SLVSIO8 September   2026 TPS638221

PRODMIX  

  1.   1
  2. 1 Features
  3. 2 Applications
  4. 3 Description
  5. 4 Device Comparison Table
  6. 5 Pin Configuration and Functions
  7. 6 Specifications
    1. 6.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
    2. 6.2 ESD Ratings
    3. 6.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
    4. 6.4 Thermal Information
    5. 6.5 Electrical Characteristics
    6. 6.6 Typical Characteristics
  8. 7 Detailed Description
    1. 7.1 Overview
    2. 7.2 Functional Block Diagram
    3. 7.3 Feature Description
      1. 7.3.1 Control Scheme
        1. 7.3.1.1 Buck Operation
        2. 7.3.1.2 Boost Operation
        3. 7.3.1.3 Buck-Boost Operation
      2. 7.3.2 Operation Mode
        1. 7.3.2.1 PFM Operation
        2. 7.3.2.2 Forced-PWM Operation (FPWM)
        3. 7.3.2.3 Ultra-sonic Mode Operation
      3. 7.3.3 Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO)
      4. 7.3.4 Enable and Soft Start
      5. 7.3.5 Protection Functions
        1. 7.3.5.1 Input Voltage Protection (IVP)
        2. 7.3.5.2 Output Voltage Protection (OVP)
        3. 7.3.5.3 Current Limit Mode and Overcurrent Protection
        4. 7.3.5.4 Output Short Circuit Protection (Hiccup)
        5. 7.3.5.5 Thermal Shutdown
      6. 7.3.6 Power Good
      7. 7.3.7 Load Disconnect
      8. 7.3.8 Output Discharge
    4. 7.4 Device Functional Modes
  9. 8 Application and Implementation
    1. 8.1 Application Information
    2. 8.2 Typical Applications
      1. 8.2.1 3.3V Output Power Supply
        1. 8.2.1.1 Design Requirements
        2. 8.2.1.2 Detailed Design Procedure
          1. 8.2.1.2.1 Inductor Selection
          2. 8.2.1.2.2 Output Capacitor Selection
          3. 8.2.1.2.3 Input Capacitor Selection
          4. 8.2.1.2.4 Setting the Output Voltage
        3. 8.2.1.3 Application Curves
    3. 8.3 Power Supply Recommendations
    4. 8.4 Layout
      1. 8.4.1 Layout Guidelines
      2. 8.4.2 Layout Example
  10. 9 Device and Documentation Support
    1. 9.1 Device Support
      1. 9.1.1 Third-Party Products Disclaimer
      2. 9.1.2 Third-Party Products Disclaimer
    2. 9.2 Documentation Support
      1. 9.2.1 Related Documentation
    3. 9.3 Receiving Notification of Documentation Updates
    4. 9.4 Support Resources
    5. 9.5 Trademarks
    6. 9.6 Electrostatic Discharge Caution
    7. 9.7 Export Control Notice
    8. 9.8 Glossary
  11. 10Revision History
  12. 11Mechanical, Packaging, and Orderable Information
    1.     67

7.3.2.1 PFM Operation

To increase efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions, the device automatically changes from pulse-width modulation (PWM) at medium and high output currents to pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) at low output currents.

  • During PWM operation, the device switches continuously and adjusts the duty cycle of each switching cycle to regulate the output voltage.
  • During PFM operation, the device switches with a single pulse, separated by periods when the device does not switch. PFM operation increases efficiency at low output currents because when the device does not switch, there are no switching losses and most of the internal circuitry is disabled, which reduces quiescent power consumption. A comparator compares the output voltage of the error amplifier to a predefined PFM threshold voltage.

To enable PFM mode, pull the MODE pin to logic low.

Table 7-1 Forced-PWM versus PFM Performance Comparison
PERFORMANCE PARAMETER BEST OPERATING MODE
Low-power efficiency PFM
Medium- and high-power efficiency No difference
DC Output voltage accuracy Forced-PWM
Transient response Forced-PWM
Output voltage ripple Forced-PWM