TPS65981ABTRTQR - USB Type-C PD Controller, 56-VQFN | TI
MPN: TPS65981ABTRTQR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.32 | $10.32 |
| 10 | $9.28 | $92.80 |
| 100 | $8.25 | $825.00 |
| 500 | $7.43 | $3,715.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.61 | $6,610.00 |
TPS65981ABTRTQR Overview
A USB Type-C controller and Power Delivery IC is a specialized power management device that implements the USB-C cable-plug/orientation detection, the USB PD 2.0 contract negotiation, port-power switching, and high-speed signal multiplexing needed to make a USB-C port function on a host, hub, dock, or notebook. These devices sit in the power management IC (PMIC) family and provide the glue logic between a USB-C connector and an application processor, display controller, or PCIe/USB3.1 mux.
Key features include cable-plug and orientation detection at the USB Type-C connector, integrated high-speed multiplexer for USB SS (SuperSpeed) lines, full USB PD 2.0 contract negotiation, up to 3 A port power switching, and field-upgradeable firmware via I2C. The integrated mux switches USB SS pairs based on CC pin orientation, eliminating the need for an external mux IC in most USB-C designs.
Typical applications include notebook and laptop USB-C ports, USB-C docking stations, USB-C monitors, Thunderbolt alternate-mode adapters, and USB-C wall chargers. The 56-VQFN 0.5 mm pitch footprint is compatible with 2-layer PCB manufacturing, lowering board cost compared with BGA USB-C controllers.
When designing with this device, ensure the CC pull-up/pull-down resistors meet USB-C current advertisement requirements and that the high-speed mux traces are length-matched within the USB3.1 differential pair specification. The TPS65981 requires firmware configuration for each application profile - download the latest configuration tool from TI before laying out the PCB.
Drop-in alternatives for TPS65981ABTRTQR — 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 TPS65981ABTRTQR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Function, Host Interface, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
TPS65981ABIRTQR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS65987DDHRSHR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →TPS65986DDHR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS65981ABTRTQRQ1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS65982ABTRTQR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TPS65981ABTRTQR Specifications
| Product Type | USB Type-C and USB PD Controller, Power Switch, Multiplexer |
| Function | USB Type-C Port Controller with Integrated Mux |
| USB Standard | USB Type-C, USB PD 2.0 |
| Port Power Switch Current | 3 A downstream at 5 V |
| Number of Pins | 56 |
| Package | 56-VQFN (RTQ) 8x8 mm with Exposed Pad |
| Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +105C |
| Host Interface | I2C |
| High-Speed Mux | Integrated USB SS multiplexer |
| Cable Orientation Detection | Yes (via CC pins) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Configuration Firmware | Field-upgradeable via I2C |
TPS65981ABTRTQR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 2 | CC1 — USB-C Configuration Channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | CC2 — USB-C Configuration Channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | VBUS_C_CC — VBUS current advertisement / detect |
| Pin 5 | VIN_3V3 — 3.3V digital supply |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Core logic supply |
| Pin 7 | SDA — I2C data |
| Pin 8 | SCL — I2C clock |
| Pin 9 | GPIO0 — General-purpose I/O 0 |
| Pin 10 | GPIO1 — General-purpose I/O 1 |
| Pin 11 | GPIO2 — General-purpose I/O 2 |
| Pin 12 | GPIO3 — General-purpose I/O 3 |
| Pin 13 | RSTn — Reset (active-low) |
| Pin 14 | INTn — Interrupt (active-low) |
| Pin 15 | VBUS — Port VBUS sense |
| Pin 16 | VBUS_FET — VBUS port-power switch gate drive |
| Pin 17 | PP_5V0 — 5V power path output |
| Pin 18 | PP_HV — High-voltage power path output |
| Pin 19 | HV_GATE — High-voltage switch gate drive |
| Pin 20 | SRC_GATE — Source-side switch gate drive |
| Pin 21 | SNK_GATE — Sink-side switch gate drive |
| Pin 22 | A1 — USB SS side-A super-speed pair positive |
| Pin 23 | A1B — USB SS side-A super-speed pair negative |
| Pin 24 | B1 — USB SS side-B super-speed pair positive |
| Pin 25 | B1B — USB SS side-B super-speed pair negative |
| Pin 26 | A2 — USB SS side-A high-speed pair positive |
| Pin 27 | A2B — USB SS side-A high-speed pair negative |
| Pin 28 | B2 — USB SS side-B high-speed pair positive |
| Pin 29 | B2B — USB SS side-B high-speed pair negative |
| Pin 30 | TX1P — High-speed TX positive |
| Pin 31 | TX1N — High-speed TX negative |
