TPS613222ADBVR Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Low-Power Boost Converter

Bottom Line: When choosing a low-power boost converter for battery-operated designs, the three most critical parameters are quiescent current (target < 10 µA for always-on systems), output voltage accuracy (within ±2% across load), and switch current rating (typically 0.5–2 A for small IoT devices). The TPS613222ADBVR and its family members achieve 6 µA quiescent current with 1.8 A peak switch current, making them strong candidates for single-cell Li-Ion and alkaline AA/AAA applications where standby current directly determines battery life.

Overview: The TPS613222ADBVR Family

The Texas Instruments TPS6132x family is a series of ultra-low quiescent current boost converters designed for applications where the device spends most of its time in standby. All variants share the same core architecture: a constant-frequency PWM mode at moderate loads and an automatic PFM (pulse-frequency modulation) mode at light loads, delivering the 6 µA IQ that defines this family. Understanding the differences among variants — and knowing when to substitute within the family — is the goal of this selection guide.

The three primary variants are the TPS613221ADBVR (fixed 3.3 V), TPS613222ADBVR (fixed 5.0 V), and TPS613223ADBVR (adjustable output). All ship in a 5-pin SOT-23 package and operate from 0.9 V to 5.5 V input, enabling single-cell boost operation from nearly depleted batteries.

Key Selection Parameter 1: Output Voltage

Output voltage is the first filter in any boost converter selection. Fixed-voltage variants simplify the design by eliminating the external resistor divider and its associated tolerance stack-up.

TPS613221ADBVR — Fixed 3.3 V output, ideal for directly powering 3.3 V MCUs and sensors from a single Li-Ion cell in deep discharge.
TPS613222ADBVR — Fixed 5.0 V output, best for USB-powered peripherals, op-amp rails, or legacy 5 V logic from a 1–4 cell alkaline stack.
TPS613223ADBVR — Adjustable output via external resistor divider; use when the load requires a non-standard voltage such as 2.5 V or 4.2 V.

For PCB area-sensitive designs, fixed-output parts remove two resistors and eliminate one source of tolerance error. The adjustable variant adds flexibility at the cost of two resistors and the divider's quiescent current contribution (~1–5 µA depending on resistor values).

Key Selection Parameter 2: Quiescent Current

Quiescent current (IQ) determines standby battery life. In IoT sensor nodes that wake every 60 seconds, the average current is dominated by IQ, not active switching current.

All TPS6132x variants specify 6 µA typical IQ at VIN = 3.6 V, no load. At 1000 mAh (two AA alkaline cells in series), a 6 µA quiescent draw yields over 19 years of theoretical standby — far exceeding the self-discharge limit of the batteries themselves. Compare this to older-generation boost converters (e.g., TPS61220DCKR, which specifies ~15 µA IQ): the TPS6132x family offers a 60% reduction in standby current.

When evaluating competing parts, always check IQ at the actual VIN and temperature range. Some converters specify ultra-low IQ only at room temperature and low voltage; TPS6132x maintains < 10 µA IQ from -40 °C to +85 °C.

Key Selection Parameter 3: Switch Current Rating

Peak inductor current determines maximum output power. The TPS6132x family specifies 1.8 A typical peak switch current, which sets the practical output power ceiling.

Using the standard continuous-conduction-mode formula P_out ≈ (IL_pk × VIN × η) / 2, at VIN = 3.0 V, 1.8 A peak, and 85% efficiency, the maximum output power is approximately 2.3 W. At VOUT = 5.0 V, this corresponds to ~460 mA of load current. For loads exceeding 500 mA at 5 V, consider the TPS61322DBZT, which offers a higher switch current rating for medium-power applications.

For reference, the TPS61222DCKR in the SC-70 package targets 200 mA output, making it the right pick for ultra-compact sensor designs rather than powering displays or radio modules.

Key Selection Parameter 4: Input Voltage Range

The minimum input voltage determines how far below nominal cell voltage the converter continues to regulate.

The TPS6132x family operates down to 0.9 V VIN, meaning it continues boosting even from a deeply discharged single alkaline cell (typical end-of-life voltage: 0.8–1.0 V). This is critical for applications requiring maximum energy extraction. Compare to the TPS61221DCKR (0.7 V minimum), which goes even lower but in a 6-pin SC-70 package — useful when the inductor and capacitor budget allows.

For multi-cell inputs (2× AA = 3.0 V nominal), the 5.5 V maximum input of the TPS6132x family is a hard upper limit. If your VIN can exceed 5.5 V (e.g., 4× AA fully charged = 6 V), choose a converter with a higher VIN max such as TPS61321 variants.

Key Selection Parameter 5: Package and PCB Footprint

All TPS6132x variants come in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV suffix) measuring 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm. This is the industry-standard compact footprint for this class of boost converter, compatible with standard SOT-23 land patterns in most PCB layout libraries.

The competing TPS61220/TPS61221/TPS61222 family uses a 6-pin SC-70 (DCK suffix) package at 2.0 mm × 2.1 mm, roughly 30% smaller by footprint area. If your PCB is extremely space-constrained (wearable, coin-cell PCB, hearing-aid), consider the SC-70 variants — but verify the lower switch current (0.5 A) matches your load requirement.

