A jumper on the J5 header configures both the switching frequency and operating mode of the TPSM8A29 with a single resistor as described in Table 3-3. The dual functionality of the TPSM8A29 MODE pin reduces BOM count and solution size.

Three switching frequencies (600 kHz, 800 kHz, 1 MHz) allow the user to optimize the tradeoff between efficiency and layout area. Because the TPSM8A29 has a fixed integrated inductor, the designer only needs to choose an appropriate output capacitance to meet their output voltage ripple and transient response requirements.

The TPSM8A29 can operate in either FCCM or auto-skip DCM mode. When operating in FCCM, the switching frequency is fixed for all output load current conditions. Operating in this mode yields the best output voltage ripple and load regulation at low load currents at the expense of reduced light-load efficiency. When operating in auto-skip DCM, the switching frequency is reduced to maintain high efficiency, even for light load conditions. The disadvantage to operating in DCM is that the light-load output ripple may be greater than in FCCM, the load regulation may be slightly reduced, and the non-fixed switching frequency at light loads may not be desirable for some applications requiring low system noise.