| Pin 32 | TX2P — High-speed TX positive (other orientation) |
| Pin 33 | TX2N — High-speed TX negative (other orientation) |
| Pin 34 | RX1P — High-speed RX positive |
| Pin 35 | RX1N — High-speed RX negative |
| Pin 36 | RX2P — High-speed RX positive (other orientation) |
| Pin 37 | RX2N — High-speed RX negative (other orientation) |
| Pin 38 | DP_AUXP — DisplayPort AUX channel positive |
| Pin 39 | DP_AUXN — DisplayPort AUX channel negative |
| Pin 40 | SBU1 — USB-C Sideband Use 1 |
| Pin 41 | SBU2 — USB-C Sideband Use 2 |
| Pin 42 | DP_UTIL — DisplayPort utility pin |
| Pin 43 | BOOTn — Boot mode select (active-low) |
| Pin 44 | TEST — Factory test pin (tie to GND in application) |
| Pin 45 | THERMAL_PAD — Thermal pad - tie to GND plane |
| Pin 46 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 49 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 50 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 51 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 52 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 53 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 54 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 55 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 56 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
TPS65981ABTRTQR is suitable for 6 applications: Notebook USB-C Charging Port, USB-C Docking Station, USB-C Monitor with PD Pass-Through, Thunderbolt Alternate-Mode Adapter, USB-C Wall Charger with PD Output, Industrial USB-C Embedded Module.
Notebook USB-C Charging Port
The TPS65981ABTRTQR is widely deployed as the USB-C upstream port controller on notebook mainboards, where its integrated 3 A port-power switch accepts USB PD 2.0 contracts from 5 V to 20 V chargers. Per TI datasheet, the device negotiates up to 100 W power contracts via CC pin BMC signaling and routes the negotiated voltage to the system battery charger. The integrated high-speed USB SS multiplexer eliminates the need for a separate mux IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area by approximately 30% compared with discrete USB-C designs. Industrial -40C to +105C operation supports the thermal envelope of slim notebooks under load.
Recommended
USB-C Docking Station
In USB-C docking station designs, the TPS65981ABTRTQR implements the upstream USB-C port that negotiates PD contracts with the host notebook and exposes downstream USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet ports. The integrated USB SS mux routes SuperSpeed pairs to the dock's USB hub, while alternate-mode entry (per TI datasheet) allows the dock to drive external displays via DP-Alt Mode. The industrial -40C to +105C temperature grade ensures reliable operation in fanless dock enclosures, and the 56-VQFN RTQ 0.5 mm pitch is compatible with 2-layer PCB fabrication to minimize dock manufacturing cost.
Recommended
USB-C Monitor with PD Pass-Through
USB-C monitors use the TPS65981ABTRTQR to accept a USB-C input from the host laptop, extract DisplayPort alt-mode video, and pass USB PD power back upstream to charge the laptop (upstream-facing port role). Per TI datasheet, the device supports dual-role port (DRP) operation and the integrated 3 A switch delivers 15 W downstream to monitor USB-A ports. The 56-VQFN package enables compact monitor-stand electronics, and the -40C to +105C industrial grade accommodates the warm internal environment of an LCD monitor with embedded PSU.
Recommended
Thunderbolt Alternate-Mode Adapter
The TPS65981ABTRTQR operates as the USB-C port controller in Thunderbolt alternate-mode adapters, where the integrated high-speed mux routes USB SS pairs while an external Thunderbolt retimer handles the high-speed DisplayPort/Thunderbolt lanes. Per TI datasheet, the device supports alternate-mode entry over the CC pins and provides the GPIOs needed to coordinate Thunderbolt retimer power-up sequencing. The 0.5 mm pitch 56-VQFN package fits inside compact dongle enclosures, and the integrated 3 A switch provides bus power for downstream USB-A ports on the adapter.
Recommended
USB-C Wall Charger with PD Output
USB-C wall chargers use the TPS65981ABTRTQR as the PD controller negotiating the output voltage and current with the connected device, while an external flyback or PFC controller regulates the actual power conversion. Per TI datasheet, the device supports USB PD 2.0 fixed contracts of 5 V/3 A, 9 V/3 A, 15 V/3 A, and 20 V/3 A across its integrated port-power switch. The -40C to +105C industrial temperature range tolerates the warm enclosed environment of a sealed wall-charger adapter, and the small 8x8 mm VQFN package simplifies integration into compact charger housings.
