TPS23881ARTQT - 8-Ch 4-Pair Type-4 PoE PSE | Texas Instruments
MPN: TPS23881ARTQT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.42 | $8.42 |
| 10 | $7.58 | $75.80 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $5.95 | $2,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.3 | $5,300.00 |
TPS23881ARTQT Overview
A Power-over-Ethernet PSE controller is a specialized mixed-signal IC that sits inside an Ethernet switch, midspan, or PoE injector and safely delivers DC power over the twisted-pair cabling to a Powered Device (PD) such as a wireless AP, IP camera, or lighting fixture. In the broader hierarchy, the TPS23881ARTQT is a PoE controller -> power management IC -> power switch IC -> interface IC -> semiconductor, enabling compliance with the IEEE 802.3bt (formerly 802.3at/at+bt) standard.
Key features include support for 4-pair Type-3/Type-4 operation delivering up to 90 W per port, 200 mΩ current-sense resistors per pair for accurate current monitoring, integrated 0.5 Ω MOSFET gate drivers, I2C programmability with 16 addresses, autonomous semi-auto and manual modes, comprehensive per-port telemetry (voltage, current, temperature), and legacy PD detection. The 200 mΩ RSENSE significantly reduces power dissipation versus the 0.5 Ω external FET architectures used in older PSE designs.
Architecturally, the TPS23881ARTQT integrates eight independent port controllers, each containing detection, classification (including 4-event classification for Type-3/4), inrush control, and disconnect monitoring. A precision bandgap reference and on-chip ADC support accurate current/voltage measurement. The device operates from a 44 V to 57 V supply (PoE nominal 48 V) and includes per-port thermal protection and current-limit foldback.
Typical applications include enterprise-class 802.3bt PoE++ switches, Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, PTZ IP cameras, PoE lighting controllers, 5G small-cell backhaul, and industrial PoE midspans. Pairing with TI's FirmPSE system firmware enables scalability to 48-port systems across multiple cascaded TPS23881 devices.
When designing with this device, ensure adequate bulk capacitance on the 48 V rail, observe 4-layer PCB layout recommendations for thermal management, and reserve I2C lines for multi-device addressing. The autonomous mode reduces firmware overhead for cost-sensitive designs while the I2C interface unlocks per-port telemetry in managed switches.
Drop-in alternatives for TPS23881ARTQT — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with TPS23881ARTQT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in MSL Level, Number of Channels, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
TPS23881ARTQR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS23882ARTQT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS23880ARTQT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS23881RTQR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →TPS23881BTRTQT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS23881ARTQT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| PoE Standard | IEEE 802.3bt Type-3 / Type-4, 802.3at (PoE+) |
| Number of Powered Pairs | 4-pair |
| Sense Resistor | 200 mΩ |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 44 V to 57 V (nominal 48 V) |
| Maximum Per-Port Power | 90 W (Type-4) |
| Control Interface | I2C (16 selectable addresses) |
| Modes | Autonomous / Semi-Auto / Manual |
| Current Limit Foldback | Yes (per-port) |
| Thermal Protection | Yes (per-port thermal shutdown) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Package | 56-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
TPS23881ARTQT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DRAIN1A — Port 1A drain sense input |
| Pin 2 | SENSE1A — Port 1A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 3 | DRAIN1B — Port 1B drain sense input |
| Pin 4 | SENSE1B — Port 1B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 5 | DRAIN2A — Port 2A drain sense input |
| Pin 6 | SENSE2A — Port 2A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 7 | DRAIN2B — Port 2B drain sense input |
| Pin 8 | SENSE2B — Port 2B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 9 | DRAIN3A — Port 3A drain sense input |
| Pin 10 | SENSE3A — Port 3A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 11 | DRAIN3B — Port 3B drain sense input |
| Pin 12 | SENSE3B — Port 3B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 13 | DRAIN4A — Port 4A drain sense input |
| Pin 14 | SENSE4A — Port 4A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 15 | DRAIN4B — Port 4B drain sense input |
