The following resources are required to get started with the TPS12S24FQ1EVM:

• 1× TPS12S24FQ1EVM
  • Firmware is pre-flashed for the EVM and no need for the user to program the EVM initially.
  • Standard USB cable
• Windows host with .NET framework run-time v4.7.2 (included in all Windows 10 versions and later).
  • Download from https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet-framework/net472 for all other versions
• Texas Instruments Smart Fuse Configurator software tool (4MB)

No special drivers or large proprietary frameworks are needed to run the Smart Fuse Configurator.

To get started, plug the USB-C® cable into J1 as Figure 2-1 shows. If successful, the green LED on D2 illuminates and Windows automatically detects and installs the high-side switch EVM.

Note that D1 also illuminates shortly after D1 if the TPS12S24F-Q1 part is successfully identified by the SPI.

Figure 2-1 USB Connection

Next, plug in the input power supply to J11 and J14 and add a load to one or both output channels using J9, J12, J13, and J15 as seen in Figure 2-2.

Figure 2-2 Test Setup

With all of the supply, loads, and USB connected, turn on the power supply to the EVM. Note that the high-side switch controller used in this EVM is designed for automotive systems from 12V to 48V, however, refer to the device datasheet for exact details on the input and output conditions supported.

With the device powered, open the auto_hss_configurator.exe executable that ships with the Smart Fuse Configurator software package. Note that the software package from TI.com is a portable zip file and does not need any specific installer to operate. Once opened, the software program automatically detects the EVM and updates the connection status to Connected, as seen in Figure 2-3.

Figure 2-3 USB Interface Detected

If the EVM is not connected, then the Connection Status shows up as Disconnected. In this state, the main elements of the GUI are disabled until the device is connected.

Note that even though the USB connection to the EVM is detected, the software interface does not enable until an active TPS12SxxF-Q1 part is detected on the board. A background thread on the GUI automatically polls and checks for a valid device through a read to device register 0x00 (device ID register). If a valid ID is read, the GUI automatically enables and populates the relevant device information, shown in Figure 2-4. The GUI automatically switched from the Command Center tab to the Log tab. Upon first device connection the GUI outputs the current/default register dump for all device registers.

Figure 2-4 Device Detected

On the main interface, the status bar displays the latest command/status event that happened on the GUI. In this case, the status bar message shows that the high-side switch device is connected and the current status shows "VBB_UV warning detected" because the device power supply is not turned on. Whenever a setting change on the device or a significant setting changes on the GUI, the status bar displays a message. See a timestamped list of all previous events in the Log tab as seen in Figure 2-4.

The detailed usage guide for each of the tabs in the software is found in the following sections.