How to Use TPS 61023: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TPS 61023 is a high-efficiency step-up (boost) DC-DC converter designed to provide a regulated output voltage from a lower input voltage. It is ideal for applications requiring efficient power conversion, such as battery-powered devices, portable electronics, and IoT systems. With its wide input voltage range, adjustable output voltage, and minimal external component requirements, the TPS 61023 offers a compact and reliable solution for power management.

• Battery-powered devices (e.g., wearables, medical devices)
• Portable electronics
• IoT devices and sensors
• LED drivers
• Powering microcontrollers and low-power systems

The TPS 61023 is available in a 6-pin WSON package. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Input and Output Capacitors:

   • Use low-ESR ceramic capacitors for both input and output to ensure stable operation.
   • Typical values: 10 µF for input and 22 µF for output.

2. Inductor Selection:

   • Choose an inductor with a saturation current higher than the peak current of the TPS 61023.
   • Typical inductance value: 1 µH to 2.2 µH.

3. Setting the Output Voltage:

   • Use a resistor divider connected to the FB pin to set the desired output voltage.
   • The output voltage is determined by the formula:
     [ V_{OUT} = V_{FB} \times \left(1 + \frac{R_1}{R_2}\right) ]
     where ( V_{FB} ) is 0.8 V (reference voltage).

4. Enable Pin:

   • Drive the EN pin high (logic level > 1.2 V) to enable the device.
   • Drive it low (< 0.4 V) to disable the device.

5. Thermal Considerations:

   • Ensure proper PCB layout with adequate thermal vias to dissipate heat.
   • Place the input and output capacitors close to the device to minimize noise.

Below is a typical application circuit for the TPS 61023:

VIN ----+----[10 µF]----+---- VIN (Pin 5)
        |               |
       [Inductor]       |
        |               |
       SW (Pin 1)       |
        |               |
       [Diode]          |
        |               |
       +----[22 µF]---- VOUT (Pin 6)
        |
       FB (Pin 3) <-- Resistor Divider (R1, R2)
        |
       EN (Pin 4) <-- Enable Signal
        |
       GND (Pin 2) ---- System Ground

The TPS 61023 can be used to power an Arduino UNO from a low-voltage source. Below is an example code to toggle the EN pin using a digital output pin:

// Define the pin connected to the EN pin of TPS 61023
const int enablePin = 7;

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

  // Enable the TPS 61023 by setting the pin HIGH
  digitalWrite(enablePin, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Keep the TPS 61023 enabled
  delay(1000);

  // Optional: Disable the TPS 61023 for power-saving
  // Uncomment the lines below to toggle the enable pin
  /*
  digitalWrite(enablePin, LOW); // Disable the TPS 61023
  delay(1000);                  // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(enablePin, HIGH); // Re-enable the TPS 61023
  */
}

1. Output Voltage is Incorrect:

   • Cause: Incorrect resistor divider values on the FB pin.
   • Solution: Verify the resistor values and recalculate using the output voltage formula.

2. Device Overheating:

   • Cause: Insufficient thermal dissipation or excessive load current.
   • Solution: Improve PCB layout with thermal vias and ensure the load current is within specifications.

3. No Output Voltage:

   • Cause: EN pin is not driven high or input voltage is too low.
   • Solution: Check the EN pin voltage and ensure the input voltage is within the specified range.

4. High Noise or Ripple:

   • Cause: Poor capacitor selection or layout issues.
   • Solution: Use low-ESR ceramic capacitors and minimize trace lengths between components.

Q1: Can the TPS 61023 operate with a single AA battery?
A1: Yes, the TPS 61023 can operate with input voltages as low as 0.5 V, making it suitable for single-cell battery applications.

Q2: What is the maximum output current the TPS 61023 can provide?
A2: The maximum output current depends on the input voltage and output voltage. Refer to the datasheet for detailed current capability under specific conditions.

Q3: How do I calculate the inductor value?
A3: Use the recommended range of 1 µH to 2.2 µH. For detailed calculations, refer to the datasheet's design guidelines.

Q4: Can I use the TPS 61023 to power a 5 V device from a 3.3 V source?
A4: Yes, the TPS 61023 can step up a 3.3 V input to a 5 V output, provided the load current is within the device's capability.

This concludes the documentation for the TPS 61023. For further details, refer to the official datasheet and application notes.