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DC/DC power modules are compact, integrated devices that convert an input DC voltage level to another voltage level. In addition to efficient power conversion, these small power supply solutions offer various benefits, including stable regulated output voltages for sensitive electronics, a compact size suitable for applications with space constraints or limited printed circuit board (PCB) space, and design versatility able to handle a wide range of input voltages and convert them to the desired output levels. Together, these advantages make DC/DC power modules suitable for a wide range of applications.

Different types of power supply and connectors mean different types of DC/DC power modules. The most common of these include:

• Buck Converter Modules: Also known as step-down converters, these modules reduce the input voltage to a lower, stable output voltage.
• Boost Converter Modules: Also called step-up converters, they increase the input voltage to a higher, stable output voltage.
• Buck-Boost Converter Modules: These modules can either step up or step down the input voltage to maintain a constant output voltage regardless of input fluctuations.

This week, we look at how the new DC/DC power module from the TPSM8281x family of power modules from Texas Instruments (TI) helps streamline power supply solutions by minimizing design complexity and extending battery life in industrial applications.

The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs^®

Precision and efficiency are critical in ultra-low power industrial applications. The Texas Instruments TPSM82816 is part of a family of pin-to-pin 3A, 4A, and 6A compatible synchronous step-down DC/DC power modules with integrated inductors (Figure 1). This solution is an appealing option for power designers looking to optimize power usage while preserving reliability.

Figure 1: Functional block diagram of the TI TPSM82816 step-down MicroSiP™ power module with integrated inductor and frequency synchronization. (Source: Texas Instruments)

Design Flexibility for Ultra-Low Power Industrial Applications

The TPSM82816 uses a fixed-frequency peak current-mode control scheme. This device offers an optimized power solution for industrial as well as telecommunications, test and measurement, and medical applications that demand high power density and ease of operation. The module’s low-resistance switches can provide a continuous output current of up to 6A at high ambient temperatures. The switching frequency is externally programmable from 1.8MHz to 4MHz, and it may also be synchronized to an external clock in the same frequency band. In Power Save Mode, the TPSM82816 automatically enters PFM at low loads to maintain high efficiency throughout the load range.

TI’s TPSM82816 step-down power module, with its advanced features and small footprint design, is ideal for applications that demand high energy efficiency and long battery life.

Additionally, the TPSM82816 module’s broad input voltage range of 2.7V to 6V, combined with an output range of 0.6V to 5.0V, makes it ideal for a variety of battery-powered industrial applications. High output current capabilities offer sufficient power to power sensors, microcontrollers, and communication modules in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) automation. Its customizable switching frequency and tracking capability also provide system design flexibility, allowing for efficiency and performance optimization.

Enhanced Efficiency and Leakage Current Elimination

One of the primary benefits of the TPSM82816 module is its ability to reduce leakage current, which is crucial for improving battery life in industrial applications. This module assists in prolonging the longevity of battery-powered devices by decreasing current demand while the system is in standby or low-power modes, assuring dependable operation over long periods of time. Furthermore, its synchronous step-down architecture and low-resistance switches help to achieve excellent efficiency, which reduces power consumption and heat dissipation. When it comes to DC/DC power supply modules, the TPSM82816 is a comprehensive solution with numerous benefits for designers.

TI TPSM82816 Power Module’s Key Advantages

• A high output current capacity of up to 6A
• A wide input voltage range of 2.75V to 6V
• Available in a MicroSiP™ package [3mm × 4mm × 1.6mm]
• Adjustable and synchronizable switching frequency of 1.8MHz to 4MHz, allowing for more flexibility in system design
• Excellent EMI performance and low parasitic elements due to integrated inductor.
• Low 26μA quiescent current
• Selectable forced PWM or PFM/PWM operation
• Output voltage accuracy ±1% (PWM operation)
• 100% duty cycle with high output current handling capabilities and excellent thermal performance at an operating temperature range of –40°C to 125°C

Tuesday’s Takeaway

The TPSM82816 power module from Texas Instruments offers simplified power supply solutions, reducing design complexity and component selection time. It streamlines passive component qualification and sourcing, minimizing the component count compared to discrete solutions. Texas Instruments provides characterization data and simulations, facilitating module selection. Highly integrated, fully characterized, and with no drawbacks of discrete solutions, the TPSM82816 is ideal for industrial applications requiring ultra-low power, precision, efficiency, and reliability. Its compact design makes it suitable for battery-powered devices, voltage regulation circuits, and IIoT automation, ensuring optimal power usage and long battery life.