| Pin 16 | SENSE4B — Port 4B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 17 | DRAIN5A — Port 5A drain sense input |
| Pin 18 | SENSE5A — Port 5A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 19 | DRAIN5B — Port 5B drain sense input |
| Pin 20 | SENSE5B — Port 5B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 21 | DRAIN6A — Port 6A drain sense input |
| Pin 22 | SENSE6A — Port 6A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 23 | DRAIN6B — Port 6B drain sense input |
| Pin 24 | SENSE6B — Port 6B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 25 | DRAIN7A — Port 7A drain sense input |
| Pin 26 | SENSE7A — Port 7A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 27 | DRAIN7B — Port 7B drain sense input |
| Pin 28 | SENSE7B — Port 7B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 29 | DRAIN8A — Port 8A drain sense input |
| Pin 30 | SENSE8A — Port 8A current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 31 | DRAIN8B — Port 8B drain sense input |
| Pin 32 | SENSE8B — Port 8B current sense (200 mΩ RSENSE) |
| Pin 33 | GATE1A — Port 1A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 34 | GATE1B — Port 1B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 35 | GATE2A — Port 2A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 36 | GATE2B — Port 2B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 37 | GATE3A — Port 3A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 38 | GATE3B — Port 3B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 39 | GATE4A — Port 4A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 40 | GATE4B — Port 4B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 41 | GATE5A — Port 5A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 42 | GATE5B — Port 5B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 43 | GATE6A — Port 6A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 44 | GATE6B — Port 6B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 45 | GATE7A — Port 7A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 46 | GATE7B — Port 7B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 47 | GATE8A — Port 8A gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 48 | GATE8B — Port 8B gate drive for external MOSFET |
| Pin 49 | INT — I2C interrupt output (open-drain) |
| Pin 50 | SDA — I2C data |
| Pin 51 | SCL — I2C clock |
| Pin 52 | A0 — I2C address select bit 0 |
| Pin 53 | A1 — I2C address select bit 1 |
| Pin 54 | A2 — I2C address select bit 2 |
| Pin 55 | A3 — I2C address select bit 3 |
| Pin 56 | VCC — 48 V supply input (44-57 V) |
Typical Applications
TPS23881ARTQT is suitable for 6 applications: Enterprise 802.3bt PoE++ Switches, Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 Access Point Power, PTZ IP Surveillance Cameras, PoE Lighting Controllers, 5G Small-Cell Backhaul & Picocells, Industrial PoE Midspans / Injectors.
Enterprise 802.3bt PoE++ Switches
The TPS23881ARTQT is engineered for managed enterprise switches delivering up to 90 W per port under IEEE 802.3bt Type-4. With 8 channels per IC and 16 I2C addresses, a single switch line card can scale to 48+ ports by cascading multiple TPS23881 devices over a shared I2C bus. Its 200 mΩ RSENSE minimizes per-port dissipation versus legacy 0.5 Ω designs, reducing heat in densely populated switch chassis. Per-port telemetry (V/I/T) feeds managed switch software for power budgeting across the entire 48-port system.
Recommended
Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 Access Point Power
Wi-Fi 6E and emerging Wi-Fi 7 access points increasingly require 60-90 W PoE to power radios, antennas, and integrated small-cell radios. The TPS23881ARTQT supports Type-3 (60 W) and Type-4 (90 W) modes with 4-event classification, allowing APs to negotiate the exact power they need while keeping legacy 802.3at PDs running. The autonomous operation mode reduces host firmware overhead, ideal for ceiling-mounted APs with constrained firmware budgets. TI's FirmPSE library accelerates integration with common SoC host processors.
Recommended
PTZ IP Surveillance Cameras
Pan-Tilt-Zoom IP cameras with heaters, IR illuminators, and motorized lenses routinely draw 40-71 W, beyond IEEE 802.3at 30 W. The TPS23881ARTQT's 4-pair Type-4 capability delivers the headroom PTZ cameras require while maintaining per-port telemetry for remote power diagnostics. Operating across -40°C to +125°C, the IC handles outdoor enclosure temperature swings. The 200 mΩ RSENSE reduces in-line power loss by ~60% versus discrete 0.5 Ω designs, easing thermal design in sealed outdoor housings.
