How to Use TPS2116 Power Multiplexer Carrier (USB-C): Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TPS2116 Power Multiplexer Carrier (USB-C), manufactured by Pololu (Part ID: 0J15947), is a versatile power management component designed for seamless switching between two power sources. This carrier board integrates the Texas Instruments TPS2116 power multiplexer IC, which ensures reliable and efficient power delivery for USB-C applications. With its low on-resistance and robust power path management, the TPS2116 is ideal for portable devices, battery-powered systems, and applications requiring automatic power source selection.

• USB-C powered devices with backup power sources
• Battery-powered systems with USB charging
• Portable electronics requiring seamless power switching
• Embedded systems and microcontroller projects
• Power redundancy in critical applications

The following table outlines the key technical details of the TPS2116 Power Multiplexer Carrier:

The TPS2116 Power Multiplexer Carrier has the following pinout:

1. Power Source Connections:

   • Connect the primary power source to the VIN1 pin.
   • Connect the secondary (backup) power source to the VIN2 pin.
   • Ensure both power sources are within the input voltage range (2.8 V to 22 V).

2. Output Connection:

   • Connect the load to the VOUT pin. The output voltage will match the selected input source.

3. Control Pins:

   • Use the SEL pin to manually select the active power source:
     • Drive SEL low to select VIN1.
     • Drive SEL high to select VIN2.
   • Use the EN pin to enable or disable the output:
     • Drive EN high to enable the output.
     • Drive EN low to disable the output.

4. Status Monitoring:

   • The STAT pin provides a logic signal indicating the active power source:
     • Logic high indicates VIN2 is active.
     • Logic low indicates VIN1 is active.

• Input Voltage Levels: Ensure both power sources are within the specified voltage range to avoid damage to the component.
• Current Limitations: Do not exceed the maximum continuous output current of 2 A.
• Thermal Management: Operate the component within the specified temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) to ensure reliable performance.
• Decoupling Capacitors: Add appropriate decoupling capacitors (e.g., 10 µF) near the input and output pins to reduce noise and improve stability.
• ESD Protection: Use external ESD protection if the component is exposed to high static environments.

The TPS2116 can be used with an Arduino UNO to manage power sources for the microcontroller. Below is an example code snippet to control the SEL and EN pins:

// Define pin connections
const int selPin = 7;  // SEL pin connected to Arduino digital pin 7
const int enPin = 8;   // EN pin connected to Arduino digital pin 8

void setup() {
  // Initialize pins as outputs
  pinMode(selPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(enPin, OUTPUT);

  // Enable the TPS2116 output
  digitalWrite(enPin, HIGH);

  // Select VIN1 as the active power source
  digitalWrite(selPin, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Toggle between power sources every 5 seconds
  digitalWrite(selPin, HIGH);  // Select VIN2
  delay(5000);                 // Wait for 5 seconds
  digitalWrite(selPin, LOW);   // Select VIN1
  delay(5000);                 // Wait for 5 seconds
}

1. No Output Voltage:

   • Cause: The EN pin is not driven high.
   • Solution: Ensure the EN pin is connected to a logic high signal to enable the output.

2. Incorrect Power Source Selection:

   • Cause: The SEL pin is not configured correctly.
   • Solution: Verify the logic level on the SEL pin. Drive it high for VIN2 or low for VIN1.

3. Overheating:

   • Cause: Excessive current draw or operation outside the specified voltage range.
   • Solution: Ensure the load does not exceed 2 A and the input voltage is within 2.8 V to 22 V.

4. Noise or Instability:

   • Cause: Insufficient decoupling capacitors.
   • Solution: Add decoupling capacitors (e.g., 10 µF) near the input and output pins.

Q1: Can the TPS2116 handle reverse polarity on the input?
A1: No, the TPS2116 does not have built-in reverse polarity protection. Use external protection diodes if reverse polarity is a concern.

Q2: What happens if both power sources are active?
A2: The active power source is determined by the logic level on the SEL pin. Ensure proper configuration of the SEL pin to avoid conflicts.

Q3: Can I use the TPS2116 with voltages below 2.8 V?
A3: No, the minimum input voltage is 2.8 V. Operating below this voltage may result in unreliable performance.

Q4: Is the TPS2116 suitable for hot-swapping applications?
A4: Yes, the TPS2116 is designed to handle seamless switching between power sources, making it suitable for hot-swapping scenarios.