All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The TPS542A52EVM-059 evaluation module (EVM) uses the Texas Instruments TPS542A52 buck converter. The TPS542A52 is a highly integrated high-efficiency synchronous buck converter with differential remote sensing. It is capable of delivering up to 15 A to a load with output voltages ranging from 0.5 V to 5.5 V. The high-side and low-side switching MOSFETs are integrated in the device package, along with their associated gate drive circuitry.
High efficiency, wide-operating junction temperature, and high output voltage accuracy make the TPS542A52 an excellent choice for applications where high output voltage accuracy across rigorous thermal conditions are required. The rated input voltage, output voltage, and output current range for the TPS542A52 are given in Table 1-1.
CONVERTER PART NUMBER | INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE | OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE | OUTPUT CURRENT RANGE |
---|---|---|---|
TPS542A52 | 4 V to 18 V | 0.5 V to 5.5 V | 0 A to 15 A |
The following warnings and cautions are noted for the safety of anyone using or working close to the TPS542A52EVM-059. Observe all safety precautions.
![]() | Warning | The TPS542A52EVM-059 circuit module may become hot during operation due to dissipation of heat. Avoid contact with the board. Follow all applicable safety procedures applicable to your laboratory. |
![]() | Caution | Do not leave the EVM powered when unattended. |
The circuit module has signal traces, components, and component leads on the bottom of the board. This may result in exposed voltages, hot surfaces or sharp edges. Do not reach under the board during operation.
The circuit module may be damaged by over temperature. To avoid damage, monitor the temperature during evaluation and provide cooling, as needed, for your system environment.
Some power supplies can be damaged by application of external voltages. If using more than 1 power supply, check your equipment requirements and use blocking diodes or other isolation techniques as needed to prevent damage to your equipment.
The communication interface is not isolated on the EVM. Be sure no ground potential exists between the computer and the EVM.
The TPS542A52EVM-059 is set up to allow the user to easily measure the performance of the TPS542A52 buck converter under a wide range of input voltages and load currents. The EVM features two fully independent circuits.
The first circuit that will be discussed is the lower half, or bottom circuit, of the EVM as described in Section 3, and is denoted by U1. This circuit maximizes efficiency and performance of the TPS542A52 in applications that are less constrained by layout area. The second circuit that will be discussed is the upper half, or top circuit, of the EVM as described in Section 4, and is denoted by U1_2. This circuit highlights the small layout area (17 mm × 14 mm) that is required by the TPS542A52 converter and all external components while still delivering high performance and efficiency for space-critical applications.
The TPS542A52 features fixed-frequency voltage-mode control with user-configurable internal compensation, switching frequency, current limit, and soft-start timing. It also features selectable pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) for high light-load efficiency. These features are configured using external resistors. Optionally, a SYNC pin for PWM control can be synchronized to an external clock for low system noise.
Other features include an enable pin, adjustable undervoltage lockout (UVLO), an open-drain power good indicator, and a typical shutdown quiescent current draw of 12 µA.
The output voltage is programmable from 0.5 V to 5.5 V, and is set with a resistive divider between SREF and AGND, with the mid-point of the divider being tapped from the VSET pin.
The low RDS(on) switching MOSFETs allow for high efficiency while maintaining low junction temperatures at high levels of output current. The TPS542A52 is capable of delivering 15 A of current to a load with no air flow at ambient temperatures up to 95°C, and up to 14 A with no external air flow at ambient temperatures of 105°C.
The extended operating junction temperature of -40°C to +150°C makes the TPS542A52 an excellent choice for applications with rigorous thermal requirements. Examples of these applications can be seen in Section 2.1.
The rated input voltage, output voltage, and output current of both circuits featured in the TPS542A52EVM-059 are shown in Table 2-1. The nominal input voltage of the EVM is 12 V, and the default output voltage is 1 V.
TPS542A52EVM-059 | INPUT VOLTAGE | OUTPUT VOLTAGE | OUTPUT CURRENT |
---|---|---|---|
Bottom circuit | 4 V to 18 V (12 V nominal) | 1 V (default) | 0 A to 15 A |
Top circuit (small layout area) | 4 V to 18 V (12 V nominal) | 1 V (default) | 0 A to 12 A |