lifecycle, packaging, and sourcing
- Lifecycle status: Active (per TI product information)
- Package: HTSSOP-16 (PWP) with exposed PowerPAD thermal pad
- Ordering code: TPS61175PWPR (tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly)
- Mounting: Surface mount
- Pin count: 16
- Availability: Commonly stocked by authorized distributors; check current pricing and inventory with TI partners (e.g., Mouser, DigiKey). No inventory quantities are represented here; confirm real-time stock with distributors.
- Replacements: Not specified; no direct drop-in alternates are listed in the provided data. Evaluate system requirements before choosing substitutes.
Buyer’s note: When qualifying the Texas Instruments TPS61175PWPR, confirm that the package option (PWP) and tape-and-reel format (PWPR) align with your assembly flow, and verify any alternate part numbers for different packing quantities if needed.
Compliance and environmental
- RoHS: RoHS compliant (per TI product page)
- REACH: REACH SVHC information available from the manufacturer
- Halogen status and other green attributes: Not specified in datasheet
- Operating temperature range and moisture sensitivity level (MSL): Not specified in datasheet excerpt; consult TI documentation for handling and storage practices.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What is the operating input voltage range of the TPS61175?
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2.9 V to 18 V.
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What is the maximum recommended output voltage?
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Up to 38 V (adjustable via the feedback network).
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Does the TPS61175 integrate the power switch?
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Yes. It includes an integrated 3 A, 40 V switch, which reduces external FET count and simplifies layout.
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Is the TPS61175 synchronous?
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No. It is a non-synchronous converter and uses an external rectifier diode.
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Can I use the TPS61175 for SEPIC or isolated flyback?
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Yes. The device supports Boost, SEPIC, and isolated flyback configurations when designed per TI guidance.
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What package does TPS61175PWPR use?
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HTSSOP (PWP) with an exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD), 16 pins; supplied in tape-and-reel (PWPR suffix).
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How is the switching frequency set?
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It is programmable via the RT/SYNC pin using an external resistor. Refer to the TI datasheet for recommended ranges and any synchronization options.
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Does it have soft-start and external compensation?
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Yes. The SS pin provides soft-start control, and the COMP pin allows external loop compensation.
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What is the device’s lifecycle status?
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Active, per Texas Instruments product information at the time of writing. Always verify current status on the TI product page.
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What operating temperature range should I design for?
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Not specified in the provided data. Check the datasheet for complete thermal ratings and temperature ranges for the specific orderable.
Practical selection tips for engineers and sourcing teams
- Volume manufacturing: The PWPR ordering code indicates tape-and-reel packaging, streamlining pick-and-place assembly. Confirm reel sizes and MSL handling with your EMS provider.
- Reuse across platforms: With support for Boost, SEPIC, and isolated flyback, a single qualified part number can serve multiple product lines, reducing qualification overhead.
- Thermal headroom: The PowerPAD package provides a practical thermal path; ensure adequate copper and vias to meet your ambient and enclosure conditions.
- DFM/DFT: Keep critical power loops compact and utilize test points on feedback and COMP nodes to speed validation and production testing.
- Compliance documentation: Retain the TI RoHS/REACH statements in your PPAP or product environmental file to simplify audits.
Why choose Texas Instruments TPS61175PWPR
- Combines a wide 2.9–18 V input range, adjustable output up to 38 V, and an integrated 3 A/40 V switch in a compact HTSSOP PowerPAD package.
- Offers topology flexibility (Boost, SEPIC, isolated flyback), aiding platform reuse and reducing BOM churn.
- Provides practical control hooks (soft-start, external compensation, RT/SYNC frequency programming) to optimize performance for your exact application.
- Backed by Texas Instruments’ documentation and ecosystem, easing design-in and long-term support.
Resources
- Product page: https://www.ti.com/product/TPS61175
- Datasheet: https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps61175.pdf
Note: Where any parameter is not specified above, treat it as “Not specified in datasheet” for the context of this article and consult the official TI documentation for definitive design requirements and limits.