TPS63030 Single Inductor Buck-Boost Converter
Overview
The Boardoza TPS63030 is a high-efficiency power management module designed to regulate voltage from variable sources that fluctuate above and below the target output. Powered by the Texas Instruments TPS63030 engine, this Single Inductor Buck-Boost converter provides a seamless transition between step-down (buck) and step-up (boost) modes, ensuring a stable power rail without the dropout issues inherent to LDOs or the noise of dual-stage switchers.
Engineered for portable and battery-critical applications, the module utilizes a synchronous rectification topology to maximize energy conversion efficiency. It is particularly optimized for powering 3.3V logic from single-cell Lithium-Ion batteries (which range from 4.2V down to 2.8V) or dual-cell Alkaline configurations, extracting the full usable capacity of the energy source.
Core Technical Specifications
The module is defined by the following operational parameters:
Topology: High-frequency Synchronous Buck-Boost with a single inductor architecture.
Input Voltage Range: Accepts a wide input spectrum from 1.8V to 5.5V DC, covering most standard battery chemistries (Li-Ion, Li-Po, 2xAA/AAA).
Output Current: Capable of delivering up to 900 mA in Buck mode and approximately 500 mA in Boost mode (at 3.3V out, 2.5V in), depending on the thermal environment.
Efficiency: Achieves peak power conversion efficiency of up to 96%, significantly extending battery runtimes in portable devices.
Switching Frequency: Operates at a fixed 2.4 MHz, allowing for the use of small passive components and simplifying EMI filtering.
Quiescent Current: Features a low operating quiescent current of roughly 30 µA in power-save mode, minimizing standby drain.
Physical Footprint: Designed with a compact PCB layout optimized for thermal dissipation and minimal EMI radiation.
Key Engineering Features
Seamless Mode Transition
The defining characteristic of the TPS63030 is its ability to maintain tight voltage regulation while the input voltage crosses the output threshold. For example, as a Li-Ion battery discharges from 4.2V to 3.0V, the converter transparently shifts from Buck mode to Boost mode without output glitches or resets, a critical requirement for maintaining MCU stability during brownout conditions.
Dynamic Power Save Mode
To accommodate variable load profiles, the module features a Power Save Mode (PSM). At light loads, the converter automatically reduces its switching frequency to maintain high efficiency (Pulse Frequency Modulation). For noise-sensitive applications, this feature can be disabled via the PS/SYNC pin to force fixed-frequency PWM operation, reducing low-frequency ripple.
Robust System Protection
The board integrates comprehensive protection circuitry, including Over-Temperature Shutdown and Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO). Unlike basic boosters, the synchronous design ensures true output disconnection during shutdown, preventing current leakage from input to output when the device is disabled.
Hardware Interface and Signal Mapping
The breakout board exposes critical power and control lines via a standard header interface:
Power Terminals
VIN: Positive Input Voltage (1.8V - 5.5V).
VOUT: Regulated Output Voltage.
GND: Common System Ground.
Control Logic
EN (Enable): Logic input to turn the converter ON (High) or OFF (Low). Pulling this low puts the device into a shutdown state with <1µA current draw.
PS/SYNC: Power Save / Synchronization Input.
Logic Low: Enables automatic Power Save Mode for high efficiency at light loads.
Logic High: Forces fixed-frequency PWM mode for low noise.
Clock Signal: Can be driven by an external clock for frequency synchronization to avoid beat frequencies in sensitive audio/RF systems.
PG (Power Good): Open-drain output that goes high impedance when the output voltage is within regulation limits, useful for "Power-On Reset" (POR) sequencing.
Applications
Wearable Electronics: Regulating 3.3V rails for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi SoCs from small Li-Po cells.
Portable Instrumentation: Ensuring consistent sensor performance as battery voltage degrades.
RF Transceivers: Providing low-noise power by forcing PWM mode during transmission bursts.
Energy Harvesting: Efficiently regulating variable voltage from solar or thermal sources
Last updated