Automotive step-down converters are easy to use and offer high efficiency

Texas Instruments TPS6281x-Q1 Automotive Step-Down Converters provide high efficiency and are simple to use. The device family is based on a peak current mode control topology and is intended for automotive applications.

The converters' low resistive switches provide up to 4A continuous output current at high ambient temperatures. The devices provide an externally adjustable switching frequency from 1.8MHz to 4MHz and can additionally be synchronised to an external clock in the same frequency range. The device in PWM/PFM mode automatically begins Power Save Mode at light loads to sustain high efficiency over the complete load range. The device gives 1% output voltage accuracy in PWM mode enabling the design of a power supply with high output voltage accuracy.

The SS/TR pin allows setting the start-up time or forming tracking of the output voltage to an external source. External sequencing of various supply rails and limiting the inrush current through start-up is enabled from this setting. The device is offered in a 3mm x 2mm VQFN package with wettable flanks. The devices are AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications.

Typical automotive applications include for infotainment head unit, hybrid and reconfigurable cluster, telematics control unit, surround-view ECU, ADAS sensor fusion, and external amplifier.