The TPS6102x family of devices provide a power supply solution for products powered by either a one-cell, two-cell, or three-cell alkaline, NiCd or NiMH, or one-cell Li-Ion or Li-polymer battery. Output currents can go as high as 200 mA while using a single-cell alkaline battery, and discharge it down to 0.9 V. The device can also be used for generating 5 V at 500 mA from a 3.3-V rail or a Li-Ion battery. The boost converter is based on a fixed-frequency, pulse width modulation (PWM) controller using a synchronous rectifier to obtain maximum efficiency. At low load currents the converter enters the power save mode to maintain a high efficiency over a wide-load current range. The Power Save mode can be disabled, forcing the converter to operate at a fixed switching frequency. The maximum peak current in the boost switch is limited to a value of 800 mA, 1500 mA, or 1800 mA depending on the version of the device.
The TPS6102x devices keep the output voltage regulated even when the input voltage exceeds the nominal output voltage. The output voltage can be programmed by an external resistor divider, or is fixed internally on the chip. The converter can be disabled to minimize battery drain. During shutdown, the load is completely disconnected from the battery. A low-EMI mode is implemented to reduce ringing and, in effect, lower radiated electromagnetic energy when the converter enters the discontinuous conduction mode. The device is packaged in a 10-pin VSON PowerPAD package measuring 3 mm x 3 mm (DRC).