TI Shrinks 36 V, 4 A Power Module for Rugged Industrial Applications
TI claims that its TPSM53604 buck module consumes 50% less power and takes up 30% less space than competing devices.
Optimized for rugged industrial environments, a new DC-DC buck module from Texas Instruments can operate in ambient temperatures up to 105℃. This makes TPSM53604 suited for applications such as factory automation and control, test and measurement, industrial transport, grid infrastructure, aerospace, and defense.
The TPSM53604. Image (modified) used courtesy of Texas Instruments
The device is available in a 15-pin, 5 mm × 5.5 mm × 4 mm routable lead-frame (RLF) QFN package. It is pin-compatible with TI’s 2-amp TPSM53602 and 3-amp TPSM53603.
Wide Voltage Ranges and High Efficiency
The TPSM53604 is a DC-DC buck converter that can work with inputs ranging from 3.8 V to 36 V and provides outputs ranging from 1 V to 7 V.
Efficiency vs output current at 5 V output with inputs of 12 V and 24 V. Image used courtesy of Texas instruments
TI claims that the unit operates with efficiencies ranging up to 95%. The output is up to 20 W at 85℃. The device features a typical standby current of 5 µA.
Design Features
The TPSM53604 requires as few as four external components for a complete power solution. There is no need for eternal magnetics or external loop compensation circuitry.
Simplified schematic. Image used courtesy of Texas Instruments
Setting the output voltage. RFBT, the resistor between the VOUT and the FB pins, is set at 10 kΩ. The output voltage, ranging from 1 V to 7 V, can be set with an appropriate choice of RFBB, which is connected between the ground and the FB pin.
The formula that TI provides to determine that resistance, in kΩ, is
RFBB = 10/(VOUT -1)
Switching frequency is set to 1.4 MHz, and it stays there at higher output currents. However, at lower output currents, the unit switches from pulse-width modulation (PWM) to pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) in order to maximize efficiency.
Protections include both over-temperature and over-current protection. Input under-voltage lockout (UVLO) is internally set at 3.55 V, but it can be adjusted upward by using a resistor divider centered on the EN pin.
A power-good signal from the device will indicate that output voltage is within the nominal range.
Certifications
TI states that RoHS and Green certifications for this device are underway. The device is shock and vibration tested to Mil-STD-883D, and it meets the CISPR11 standard for radiated emissions.
Support Tools
The TPSM53604EVM is an evaluation board designed to help the user analyze the TPSM53604.
The TPS53604EVM evaluation board. Image used courtesy of Texas Instruments
It spans operation with input voltage ranges of 3.8 V to 36 V and output voltages of 1 V to 7 V.
Around the Industry
The MPM3650 from Monolithic Power Systems is a power module that works from a 2.75 V to 17 V input range. The synchronous step-down unit switches at 1200 kHz, provides 5 A output, and is available in a 4 mm x 6 mm x 1.6 mm QFN24 package.
Monolithic Power Systems also offers MPM54304, a quad DC-DC step-down module that provides up to 10 A output in total. The input voltage range is 4 V to 16 V. The unit is available in a 7 mm x 7 mm x 2 mm package.