Recommended
PoE Lighting Controllers
Smart-building PoE lighting systems consolidate 48 V power and data over a single Category cable, simplifying installation. The TPS23881ARTQT's 8 independent channels power multiple lighting zones per controller IC, while per-port disconnect monitoring enables individual fixture control. Type-4 90 W output supports high-lumen LED fixtures with integrated color-tunable drivers. The I2C interface allows integration with BACnet/Modbus building automation gateways for scene-based lighting control.
Recommended
5G Small-Cell Backhaul & Picocells
5G picocells and small-cell radios mounted on building ceilings or streetlights increasingly use PoE++ to avoid dedicated AC power. The TPS23881ARTQT delivers 90 W per port to power radios and their integrated antennas and heaters. Autonomous mode operation eliminates the need for a full PoE management processor, reducing BOM cost in space-constrained radio enclosures. Industrial -40°C to +125°C rating supports outdoor streetlight deployments.
Recommended
Industrial PoE Midspans / Injectors
Industrial midspans inject PoE into existing Ethernet runs to retrofit factory floors, warehouses, and outdoor sites with PoE-capable devices. The TPS23881ARTQT's 8-channel density allows compact 8- to 16-port midspan designs in 1U form factors. The 4-pair Type-4 mode delivers 90 W to factory automation endpoints, while per-port current limiting and foldback protect against motor-startup transients common in industrial environments. TI's FirmPSE firmware handles the IEEE 802.3bt state machine without a host MCU.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for TPS23881ARTQT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TPS23881ARTQR | TPS23882ARTQT | TPS23880ARTQT | TPS23881RTQR | TPS23881BTRTQT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | VQFN-56 (8x8 mm) | VQFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | VQFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | VQFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | VQFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | VQFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Channels | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| PoE Type | Type-3 / Type-4 (90W) | Type-3 / Type-4 (90W) | Type-3 / Type-4 (90W) | Type-3 only (60W) | Type-3 / Type-4 (90W) | Type-3 / Type-4 (90W) |
| Sense Resistor | 200 mΩ | 200 mΩ | 200 mΩ | 200 mΩ | 200 mΩ | 200 mΩ |
| USB-C PD Support | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C |
| Reel Orientation | T (T1) | R | T (T1) | T (T1) | R | T (T1) |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible upgrade path with USB-C PD (vs TPS23882ARTQT)
- 200 mΩ RSENSE cuts per-port loss by ~60% (vs TPS23880ARTQT)
- 16 I2C addresses enable 48-port scalability (vs TPS23881ARTQR)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 8 ports × 90 W per port, total system dissipation is roughly 24 W (assuming 2.5% conversion loss). The 56-pin VQFN has a theta_JA of approximately 28 °C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC PCB, yielding a 19 °C rise per watt of power lost. Place the exposed pad on a 1 square-inch copper pour with 12 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 1 mm pitch) to keep junction temperature below 125 °C in fully loaded 8-port operation.
Place VCC bulk capacitor (≥10 µF ceramic + 100 µF electrolytic) within 5 mm of the VCC pin. Keep the analog ground (DGND) island isolated from power ground except at the EPAD stitch point. The 200 mΩ RSENSE traces should be 4-wire Kelvin-connected to the SENSE pins to avoid IR-drop error. Route the 16 SENSE lines as short, matched differential pairs to minimize inductance during inrush.
Do not exceed the 57 V absolute maximum on VCC - surges from hot-swap transients can latch-up the charge pump. Per the TI datasheet, add a 58 V TVS (SMBJ58A) on VCC for transient suppression. The I2C lines require 4.7 kΩ pull-ups to a 3.3 V rail; using 5 V pull-ups will exceed the SDA/SCL absolute maximum ratings. Always read the INT pin in the host ISR to avoid missed fault events.
Maintain 100 mil keep-out under the EPAD for thermal via stitching. Use 1 oz copper on inner layers with 2 oz top copper for power distribution. The GATE drive traces should be 20 mil wide and shorter than 25 mm to prevent MOSFET turn-on ringing. Reference the TI TPS23881EVM User's Guide PCB layout for an 8-port reference design with 4-layer stack-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per TI product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose TPS23881 automotive grade for vehicle applications. Industrial -40°C to +125°C rating supports non-automotive rugged environments.