Key Selection Parameter 6: Enable Pin and Soft-Start

System power sequencing often requires a hard enable/disable pin. All TPS6132x SOT-23 variants include an active-high EN pin, allowing the host MCU to completely shut down the converter and achieve sub-1 µA shutdown current.

Soft-start is built into the PFM startup algorithm, limiting inrush current during power-up without external components. This is particularly important when powering capacitive loads (e.g., supercapacitors, large bulk capacitors). Unlike older fixed-frequency architectures, the PFM ramp-up limits peak inductor current to the 1.8 A switch limit, preventing overshoot on output voltage.

Key Selection Parameter 7: Certifications and Supply Chain

For automotive or harsh-environment designs, check whether the part carries AEC-Q100 qualification. The standard TPS613222ADBVR is not AEC-Q100 qualified; TI offers separate automotive-grade catalog parts (look for AUTOMOTIVQ suffix). For industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C), the standard commercial parts are rated accordingly.

From a supply chain perspective, TI manufactures this family in high volume with global distributor support. FindMyChip connects you to 200+ verified distributors who stock TPS6132x variants, with 5-point authentication and competitive China-region pricing. Use the /quote page for urgent or bulk inquiries.

Recommended Products Comparison Table

Product	VIN Range	VOUT	IQ (typ)	IL_pk	Package	Best For
TPS613221ADBVR	0.9–5.5 V	3.3 V fixed	6 µA	1.8 A	SOT-23-5	MCU/sensor 3.3 V rail from 1-cell
TPS613222ADBVR	0.9–5.5 V	5.0 V fixed	6 µA	1.8 A	SOT-23-5	USB/legacy 5 V from 1–4 cells
TPS613223ADBVR	0.9–5.5 V	Adjustable	6 µA	1.8 A	SOT-23-5	Non-standard VOUT, flexible designs
TPS61322DBZT	0.9–5.5 V	Adjustable	6 µA	>1.8 A	SOT-23	Higher-power loads (>500 mA at 5 V)
TPS61222DCKR	0.7–5.5 V	5.0 V fixed	5.5 µA	0.5 A	SC-70-6	Ultra-compact, low current (<200 mA)

Selection Decision Flowchart

Use the following decision tree to narrow your choice:

Is your output voltage 3.3 V? → Yes: use TPS613221ADBVR. No: continue.
Is your output voltage 5.0 V? → Yes: go to step 3. No: use TPS613223ADBVR for adjustable output.
Does your 5 V load exceed 450 mA? → Yes: use TPS61322DBZT. No: continue.
Is PCB space the primary constraint (< 2 mm²)? → Yes: use TPS61222DCKR (SC-70). No: use TPS613222ADBVR.

This flow covers the vast majority of battery-powered IoT, wearable, and sensor designs.

FAQ

What is the difference between TPS613221ADBVR, TPS613222ADBVR, and TPS613223ADBVR? These three parts are identical in architecture — all use the same die, same 6 µA quiescent current, same 1.8 A peak switch current, and same SOT-23-5 package. The only difference is output voltage: TPS613221ADBVR outputs 3.3 V fixed, TPS613222ADBVR outputs 5.0 V fixed, and TPS613223ADBVR has an adjustable output set by an external resistor divider. Choose the fixed-output variant for your target voltage when possible to minimize component count.

How much output current can TPS613222ADBVR supply at 5 V from a single AA cell? At VIN = 1.5 V (fresh AA), VOUT = 5 V, and assuming 80% efficiency, the theoretical maximum output current is approximately (1.5 V × 1.8 A × 0.80) / 5 V ≈ 432 mA. In practice, TI's datasheet shows 150–300 mA at full discharge conditions (VIN = 0.9 V) to maintain regulation. For loads above 300 mA from a single cell, use a two-cell (AA in series) input or select a higher-current family.

Can TPS613222ADBVR operate from a lithium coin cell (CR2032)? Yes. A fresh CR2032 supplies 3.0 V and 200–220 mAh. At 3.0 V input, the TPS613222ADBVR can deliver up to ~400 mA at 5 V. However, CR2032 internal resistance (> 10 Ω in cold conditions) limits peak current; plan for 50–100 mA sustained output. The converter continues operating down to 0.9 V, extracting maximum energy from the cell.

What inductor should I use with TPS613222ADBVR? TI recommends a 4.7 µH to 10 µH inductor with DCR < 200 mΩ and saturation current rating above 1.8 A. Common choices include the Murata LQH32 series (4.7 µH, 2.5 A, 0805) and the Bourns SRR0402 series. Minimize inductor DCR to maintain efficiency, especially at high load currents where I²R loss dominates.

Where can I buy TPS613222ADBVR in quantity? FindMyChip aggregates real-time stock from 200+ verified distributors globally, including authorized TI distributors and stocking partners in Asia. Use the /quote page for bulk pricing on 1k+ unit orders, with typical 24-hour response. All parts go through 5-point anti-counterfeit authentication before shipment.

Conclusion

The TPS613222ADBVR is a compelling choice for 5 V boost applications demanding ultra-low quiescent current, but the right variant depends on your output voltage and current requirements. Use the fixed 3.3 V TPS613221ADBVR for direct MCU/sensor rails, the fixed 5 V TPS613222ADBVR for USB-like peripherals, or the adjustable TPS613223ADBVR for non-standard voltages. When output current demands exceed 450 mA at 5 V, step up to the TPS61322DBZT.

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