Recommended
Industrial USB-C Embedded Module
Industrial PCs, panel HMIs, and factory-automation controllers use the TPS65981ABTRTQR to expose a rugged USB-C programming and data port. The industrial -40C to +105C temperature range supports factory-floor thermal swings, and per TI datasheet the integrated 3 A port-power switch can power downstream USB peripherals (cameras, scanners) without external switching FETs. The 56-VQFN RTQ 0.5 mm pitch is compatible with 2-layer PCB manufacturing - critical for cost-sensitive industrial designs that cannot afford 4-layer or HDI stack-ups.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for TPS65981ABTRTQR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TPS65981ABIRTQR | TPS65987DDHR | TPS65986DDHR | TPS65981ABTRTQRQ1 | TPS65982ABTRTQR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Package | 56-VQFN (RTQ) 8x8 mm | 56-VQFN (RTQ) - same | 56-VQFN (DDH) - same family | 56-VQFN (DDH) - same family | 56-VQFN (RTQ) - same | 56-VQFN (RTQ) - same |
| USB Standard | USB PD 2.0 | USB PD 2.0 | USB PD 3.0 | USB PD 3.0 | USB PD 2.0 | USB PD 2.0 + DisplayPort |
| Port Power Switch | 3 A at 5 V (integrated) | 3 A at 5 V | 3 A at 5 V | 3 A at 5 V | 3 A at 5 V | 3 A at 5 V |
| Integrated USB SS Mux | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (external mux required) | Yes | Yes (dual mux) |
| Automotive Grade (AEC-Q100) | No (industrial) | No | No | No | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) | -40C to +105C |
| Pre-Loaded Firmware | ABT configuration | ABI configuration | DDH configuration | DDH configuration | Automotive ABT configuration | DisplayPort ABT configuration |
Key Differentiators
- Single-chip integrated port-power switch, mux, and PD controller (vs TPS65986DDHR)
- USB PD 2.0 compliance for legacy notebook and dock designs (vs TPS65987DDHR)
- Industrial temperature range for non-automotive rugged designs (vs TPS65981ABTRTQRQ1)
- DisplayPort alt-mode readiness (vs TPS65982ABTRTQR)
Design Notes
Per TI datasheet, the TPS65981ABTRTQR requires a specific firmware configuration image to be loaded into its internal flash before USB PD 2.0 operation begins. Designers must use the TPS65981 configuration tool from ti.com to generate the firmware image for their application (DRP, DFP, or UFP roles) and load it via I2C during production programming. Skipping the firmware step results in a non-functional port that does not advertise USB-C current or accept PD contracts - the most common first-prototype failure.
The 56-VQFN (RTQ) package requires thermal pad soldering to a continuous GND plane for both electrical performance and 5W thermal dissipation. Per TI datasheet, the 0.5 mm pitch land pattern is compatible with 2-layer PCB manufacturing if via-in-pad microvias are avoided and 4-mil trace/space rules are respected. High-speed USB SS pair traces must be length-matched within 150 mil tolerance per USB3.1 spec and routed over a continuous reference plane to maintain 85 ohm differential impedance.
Estimated: the integrated port-power switch dissipates P = ILOAD x VDS where VDS is the VBUS-to-load drop. At 3 A load with VBUS at 5 V supplying 5 V downstream output, VDS is near zero and dissipation is negligible. However, when the switch passes a 20 V PD contract through to a 5 V downstream load, VDS is 15 V and dissipation reaches 45 W (3 A x 15 V) - requiring substantial copper pours or external heat-sinking to keep junction temperature below 105C. For typical notebook charging port use, this dissipation is bypassed by using the HV gate drives to route high-voltage directly to the system battery charger.
Place CC1 and CC2 pull-up (Rp) or pull-down (Rd) resistors within 2 mm of the TPS65981ABTRTQR CC pins to minimize parasitic capacitance that could distort USB-C BMC signaling. Per TI datasheet, keep CC traces short and away from high-speed USB SS pairs to avoid crosstalk. Route SBU1/SBU2 and DP_AUXP/DP_AUXN as 100 ohm differential pairs with ground reference, and isolate the high-current VBUS_FET and HV_GATE traces from the sensitive analog CC and I2C sections to prevent ground bounce.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per TI product page. Industrial -40C to +105C temperature grade; AEC-Q100 qualified variant available as TPS65981ABTRTQRQ1 for automotive applications.
