When the MODE pin is low, Power Save Mode is allowed. The device operates in PWM mode as long the output current is higher than half the inductor's ripple current. To maintain high efficiency at light loads, the device enters Power Save Mode at the boundary to discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). This happens if the output current becomes smaller than half the inductor's ripple current. For improved transient response, PWM mode is forced for 8 switching cycles if the output voltage is above target due to a load release. The Power Save Mode is entered seamlessly, if the load current decreases and the MODE pin is set low. This ensures a high efficiency in light load operation. The device remains in Power Save Mode as long as the inductor current is discontinuous.

In Power Save Mode the switching frequency decreases linearly with the load current maintaining high efficiency. The transition into and out of Power Save Mode is seamless in both directions.

The AEE function in TPS62135 and TPS621351 adjust the on-time (TON) in power save mode depending on the input voltage and the output voltage to maintain highest efficiency. The on-time, in steady-state operation, can be estimated as:

Equation 2.

For very small output voltages, an absolute minimum on-time of about 50 ns is kept to limit switching losses. The operating frequency is thereby reduced from its nominal value, which keeps efficiency high. Using TON, the typical peak inductor current in Power Save Mode is approximated by:

Equation 3.

There is a minimum off-time which limits the duty cycle of the TPS62135x. When V_IN decreases to typically 15% above VOUT, the TPS62135x does not enter Power Save Mode, regardless of the load current. The device maintains output regulation in PWM mode.

The output voltage ripple in power save mode is given by Equation 4:

Equation 4.