TPS61230 - 5A Synchronous Boost Converter | Texas Instruments
MPN: TPS61230 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.5 | $2.50 |
| 10 | $2.25 | $22.50 |
| 100 | $1.8 | $180.00 |
| 500 | $1.5 | $750.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.2 | $1,200.00 |
TPS61230 Overview
A boost converter, also known as a step-up converter, is a type of DC-DC switching regulator that produces an output voltage higher than its input voltage. It belongs to the broader family of switching voltage regulators, which are essential in power management ICs for efficiently converting and regulating electrical power. Unlike linear regulators, boost converters use an inductor and switches to transfer energy, achieving high efficiency even with large input-to-output voltage differences.
Key features of the TPS61230 include a 5-A switch current limit, up to 96% efficiency, and automatic power-save mode for light loads, which reduces quiescent current to 20 µA. The device also offers overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal shutdown protection. Its low RDS(on) switches minimize conduction losses, making it suitable for battery-powered applications where efficiency is critical.
Technically, the TPS61230 uses a fixed-frequency PWM control scheme with a typical switching frequency of 1.5 MHz, allowing the use of small external components. The adjustable output is set with a resistor divider from the FB pin, and the device supports a soft-start function to limit inrush current. The integrated synchronous rectifier eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode, reducing component count and board space.
Typical applications include portable electronics, battery-powered devices, and systems requiring a regulated 5-V rail from a lower voltage source. The TPS61230 is ideal for USB-powered devices, LED drivers, and sensor nodes where efficiency and small size are paramount.
When designing with the TPS61230, ensure proper PCB layout with short, wide traces for high-current paths and adequate input/output capacitance to minimize voltage ripple. The inductor value should be selected based on the switching frequency and load current to maintain stable operation.
Drop-in alternatives for TPS61230 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
TPS61230A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS61232
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS61090
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS61231
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS61230 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | Step-Up (Boost) |
| Output Voltage | Adjustable (up to 5 V) |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 4.5 V |
| Switch Current Limit | 5 A |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% |
| Quiescent Current | 20 µA (power-save mode) |
| Switching Frequency | 1.5 MHz (typical) |
| Package | VQFN-10 (DRC) 3 mm x 3 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C |
| Synchronous Rectification | Yes |
| Soft-Start | Yes |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, Overvoltage, Thermal Shutdown |
| RoHS | Compliant |
TPS61230 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VIN — Input supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | SW — Switch node (connect inductor) |
| Pin 4 | VOUT — Output voltage |
| Pin 5 | FB — Feedback input for output voltage setting |
| Pin 6 | EN — Enable pin (active high) |
| Pin 7 | PG — Power good indicator |
| Pin 8 | SS — Soft-start programming |
| Pin 9 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 10 | EP — Exposed pad (thermal and ground) |
Typical Applications
TPS61230 is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Portable Electronics, USB Power Supply, LED Drivers, Sensor Nodes and IoT Devices, Industrial and Medical Equipment, Audio and Video Equipment.
Battery-Powered Portable Electronics
The TPS61230 efficiently boosts a single-cell Li-Ion battery (2.5-4.5 V) to a regulated 5 V rail for powering portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Its high efficiency (up to 96%) and low quiescent current (20 µA) extend battery life, while the compact VQFN-10 package saves board space. The 5-A switch supports loads up to 2.4 A at 5 V, making it suitable for power-hungry applications like GPS modules and wireless transceivers. The automatic power-save mode ensures minimal power consumption during standby, critical for battery longevity.
Recommended
USB Power Supply
The TPS61230 can generate a 5 V USB supply from a lower voltage source, such as a 2.5 V or 3.3 V rail. This is useful in USB-powered devices that need to operate from a single-cell battery or a low-voltage supply. The device's high efficiency and low quiescent current make it ideal for battery-powered USB peripherals. The integrated synchronous rectifier eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode, reducing component count and cost. The 1.5 MHz switching frequency allows the use of small inductors, enabling a compact USB power solution.
