How to Use TPS63020: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TPS63020 is a high-efficiency, step-up/step-down DC-DC converter manufactured by Texas Instruments. It is designed to provide a regulated output voltage from a wide input voltage range, making it ideal for portable and battery-powered applications. The device seamlessly transitions between buck (step-down) and boost (step-up) modes, ensuring efficient operation across varying input conditions.

• Smartphones and tablets
• Wearable devices
• Portable medical equipment
• Industrial sensors
• Battery-powered IoT devices

The following table outlines the key technical specifications of the TPS63020:

The TPS63020 is available in a 10-pin VSON package. The pinout and descriptions are as follows:

1. Input and Output Capacitors:

   • Place low-ESR ceramic capacitors (e.g., 10 µF) close to the VIN and VOUT pins to ensure stable operation.
   • Use additional bulk capacitors if the input source is far from the device.

2. Inductor Selection:

   • Choose an inductor with a saturation current rating higher than the peak current of the TPS63020.
   • A typical value of 1 µH to 2.2 µH is recommended.

3. Feedback Resistor Network:

   • Use a resistor divider connected to the FB pin to set the desired output voltage.
   • The output voltage can be calculated using the formula:
     [ V_{OUT} = V_{FB} \times \left(1 + \frac{R_1}{R_2}\right) ]
     where ( V_{FB} ) is 0.5 V (internal reference voltage).

4. Enable Pin:

   • Connect the EN pin to VIN for automatic startup or control it with an external signal.

5. Power Save Mode:

   • To enable power save mode for light-load efficiency, connect the PS/SYNC pin to ground.
   • For fixed-frequency operation, connect the PS/SYNC pin to VIN or an external clock.

Below is a basic application circuit for the TPS63020:

VIN ----+----[CIN]----+---- L1 ----+---- L2 ----+----[COUT]---- VOUT
        |             |            |            |
       EN            AGND         PGND         FB
        |             |            |            |
       PS/SYNC       NC           NC           R1
        |                                      |
       GND                                    R2

The TPS63020 can be used to power an Arduino UNO or other microcontrollers. Below is an example of controlling the EN pin using a digital output pin from the Arduino:

// Define the pin connected to the EN pin of TPS63020
const int enablePin = 7;

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

  // Enable the TPS63020 by setting the pin HIGH
  digitalWrite(enablePin, HIGH);

  // Optional: Add a delay to allow the converter to stabilize
  delay(100);
}

void loop() {
  // The TPS63020 remains enabled; add your main code here
}

• Ensure proper PCB layout to minimize noise and optimize efficiency. Place input/output capacitors and the inductor as close to the device as possible.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum input voltage (5.5 V) to prevent damage.
• Use appropriate thermal management techniques if operating near the maximum current rating.

1. Output Voltage is Unstable:

   • Verify that the input and output capacitors meet the recommended values.
   • Check the feedback resistor network for proper configuration.

2. Device Overheating:

   • Ensure the inductor and capacitors are rated for the required current.
   • Improve PCB thermal dissipation by adding copper planes or thermal vias.

3. No Output Voltage:

   • Confirm that the EN pin is pulled high.
   • Check for proper soldering and connections on all pins.

4. Low Efficiency at Light Loads:

   • Enable power save mode by grounding the PS/SYNC pin.

Q: Can the TPS63020 operate with a single-cell Li-ion battery?
A: Yes, the TPS63020 supports input voltages as low as 1.8 V, making it suitable for single-cell Li-ion batteries.

Q: What happens if the input voltage exceeds the output voltage?
A: The TPS63020 automatically transitions between buck and boost modes to maintain a stable output voltage.

Q: Can I synchronize the TPS63020 with an external clock?
A: Yes, connect the PS/SYNC pin to an external clock signal (up to 2.4 MHz) for synchronization.

Q: Is the TPS63020 suitable for powering sensitive analog circuits?
A: Yes, the device provides a stable and low-noise output, making it suitable for sensitive applications. However, additional filtering may be required for extremely noise-sensitive circuits.