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TPS6521855: Data Writing Method and Programming Socket for TPS6521855RSLR

Guru 12115 points
Part Number: TPS6521855
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TPS65218, TPS6521815, TPS65215

Tool/software:

Hi,

I am currently considering the TPS6521855RSLR PMIC for our application and would appreciate your guidance regarding the following two points:

  1. General method for writing data into internal ROM
    Could you kindly advise what is the typical method used by customers to write configuration data into the internal ROM of TPS6521855RSLR? Specifically, I would like to understand if this is usually done through I²C during production, or if a dedicated programmer or tool is typically used.

  2. Socket and programming tool information
    In case a socket or programming tool is required for ROM data writing, could you please share any recommended socket manufacturer, model number, or solution typically used for this purpose?

Thanks,

Conor

  • Hi Conor, 

    Thank you for your interest in the TPS6521855 PMIC!

    1. General method for writing data into internal ROM

    Yes, I2C can be used to communicate and configure this device. The entire TPS65218x PMIC family is user programmable with EEPROM. 

    The TPS6521855 in particular will come with preprogrammed default values, these values can be reprogrammed, but this is not recommended for production. 

    For production, we recommend that the TPS6521815 part number is used, as this is a "blank EEPROM".

    2.Socket and programming tool information

    The recommended programming tool is TI's IPG-UI (Integrated Power GUI) + TPS65218 Support File.
    Paired with the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 Programming Board, which makes programming easier by supplying the correct voltage values to the pins needed for programming the device.

    Detailed programming steps are included in the BOOSTXL-TPS65218 EVM User's Guide.

    Hope this helps. Please reach out if you have any more questions about this process!

    Best Regards, 
    Sarah

  • Hi Sarah,

    Regarding the TPS6521855, the recommended replacement TPS6521815 has seen a significant price increase, from $1.24 USD to $1.89 USD.
    Is there any specific reason for this price difference? From what I can see, they are pin-compatible and seem to have the same internal structure.

    Thanks,

    Conor

  • Hi Conor, 

    Yes, these are pin-compatible devices of the same family, with the same internal structure.

    The primary difference is the Blank EEPROM for the TPS6521815, while the TPS6521855 comes with settings preprogrammed for the AM64x. 

    The -15 is ideal for customers looking to configure the part entirely from scratch, while the pre-programmed variants like -55 are designed to work with a specific processor as a drop-in solution. These preprogrammed variants can be reconfigured if desired.

    If it is acceptable to start with a preprogrammed part and simply reconfigure your desired settings, then going with the TPS6521855 will be fine. 

    Hope this helps to clear things up!

    Best Regards, 
    Sarah

  • Hi Sarah,

    Our concern is:
    If we reprogram TPS6521855 and fully customize its EEPROM settings to meet our own system requirements (e.g., different processor), are there any technical limitations or restrictions when using TPS6521855 for other processors beyond AM64x? Or, once reprogrammed, is it functionally equivalent to TPS6521815? Additionally, from a business perspective, since TPS6521855 is often cheaper in pricing, is there any reason why customers should intentionally choose TPS6521815, despite TPS6521855 being more cost-effective?
    Is it acceptable and common practice to choose TPS6521855 simply because of its lower price, even when targeting different processors?

    Thanks,

    Conor

  • Hi Conor, 

    There is some difference in the two devices. It will depend on exactly what registers you are planning to change, only those marked "E2" in the TPS6521855 register map will be able to be burned into the EEPROM and stay programmed upon power cycle:

    Else, the TPS65215 will need to be chosen to effectively program all registers of the device. 

    More details can be found in the responses to this thread: https://e2e.ti.com/support/power-management-group/power-management/f/power-management-forum/1056661/tps6521855-eeprom-programming-preprogrammed-device

    For this reason, an entirely custom part with full configurability will be priced higher than the pre-programmed part with fewer configurable settings.
    Generally, the -55 is specifically chosen to partner with the AM64x.
    For other processors, the closest variant to the required specs is often chosen as a starting point. Else, we would typically see a the TPS6521815 used if the processor requirements were drastically different. 

    Best Regards,
    Sarah