TPS54240DGQR

TPS54240DGQR Application Field and Working Principle

This article will discuss the application field and working principle of the TPS54240DGQR, a DC/DC switching regulator from Texas Instruments\' Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) series. The TPS54240DGQR belongs to the Voltage Regulators, DC DC Switching Regulators family.

Applications

The TPS54240DGQR is an excellent solution for powering processor and FPGA cores, which require dynamic core voltage scaling, due to the devices\' high power efficiency and accurate core voltage output.It is also useful in automotive applications and telecommunication systems, specifically in those situations where medium-efficient DC/DC regulator is needed.

Features and Benefits

The TPS54240DGQR offers a wide variety of features that makes it a suitable choice for many applications. It provides a cost-effective solution with low-noise, has a wide input voltage which ranges from 4V to 28V, and is capable of providing an output current of up to 8.5A. The device also has an onboard temperature monitor, an adjustable soft-start functionality, and an over voltage protection (OVP) for load-shedding protection.

Working Principle

The TPS54240DGQR leverages synchronous buck switching to regulate its output voltage. When the input power is applied, the regulator starts running a cycle based on the changes in the ON/OFF (pulse width modulation) of the high side power switch. This action adjusts the instantaneous transistor turn on and turn off, which, in turn, results in voltage regulation.

The power switch is an auxiliary MOSFET and it is the component responsible for regulating the current in the regulator. The converter output voltage is set by the feedback control loop, which is connected to the output control pins and the regulator loop compensator. When the voltage is applied to the output control pin, it is compared with the voltage at the loop compensator –if the voltage at the output control pin is higher then the compensator, the MOSFET will quickly turn ON and vice versa.

The current sense resistor is used to sense the load current in each regulator cycle and it is also essential for the over current protection. This component is used to detect when the load current exceeds the current limit setting and the over current protection circuit will be activated to handle the situation.

Conclusion

In summary, the TPS54240DGQR is an excellent solution for many applications that require a reliable and efficient DC-DC switching regulator. It offers an adjustable soft-start capability and an over voltage protection (OVP) for load-shedding protection, making it the ideal choice for many applications, such as powering processor and FPGA cores, automotive applications and in telecommunication systems.