Recommended
LED Drivers
The TPS61230 can be used to drive LEDs in series from a low-voltage battery, providing a constant current source. Its adjustable output voltage allows precise control of the LED forward voltage, while the high efficiency minimizes power loss. The device's overcurrent protection ensures safe operation. The compact package and high switching frequency enable small LED driver circuits, ideal for portable lighting and backlight applications. The power-save mode reduces power consumption when the LED is dimmed or in standby.
Recommended
Sensor Nodes and IoT Devices
The TPS61230 is ideal for powering sensor nodes and IoT devices that operate from batteries or energy harvesters. Its low quiescent current (20 µA) and high efficiency extend battery life, while the small package fits into compact designs. The device can boost a low voltage from a solar cell or thermoelectric generator to a usable level for sensors and microcontrollers. The adjustable output allows optimization for different sensor supply voltages. The power-save mode ensures minimal power consumption during sleep periods, critical for battery-powered IoT devices.
Recommended
Industrial and Medical Equipment
The TPS61230 can be used in industrial and medical equipment that requires a regulated 5 V rail from a 3.3 V or battery supply. Its high efficiency reduces heat generation, important in enclosed equipment. The device's protection features (overcurrent, overvoltage, thermal shutdown) ensure reliable operation in demanding environments. The wide input voltage range accommodates various supply sources. The compact package is suitable for space-constrained designs, such as portable medical monitors and industrial sensors.
Recommended
Audio and Video Equipment
The TPS61230 can power audio and video equipment that requires a clean 5 V supply from a battery or low-voltage source. Its high efficiency and low noise operation are beneficial for audio applications where power supply noise can affect sound quality. The device's adjustable output allows optimization for different audio/video components. The compact package is ideal for portable audio players, cameras, and other consumer electronics. The power-save mode reduces power consumption during idle, extending battery life in portable devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for TPS61230 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TPS61230A | TPS61232 | TPS61030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | VQFN-10 (DRC) | VQFN-10 (DRC) | VQFN-10 (DRC) | TSSOP-16 |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Switch Current Limit | 5 A | 6 A | 5 A | 4 A |
| Output Voltage | Adjustable up to 5 V | Adjustable up to 5 V | Fixed 5 V | Adjustable up to 5.5 V |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% | Up to 96% | Up to 96% | Up to 96% |
| Quiescent Current | 20 µA | 20 µA | 20 µA | 20 µA |
| Switching Frequency | 1.5 MHz | 1.5 MHz | 1.5 MHz | 600 kHz |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 4.5 V | 2.5 V to 4.5 V | 2.5 V to 4.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Higher switch current than TPS61090 (vs TPS61090)
- Adjustable output vs fixed output (vs TPS61232)
- Smaller package than TPS61030 (vs TPS61030)
Design Notes
For optimal performance, place the input and output capacitors as close as possible to the VIN and VOUT pins. Use short, wide traces for high-current paths (SW, VIN, VOUT) to minimize parasitic inductance and resistance. The exposed pad (EP) should be soldered to a large copper area on the PCB to enhance thermal dissipation and provide a low-impedance ground connection.
Select an inductor with a saturation current rating higher than the peak switch current (5 A) to avoid saturation and efficiency loss. A typical inductor value for 1.5 MHz operation is 2.2 µH to 4.7 µH. Ensure the inductor has low DCR to minimize conduction losses. The output capacitor should have low ESR to reduce voltage ripple; a 22 µF ceramic capacitor is recommended.
The TPS61230 can dissipate significant power at high load currents. Ensure adequate thermal relief by connecting the exposed pad to a large ground plane and using multiple vias to the bottom layer. The thermal resistance (θJA) of the VQFN-10 package is approximately 40°C/W; at 2 A output, power dissipation is around 0.5 W, resulting in a temperature rise of 20°C. For higher loads, consider the TPS61230A with lower RDS(on).
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per TI product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. Halogen-free status not specified in provided data.
