How to Use TPS61200: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TPS61200 is a high-efficiency boost converter designed to step up low input voltages to higher output voltages. This makes it ideal for battery-powered applications where efficient power management is critical. With its wide input voltage range, adjustable output voltage, and low quiescent current, the TPS61200 is a versatile solution for portable devices, wearable electronics, and other low-power systems.

• Portable devices powered by single-cell batteries (e.g., Li-ion, NiMH, or alkaline)
• Wearable electronics
• Low-power microcontroller systems
• Energy harvesting applications
• LED drivers and backlighting

• Input Voltage Range: 0.3 V to 5.5 V
• Output Voltage Range: Adjustable from 1.8 V to 5.5 V
• Maximum Output Current: Up to 600 mA (depending on input/output voltage conditions)
• Efficiency: Up to 96%
• Quiescent Current: 55 µA (typical)
• Switching Frequency: 1 MHz
• Package: 10-pin VSON (3 mm × 3 mm)

The TPS61200 is available in a 10-pin VSON package. Below is the pin configuration:

1. Input and Output Capacitors:
   • Place a low-ESR ceramic capacitor (e.g., 10 µF) at the input (VIN) and output (VOUT) pins to ensure stable operation.
2. Inductor Selection:
   • Use an inductor with a value between 1 µH and 4.7 µH. Ensure the inductor's current rating exceeds the peak current of the TPS61200.
3. Feedback Resistor Divider:
   • Use two resistors to set the output voltage. The formula is: [ V_{OUT} = V_{REF} \times \left(1 + \frac{R1}{R2}\right) ] where ( V_{REF} = 0.5 , \text{V} ).
4. Enable Pin:
   • Connect the EN pin to VIN or a GPIO pin of a microcontroller to enable or disable the device.
5. Power Save Mode:
   • Connect the PS pin to logic high to enable power save mode for light load conditions.

Below is a basic circuit diagram for the TPS61200:

VIN ----[10 µF]----+----[Inductor]----+---- VOUT
                   |                  |
                  GND                GND

The TPS61200 can be controlled using an Arduino UNO to enable or disable the boost converter. Below is an example code snippet:

// Define the pin connected to the EN (Enable) pin of TPS61200
const int enablePin = 7;

void setup() {
  // Set the enable pin as an output
  pinMode(enablePin, OUTPUT);

  // Enable the TPS61200 by setting the pin HIGH
  digitalWrite(enablePin, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Toggle the TPS61200 every 5 seconds
  digitalWrite(enablePin, HIGH); // Enable the boost converter
  delay(5000);                   // Wait for 5 seconds
  digitalWrite(enablePin, LOW);  // Disable the boost converter
  delay(5000);                   // Wait for 5 seconds
}

• Ensure proper PCB layout with short and wide traces for the power path (VIN, VOUT, SW, and GND).
• Place the input and output capacitors as close as possible to the VIN and VOUT pins.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum input voltage (5.5 V) or output current (600 mA).
• Use a shielded inductor to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).

1. Output Voltage is Unstable or Incorrect:

   • Check the feedback resistor values and ensure they are calculated correctly.
   • Verify that the input and output capacitors have the correct values and are low-ESR types.
   • Ensure the inductor value and current rating meet the design requirements.

2. Device Overheats:

   • Verify that the load current does not exceed the maximum output current.
   • Check for proper PCB layout and adequate thermal dissipation.

3. No Output Voltage:

   • Ensure the EN pin is pulled high to enable the device.
   • Verify that the input voltage is within the specified range (0.3 V to 5.5 V).
   • Check for proper soldering and connections on the PCB.

4. High Ripple on Output Voltage:

   • Use a higher-value output capacitor or a capacitor with lower ESR.
   • Ensure the inductor is not saturating under load conditions.

Q1: Can the TPS61200 operate with a single alkaline battery?
A1: Yes, the TPS61200 can operate with a single alkaline battery, as its input voltage range starts from 0.3 V.

Q2: How do I calculate the feedback resistor values for a specific output voltage?
A2: Use the formula ( V_{OUT} = V_{REF} \times (1 + R1 / R2) ), where ( V_{REF} = 0.5 , \text{V} ). Choose R2 (e.g., 100 kΩ) and calculate R1 accordingly.

Q3: What happens if the PS pin is left floating?
A3: If the PS pin is left floating, the device may not operate correctly. It is recommended to connect it to either logic high or low.

Q4: Can the TPS61200 be used to power an Arduino UNO?
A4: Yes, the TPS61200 can step up a low input voltage (e.g., from a battery) to 5 V to power an Arduino UNO. Ensure the output current meets the Arduino's power requirements.