How to Use Adafruit TPL5110 Power Timer: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit TPL5110 Power Timer is a breakout board designed around the TPL5110 low power timer Integrated Circuit (IC). This component is essential for power management in battery-powered or energy-conserving applications. It enables projects to enter a low-power mode, significantly extending the battery life by powering down the system for set intervals and only waking it when necessary.

• Battery-powered IoT devices
• Periodic data logging systems
• Environmental monitoring stations
• Wildlife tracking devices
• Remote sensors
• Power cycling of electronics for reset purposes

• Voltage Range: 1.8V to 5.5V
• Max Current: 20 mA
• Timer Delay Range: 100ms to 7200s (2 hours)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C

1. Power Connection: Connect the VIN pin to your power source (1.8V to 5.5V) and the GND pin to the ground.
2. Load Control: Connect the GATE pin to the gate of an N-channel MOSFET, which controls the power to your load.
3. Setting the Timer: Connect a resistor between the DELAY pin and ground to set the desired delay interval.
4. Starting the Timer: Power the TPL5110, and it will start the timer automatically.
5. Stopping the Timer: Send a low pulse to the DONE pin to stop the timer and put the system into a low-power state.

• Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed the maximum rating of 5.5V.
• Select a MOSFET that can handle the current requirements of your load.
• Use a pull-up resistor on the DRV pin if you need a logic-level signal.
• Calculate the delay resistor value accurately based on the desired timing interval.
• Avoid placing the timer in environments exceeding the specified temperature range.

// Example code to interface with the Adafruit TPL5110 Power Timer using an Arduino UNO

const int donePin = 2; // Connect to the DONE pin of the TPL5110

void setup() {
  pinMode(donePin, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(donePin, HIGH); // Start with the timer stopped
}

void loop() {
  // Your main code would go here

  // Signal the TPL5110 that the task is done
  digitalWrite(donePin, LOW);
  delay(100); // Wait for 100ms to ensure the signal is registered
  digitalWrite(donePin, HIGH);

  // Enter a low-power state until the TPL5110 wakes the system
  // Note: The Arduino itself does not go into a low-power state without additional code
  delay(10000); // Placeholder for low-power mode
}

• Timer Not Starting: Ensure that the power supply is within the specified range and connections are secure.
• Load Not Powering On: Check the MOSFET and its connections, and ensure that the GATE pin is being driven correctly.
• Incorrect Timing Intervals: Verify the resistor value connected to the DELAY pin and recalculate if necessary.

• Double-check all connections and solder joints for continuity and shorts.
• Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the VIN pin and the resistance at the DELAY pin.
• If the timer is not stopping, ensure that the DONE pin is receiving a clear low pulse.

Q: Can I use the TPL5110 to wake up my microcontroller? A: Yes, the DRV pin can be connected to an interrupt pin on your microcontroller to wake it up when the timer expires.

Q: How do I calculate the resistor value for the DELAY pin? A: Use the formula provided in the TPL5110 datasheet, or refer to Adafruit's TPL5110 guide for a table of resistor values and corresponding delays.

Q: Is it possible to reprogram the delay interval on-the-fly? A: The delay interval is set by a physical resistor, so it cannot be changed programmatically. You would need to replace the resistor to change the delay.

Q: What is the power consumption of the TPL5110 in low-power mode? A: The TPL5110 consumes very low power in its low-power state, typically in the range of 35 nA, making it ideal for battery-powered applications.

For further assistance, consult the Adafruit TPL5110 datasheet and Adafruit's learning resources.