Texas Instruments ADS7138QRTERQ1

Overview

ADS7138QRTERQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C) 12-bit SAR ADC with 8 configurable channels, I²C interface up to 3.4 MHz, built-in CRC for data integrity, and programmable averaging yielding 16-bit average output - used in automotive cluster displays for analog sensor monitoring and GPIO expansion.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7138QRTERQ1 datasheet, ADS7138QRTERQ1 pinout, ADS7138QRTERQ1 application, or ADS7138QRTERQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its automotive-qualified temperature range, dual-supply operation (AVDD 2.35–5.5 V, DVDD 1.65–5.5 V), turbo comparator mode (up to 3.2 MSPS), and 3-mm × 3-mm WQFN package with wettable flanks.

Technical Context

The ADS7138QRTERQ1 implements a successive approximation register (SAR) ADC architecture with internal oscillator-based conversion timing, supporting manual, autonomous, and turbo comparator operating modes. Its 8-channel multiplexer allows per-channel configuration as analog input, digital input, or digital output - all managed via I²C registers including PIN_CFG, GPIO_CFG, and GPI/GPO_VALUE.

It integrates a digital window comparator with programmable high/low thresholds and hysteresis per channel, triggering an open-drain or push-pull ALERT signal. CRC-8 protection applies to both read/write transactions and power-up configuration, ensuring robust communication in noisy automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS7138QRTERQ1 uses a 16-pin WQFN package (3.00 mm × 3.00 mm) with wettable flanks for automated optical solder-joint inspection. The exposed thermal pad must be connected to GND for thermal and electrical performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit automotive ADC applications.

Compared with ADS7128IRTER and ADS7038IRTER, ADS7138QRTERQ1 uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, turbo comparator mode (3.2 MSPS), and CRC-protected configuration - making it the only option for safety-aware, high-speed analog monitoring in automotive clusters and BCMs.

Availability

ADS7138QRTERQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive cluster displays, body control modules, and camera module sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADS7138QRTERQ1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of automotive qualification expertise and broad portfolio coverage.

The ADS7138QRTERQ1 belongs to TI's automotive-qualified precision ADC product line, designed specifically for sensor signal acquisition and GPIO expansion in harsh-temperature vehicle subsystems such as instrument clusters and ADAS edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the ADS7138QRTERQ1?

The ADS7138QRTERQ1 supports I²C high-speed mode up to 3.4 MHz, provided bus capacitance remains below 100 pF. Standard (100 kHz), fast (400 kHz), and fast-mode plus (1 MHz) are also supported without external configuration. This enables high-throughput sensor data reads in time-critical automotive applications where the ADS7138QRTERQ1 is deployed.

Does the ADS7138QRTERQ1 require an external reference voltage?

No, the ADS7138QRTERQ1 uses AVDD as its internal reference voltage - eliminating need for external precision references. The full-scale range is 0 V to AVDD, with AVDD specified from 2.35 V to 5.5 V. This simplifies layout and reduces BOM cost in systems where the ADS7138QRTERQ1 interfaces with sensors referenced to the same supply rail.

How does the turbo comparator mode function in the ADS7138QRTERQ1?

In turbo comparator mode, the ADS7138QRTERQ1 performs continuous analog comparisons at up to 3.2 MSPS using its internal oscillator - independent of I²C activity. When a channel crosses its programmed threshold, the ALERT pin asserts immediately. This autonomous operation makes the ADS7138QRTERQ1 ideal for real-time fault detection in systems like automotive battery monitors or motor controllers.

Can all 8 channels of the ADS7138QRTERQ1 be used simultaneously as analog inputs?

Yes, all 8 channels (AIN0–AIN7) default to analog input mode at power-up and can remain configured as such. The ADS7138QRTERQ1's sequencer supports automatic scanning across all enabled analog inputs, with programmable sample size for averaging. This capability is leveraged in applications like multi-zone climate control or distributed sensor networks where the ADS7138QRTERQ1 consolidates readings from diverse analog sources.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the ADS7138QRTERQ1 have?

The ADS7138QRTERQ1 uses a 16-pin WQFN package (3.00 mm × 3.00 mm) with wettable flanks and an exposed thermal pad. Its junction-to-board thermal resistance (RθJB) is 24.7°C/W, and maximum junction temperature is rated to +125°C - validated under AEC-Q100 Grade 1 conditions. This ensures reliable operation in high-ambient automotive environments where the ADS7138QRTERQ1 is commonly deployed.